Point-Source Diffusion Optics for Curved Surface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring painted surfaces of vehicle bodies due to difficulties in capturing specular reflection light from curved and glossy surfaces, leading to inconsistent illumination patterns and reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The measurement apparatus employs an optical unit with a specific arrangement of point light sources and diffusion plates, where the diffusion angles in orthogonal and predetermined directions satisfy certain relationships, ensuring uniform and sinusoidal illumination patterns, enhancing the capture of specular reflection light for accurate defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional illumination methods are used, then the measurement apparatus is simple, but the illumination pattern is inconsistent and measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent point light sources arranged in specific patterns, with each light source contributing to a specific portion of the illumination. This segmentation allows for precise control of the illumination pattern while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination pattern are controlled by adjusting the intensity and position of specific point light sources. The system creates locally optimized illumination characteristics by selectively activating and adjusting individual light sources to achieve uniform overall illumination while maintaining consistency across the measurement area
2Reliability
If the light source arrangement is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture specular reflection light from curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The point light sources are arranged in asymmetric patterns that correspond to the expected curvature and orientation of the measurement target surfaces. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the illumination geometry for capturing specular reflection light from curved surfaces, with light sources positioned to create appropriate reflection angles for the specific application
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional single-plane light source arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration of point light sources at different positions and angles. This spatial dimensionality allows the illumination to effectively cover curved surfaces and capture specular reflection light that would be inaccessible with planar arrangements
3Illumination intensity
If the diffusion plate angles are not optimized, then the manufacturing is easier, but the illumination uniformity and measurable range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the diffusion angles of the diffusion plates as key parameters to achieve uniform illumination. By carefully selecting and adjusting the diffusion angle values, the system creates consistent illumination patterns across the measurement area while maintaining manufacturability through standardized optical components with defined angular characteristics
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 configuration allows for high-accuracy measurement of painted surfaces by ensuring consistent illumination and improved defect detection, particularly on curved surfaces, by optimizing the diffusion angles and light source arrangements to enhance the measurable range and brightness uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffusion plate configured to diffuse a light flux from the light source in a predetermined arrangement direction; and a second diffusion plate configured to diffuse a light flux from the first diffusion plate in an orthogonal direction
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit configured to receive specular reflection light from the measurement target object illuminated by the illuminating unit
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus for measuring a measurement target object conveyed in a conveying direction, the measurement apparatus including an illuminating unit configured to illuminate the measurement target object; and a light receiving unit configured to receive specular reflection light from the measurement target object illuminated by the illuminating unit. The illuminating unit includes a light source and a first diffusion plate, the light source including a plurality of point light sources, a plurality of the light sources are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction, the plurality of point light sources are arranged in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the predetermined arrangement direction, and when a diffusion angle relative to the predetermined arrangement direction of the first diffusion plate is given as Ax and a diffusion angle relative to the orthogonal direction is given as Ay, a relationship of Ax<Ay is satisfied.