Optical Sensor Calibration via Reflection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines with optical sensors are limited to specific measurement tasks and workpiece properties, requiring frequent calibration which is manual, time-consuming, and prone to contamination or damage of calibration objects.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a reflection element that introduces a calibration arrangement into the optical path, allowing for fully automated calibration within the machine, protecting the calibration standard and eliminating the need for manual handling or separate calibration objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual calibration with external calibration objects is used, then calibration can be performed, but it is time-consuming and calibration objects are prone to contamination or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration arrangement enables the apparatus to perform self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention or external calibration objects. The reflection element redirects light from the measurement object back through the objective to the camera, allowing the system to determine actual imaging properties autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is extracted from the measurement process by using the reflection element to create a separate calibration path. This eliminates the need for external calibration objects and allows calibration to be performed independently and automatically within the apparatus
2Reliability
If external calibration objects are used, then calibration can be performed, but calibration objects are exposed to contamination or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration function is extracted from the measurement process by using the reflection element to create a separate calibration path. This eliminates the need for external calibration objects and allows calibration to be performed independently and automatically within the apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection element serves multiple functions: it enables both normal measurement mode and calibration mode within the same apparatus. By redirecting light in calibration mode, it allows the system to determine imaging properties without requiring separate calibration objects
3Productivity
If automated calibration is implemented, then calibration time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection element acts as an intermediary component that enables automated calibration without requiring complex calibration mechanisms. It简单地 redirects light from the measurement object back through the objective, providing a straightforward optical path for self-calibration
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 efficient, automated calibration of optical sensors, reducing the risk of contamination and damage to calibration standards, and minimizing calibration time and costs while maintaining accurate imaging properties.
Implementation Method 1
The idea underlying the invention is based on the fact that if a measurement object is illuminated and the reflected light is imaged by means of an optical sensor, then the beam path can be led back through the objective by means of a reflection element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inspecting a measurement object, comprising a workpiece support for supporting the measurement object and a measuring head carrying an optical sensor. The measuring head and the workpiece support are movable relative to one another. The optical sensor has an objective and a camera designed to capture an image of the measurement object. The objective has a light entrance opening and a light exit opening, and comprises a multitude of lens-element groups arranged in the objective between the light entrance opening and the light exit opening one behind another along a longitudinal axis of the objective. Furthermore, the apparatus has a reflection element and a calibration arrangement. The reflection element can selectively be introduced into a beam path running from the measurement object through the objective to the camera. The calibration arrangement is coupled into the beam path to the camera by means of the reflection element.