Displacement Sensor Automatic Measurement Region Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional displacement sensors require cumbersome and obscure setting operations, as users must specify measurement points and regions manually each time, making the process laborious and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A displacement sensor with a floodlighting unit, imaging unit, processing unit, display unit, and input/output unit that allows for automatic setting of measurement regions and features based on image processing, enabling simple and intuitive operation by displaying candidate regions and allowing users to select reference lines or points for measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual setting of measurement points and regions is performed, then measurement precision can be ensured, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement sensor automatically identifies measurement regions and feature points through image processing without requiring manual specification. The processing unit extracts the line beam image, determines measurement regions based on image analysis, and automatically sets feature points, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image processing and analysis to pre-identify measurement regions and feature points before the actual measurement is executed. By analyzing the line beam image in advance and automatically determining where measurements should be taken, the system prepares the measurement configuration beforehand, eliminating the need for manual setting during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple local regions or feature points are specified manually, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but setting work becomes troublesome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsetting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit automatically identifies and sets multiple measurement regions and feature points by analyzing the line beam image, eliminating the need for users to manually specify each region or point. The system independently determines comprehensive measurement coverage through image processing algorithms that identify relevant features and regions automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of setting measurement parameters with automated image processing and computational analysis. Instead of users manually configuring multiple regions and points, the system uses optical imaging combined with digital image processing algorithms to automatically determine measurement configurations, substituting manual operation with automated computational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automatic setting is implemented, then operation simplicity increases, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical setting with automated optical image processing and computational analysis. The system captures images of the line beam on the measurement object, processes these images digitally to identify measurement regions and feature points, and automatically configures measurements based on this processed information, substituting manual precision with automated computational precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the captured line beam image to automatically adjust and determine measurement configurations. By continuously analyzing the image data and using this feedback to identify measurement regions and feature points, the system adapts its measurement settings based on actual observed conditions, ensuring precision without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Simplifies the setting process by automatically determining measurement regions and features, reducing user error and increasing efficiency in displacement measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a floodlighting unit (202) which illuminates a measurement object (5) with a line beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from laser diode: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The light acceptance unit accepts slit light which is reflected by the measurement object after emitted from the floodlighting unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP1878997B1Displacement sensor
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 OMRON CORP
  • EP1878997B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1878997B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1878997B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An image taken by an imaging device is displayed on a display unit. When a confirmation instruction is inputted through an input unit, image teaching is performed while the image displayed on the display unit is set to a setting object image. A measurement item which is of a candidate of a measurement process including specification of a reference position is displayed as the measurement process to accept selection. Specification of cutout area which constitutes one measurement target region is accepted, a measurement point including a local region or a feature point which is used for the measurement is automatically set in the measurement target region based on pieces of information on the set measurement process and reference position.