Lateral Deflection Element for Compact Camera Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial camera systems face complexity and size issues with conventional illumination methods, particularly with dark field and diffuse illumination, which are cumbersome and inefficient for adaptive lighting in various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a lateral deflection element that directs light from the illumination unit non-directionally or directionally, integrated beneath a protective front screen, allowing for modular and flexible illumination options, including dark field and diffuse illumination, without increasing construction depth or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional dark field or diffuse illumination methods are used, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and construction depth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a lateral deflection element that redirects light from a first direction to a second direction. This lateral deflection approach allows the illumination unit to achieve effective illumination without increasing the construction depth in the optical axis direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination effectiveness and device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are arranged at specific positions and angles for dark field illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral deflection element as an intermediary component between the illumination unit and the detection zone. This deflection element serves as a mediator that redirects light from the illumination sources at convenient positions to the required illumination angles, thereby improving both illumination quality and ease of manufacture by decoupling the light source arrangement from the illumination geometry requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are provided for adaptive illumination, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a universal illumination unit that can provide both dark field and diffuse illumination modes through a single lateral deflection element. This multi-functional design allows the same illumination unit to adapt to different inspection requirements without requiring separate dedicated illumination systems, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
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 a compact, flat camera construction with adaptable illumination, reducing complexity and size while allowing for efficient illumination adjustment based on application needs, including improved code reading and object inspection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The light generated by the light source is remitted non-directionally at the deflection element for a diffuse illumination or is reflected directionally for a dark field illumination
Implementation Method 2
The light generated by the light source is remitted non-directionally at the deflection element for a diffuse illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A camera is provided that comprises an image sensor for detecting image data from a detection zone, an illumination unit having at least one light source for illuminating the detection zone, and a front screen. In this respect, a lateral deflection element is provided that is associated with the light source, that is arranged in the camera protected by the front screen, and that has a diffusely scattering surface or a reflective surface to generate a diffuse illumination or a dark field illumination in the detection zone.