Cylindrical Object Scanner Carriage Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanners are inadequate in scanning the entire surface of three-dimensional cylindrical objects, particularly failing to capture minute details like fingerprints on curved surfaces, as they either require extensive lighting, are not capable of scanning the entire surface, or are too expensive and complex for practical use.
Innovation Solution
A flatbed scanner equipped with a carriage assembly that rotates and scans the surface of three-dimensional cylindrical objects along a two-dimensional plane, allowing for the entire circumferential surface of cylindrical objects to be scanned as they roll across the glass pane, using a camera assembly and adjustable guides to maintain alignment and ensure comprehensive imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating scanning device is used to scan the outer surface of a three-dimensional object, then the scanning capability is improved, but the device cannot scan the entire surface area of the object while in close proximity to the glass of the scanner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scanning system dynamic by rotating the cylindrical object itself during scanning, rather than using a static scanning position. The carriage assembly moves the cylindrical object across the glass pane while the camera captures images, enabling the entire surface area to be scanned sequentially through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flatbed scanning plane to three-dimensional object scanning by introducing rotational motion of the cylindrical object. This adds a temporal dimension to the scanning process, where different angular positions of the object are captured at different times during its rotation across the glass pane.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting apparatuses are installed around the camera to illuminate the object, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single overhead lighting apparatus serves multiple functions: it illuminates the entire path of the cylindrical object as it moves across the glass pane, provides sufficient lighting for the camera to capture images at different positions, and eliminates the need for multiple specialized lighting devices that would be required in traditional rotating camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple complex lighting apparatuses to create uniform illumination, the system uses a single lighting source combined with the motion of the object to achieve comprehensive coverage. The lighting creates a simplified illumination pattern that is sufficient for image capture without requiring complex multi-source lighting arrangements.
3Area of stationary object
If the camera is positioned far away from the object to be scanned, then the field of view is improved, but the lighting requirements increase and image quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the relative position between camera and object by moving the object on the carriage rather than moving the camera. This maintains a consistent, optimal imaging distance throughout the scanning process while the object passes through the camera's field of view, eliminating the need to position the camera far away.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to maintain proper imaging conditions as the object moves. The camera captures images at appropriate intervals during the object's traversal, and the system processes these images to reconstruct the complete surface, adjusting exposure and timing based on the object's position and lighting conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner for scanning an object having a circumferential surface, the scanner comprising a housing with a glass pane defining an internal area containing camera assembly configured to scan the circumferential surface of the object, and a carriage assembly to rotatably move the object across the glass pane of the scanner in synchronous motion with the movement of the camera assembly.