Multi-Zone Beamsplitter for Uniform Camera Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination systems for camera imaging and machine vision applications often suffer from non-uniform lighting due to the geometry of objects and the limited angular coverage of traditional beamsplitters, which can lead to suboptimal image capture and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A beamsplitter system with at least three distinct light reflection zones, each causing light from multiple light sources to be reflected at different angles relative to the camera axis, enhancing angular lighting coverage and illumination uniformity by diffusing light through a diffuser before reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional single-zone beamsplitter is used, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination uniformity and angular lighting coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The beamsplitter is divided into multiple distinct light reflection zones (at least three zones), each with different reflection angles. This segmentation allows different portions of the object to be illuminated from different angles, improving overall illumination uniformity while maintaining a relatively simple single-component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the beamsplitter are assigned different local properties (different reflection angles). Each zone is optimized to reflect light at a specific angle to illuminate particular regions of the object, creating locally optimized illumination that contributes to global uniformity.
2Illumination intensity
If light is reflected directly without diffusion, then the lighting efficiency is high, but the illumination uniformity across the object surface is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the beamsplitter. The diffuser scatters the light to create more uniform illumination before it reaches the beamsplitter, while the beamsplitter then directs this diffused light at various angles to different object regions, achieving uniformity without excessive energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single reflection angle is used, then the device complexity is low, but the angular lighting coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The beamsplitter surface is segmented into multiple zones with different reflection angles. This allows the system to provide diverse angular lighting coverage using a single integrated component, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple separate lighting devices or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 provides improved illumination uniformity and increased light reflection, allowing for more comprehensive and accurate image capture with reduced distortion, enhancing the effectiveness of camera and machine vision systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light energy from the light source can be partially reflected onto a surface of an object via a beamsplitter
Implementation Method 2
enhancing angular lighting coverage and illumination uniformity by diffusing light through a diffuser before reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprise a beamsplitter. The beamsplitter can comprise at least three distinct light reflection zones. Each zone of the three distinct light reflection zones can be adapted to cause light from one or more light sources to be reflected at a different angle relative to an axis of a camera.