Rotating Platform Image Inspection Device with Automated Zoom Lens Focusing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image inspection devices face accuracy issues due to manual adjustment of image capture units, leading to inaccurate positioning and erroneous results when inspecting products of varying sizes and outlines.

Innovation Solution

An image inspection device with a rotating platform and multiple image capture units equipped with zoom lenses and focusing assemblies controlled by a central unit, allowing for automated focusing and positioning independent of the inspection scene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of image capture unit positions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning and self-focusing through automated control. The control unit automatically adjusts the positions of multiple image capture units and their focusing based on product information, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced by an automated control system that uses electronic signals to position and focus image capture units. The control unit receives product information and automatically calculates and executes the positioning and focusing requirements, substituting human operation with automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a single image capture unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to limited digital information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection task is divided into multiple segments by using several image capture units positioned at different locations and angles. Each unit captures images of different portions or aspects of the product, and the control unit integrates this segmented information to achieve comprehensive and accurate inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-point inspection to multi-dimensional inspection by positioning image capture units at different spatial locations and angles around the product. This spatial distribution enables capture of comprehensive product information from multiple perspectives simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If manual positioning is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to erroneous results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresult reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback information about the product (such as size and outline data) and automatically adjusts the positioning and focusing of image capture units accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the system adapts to different products while maintaining reliable inspection results without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes operational parameters (position coordinates, focusing distance, capture timing) based on product characteristics. The control unit calculates appropriate parameters for each inspection scenario and executes them, ensuring reliable results while eliminating manual parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed position image capture units are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates due to scene restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed static positioning to dynamic adjustable positioning. Image capture units can be automatically repositioned and refocused based on different inspection requirements and product characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to various inspection scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse product types and inspection requirements. By incorporating multiple adjustable image capture units controlled by a central unit that receives product information, the system can adapt to different products, sizes, and inspection needs, achieving universal applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances inspection accuracy by reducing manual errors and enabling precise focusing and image capture without scene restrictions, resulting in reliable and efficient product evaluation.

Implementation Method 1

Each image capture unit has a zoom lens electrically connected to the controlling unit for transmitting digital information of images captured by the zoom lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS20210385415A1Image inspection device
Publication Date: 2021.12.09 WEN CHIN TECH CO LTD
  • US20210385415A1 patent drawing
  • US20210385415A1 patent drawing
  • US20210385415A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image inspection device has a platform, a controlling unit, multiple image capture units, and a discharging unit. The platform has a carrier being capable of rotating for carrying products under inspection. The controlling unit is capable of controlling rotation of the carrier. The image capture units are disposed around the platform and electrically connected to the controlling unit. Each image capture unit has a zoom lens electrically connected to the controlling unit for transmitting digital information of images captured by the zoom lens to the controlling unit. The discharging unit is configured to move the products under inspection away from the carrier and electrically connected to the controlling unit.