Anamorphic 360 Imaging System for Cylindrical Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution 360-degree imaging of cylindrical surfaces is challenging due to sensitivity in radial positioning and limited depth of field, often requiring a compromise between resolution and mechanical complexity, particularly in applications like pipe inspection and medical endoscopy.
Innovation Solution
A conical surface reflector 360-degree imaging system with a variable focusing mechanism and a compound conical surface reflector, incorporating a corrective element to reduce aberrations and provide anamorphic image resolution, allowing projection onto an image plane with adjustable radial depth of field for various diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high resolution optical system is used to resolve small features within a cylindrical interior, then the resolution is improved, but the radial positioning becomes sensitive due to limited depth of field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable focusing mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the depth of field. By making the focus adjustable, the system can adapt to different radial positions and maintain both high resolution and reduced positioning sensitivity across varying inspection conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing a variable focusing mechanism that modifies the depth of field. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high resolution while reducing sensitivity to radial positioning errors through adjustable focus settings.
2Reliability
If the resolution is compromised to reduce radial positioning sensitivity, then the reliability improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable focusing mechanism enables dynamic adjustment, allowing the system to optimize the balance between resolution and positioning sensitivity based on specific inspection requirements. Users can adjust focus to maintain high resolution while achieving acceptable positioning tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the focus parameter through the variable focusing mechanism, the system achieves both high resolution and reduced positioning sensitivity simultaneously, rather than requiring a compromise between the two.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated device is created matched to a specific internal diameter, then the resolution is improved, but the device complexity and lack of versatility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can inspect cylindrical interiors of various diameters. The conical surface reflector combined with variable focusing capability allows a single device to adapt to multiple diameter ranges, eliminating the need for dedicated devices for each specific diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable focusing mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the system to adjust to different cylindrical diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables one device to serve multiple inspection scenarios across a range of diameters.
4Reliability
If the depth of field is increased to reduce radial positioning sensitivity, then the reliability improves, but the resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable focusing mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of depth of field, enabling the system to achieve both increased depth of field and maintained resolution. By adjusting focus, the system can expand depth of field to reduce positioning sensitivity while preserving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters through variable focusing, achieving a configuration where both depth of field and resolution are optimized. This parameter adjustment allows simultaneous improvement of reliability and maintenance of measurement precision.
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
Enables high-resolution, 360-degree viewing of cylindrical surfaces with adjustable focus, reducing aberrations and allowing for the selection of partial or whole images, suitable for a range of cylindrical diameters and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a compound conical surface reflector 4 which receives, reflects, and refracts 360 degree light
Implementation Method 2
a compound conical surface reflector 4 which receives, reflects, and refracts 360 degree light
Data Source
AI summary
A 360 degree view anamorphic resolution imaging system, which is a photonic device capable of illuminating the interior surface of a cylindrical object and then focusing the reflected light onto the detection surface of a viewing device. The system enables the selection of the level of image resolution from very high in the longitudinal axis near the center of the image, to moderate axial resolution near the outer edge of the image. The system may be used for viewing in-process machining operations, material flaw detection and measurement, and internal thread inspection.