Linear Pinhole Array for Compact Confocal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional confocal inspection systems, such as those using a Nipkow disk, require large pinhole disks and complex rotary motions, making them unsuitable for applications needing different resolutions, fields of view, and depths of field, such as wire bonding ball bond inspection, due to constraints on uniformity and size.
Innovation Solution
A confocal imaging apparatus with a pinhole array that moves linearly along a single axis, allowing for a compact design and uniform image capture by positioning pinholes in a regular matrix pattern and adjusting their angle for complete field coverage, eliminating the need for large rotary motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Nipkow disk with multiple pinholes is used for area imaging, then the scanning speed and image capture efficiency are improved, but the device size and structural complexity increase due to the large disk diameter required
Solution Approach 1:
The pinhole array is divided into multiple pinholes arranged in a specific pattern, allowing a smaller subset of pinholes to capture the required image area. This segmentation enables the use of a compact pinhole array instead of a large Nipkow disk, reducing the moving object volume while maintaining image capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from rotational motion (Nipkow disk spinning) to linear translational motion of the pinhole array. This dimensional change in motion pattern allows the pinhole array to scan across the field of view in a linear path, eliminating the need for a large rotating disk and enabling a more compact system design.
2Area of stationary object
If a Nipkow disk with pinholes at different radial distances is used, then area coverage is improved, but image uniformity deteriorates due to varying exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
All pinholes in the array are positioned at the same distance from the optical axis, ensuring they all move at the same linear velocity during translation. This uniform positioning creates equal exposure conditions for all pinholes, producing images with uniform intensity and quality across the entire field of view, eliminating the non-uniformity caused by varying radial distances in Nipkow disks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion dynamics from rotational (where linear velocity varies with radius) to translational (where all points move at the same velocity). This dynamic transformation ensures that all pinholes experience identical motion conditions, resulting in uniform exposure times and consistent image quality across the scanned area.
3Manufacturing precision
If lateral scanning is performed to obtain denser area images, then image quality is improved, but the system complexity and scanning mechanism requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex rotational scanning mechanisms with a simple linear translational stage. The pinhole array moves in a straight line across the field of view, which can be achieved with basic linear motion stages rather than complex rotary mechanisms. This substitution reduces device complexity while still enabling area imaging through scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The linearly moving pinhole array serves multiple functions: it performs lateral scanning for area coverage, maintains confocal imaging capability through its pinhole structure, and achieves uniform imaging through its regular matrix pattern. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for different imaging requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution enables a compact, efficient confocal inspection system capable of capturing high-resolution images over a contiguous area with uniform intensity, reducing the overall size and complexity of the optical system while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device for receiving light reflected from the object along a lighting path located between the object and the imaging device
Implementation Method 2
confocal imaging techniques are capable of providing high resolution two-dimensional images
Data Source
AI summary
A confocal imaging apparatus for inspecting an object comprises a light source operative to project light to illuminate the object, and an imaging device for receiving light reflected from the object along a lighting path located between the object and the imaging device. A pinhole array comprising a plurality of pinholes is positioned along the lighting path such that light reflected from the object is passed through the pinhole array. A mechanism is operative to move the pinhole array along a single axis in a linear direction transverse to the light path for transmitting an image corresponding to a substantially contiguous area of the object onto the imaging device.