Industrial Camera Optical Setup Using Measured Installation Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of industrial cameras for image inspection is difficult and cumbersome, requiring precise positioning and adjustment of lenses and cameras, which is not adequately addressed by existing vision systems that only propose installation conditions without simplifying the on-site setup process.

Innovation Solution

An industrial camera system that includes an imaging unit, distance measurement, storage, and calculation units to automatically determine optical conditions based on installation distance, camera parameters, and user specifications, allowing for simplified installation and adjustment through automatic calculation of zoom magnification, pixel resolution, and field of view, even when slightly misaligned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera is installed at an accurate position with precise alignment, then the image inspection quality is improved, but the installation complexity and difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage inspection qualityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system automatically calculates and adjusts its own optical conditions (zoom magnification, pixel resolution, field of view) based on the measured installation distance and user requirements, eliminating the need for manual positioning and optical adjustment by the installer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes optical parameters (zoom magnification, pixel resolution, field of view size) based on the measured installation distance to maintain optimal image quality regardless of the camera's physical position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera installation position is adjusted after operation to change inspection conditions, then the adaptability to different inspection requirements is improved, but the time and effort required for reconfiguration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection condition adaptabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system dynamically adjusts its optical conditions in real-time based on measured installation distance and user-specified requirements, allowing rapid reconfiguration without physical relocation or manual lens adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of lenses and camera positions with automatic calculation and electronic control of optical parameters, enabling rapid adaptation to different inspection conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260025568A1Industrial camera

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 KEYENCE CORP

AI summary

Installation of an industrial camera is simplified. An industrial camera includes an imaging unit that captures an inspection object to generate an inspection target image, a distance measurement unit that measures an installation distance that is a distance to the inspection object, a storage unit that stores a camera parameter of the imaging unit, an interface unit that is able to receive an input of a size of a field of view or a pixel resolution as a required specification from a user, and a calculation unit that automatically calculates an optical condition necessary for realizing the required specification based on the installation distance measured by the distance measurement unit, the camera parameter stored in the storage unit, and the input required specification.