Adaptive Backlighting for Sharper Dimensional Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current silhouetting methods for measuring container dimensions suffer from blurring and greying of edges due to light diffraction, and existing solutions like telecentric lenses are expensive, making them impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A dimensional measurement apparatus with a light source that selectively illuminates portions corresponding to the edges of the article, using an LED matrix or LCD screen, and a platform that rotates and moves vertically to accommodate varying sizes, minimizing diffraction and blurring while eliminating the need for expensive telecentric lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a wide light source is used for backlighting, then the article can be fully illuminated for measurement, but light diffraction causes blurring and greying of edges
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitting elements (e.g., LEDs arranged in a matrix or array). Each element can be individually controlled to emit or not emit light, allowing the system to illuminate only specific regions corresponding to the article's silhouette rather than the entire light source area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light source have different illumination states - only the regions corresponding to the article's edges and silhouette are illuminated, while other regions remain dark. This creates a localized illumination pattern that matches the article's profile, reducing diffraction from illuminated areas beyond the article boundaries.
2Measurement precision
If the light source width is narrowed to reduce diffraction, then edge blurring is reduced, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires multiple light sources for different article sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination pattern of the light source is dynamically adjusted based on the detected silhouette of each article. The system detects the article's profile and activates only the light emitting elements corresponding to that profile, allowing a single fixed light source to adapt to articles of various sizes and shapes without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected article silhouette to control which light emitting elements are activated. The detection system identifies the article's profile, and this information feeds back to the light source control to illuminate only the appropriate regions, creating an adaptive illumination system that works for multiple article sizes.
3Measurement precision
If telecentric lenses are used to eliminate diffraction blurring, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive telecentric lenses with a cost-effective alternative using individually controllable light emitting elements (such as LEDs) arranged in a light source assembly. This approach achieves the desired measurement precision through controlled illumination patterns rather than expensive optical components, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides precise and accurate measurements by reducing blurring and greying, offering a cost-effective solution that is thousands of pounds cheaper than existing systems without requiring oversized light sources or telecentric lenses.
Implementation Method 1
light diffracts as it passes the edges of the article being measured. Such diffraction causes a greying or blurring of the edges of the article in the image captured by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a dimensional measurement apparatus. The apparatus includes at least one light source, camera means spaced apart from and directed towards said light source, a platform located intermediate said light source and camera means, arranged to receive an article thereon to be measured by said apparatus, in use; and computing means in communication with at least said light source and camera means. The light source, upon communication with the computing means, is arranged in use to illuminate in portions or regions behind the article being measured with respect to the camera means, which correspond with edges and/or an outer profile of that article, as detected by the camera means and communicated to the light source via the computing means.