Optical Inspection Device for Variable Markings Using Prism Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical inspection systems for measuring properties of optically variable markings are limited in cost-effectiveness, performance, and versatility, particularly in capturing and analyzing color-shifting properties and polarization changes as a function of viewing angle without introducing linear distortions or multiple reflections.
Innovation Solution
A device using a prism and lens system to capture simultaneously the first and second properties of optically variable markings by refracting light at different angles, allowing for digital processing of patterns without additional cameras or synchronization mechanisms, thereby reducing linear distortions and avoiding multiple reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a camera system with lens and image sensor is used to capture optically variable markings, then automated inspection capability is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement task into two distinct camera systems: one dedicated to capturing color information and another for polarization measurement. Each camera system is optimized for its specific function, allowing independent processing and analysis. This segmentation enables automated inspection while managing system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarizing filters and beam splitters as intermediary optical elements that enable simultaneous capture of color and polarization properties. These intermediaries allow the system to extract multiple optical properties without requiring complex post-processing or additional processing steps, thus achieving automated inspection with manageable complexity.
2Ease of operation
If mirrors are used to reflect light from optically variable markings for fixed spatial orientation viewing, then the observer can see images in first and second colors simultaneously, but linear distortions and multiple reflections are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror-based light reflection system with an optical approach using a lens and image sensor positioned at a fixed spatial orientation. This substitution eliminates the linear distortions and multiple reflections inherent in mirror systems while maintaining the ability to capture images in first and second colors simultaneously through the optically variable marking's intrinsic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies of the marking viewed from different angles using the lens system, capturing the color-shifting properties without requiring physical mirrors. The image sensor records the optical information directly, producing accurate representations free from the distortions that would occur with mirror-based reflection systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras or synchronization mechanisms are used to capture different properties of optically variable markings, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple measurement systems into a single integrated setup. By positioning a lens and image sensor to simultaneously capture both color and polarization properties of the optically variable marking from a fixed spatial orientation, the system achieves comprehensive measurement without requiring multiple separate cameras or complex synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single lens-camera assembly performs multiple measurement functions. The same optical path captures both color information (through the optically variable marking's angle-dependent color properties) and polarization information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and reducing overall device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If fast integration times are used in image sensor to generate blur-free images, then image quality is improved, but the system requires high-speed triggering and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using a fixed spatial orientation and pre-positioned optical elements (lens and image sensor) that are optimized for capturing the optically variable marking's properties. This pre-configuration allows the use of fast integration times for blur-free imaging without requiring complex real-time triggering mechanisms, as the system is already optimally positioned to capture the required information.
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 precise and efficient measurement and analysis of optically variable markings by capturing patterns with different properties during the same integration time, improving detection quality and reducing the need for corrective processing, while avoiding the limitations of mirror-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
A device using a prism and lens system to capture simultaneously the first and second properties of optically variable markings by refracting light at different angles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring optical properties of an optically variable marking applied on an object, the method including the steps of illuminating the optically variable marking so as to form a first light reflected by the marking at a first view angle and a second light reflected by the marking at a second view angle, the first and second lights having different spectral compositions as a result of the optically variable marking, refracting the second reflected light through a optica! unit so as to redirect the second reflected light toward an optical sensor, capturing the first light and the second refracted light with the optical sensor simultaneously; and determining optical properties of the optical variable marking based on the captured first and second lights,