Sensor Array Edge Scanning for Object Disposition Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection systems face challenges in accurately determining the initial and continuous disposition of moving objects within a coordinate system, which is crucial for efficient and accurate inspection processes.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor and a sensor array that scans the edges of an object to calculate the intersecting point, which serves as an object datum, allowing for precise registration and tracking of the object within a defined coordinate system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional inspection tools (digital cameras, laser sensors) are used to identify object disposition, then geometric features can be detected, but the system requires additional tracking steps and repeated inspections for moving objects, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject disposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidinspection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing a coordinate system and calculating the intersecting point of edges before the inspection process begins. This preliminary setup enables direct disposition determination without requiring subsequent tracking steps, thereby improving both measurement precision and productivity for moving objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If fixtures are used to locate and hold the object during inspection, then object position can be maintained, but the fixtures are expensive, difficult to handle, and may not provide sufficient accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject location accuracyVSAvoidfixture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fixture system with an optical/electronic measurement system. Instead of using physical fixtures to locate and hold the object, the system uses sensors to detect edge positions and calculates the intersecting point to determine object disposition, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fixtures while improving accuracy

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation of the object's geometric features by detecting edge positions and calculating the intersecting point within a coordinate system. This digital model serves as a virtual fixture, replacing physical fixtures and enabling accurate positioning without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the object moves during inspection, then continuous tracking is required to maintain accuracy, but this requires additional detection steps and may require repeating the inspection process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisposition tracking accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous disposition determination by establishing a reference coordinate system based on the intersecting point before movement occurs. This continuous reference framework allows the system to track moving objects without interrupting the inspection process, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need to repeat inspections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250095196A1Finding disposition of an object
Publication Date: 2025.03.20 VIRTEK VISION INT INC
  • US20250095196A1 patent drawing
  • US20250095196A1 patent drawing
  • US20250095196A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for determining geometric disposition of an object within a coordinate system includes a processor and a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensors oriented to scan a first edge and a second edge of an object for identifying a disposition of the first edge and the second edge within a coordinate system. The sensor array is electronically connected to the processor for signaling the identified disposition of the first edge and the second edge of the object within the coordinate system. The processor is programmed to calculate a location of an intersecting point of the first edge and the second edge. The processor calculates disposition of the object within the coordinate system from the calculated location of the of the intersecting point.