Image Acquisition Device with Adjustable Light Paths and Integrated Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image acquisition devices require multiple light sources and sensors to obtain various information on a target, are location and time restrictive, and lack the ability to adjust light paths during assembly for focal convergence and simultaneous measurement of target characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An image acquisition device with adjustable light source angles and integrated sensors for temperature, oil/moisture, and elasticity measurement, allowing for portable use and simultaneous contact-based analysis of target characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple light sources are used to obtain various information on the same target, then the information completeness is improved, but the device complexity and alignment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources (first light source and second light source) into a single integrated device body, with both light sources and the imaging element arranged on the same optical axis. This merging approach allows simultaneous acquisition of multiple types of information (color image, infrared image, spectral information) while reducing alignment complexity compared to separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality by integrating multiple light sources that emit different wavelengths (visible light and infrared light) within a single device. This universal design enables the device to perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously, obtaining various information on the target without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are focused to one focal point, then the imaging quality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidfocal point alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the focal point alignment challenge by arranging multiple light sources and the imaging element on the same optical axis in a one-dimensional linear arrangement. This dimensional simplification reduces the alignment complexity from two-dimensional or three-dimensional positioning to one-dimensional axial alignment, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If various types of sensors are provided to diagnose and analyze target characteristics, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple types of sensors (color imaging element for visible light, infrared imaging element for infrared light, and spectral imaging element for spectral analysis) into a single integrated device body. This combination enables comprehensive diagnostic capability for analyzing target characteristics while managing sensor integration within a unified structural framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device achieves universal diagnostic capability by integrating sensors that respond to different wavelengths and types of light (visible, infrared, spectral). This multi-functional sensor array enables the single device to perform various diagnostic functions including color imaging, thermal imaging, and spectral analysis without requiring multiple separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the device is made portable for unrestricted use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging functions and sensors into a compact integrated device body that can be portably held and operated. By merging color imaging, infrared imaging, and spectral imaging capabilities into a single handheld unit, the device achieves portability while maintaining measurement precision through the coordinated arrangement of light sources and sensors on a common optical axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables easy, time and location unrestricted diagnosis and analysis of target states and characteristics, with adjustable light paths converging at a focal point for enhanced imaging and multi-sensor measurement capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source disposed on the body and configured to emit light in a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an imaging element disposed on the body and configured to receive light from a direction corresponding to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4000503B1Image acquisition device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 MEDIVEL BIO CO LTD
  • EP4000503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4000503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4000503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image acquisition device according to an embodiment includes: a body; a seat part provided on a lower part of the body; a substrate disposed on the seat part inside the body and having a plurality of light sources; and a light source angle forming part disposed on the substrate inside the body. The substrate may be provided on the seat part in the form of a planar plate, and an outer peripheral portion of the substrate may be bent so that the light sources are directed toward one focal point by the seat part and the light source angle forming part.