Optical Surface Measurement With Integrated 3D and Spectral Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical measuring devices are not compact and safe enough, and they lack the ability to efficiently determine both three-dimensional surface information and spectral properties of objects, which is crucial for quality assessment, particularly in applications like food inspection.

Innovation Solution

An optical measuring device with a controllable second illumination unit and a second image acquisition unit is used to project light in a predefined spectrum and capture position-dependent spectral information, combining it with three-dimensional surface information to determine geometric and optical properties of objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single illumination unit and image acquisition unit are used to capture cross-sectional profiles, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously determine three-dimensional surface information and spectral properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to determine both three-dimensional surface information and spectral propertiesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a first illumination unit and first image acquisition unit for capturing cross-sectional profiles with a second illumination unit and second image acquisition unit for spectral property detection. Both illumination units project light onto the object simultaneously, and both image acquisition units capture images at the same position, enabling the device to determine both three-dimensional surface information and spectral properties without requiring separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical measuring device is designed with dual illumination units and dual image acquisition units that can operate simultaneously to perform multiple measurement functions. The first illumination unit projects light for geometric profile measurement, while the second illumination unit projects light for spectral analysis. Both systems share the same object positioning and imaging framework, allowing the device to universally measure both geometric and spectral properties of the object.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate measuring devices are used to capture both geometric and spectral data, then measurement completeness is improved, but device compactness and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of geometric and spectral dataVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into a single compact device by combining a first illumination unit, second illumination unit, first image acquisition unit, and second image acquisition unit within one system. The first illumination unit and first image acquisition unit handle geometric profile measurement, while the second illumination unit and second image acquisition unit handle spectral property detection. Both systems share the same spatial positioning and imaging framework, enabling simultaneous measurement of both geometric and spectral properties without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If conventional illumination methods are used, then the device is easier to operate, but safety protective measures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsafety risks from light radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs two different illumination units with different light spectrum characteristics. The first illumination unit uses light in a first spectrum for geometric measurement, while the second illumination unit uses light in a second spectrum for spectral property detection. By selecting appropriate light spectra and intensities for each function, the device can operate safely without requiring extensive protective measures while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simultaneous capture of three-dimensional surface information and spectral properties, allowing for precise detection of foreign bodies and quality assessment by differentiating reflection behaviors across various light frequencies, reducing the need for protective measures and enhancing safety and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a first illumination unit (4) for projecting light in a first spectrum onto the object (3), and a first image acquisition unit (6) for capturing the light reflected back from the first illumination unit by the object (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a controllable second illumination unit (7), designed to project light in a predefined light spectrum onto the object (3), and a second image acquisition unit (8) for the position-dependent acquisition of the light reflected back from the second illumination unit by the object (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3872446B1Optical measuring device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 WEBER FOOD TECHNOLOGY SE & CO KG
  • EP3872446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872446B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An optical measuring device (1) for determining the properties of an object (3) is described, comprising a first illumination unit (4) configured to project a linear marking (5) onto an illumination plane, and a first image acquisition unit (6) for capturing the linear marking (5) projected onto the object (3). The optical measuring device (1) has a controllable second illumination unit (7) configured to project light in a predefined light spectrum onto the object (3), and a second image acquisition unit (8) for spatially detecting the light reflected back from the second illumination unit (7) by the object (3).The optical measuring device (1) is designed to determine three-dimensional surface information of the object (3) by means of a light section with the linear marking (5) projected onto the object (3) with the first illumination unit (4) and to determine properties of the object (3) from the location-dependent light spectrum of the light reflected back from the object (3) of the second illumination unit (7).