Reflective Depth Detection Using Swing Element and Lookup Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the curvature and depth of an object's surface are either costly, complex, or inaccurate due to the need for complex theoretical calculations and expensive equipment, particularly when dealing with non-optically transmissive objects or surfaces with low contrast images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an electrically-controlled swing element, a light source, an optical system, and a computation unit that redirects a light beam to form light points on an object's surface, allowing for the calculation of depth information using projection and default information, with the option to calculate depth based on center displacement, shape variation, or intensity variation of the light points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transmissive measurement method is used, then the measurement system is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot measure non-optically transmissive objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional transmissive measurement approach by using reflective measurement. Instead of transmitting light through the object, the system projects light onto the object's surface and captures the reflected light, enabling measurement of non-transmissive objects while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical-based reflective measurement system. By using light projection and reflection capture, the system achieves measurement capability for non-transmissive objects without requiring complex mechanical access to the object
2Adaptability or versatility
If oblique reflective measurement method is used, then non-transmissive objects can be measured, but the theoretical calculation is complex and image contrast is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between projector position, object surface position, and camera position. This lookup table approach eliminates the need for complex real-time theoretical calculations during measurement, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lookup table as an intermediary between the optical measurement system and the final depth calculation. The lookup table stores pre-computed geometric relationships, acting as a mediator that translates complex spatial relationships into simple query operations, thereby reducing calculation complexity
3Measurement precision
If interferometry or laser scanning triangulation is used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the measurement system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional components needed for depth measurement, eliminating unnecessary complex subsystems. By using a simplified projector-camera system with lookup table-based calculation, the patent achieves acceptable measurement precision without the complexity and cost of interferometry or advanced laser scanning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf components (projector, camera, standard lenses) rather than specialized expensive measurement equipment. While individual components have limited precision compared to specialized instruments, their combined use with the lookup table method achieves sufficient measurement accuracy at much lower cost and complexity
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 solution enables accurate and cost-effective measurement of surface depth with a simple configuration, reducing manufacturing costs and image processing time, while being applicable to various surfaces, including those with uneven profiles.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam of the light source is redirected to the surface by the electrically-controlled swing element to form a light point
Implementation Method 2
The optical system is configured to receive the projection information of the light point
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting the position and depth of a Device Under Test (DUT) having a surface and a method thereof. The apparatus comprises an electrically-controlled swing element whose swing angle is controlled by an electrically-driven actuator, a light source whose light beam is redirected to the surface by the electrically-controlled swing element to form a light point, an optical system configured to receive the projection information of the light point, a storage unit configured to store the default information of the light point projected onto a default plane (DP) and a computation unit for calculating the depth information of the DUT according to the projection information and the default information.