Movable Optic Devices for Dynamic Resolution Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface topography measurement devices require frequent dismantling and recalibration to change measurement resolutions along the Z axis, leading to prolonged measurement times and potential distortion of results due to repeated temperature ramps.

Innovation Solution

A device with movable first and second optic devices, each comprising multiple lenses for different magnifications, allows for quick adjustment of resolution without opening the device, using a control circuit to automate lens changes and maintain consistent optic performance between the projector and camera.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the measuring device is dismantled to modify camera optics and projector optics for different resolutions, then measurement resolution is improved, but measurement time increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements movable optic devices that can dynamically change magnification settings during measurement. The first optic device on the projector side and the second optic device on the camera side can independently adjust their magnification, allowing the system to adapt resolution requirements without physical dismantling or recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the measuring device is dismantled to modify optics for different resolutions, then measurement resolution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into independent modules: a first optic device on the projector side with multiple lenses for different magnifications, and a second optic device on the camera side with multiple lenses. Each module can be independently adjusted, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to a monolithic optical system requiring complete recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device is designed to perform multiple measurement resolutions using the same hardware configuration. By incorporating movable optic devices with interchangeable lenses on both projector and camera sides, the system achieves universal functionality across different magnification requirements without needing separate dedicated systems for each resolution level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple temperature ramps are applied to perform successive measurements with different resolutions, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability of results decreases due to distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidresult accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic resolution adjustment during a single temperature ramp by allowing the optic devices to change magnification settings mid-measurement. This eliminates the need to complete one full temperature ramp for each resolution level, thereby preventing thermal distortion accumulation and improving result reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 faster and more stable measurements with varying resolutions along the Z axis during a temperature ramp, reducing the time required for multiple measurements and minimizing distortions in results.

Implementation Method 1

at least one projector configured to emit a patterned light designed to be projected onto the surface of the sample, at least one camera configured to observe said patterned light projected onto the surface of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a heating or cooling device configured to apply a temperature ramp to the sample in the enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11365965B2Topographic measurement device
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 INSIDIX
  • US11365965B2 patent drawing
  • US11365965B2 patent drawing
  • US11365965B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for measuring the surface topography of a sample includes a projector which projects a structured image onto the surface of the sample. A camera observes the image projected onto the surface of the sample. A heating device applies a temperature ramp on the sample. A first optic device located on the optic axis of the projector modifies the image emitted by the projector and applies it on the sample. The first optic device includes several distinct lenses defining different magnifications. The lenses are fitted movable with respect to one another. A second optic device is located on the optic axis of the camera to modify the size of the observation area on the surface of the sample. The second optic device includes several distinct lenses presenting different magnifications. The lenses are fitted movable to define several observation areas of different sizes.