Optoelectronic Apparatus Calibration Using Self-Referencing Optical Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy calibration due to model simplifications and errors, especially when using special patterns or benchmarks, as they lack direct information on absolute dimensions, leading to unclear calibration success and potential measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic apparatus uses an optical code as a calibration target that is also a code reader, where the calibration code includes its own size information, allowing for direct calculation of a scaling factor to convert picture elements into physical units, ensuring accurate calibration and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a model approach via the optics of the detection system is used for calibration, then the calibration process can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to simplifications and accumulated errors in the model
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target serves itself by containing encoded size information that directly provides the scaling factor. The target autonomously supplies the necessary calibration data without requiring external model calculations or additional reference measurements, thereby eliminating model-related errors while maintaining calibration feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration target provides feedback on calibration accuracy by encoding its actual size information. The detection system can compare the measured size of the target with the encoded size information to verify calibration success and detect any deviations, ensuring measurement precision
2Ease of manufacture
If special patterns like checkered patterns are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates because corner points cannot be found exactly and there is no feedback on calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target encodes its actual size information (e.g., corner coordinates, dimensions) directly in machine-readable form. After detection, the system compares the detected corner points with the encoded reference values to determine calibration accuracy, providing immediate feedback on whether the calibration was successful and how precise the corner point detection was
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual or visual assessment of calibration accuracy with an automated optical reading system. The encoded size information is read optically and processed computationally to objectively determine calibration success, eliminating subjective judgment and improving precision
3Ease of operation
If a benchmark or scale is placed in images for calibration, then optical reference is provided for human observers, but measurement accuracy deteriorates because the detection system cannot automatically obtain absolute size information
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target serves dual functions: it provides visual reference for human observers (like a traditional scale) and simultaneously encodes absolute size information in machine-readable form for automatic detection by the system. This multi-functionality enables both manual verification and automated calibration without requiring separate reference objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visual reference function (scale markings visible to humans) with the machine-readable data function (encoded size information) into a single integrated calibration target. This combination eliminates the need for separate human-readable and machine-readable reference objects, enabling seamless automation while preserving human verification capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If camera-based code readers are used for reading codes, then code reading capability is provided, but measurement capability deteriorates because no information on physical lengths is included
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target serves multiple functions: it acts as a code to be read by the camera-based code reader, simultaneously provides size reference for measurement calibration, and encodes absolute dimension information. This multi-functionality enables the system to perform both code reading and precise measurement calibration using a single detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the code structure (used for identification and reading) with the measurement reference structure (used for size calibration) into a single integrated target. The code itself or its surrounding structure encodes physical dimension information, combining what was previously separate functions into one unified element that enables both code reading and measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic apparatus is set forth for measuring structural sizes or object sizes which has a light reception element for converting received light into image data, a reception optics arranged before the light reception element as well as an evaluation unit which is configured to identify structures or objects in the image data, to determine its dimensions in picture elements and to convert the dimensions into absolute, in particular metric, units of length with reference to a scaling factor, wherein the scaling factor can be determined in a calibration procedure. In this respect, the evaluation unit is configured to locate code regions in the image data and to read out code information from the code regions and to calculate the scaling factor during the calibration procedure from dimensions of a calibration code whose code information includes a size indication for the calibration code in the absolute units of length.