Optical Dispensing Sensor for Ticket Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing objects like tickets lack an optimized mechanism for accurately determining the distance to dispense, leading to inefficiencies and potential mechanical malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a stationary displacement optical sensor connected to both feeding and exit motors, which measures the distance traveled by the dispensing object using light beams and optical flow estimation algorithms to determine the precise length and activate controlled motor braking, ensuring accurate dispensing and detection of mechanical issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor methods are used to determine dispensing distance, then the system can detect object movement, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to mechanical malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical encoders and sensors with an optical measurement system. A laser projector projects laser lines onto the ticket, and a camera captures the deformation of these lines to calculate displacement and speed optically, eliminating mechanical contact and improving both precision and reliability of distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser lines as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the ticket. The laser lines are projected onto the ticket surface, and their deformation patterns serve as the basis for calculating ticket displacement and velocity, providing a non-contact measurement mechanism that enhances measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses complex mechanical tracking mechanisms to determine distance, then measurement can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical tracking mechanisms by using an optical field-based measurement system. The laser projection and camera capture system replaces mechanical encoders, reducing moving parts and mechanical complexity while achieving high-precision distance measurement through optical calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the ticket's position and movement state by projecting laser lines onto it. The camera captures this optical information, and through image processing, the system reconstructs the ticket's displacement and velocity without physical contact, simplifying the measurement system architecture.
3Productivity
If the dispensing system operates at high speed, then productivity increases, but measurement accuracy and detection reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic laser projection and camera capture cycles to continuously track ticket movement. The system projects laser lines at regular intervals and captures images at corresponding frequencies, enabling real-time measurement of high-speed ticket dispensing while maintaining measurement precision through consistent sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures laser line deformation, calculates ticket position and velocity, and feeds this information back to control the dispensing mechanism. This closed-loop control enables accurate measurement and control even at high dispensing speeds by constantly adjusting based on real-time optical feedback.
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 enables precise and efficient dispensing of objects by accurately measuring the distance traveled, preventing mechanical malfunctions and ensuring consistent dispensing cycles, even in the presence of variations in ticket length and material characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
measures the distance traveled by the dispensing object using light beams and optical flow estimation algorithms
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage.