Dual-Row Head Imaging with Variable Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple component mounting heads are arranged in rows within a head unit, imaging components held by these heads from the side becomes challenging due to overlapping components and varying distances between heads, leading to inconsistent image quality.
Innovation Solution
A component imaging device is integrated into the component mounting device, featuring a dual imaging unit setup where one unit images components from the bottom and another from the side, using a unique optical system with light-guiding portions to ensure equal quality imaging of components held by heads in both rows by adjusting the illumination and optical paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple heads are arranged in front and rear rows to increase mounting capacity, then productivity is improved, but components held by heads in different rows overlap making imaging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from attempting to image overlapping components in the same plane to imaging them from a side angle, effectively using a different spatial dimension (depth) to resolve the overlap issue. The camera is positioned to capture side views of components held by heads in both front and rear rows simultaneously, allowing distinct imaging of components that would otherwise overlap when viewed from above.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If heads in front and rear rows are shifted to enable side imaging, then imaging becomes possible, but distance from camera varies making equal image quality difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different imaging parameters to different spatial locations. Specifically, it adjusts the illumination intensity and optical path characteristics for components in the front row versus those in the rear row, compensating for the varying distances from the camera. This localized adjustment ensures that components at different positions achieve comparable image quality despite their different distances from the imaging device.
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used to image all heads, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality varies across different rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies imaging parameters such as illumination intensity, focal length, and aperture settings based on the position of components relative to the camera. By dynamically adjusting these parameters for components in different rows, the system maintains consistent image quality across all heads while using a single camera, thereby avoiding the need for multiple cameras while preserving image uniformity.
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
This configuration allows for efficient and high-quality imaging of components held by multiple heads in rows from the side, enabling accurate recognition and mounting without the need for complex head movement, maintaining compactness and efficiency in the head unit.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device that irradiates illumination light onto a component held by each head from the side
Implementation Method 2
a camera is fixed to a support member that supports the head unit... the projection image of a component held by each head is imaged by the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a component imaging device, including: a head unit that has a first head row and a second head row each of which includes a plurality of heads; an imaging unit that images components held by the respective heads; moving means for relatively moving the head unit with respect to the imaging unit; and imaging control means. The imaging unit includes an image sensor and an optical system. The optical system includes a first light-guiding portion that guides light from a component held by a head of the first head row to the image sensor, and a second light-guiding portion that guides light from a component held by a head of the second head row to the image sensor. An optical path length of the first light-guiding portion is set so as to obtain a focused image of a component held by a head of the first head row, and an optical path length of the second light-guiding portion is set so as to obtain a focused image of a component held by a head of the second head row. The imaging control means controls the height positions of the heads of the respective head rows and the exposure timing of the image sensor.