Concave Mirror Optical Path for 3D Object Edge Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical monitoring devices struggle to analyze three-dimensional objects from all sides, particularly when the camera is positioned above the monitoring area, as the field of view is limited by central projection, leading to poor visibility of edges and sides of objects like adhesive beads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a concavely bent first mirror, such as an annular mirror, in the optical path between the monitoring area and the camera to deflect visual lines, allowing for a 360° view and improved edge visibility, along with optional additional mirrors and multiple cameras for redundancy and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a camera is positioned above the monitoring area, then the device structure is simplified and the camera can be easily mounted, but the field of view is limited by central projection and edges of objects are poorly visible
Solution Approach 1:
A concave mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the camera and the monitoring area. The mirror reflects and redirects light from the monitoring area to the camera, enabling the camera positioned above to capture side views of objects that would otherwise be invisible from a top-down perspective.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave mirror transforms the two-dimensional top-down view into a three-dimensional perspective by reflecting light from multiple angles. This allows the camera to capture depth information and side profiles of objects, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the imaging capability.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras are used to achieve 360° view, then complete object analysis is possible, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concave mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it expands the field of view, enables side viewing, and allows a single camera to capture what would otherwise require multiple cameras. This multi-functionality reduces the number of camera units needed while maintaining comprehensive object analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths from multiple viewing angles are merged through the concave mirror into a single camera sensor. This combines the functionality of multiple cameras into one system, reducing device complexity while achieving the same comprehensive monitoring goal.
3Area of stationary object
If short focal distances are used, then the camera can capture a wider area, but the visual lines diverge and edge visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The concave mirror acts as an optical intermediary that corrects the diverging visual lines caused by short focal distances. By reflecting light through its curved surface, the mirror converges the optical paths, improving edge definition while maintaining wide area coverage.
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 comprehensive analysis of three-dimensional objects from all sides, enhances field of view coverage, and allows for accurate three-dimensional measurements using triangulation or stereo pairs, ensuring high-quality monitoring with constant illumination.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first mirror (2) that is bent concavely in at least a partial region, the first mirror (2) being disposed in the optical path between the monitoring area (20) and the camera (1)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes an optical monitoring device for monitoring the activity of a tool in a monitoring area, having at least one camera (1). In order to improve the capture of the lateral regions of a three-dimensional object in the monitoring area (20), at least one mirror (2) is provided that is concavely bent in at least one partial region and that is disposed in the optical path between the monitoring area (20) and the camera (1).