Automated Calibration of Optical Measurement Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measurement devices with moveable components face challenges in maintaining accurate coaxial alignment between the camera and laser measurement axes, leading to increased measurement errors, which are exacerbated by the instability of camera devices with zoom lenses requiring time-consuming manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automated calibration method using a target object, where the device takes images with and without a laser beam to determine contrast ratios and store focus point coordinates, ensuring the target object meets specific brightness and distance criteria for accurate calibration without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment by operator is used to correct coaxiality, then measurement accuracy is improved, but calibration time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device automatically performs calibration by capturing images, calculating contrast values, and adjusting the target axis position without operator intervention. The control device autonomously processes the calibration data and updates the stored position information, enabling the system to self-correct coaxial alignment errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical-electronic system. Instead of operators physically adjusting components, the system uses image capture, digital contrast calculation, and automated position correction to achieve coaxial alignment, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated sensing and control.
2Measurement precision
If camera device with zoom lens is used, then optical resolution is improved, but target axis stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of the target object, calculates contrast values between different image regions, and uses this feedback information to determine the actual target axis position. The control device compares the measured position with the stored position and automatically adjusts the target axis to maintain stability despite zoom lens movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores the initial target axis position in advance and uses this reference information during calibration. By having the preliminary position data available, the system can quickly compare actual measurements against the stored reference and make necessary corrections without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If automatic calibration is implemented, then operator intervention is eliminated, but calibration complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it stores target axis position information, controls the image capture process, calculates contrast values, determines calibration results, and updates stored position data. This multi-functional integration simplifies the overall system by consolidating calibration operations into a single control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the calibration functionality with the existing measurement device components. The image capture, contrast calculation, and position adjustment functions are merged into the device's control system, eliminating the need for separate manual calibration equipment or procedures.
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
The method enables precise and efficient calibration of measurement devices by ensuring the target object meets uniform brightness and contrast criteria, reducing measurement errors and eliminating the need for manual adjustments, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing calibration time.
Implementation Method 1
Taking a first image of a target object by means of the camera device
Implementation Method 2
laser measurement apparatuses are designed as angle measuring devices or distance measuring devices... all objects that reflect, scatter or reflect and scatter the striking laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a measurement device by a target object is disclosed. Prior to calibrating the measurement device the suitability of the target object is inspected by multiple evaluation criteria. The calibration of the measurement device by the target object is only performed if the target object meets all evaluation criteria. To evaluate the target object, a camera device takes an image of the target object without using a laser beam and an image of the target object with using a laser beam, with the images then evaluated by image processing and object identification procedures.