Dynamic Pixel Range Selection for Image Sensor Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line sensors are inflexible and require manual adjustment of illumination angles for optimal surface inspection, which is labor-intensive and error-prone, especially for capturing elevations and depressions on curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Defining a pixel range on the image sensor that allows for flexible configuration and dynamic adjustment, enabling the imaging device to focus on specific sections or subgroups of sensor lines, thereby simplifying parameterization and synchronization with object movement, and allowing for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If line sensors are used to reduce data transmission and processing requirements, then data handling capacity is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the pixel range through software control, allowing the sensor to automatically adapt to different inspection requirements and object positions without manual physical adjustment, thus maintaining flexibility while using line sensor data reduction techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel range selection dynamically based on inspection needs, enabling the system to adjust which sensor lines are active and how they are configured to match different object geometries and illumination conditions without requiring manual sensor repositioning
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of illumination angles is performed to optimize surface inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but labor intensity and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically determining optimal pixel ranges and illumination configurations based on the captured images and inspection requirements, eliminating the need for manual angle adjustment while maintaining measurement precision for surface features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system evaluates the captured images and automatically adjusts the pixel range and illumination parameters to optimize detection accuracy, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves measurement precision without manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If the entire image sensor is read to capture complete images, then measurement precision is improved, but data processing requirements and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into selectable pixel ranges, allowing the system to read only the necessary portions of the sensor corresponding to the object of interest, thereby reducing data processing requirements while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for the inspection task
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by reading only the required pixel ranges rather than the entire sensor, optimizing the balance between capturing sufficient image data for precise measurement and reducing data processing time to improve acquisition rate
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
This approach enhances the flexibility and efficiency of image acquisition, reduces data processing, and enables the imaging device to adapt to changing conditions and moving objects without manual intervention, improving the detection of surface features and production errors.
Implementation Method 1
The object is illuminated with at least one radiation that excites the luminescence of the luminescence color pattern and then moved past a radiation sensor with which the luminescent radiation is captured
Implementation Method 2
the lighting may illuminate the object's surface in a substantially perpendicular manner whereby the camera focuses on the object's surface at a shallow angle
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging device and method for reading an image sensor in the imaging device. The imaging device has optics with which the imaging device can be focused on objects. The image sensor has a plurality of sensor lines, wherein each sensor line comprises a plurality of preferably linearly arranged, preferably individually readable pixel elements. A pixel range is defined with the pixel range comprising at least a section of a sensor line. The reading of the image sensor is restricted to the pixel elements (6) in the pixel range.