Multispectral Light Assembly for Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision systems with multispectral light sources face inefficiencies due to the use of diffusers, which increase system size, reduce efficiency, and limit working distance, requiring numerous monochromatic LEDs and simultaneous illumination of different intensities for color uniformity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a compact illumination assembly with a plurality of multispectral light assemblies, each comprising a multispectral light source with multiple LEDs, a light pipe for color mixing, and a diffusive surface, optimized to project direct, uniformly illuminated light over a well-defined area, allowing for extended working distances with fewer LEDs and sequential activation of color channels for precise intensity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional diffusers are used for light distribution, then illumination uniformity is improved, but system size increases and working distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional diffuser component from the illumination system and replaces it with a reflective surface and specific optical geometry. This extraction eliminates the volume occupied by diffusers while maintaining illumination uniformity through alternative optical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element between the light source and the target area. This reflective surface redirects light paths to achieve uniform illumination without requiring physical diffusers, thereby reducing system size while maintaining illumination quality.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional diffusers are used for light distribution, then illumination uniformity is improved, but working distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the diffuser component, the patent eliminates the physical barrier that limited working distance. The light can now travel farther without being scattered by diffuser material, extending the effective working distance while maintaining uniformity through reflective optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts from volumetric light scattering (through diffusers) to directional light control (through reflective surfaces and optical geometry). This dimensional change in light management approach allows for extended working distances while preserving illumination uniformity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple monochromatic LEDs are used for multispectral illumination, then color variety is improved, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single white LED that performs multiple spectral functions simultaneously. By using a white LED with appropriate color temperature (e.g., 6504K) combined with reflective surfaces that manage spectral distribution, the system achieves multispectral illumination capabilities without requiring multiple separate monochromatic LED components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple spectral functions into a single light source by using a white LED that emits across the visible spectrum. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate monochromatic LEDs into one component, reducing device complexity while maintaining color variety.
4Illumination intensity
If simultaneous illumination with different intensities is used for color uniformity, then color balance is improved, but control complexity and energy management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sequential activation of different color channels (Red, Green, Blue LEDs) rather than simultaneous illumination. Each color channel is activated in sequence with controlled duration, allowing for simplified intensity management and energy control while achieving the desired color balance through temporal separation of illumination events.
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 configuration enables efficient projection of direct, color-mixed light over a larger area with improved uniformity and balance, extending the working range while minimizing the number of light sources and simplifying feedback loop hardware for precise light control.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe having an entrance surface and an exit surface and positioned in front of the multispectral light source. The light pipe is configured to receive two or more of the plurality of different wavelengths of light generated by the multispectral light source and to provide color mixing for the two or more of the plurality of different wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 2
a diffusive surface on the exit surface of the light pipe and configured to receive color-mixed light transmitted from the light pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A multispectral light assembly includes a multispectral light source configured to generate a plurality of different wavelengths of light, a light pipe positioned in front of the multispectral light source and configured to provide color mixing for two or more of the plurality of different wavelengths, a diffusive surface on the light pipe exit surface, and a projection lens positioned in front of the diffusive surface. A processor device is in communication with the multispectral light assemblies to control activation of the multispectral light source. A machine vision system includes an illumination assembly with a plurality of multispectral light assemblies, an optics assembly, a sensor assembly, and a processor device in communication with the optics assembly, the sensor assembly, and the illumination assembly.