Adjustable Optical Scanner Scan Region Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical scanners face challenges in accommodating objects of varying sizes due to fixed scan regions, leading to reduced accuracy and increased size and cost when trying to scan larger objects with existing technology.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanner employs movably mounted sensors with adjustable arms and camera mounts that can change the distance and angle relative to the base, allowing for reconfiguration of the scan region's volume and shape to accommodate objects of different sizes, while maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner uses a fixed scan region design, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate objects of varying sizes and maintains reduced accuracy for larger objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable sensor assemblies that can be repositioned along the base structure, transforming the fixed scanner into a dynamic system. The sensors can be adjusted to different positions and orientations to accommodate objects of varying sizes, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner is divided into modular components: a base structure, multiple independently adjustable sensor assemblies, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each sensor assembly to be moved and configured separately, enabling versatile scanning capabilities without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Volume of stationary object
If the scanner increases in size to accommodate larger objects, then the scan region volume increases, but the accuracy is reduced and the footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than permanently increasing scanner size, the system dynamically adjusts the scan region volume by repositioning sensor assemblies. This allows the scanner to optimize the scan region for each specific object, maintaining accuracy while accommodating varying object sizes without permanent structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameters of sensor assemblies relative to the base structure. By adjusting the distance and orientation of sensors, the system modifies the effective scan region volume and maintains measurement precision across different scanning scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner uses a larger footprint design, then larger objects can be scanned, but the storage and deployment space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner employs a compact base structure with dynamically repositionable sensor assemblies. This allows the system to achieve a larger effective scan region without permanently increasing the physical footprint, as sensors can be extended or repositioned only when needed for larger objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies are designed to be nested or collapsed into a compact configuration when not in use, minimizing the scanner's footprint for storage and transport. During operation, they can be deployed to achieve the required scan region volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An example scanner includes: a base defining a platform surface to support an object, the platform surface having a center and a normal axis extending from the center; a plurality of imaging assemblies, each including (i) a camera mount; and (ii) an arm carrying the camera mount, the arm being movably coupled to the base to place the camera mount at an adjustable distance from the normal axis; and a plurality of cameras supported by corresponding ones of the camera mounts to define a scan region over the platform surface, the scan region having an adjustable volume according to the distances between the camera mounts and the normal axis.