Rectangular Illuminator Asymmetry for Uniform Machine Vision Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminators for optical and machine-vision systems often have non-uniform lighting issues due to their round shape, which can lead to inaccurate image capture, especially near the edges, and are difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pair or multiple rectangular-shaped illuminators positioned on either side of the object, with adjustable light intensity and sequencing, and a reflector that spreads the light to provide uniform illumination, allowing for accurate image capture even on reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a round illuminator is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the lighting becomes non-uniform especially near the edges of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rectangular illuminators instead of round ones, creating an asymmetric shape that matches the rectangular sensor geometry. This asymmetry allows for uniform lighting distribution across the entire field of view, particularly improving edge illumination uniformity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard rectangular housing and lens assembly processes
2Device complexity
If a round illuminator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the lighting pattern does not match the field of view shape causing non-uniform lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rectangular illuminators instead of round ones, creating an asymmetric shape that matches the rectangular sensor geometry. This asymmetry allows for uniform lighting distribution across the entire field of view, particularly improving edge illumination uniformity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard rectangular housing and lens assembly processes
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple rectangular illuminators are used, then uniform lighting is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into multiple separate rectangular illuminators positioned at different locations around the object. Each illuminator can be independently controlled and positioned to provide uniform lighting across the field of view. This segmentation allows for flexible illumination control and uniform lighting distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
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 ensures uniform lighting and reduces reflection, enabling accurate image capture and high-speed image processing in optical and machine-vision systems by simulating multiple light sources and minimizing edge non-uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector that spreads the light to provide uniform illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of an apparatus including a housing having therein at least one light source, the at least one light source oriented to direct light out one side of the housing, and an arc-shaped reflector connected to the housing, the arc-shaped reflector having a reflecting surface optically coupled to the at least one light source to reflect light from the at least one light source to a position adjacent to the housing.