Board Inspection Using Beam Splitter to Merge Camera Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of inspection objects requires larger image-capture areas, but existing board inspection apparatuses with multiple cameras suffer from image distortion due to different optical axes, magnifications, and distances, leading to decreased inspection accuracy and complex algorithms for image integration.
Innovation Solution
The board inspection apparatus employs beam splitters to divide light between multiple cameras, allowing them to capture overlapping areas with a single imaging lens, reducing distortion and simplifying image integration algorithms while minimizing the apparatus's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging lenses and cameras are used to increase the image-capture area, then the measurable area is expanded, but image distortion occurs due to different optical axes, magnifications, and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera systems into a unified imaging system by using a beam splitter to divide light from a single imaging lens to multiple cameras. This allows multiple cameras to capture images with identical optical parameters (same optical axis, magnification, and distance), eliminating distortion while expanding the measurable area through coordinated multi-camera coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging lenses are used to cover larger inspection areas, then the measurable area increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it divides light from a single imaging lens to multiple cameras, enables each camera to capture different angular perspectives, and maintains identical optical parameters for all cameras. This multi-functional component allows the system to achieve large-area coverage without requiring multiple independent imaging lens assemblies.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras with different optical parameters are used to cover larger areas, then the image-capture area expands, but complex algorithms are required for image integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures homogeneity in optical parameters across all cameras by using a single imaging lens that illuminates all cameras through the beam splitter. Since all cameras receive light from the same lens with identical optical characteristics (focal length, aperture, optical axis), the captured images have consistent magnification and geometric properties, greatly simplifying the image integration algorithm.
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
This configuration expands the measurable area, enhances inspection accuracy, and simplifies image processing, while reducing the apparatus's volume by allowing multiple cameras to be disposed in different directions.
Implementation Method 1
The first beam splitter transmits a portion of the light transmitted from the imaging lens and reflects the rest of the transmitted light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inspecting a board is shown. The board inspection apparatus includes at least one illuminating module, an imaging lens, a first beam splitter, a first camera, and a second camera. The illuminating module provides light to an inspection board and the imaging lens transmits a light reflected from the inspection board. The first beam splitter transmits a portion of the light transmitted from the imaging lens and reflects the rest of the transmitted light. The first camera image-captures by receiving the light that transmits the first beam, and the second camera image-captures by receiving the light reflected from the first beam splitter. Therefore, by using one imaging lens to inspect the inspection board, the decrease in accuracy caused by the different optical axis or magnification may be prevented.