Line-Beam Focus Measurement for Working Distance and Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing focusing state measuring apparatuses for working apparatuses are complex and costly, requiring sensors or CCD cameras for accurate measurement of focusing distance and gradient, making it difficult for users to quickly and easily determine the focusing state.

Innovation Solution

A focusing state measuring apparatus that uses first and second line beams irradiated onto a target object to determine the focusing state, including focusing distance and gradient, through a simpler structure, allowing for visual inspection and optional image processing for accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors or CCD cameras are used to measure focusing state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing state measurement precisionVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a beam that replicates the characteristics of the working beam to measure focusing state. Instead of using complex sensors or CCD cameras, a simple beam (first line beam or second line beam) is used to create a pattern on the target object that copies the focusing information, which can then be visually inspected or processed by a simple imaging device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical sensor systems (CCD cameras, position-sensitive detectors) with a purely optical beam-based measurement system. The focusing state is determined by observing the spatial distribution of light from the beams directly, eliminating the need for complex sensing hardware while maintaining measurement capability.

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

2Measurement precision

If sensors or CCD cameras are used to measure focusing state, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing state measurement precisionVSAvoidapparatus manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive optical elements (beams, mirrors, lenses) instead of expensive sensors or CCD cameras. The measurement system uses basic optical components that are far cheaper than electronic sensing devices, making the apparatus more cost-effective while still providing accurate focusing state measurement through visual inspection or simple image processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If sensor values or image processing is performed to determine focusing state, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing state determination accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visually distinct patterns on the target object using the beams, where the spatial distribution of light (analogous to color/brightness changes) directly indicates the focusing state. Users can visually interpret the pattern formed by the first and second line beams to determine focusing distance and gradient without needing to understand or process sensor data or perform image processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 and accurate measurement of the focusing state of working apparatuses with respect to target objects using line beams, reducing complexity and cost while allowing for quick adjustments, thereby improving work quality.

Implementation Method 1

a first line beam generation unit (120) configured to irradiate a first line beam (121) toward the target object (10)... a second line beam generation unit (130) configured to irradiate a second line beam (131) toward the target object (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3252513B1Focusing state measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 KLAB CO LTD
  • EP3252513B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3252513B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3252513B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A focusing state measuring apparatus for measuring a focusing state of a working apparatus with respect to a target object so as to perform work includes: a base plate installed in the working apparatus performing work on the target object and spaced apart from the target object; a first line beam generation unit provided on one side of the base plate and configured to irradiate a first line beam toward the target object; and a second line beam generation unit provided on one side of the base plate so as to be spaced apart from the first line beam generation unit in a first direction and configured to irradiate a second line beam toward the target object. The focusing state of the working apparatus with respect to the target object is determined according to states of the first line beam and the second line beam.