Illumination Assembly for Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination assemblies for machine vision systems suffer from low light efficiency and non-uniform illumination patterns, leading to the need for powerful light sources or multiple overlapping sources to achieve sufficient illumination, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an illumination assembly that includes a light collector, an optical wedge, and a diffuser, where the light collector collimates light from a source, the optical wedge directs it towards the diffuser, and the diffuser provides a homogeneous illumination pattern with reduced 'hot spots', effectively distributing light evenly across the target area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bare illumination assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the illumination pattern has low uniformity and creates hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces secondary optics (lenses or reflectors) as intermediary elements between the light source and the target. These intermediaries reshape the light distribution to achieve uniform illumination patterns, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and illumination uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters by introducing elements with specific focal lengths, curvatures, or reflective properties. These parameter changes transform the Gaussian intensity profile into a more uniform distribution across the target area.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional secondary optics are used, then illumination uniformity improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into modular components (light source, secondary optics, diffusers) that can be independently optimized and combined. This segmentation allows achieving uniform illumination while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs secondary optics that serve multiple functions: shaping the illumination pattern, controlling the light distribution uniformity, and potentially adjusting the field of view. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If powerful light sources or multiple overlapping sources are used, then sufficient illumination intensity is achieved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses secondary optics as intermediaries to efficiently distribute light from moderate-power sources across the target area. This intermediary approach achieves sufficient illumination brightness without requiring multiple high-power sources, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters of secondary optics to maximize light utilization efficiency. By changing parameters such as numerical aperture, focal ratio, or reflective surface geometry, the system achieves high illumination brightness with lower energy input.
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 enhances light efficiency and uniformity, providing high-quality illumination patterns with reduced incidence of 'hot spots, allowing for better image capture and analysis in machine vision systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first light collector can at least partly collimate the light received from the first light source
Implementation Method 2
The first optical wedge can bend the at least partly collimated light towards the first diffuser
Implementation Method 3
The first diffuser can diffuse at least part of the light bent by the first optical wedge to provide a first illumination pattern on the illumination target
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination assembly is provided for use with a light source and an illumination target. A first light collector can be disposed to receive and direct light from the light source. A first diffuser can be disposed at least partly between the first light collector and the illumination target. The first diffuser can be configured to diffuse at least part of the light directed by the first light collector to provide a first illumination pattern on the illumination target.