MEMS Light Source Scanning for 3D Contour Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine vision applications require complex imaging systems to capture three-dimensional contour information, as flood illumination from LED or distributed light sources does not inherently carry 3D information, necessitating additional structured light or laser line sources.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact sensing system utilizing MEMS-based light sources that scan a point of light at high frequency, combined with multiple imaging devices arranged in a 'reverse overlap' configuration within a single housing to increase field of view and reduce system complexity, allowing effective capture of 3D contour information without the need for additional light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If flood illumination from LED or distributed light sources is used, then illumination area is covered, but three-dimensional contour information cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination area into multiple line sources or point sources that are scanned across the field of view. Instead of using a single flood illumination source, the system divides the illumination into discrete elements (lines or points) that are sequentially activated and scanned across different spatial positions, allowing each element to carry depth information through its scanning pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic scanning of light sources across the illumination area. The light sources are not static but are rapidly scanned across different positions in the field of view during the exposure cycle. This dynamic movement allows the system to encode three-dimensional information into the temporal pattern of illumination, enabling depth capture while maintaining area coverage.
2Loss of information
If additional structured light or laser line sources are added to capture 3D information, then three-dimensional contour information is obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light source subsystem multi-functional by enabling it to perform both illumination and depth encoding functions. The same scanned light sources that provide area illumination also carry three-dimensional information through their scanning patterns, eliminating the need for separate structured light projects or laser line sources. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining 3D capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination function and depth encoding function into a single integrated approach. Instead of using separate flood illumination sources and separate structured light sources, the system combines these functions by using scanned line sources or point sources that simultaneously illuminate the area and encode depth information through their scanning motion.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources and imaging devices are used to increase field of view, then coverage area is expanded, but component spacing and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the field of view by adding imaging devices in the vertical dimension rather than only horizontally. The system uses a stacked configuration where imaging devices are arranged at different vertical levels, allowing them to capture overlapping or adjacent fields of view. This vertical arrangement increases coverage area while minimizing the horizontal footprint and overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested or stacked configuration where multiple imaging devices and light source subsystems are arranged in a compact vertical stack within the housing. Each imaging device is paired with its corresponding light source subsystem, and they are nested together to minimize spacing. This nesting approach allows multiple components to occupy a compact volume while maintaining their functional relationships.
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
The system efficiently captures three-dimensional contour information with reduced system complexity by using MEMS-based light sources and multiple imaging devices, achieving high-quality area illumination similar to flood lighting while minimizing component spacing and overall system size.
Implementation Method 1
the first light source subsystem uses a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuated mirror to scan the point of light
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact sensing system is provided for acquiring three-dimensional contour information of an object. The system is comprised of: a light source subsystem operable to scan a point of light in an area of illumination; a first imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data; and a second imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data. A first control module is in data communication with the first imaging device to determine contour information for an object in the field of view of the first imaging device and report the contour information for the object in a common coordinate system. A second control module is in data communication with the second imaging device to determine contour information for the object in the field of view of the second imaging device and report the contour information for the object in the common coordinate system. Moreover, the light source subsystem is calibrated to report position of the point of light in the common coordinate system.