Flatbed Scanner Optical Inspection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately measuring separations between features on flat surfaces of objects with complex geometries or small dimensional differences is challenging, especially with existing optical methods that are often expensive and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method using a flatbed scanner and computer system to acquire and analyze digital representations of objects, correcting image distance errors by fitting deviation curves to determine accurate distances between selected locations on flat objects, thereby providing a cost-effective and efficient optical measurement solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical comparators or three dimensional measuring machines are used to measure separations between features, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flatbed scanner to create a digital copy (image) of the physical object, then performs all measurements on this copy. This eliminates the need for complex optical measurement equipment while maintaining measurement capability. The scanner captures the object's features as image data, and software algorithms measure separations between features in the digital domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical-mechanical measurement systems with a simple flatbed scanner and computer software. The mechanical/optical complexity of devices like optical comparators is substituted with a consumer-grade scanner and image processing algorithms, dramatically reducing device complexity while preserving measurement functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical methods are used to measure separations between features, then contact with features is avoided, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a inexpensive flatbed scanner instead of expensive optical measurement equipment. The scanner is a common consumer device with low cost, replacing specialized optical instruments. This achieves the goal of avoiding contact with features while dramatically reducing device cost.
3Ease of operation
If image distance measurements are taken directly from scanner images, then measurement process is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to image distance errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reference objects with known feature separations to establish a feedback mechanism. By comparing measured image distances against known actual distances, the system calculates correction factors that are applied to subsequent measurements. This feedback loop compensates for scanner-induced distance errors and improves measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration using reference objects before measuring actual features. The correction curves are pre-computed from reference measurements, allowing quick correction of subsequent measurements without complex real-time adjustments. This preliminary action simplifies the overall measurement process while improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring dimensions between selected points on a side of interest in objects selected for measurement by an optical measuring system comprising a flatbed scanner and a connected computer system through acquiring a reference image to provide corresponding image distance errors; and also acquiring a measurement object image. Deviation curves are provided as the basis for determining deviation errors in the measurement object image. Corrected measurement object image distances are formed through combining the deviation errors in the measurement object image distances with the corresponding measurement object image. These corrected measurement object image distances are used to determine distances between chosen pairs of those selected locations.