Magnification Correction Using Multiple Focus Planes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current component inspection systems face challenges in achieving precise magnification correction, especially when dealing with curved surfaces or portable cameras, leading to increased setup time and inconsistencies in creep measurements due to the need for accurate sensor positioning and additional space requirements for reference targets.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that uses multiple focus planes to acquire images at different distances, determining the distance between the lens and target, and applying magnification correction based on reference targets, allowing for accurate size change calculations without the need for precise alignment or additional fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference targets are placed on the part for magnification correction, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase due to additional space requirements and positioning needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the component's own features (edges, surfaces, geometric characteristics) as reference targets for magnification correction, eliminating the need for external reference targets. The processing system automatically identifies and utilizes these self-contained features to calculate magnification factors, thereby reducing setup complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The method extracts magnification correction capability from external reference targets and embeds it within the component's inherent geometric features. By taking out the dependency on separate reference targets and using only the component's own geometry, the system simplifies the overall setup while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If precision mounting systems are used to position the sensor accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but setup time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical precision mounting systems with an optical-computational approach. Instead of using complex mechanical positioning systems to achieve accurate sensor placement, the method uses image processing algorithms that automatically calculate magnification factors from the captured images themselves, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from controlling physical positioning parameters to processing image data parameters. By shifting from mechanical positioning control to digital image analysis, the system achieves measurement precision without requiring time-consuming precision mounting operations, thereby improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are acquired at different distances for magnification correction, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required for data acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple images at different distances as part of the standard inspection workflow. These images are acquired in advance and stored for subsequent processing, allowing the magnification correction calculations to be performed efficiently without adding significant time to the overall inspection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The method maintains continuous useful action by processing the multiple captured images through automated algorithms that efficiently calculate magnification factors. The continuous processing of image data from different distances enables accurate dimensional measurements without requiring repeated manual intervention or extended acquisition times.
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 method reduces setup time and costs by providing real-time, consistent creep measurements across components, enabling accurate dimension determination and repeatability in component inspections.
Implementation Method 1
an imager including an image acquisition device and a lens
Implementation Method 2
acquire a plurality of images of a target wherein each image is acquired at a different distance from the target
Data Source
AI summary
A method for correcting a magnification in image measurements is implemented using a computer device including one or more processors coupled to a user interface and one or more memory devices. The method includes acquiring a plurality of images of a target. Each image is acquired at a different distance from the target. The method also includes determining a distance between a lens used in acquiring the plurality of images and the target and determining a magnification of each acquired image. The method further includes determining a magnification correction with respect to a reference, determining a change in a size of the target, and outputting the determined change in a size of the target.