Collation Device for Elliptic Cylindrical Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging and collating objects with elliptic cylindrical shapes without reference signs or marks pose challenges in uniquely identifying them, as existing methods require imaging the entire circumference of the side surface, leading to increased calculation costs and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A collation device that captures registration images at multiple positions around the circumference and uses a single collation image, allowing for unique identification by comparing the degree of similarity with the registration images, and re-collating if necessary, without requiring full circumference imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If imaging is performed for one circumference of the side surface to capture registration images at multiple positions, then unique identification of elliptic cylindrical objects is enabled, but calculation costs and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the side surface imaging into multiple discrete positions around the circumference, capturing registration images at segmented locations (e.g., every 45 degrees). This segmentation allows the system to cover the entire circumference without requiring continuous imaging, reducing processing time while maintaining identification accuracy through selective position sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by capturing registration images at strategically selected positions around the circumference rather than continuously imaging the entire surface. The system uses a predetermined number of positions (e.g., 8 positions at 45-degree intervals) which is sufficient for unique identification but less than full circumference imaging, thereby reducing calculation costs and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If imaging is performed for one circumference of the side surface to capture registration images at multiple positions, then unique identification of elliptic cylindrical objects is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging task into discrete positional captures around the circumference, using a predetermined number of positions. This segmentation simplifies the control system compared to continuous imaging, as it requires only positional indexing and discrete capture operations, reducing device complexity while achieving unique identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-determining the positions and number of registration images to be captured before actual collation. The system establishes a fixed imaging scheme (e.g., 8 positions at specific intervals) in advance, which simplifies the control logic and reduces real-time decision-making complexity during the collation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple registration images are stored and collated to identify objects without reference marks, then unique identification is achieved, but calculation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidcalculation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by storing and collating only a predetermined number of registration images at specific positions around the circumference, rather than storing and processing all possible images. This selective approach reduces calculation costs while maintaining sufficient data for unique identification of elliptic cylindrical objects without reference marks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the registration image storage into discrete positional categories around the circumference. By organizing and collating images from predetermined positions (e.g., 8 segmented positions), the system reduces the total number of comparisons required compared to exhaustive full-circumference image collation, thereby lowering calculation costs while preserving identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4152277B1Collation device
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4152277B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4152277B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP4152277B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A collation device includes a memory that stores, as a registration image group, a random pattern depending on a microscopic pattern on a side surface of a target having an elliptic cylindrical shape including a columnar shape, and a processor, in which the registration image group is composed of plural registration images respectively acquired at plural positions at a predetermined interval over a whole circumference of the side surface, and the processor executes a program to collate a collation image obtained by imaging the side surface at an angle of view including at least one registration image among the plurality of registration images and the registration image group and to output a collation result.