On-Axis Aimer Distance Measurement for Machine Vision Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision systems require multiple images and computationally intensive methods for autofocus, which are time-consuming and inefficient, and often fail to accurately measure distance to the target due to misalignment of aiming and image acquisition axes.
Innovation Solution
An on-axis aimer and distance measurement assembly that uses a light beam coaxial with the optical axis for both aiming and distance measurement, incorporating a light source, receiver, and reflective elements like beam splitters and dichroic filters, allowing for single-distance-based control of vision system parameters such as focus, gain, and aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional machine vision systems use multiple images and computationally intensive methods for autofocus, then focus accuracy can be improved, but time consumption and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs distance measurement using the on-axis aimer and light beam before image acquisition, allowing autofocus to be pre-determined based on measured distance rather than requiring multiple test images and computational analysis during the imaging process
Solution Approach 2:
A separate distance measurement mechanism (on-axis aimer with light beam and receiver) is introduced as an intermediary to directly measure distance to the target, providing focus distance information without requiring computational analysis of multiple images
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use separate aiming and image acquisition axes, then operational flexibility is maintained, but distance measurement accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the aiming function and distance measurement function onto the same optical axis (the reader's optical axis), so that the on-axis aimer projects light beams and receives reflected light exactly along the image acquisition path, ensuring that distance measurement is performed at the precise location where images are captured
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 fast and accurate focus adjustment and image acquisition by determining relevant distances for improved image quality and 3D measurements, reducing the need for multiple images and enhancing pointing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver configured to receive reflected light from the object based on the first light beam
Implementation Method 2
a processor device configured to determine a distance between the at least one lens and the object based on the reflected light
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter configured to direct the light beam from the light source coaxially with the reader optical axis
Implementation Method 4
a dichroic filter configured to transmit the illumination light and reflect the light beam from the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An on-axis aimer and distance measurement apparatus for a vision system can include a light source configured to generate a first light beam along a first axis. The first light beam can project an aimer pattern on an object and a receiver can be configured to receive reflected light from the first light beam to determine a distance between a lens of the vision system and the object. One or more parameters of vision system can be controlled based on the determined distance.