Imaging Alignment Guides for Repeatable Multi-Object Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems fail to maintain objects in consistent locations for repeatable alignment, leading to the need for manual separation of individual objects from composite images, especially when imaging multiple objects together.

Innovation Solution

A device with upward-extending guides that define imaging regions, ensuring objects are consistently positioned within these regions, allowing for repeatable alignment and easy separation of individual images from composite images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple objects are imaged together in a composite image, then imaging efficiency is improved, but the ability to automatically separate individual objects is lost due to position variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging efficiencyVSAvoidobject position consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment guides and positioning features on the base plate before imaging occurs. These guides pre-establish the correct positions for objects, ensuring they are placed in consistent locations across multiple imaging sessions. This preliminary positioning enables both efficient batch imaging and reliable automatic separation of individual objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If objects are placed without alignment guides, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of object placement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment apparatus complexityVSAvoidobject placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the base plate into distinct regions with specific alignment guides for different object types or positions. Each guide is a separate, simple feature that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmented approach provides precise placement without requiring a complex overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If alignment guides are added to the base, then object placement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject placement precisionVSAvoidalignment apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through self-aligning features such as tapered guides that automatically guide objects into correct positions, or magnetic elements that passively attract and position objects without requiring active control mechanisms. The alignment system serves itself by utilizing the inherent properties of the objects being imaged to achieve precise placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12566325B2Apparatus providing repeatable registration by aligning objects to be imaged

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 BADRI S AMIRDIN

AI summary

Aligning apparatuses with a set of guides that form at least one imaging region are provided. The guides contain edges for aligning an object to be imaged, where the object is placed in the imaging region. The aligning apparatuses may comprise multiple imaging regions for imaging multiple objects and may also comprise a guard member and a color check guide member. In some examples, the aligning apparatus may be used with a scanner that captures images of the objects and with a computer program for processing the images.