Imaging Unit Distance Control for Multi-Wavelength Component Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounting machines face issues with chromatic aberration of magnification affecting focal distances due to different wavelengths, leading to inaccurate imaging of components.

Innovation Solution

Adjust the distance between the camera and the holding member based on the image forming point considering longitudinal chromatic aberration, using specific light sources and resolving power values to suppress aberration effects, and process images with accurate focal distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths are used for imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but chromatic aberration of magnification causes focal distances to differ, deteriorating imaging precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidimaging precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of distance between the camera and holding member based on the wavelength of light used. By adjusting this distance according to the specific wavelength (e.g., blue light vs red light), the system compensates for chromatic aberration of magnification, allowing multiple wavelengths to be used without sacrificing imaging precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurement to obtain the image forming point for each wavelength before actual imaging. The control device stores the relationship between wavelengths and proper distances in advance, then uses this pre-acquired information to automatically adjust the camera-holding member distance, eliminating the need for real-time trial and error

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If focal distances are kept the same for different wavelengths, then device simplicity is maintained, but chromatic aberration causes distances from optical axis to differ, deteriorating imaging accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidimaging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the distance between camera and holding member dynamic rather than fixed. The distance is adjusted according to the wavelength of light being used, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different imaging conditions, thereby maintaining high precision without requiring complex optical correction elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex optical correction mechanisms with a simpler mechanical adjustment of distance. Instead of using additional optical elements to correct chromatic aberration, the system uses a drive mechanism to adjust the physical distance between camera and holding member, achieving precision correction through mechanical means

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

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

Achieves highly accurate imaging of components by suppressing chromatic aberration, ensuring precise component positioning and mounting.

Implementation Method 1

multiple light sources configured to emit lights of different wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a camera configured to image an imaging target object irradiated by the lighting devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the proper value for the distance between the camera and the holding member is obtained for the light or lights of the one or more light sources based on the image forming point on the optical axis which changes according to the longitudinal chromatic aberration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatic aberration: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3723357B1Imaging unit and component mounting machine
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 FUJI CORP
  • EP3723357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3723357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3723357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An imaging unit of the disclosure includes: a camera; a holding member configured to hold an imaging target object to be imaged by the camera; a light irradiation device configured to irradiate lights of different wavelengths from multiple light sources towards the imaging target object held by the holding member; and a control device configured to obtain a proper resolving power value for a light or lights of one or more light sources selected from the multiple light sources for use for imaging, irradiate the light or lights of the one or more light sources so selected onto the imaging target object to image the imaging target object using the camera, and make use of the proper resolving power value in processing an image obtained from the camera.