Disk Image Acquisition Using Bisector-Extended Imaging Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk image acquiring and sorting devices face challenges in accurately and efficiently acquiring images of whole patterns on disks of varying diameters, leading to reduced discrimination accuracy, increased device size, and higher costs due to the need for larger image sensors and illumination devices, as well as longer processing times.
Innovation Solution
A disk image acquiring and sorting device that uses a guide to position the disk's peripheral surface on a detection axis and imaging window, allowing the imaging window to be extended along a bisector of the angle between the guide line and detection axis, enabling secure and efficient image capture of whole patterns regardless of disk diameter, while maintaining a compact size and reducing the need for multiple timing sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image-taking region is expanded to accommodate large-diameter disks, then the diameter range of disks that can be discriminated is improved, but the device size and cost increase due to larger image sensors and illumination devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image-taking region adjustable rather than fixed. The region can be dynamically changed based on the detected disk diameter, allowing the system to accommodate various disk sizes without requiring a permanently large image sensor. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility across different disk diameters while maintaining a compact device size through adaptive configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image-taking region size according to the disk diameter. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system can optimize the imaging area for each disk size, avoiding the need for a permanently enlarged image sensor. This parameter change allows the device to maintain both compact size and adaptability across different disk diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image-taking region is expanded to accommodate large-diameter disks, then the diameter range of disks that can be discriminated is improved, but the cost increases due to larger image sensors and illumination devices
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment of the image-taking region allows the system to use a compact, cost-effective image sensor that can be reconfigured for different disk sizes. This eliminates the need to manufacture and purchase expensive, large-format image sensors, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the image-taking region parameter based on disk diameter, the system optimizes the use of a standard-sized image sensor for various applications. This approach avoids the high cost of manufacturing specialized large-format sensors, making the device more cost-effective while still capable of handling different disk sizes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple timing sensors are used to detect disk arrival for accurate imaging, then the measurement precision of disk positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing detection function into multiple operational phases: a first timing sensor detects disk arrival at the imaging window, and a second timing sensor detects disk passage. This segmentation allows each sensor to perform a specific function, improving positioning precision while keeping the overall system manageable by dividing the complex detection task into simpler, dedicated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that coordinates the timing sensors and image-taking operation. This intermediary manages the sequence of events between sensor detection and image capture, ensuring precise timing without requiring multiple sensors to independently manage complex coordination logic, thus reducing overall system complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the image-taking region is fixed for small-diameter disks, then the device size is kept compact, but the discrimination accuracy decreases for large-diameter disks due to truncated images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image-taking region dynamic by adjusting its size and position based on the detected disk diameter. This allows the system to maintain compact device size with a small image sensor while achieving high discrimination accuracy for both small and large disks by adapting the imaging region to match the disk size, preventing truncation of large-diameter disk images.
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
The solution allows for the expansion of the diameter range of disks that can be discriminated and sorted, reduces device size and cost, and shortens processing time, enabling faster and more accurate sorting of disks with different diameters.
Implementation Method 1
detecting that light emitted from a light emitting element has been blocked by arrival of a disk
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor to take an image of a pattern formed on a surface or a back surface of a disk
Data Source
AI summary
Disk image acquiring device includes a guide for guiding a peripheral surface of a disk moving in a predetermined direction along a predetermined guide line, an imaging window defining an image-taking region on the one surface of the disk, a timing sensor to take images having a detection axis traversing a moving direction of the disk and outputting a timing signal as arrival of the disk at a predetermined position on the imaging window when the peripheral surface of the disk has been detected on the detection axis, and an imager which takes an image of the one surface of the disk via the imaging window based upon the timing signal, wherein a bisector of an angle between the guide line and the detection axis is utilized as a base line, and the imaging window is extended along the base line.