Optical Identification Apparatus with Same-Side Imaging and Distance Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of identifying optical devices using diffraction gratings is compromised by variations in the relative positions of the optical device, irradiation unit, and imaging unit, making it difficult to capture and match images formed by first-order diffracted light.

Innovation Solution

The identification apparatus positions both the irradiation and imaging units on the same side of the optical device, with the imaging unit capturing images at a reference angle and distance, ensuring the relative positions are optimal for accurate identification, and includes a guidance unit to adjust the position if the estimated distance does not match the reference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the imaging unit is positioned on the opposite side of the optical device from the irradiation unit, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the accuracy of capturing first-order diffracted light images deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidimage capture accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning both the irradiation unit and imaging unit on the same side of the optical device, rather than on opposite sides. This inversion enables the imaging unit to capture first-order diffracted light images formed by the diffraction grating, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and image capture accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the relative positions of the optical device, irradiation unit, and imaging unit are not controlled, then the apparatus operation is easier, but the identification accuracy varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus operationVSAvoididentification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining optimal relative positions for the irradiation unit, imaging unit, and optical device before operation. The system captures images at these predetermined positions to establish reference data, ensuring consistent and accurate identification results without requiring complex real-time position control during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the captured image with reference data and adjusting the relative positions of the components. When the image does not match the reference, the system identifies and corrects positional deviations, thereby maintaining high identification accuracy while keeping the operation simple for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple images are captured at different positions and angles, then the identification reliability is improved, but the identification time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoididentification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-capturing reference images at multiple predetermined positions and angles before actual identification. During identification, the system only needs to compare captured images with this pre-prepared reference data, significantly reducing identification time while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive reference coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the accuracy of identifying optical devices by ensuring suitable imaging conditions, simplifies the apparatus configuration, and shortens the identification time by determining distance and image matching sequentially.

Implementation Method 1

an optical device including a diffraction grating that emits diffracted light in the negative angular range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3637378B1Identification device, identification method, and identification program
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3637378B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3637378B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3637378B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An identification apparatus includes an estimation unit that estimates an operating distance between the surface of an optical device and an imaging unit as an estimated value. A reference distance refers to the distance between a first face of an identification target and the imaging unit and at which light diffracted by a diffraction grating is capable of being recorded by the imaging unit. The identification apparatus includes a first determination unit that determines whether the estimated value matches the reference distance and a second determination unit that determines whether an image captured by the imaging unit matches a reference image. Conditions for identifying the optical device as the identification target include a condition that the first determination unit determines that the estimated value matches the reference distance and a condition that the second determination unit determines that the image captured by the imaging unit matches the reference image. When these conditions are satisfied, the identification apparatus identifies the optical device as the identification target.