Optical Measuring Instrument for Curved Surface Length Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring the length of curved objects, such as convex type steel measures, due to variations in the distance between sensors and patterns, leading to errors in pattern detection and reading results.
Innovation Solution
A measuring instrument with multiple light receiving units arranged at regular intervals along the length direction, capable of optically reading color patterns and converting them into ternary or decimal numbers to calculate scale values, which allows for accurate length measurement even on curved surfaces by determining the correct pattern recognition and boundary detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used to read patterns on a measure, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates when measuring curved objects due to distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using multiple light receiving units (sensors) positioned at different locations. Each sensor reads patterns at its specific position, and the results are integrated to achieve accurate measurement of curved surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low individual sensor complexity while achieving high overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-sensor approach to a multi-dimensional array of sensors distributed across different spatial positions. By adding spatial dimensions to the sensor arrangement, the system can capture pattern information from various distances and angles on curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light receiving units are used to measure curved surfaces, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring instrument divides the curved surface measurement into multiple discrete reading points using separate light receiving units. Each unit independently measures patterns at its location, and the results are combined through coordinate transformation. This segmentation strategy improves precision without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where multiple light receiving units can measure different portions of curved surfaces using the same basic sensing mechanism. The system handles various curvature types and orientations through unified coordinate transformation algorithms, reducing the need for specialized components for each measurement scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If patterns are read at varying distances from sensors, then the ability to measure curved objects is improved, but reading accuracy deteriorates due to distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses distance variation by adding spatial dimension information to the measurement model. Multiple sensors at different positions capture pattern data with their respective distance characteristics, and coordinate transformation algorithms compensate for these variations. This dimensional approach enables curved surface measurement while maintaining reading accuracy through mathematical correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses coordinate transformation as a feedback mechanism to correct for distance variations. By calculating the positional relationship between sensors and pattern elements, the system adjusts reading interpretations to account for varying distances, thereby maintaining accuracy across curved surfaces with different geometries.
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 solution enables precise length measurement of curved objects by ensuring accurate detection of color patterns and boundaries, reducing errors and improving measurement accuracy across different orientations and curvatures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first readers that optically read a plurality of patterns from a measure
Implementation Method 2
light receiving units that receive reflected light from the color pattern, and output a current or voltage with a value corresponding to a receiving light amount
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring instrument includes a plurality of first readers that optically read a plurality of patterns from a measure having a color pattern including the plurality of patterns arranged at a regular interval in a length direction, the plurality of first readers being arranged at the regular interval in the length direction, a converter that converts the plurality of patterns read by the plurality of first readers into a value of an N-ary number (N is 3 or more), and a calculator that calculates a scale value of the measure based on data that defines a relationship between the value of the N-ary number and the scale value of the measure.