Object Monitoring Device Multi-Angle Holographic Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object monitoring systems using digital holography in manufacturing settings are limited by their inability to capture a complete holographic image of objects, as they only provide information from one side of the object, leading to inefficiencies in product recognition and redirection in multi-specification production environments.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a beam redirection and collection unit, path length divergence compensation unit, and beam modification unit with an I-COACH imaging system allows for the redirection of light from multiple angles, enabling a more comprehensive holographic image capture by stitching together digital holograms obtained from various projection directions, which can include up to four equally distributed directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional single-direction holographic imaging is used, then the device complexity is low, but the completeness of the holographic image is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of holographic imageVSAvoidcomplexity of imaging system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into multiple directional passes, with the object rotated between passes. Each pass captures holographic data from a specific direction, and the segments are later synthesized into a complete 3D holographic image, resolving the contradiction between image completeness and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the object's orientation between imaging passes and modifies optical parameters (wavelength, numerical aperture) adaptively. This dynamic approach enables comprehensive multi-directional imaging without requiring a permanently complex multi-directional optical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If multiple imaging passes with object rotation are implemented, then the completeness of the holographic image is improved, but the imaging time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of holographic imageVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process uses periodic action by implementing multiple passes with the object rotated to different angular positions between passes. This periodic multi-directional imaging approach captures complete holographic information while maintaining efficient periodic operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes optical parameters (wavelength, numerical aperture) between passes to optimize data acquisition from different directions. This parameter variation enables comprehensive imaging without requiring proportionally increased imaging time, as each pass uses optimized parameters for its specific angular range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If adaptive optical parameters are used, then the quality of holographic data is improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of holographic dataVSAvoidcomplexity of optical control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller adjusts optical parameters (wavelength, numerical aperture) based on the specific imaging pass and object characteristics. This feedback-driven adaptive optimization improves holographic data quality while keeping the control system manageable through rule-based adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single optical setup can operate in multiple modes (different wavelengths, numerical apertures) depending on the imaging requirements. This universal design achieves high-quality imaging across different conditions without requiring separate specialized systems for each parameter set

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

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 approach results in a more complete and detailed holographic image of objects, enhancing product recognition and redirection efficiency, even in environments with varying product specifications and dimensions, while minimizing material costs and imaging time.

Implementation Method 1

an incoherent light source (LED1) for generating a beam of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from incoherent light source: Light

Implementation Method 2

a coded phase mask (CPM) is used for beam phase modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

a portion of the light that is reflected by the 3D object is received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

COACH, or COded Apature Correlation Hologram, is a generalized self-interfering correlation hologram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP4328672A1Object monitoring device and method
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 AM-FLOW HLDG BV
  • EP4328672A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4328672A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4328672A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object monitoring device (OMD) is provided herein comprises an I-COACH imaging unit (IIU) with at least one incoherent light source (LED 1) and one or more optical elements (L1, BS1). The object monitoring device (OMD) directs a beam of light from the at least one incoherent light source (LED1) at an object side (IIUO) of the I-COACH imaging unit towards an object-carrier station (TOC) for carrying an object (OBI, OB2, OB3) to be imaged. At the object side (IIUO) the object monitoring device (OMD) receives a portion of said beam of light that is reflected by the object and it directs the received beam of light via a coded phase mask (CPM) towards a digital imaging unit. The improved object monitoring device (OMD) further comprises a beam redirection - and collection unit (BRC) that is arranged in an optical path extending between the object-carrier station (TOC) and the object-side (IIUO) of the I-COACH imaging unit. The beam redirection - and collection unit (BRC) successively redirect the received beam of light from mutually different directions towards the object carrier station. Therewith objects can be more completely imaged.