Rotating Platform Optical Inspection System with Automated Zoom Lens Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging inspection devices face limitations in accuracy due to manual adjustment of image capture units, which can result in erroneous results and restrictiveness based on the scene of inspection, especially when dealing with products of varying sizes and outlines.
Innovation Solution
The imaging inspection device features a platform with a rotating carrier, multiple image capture units with zoom lenses and supplementary lighting elements, and a controlling unit that automates focusing through a driving motor and gear system, allowing precise focusing and image capture without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 personal error and inaccurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-focusing by automatically adjusting the position of image capture units based on product characteristics. The computer controls the focusing mechanism without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate personal error in positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. The computer electronically controls the focusing mechanism, substituting human operation with an automated mechanical system that achieves higher positioning precision through electronic control signals.
2Loss of information
If a single image capture unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of information obtained is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple image capture units, each responsible for capturing specific portions or aspects of the product. This segmentation allows comprehensive data collection from different angles or features, with each unit contributing specialized information to the overall inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image capture units are configured to perform different inspection functions simultaneously. Each unit can be optimized for specific inspection tasks (e.g., different magnifications, angles, or product features), creating a multi-functional system that obtains diverse information from a single integrated setup.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment of image capture unit positions is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of inspection results deteriorates due to erroneous results from inaccurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts image capture unit positions without requiring manual operation. The computer controls the focusing mechanism based on product characteristics, enabling the system to self-adjust and eliminate personal error, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the computer receives information about product characteristics and automatically adjusts the positioning of image capture units accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate positioning and reliable inspection results without requiring manual intervention.
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 enhances the accuracy of image inspection by minimizing personal error and allowing for clear image capture across different product sizes and outlines, reducing misjudgments and improving the reliability of inspection results.
Implementation Method 1
a zoom lens mounted to the assembling mount, connected to and driven by the focusing assembly for focusing
Implementation Method 2
a supplementary lighting element mounted to the assembling mount and disposed in front of the zoom lens of the image capture unit to emit light toward the zoom lens
Data Source
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AI summary
An image inspection device has a platform (10), a controlling unit (20), multiple image capture units (30), and a discharging unit (40). The platform (10) has a carrier (13) being capable of rotating for carrying products under inspection. The controlling unit (20) is capable of controlling rotation of the carrier (13). The image capture units (30) are disposed around the platform (10) and electrically connected to the controlling unit (20). Each image capture unit (30) has a zoom lens (33) electrically connected to the controlling unit (20) for transmitting digital information of images captured by the zoom lens (33) to the controlling unit (20). The discharging unit (40) is configured to move the products under inspection away from the carrier (13) and electrically connected to the controlling unit (20).