Industrial Image Sensor Light Source Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial image processing systems face challenges in reproducibly positioning light sources due to deviations caused by changes in the light source's position, leading to issues like shadow formation and uneven illumination, which limits flexibility and accuracy in object recognition and classification.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensors and a comparison unit to detect the light source's actual position relative to predetermined reference points or planes, allowing for precise alignment and distance measurement, and using a positioning unit to adjust the light source accordingly, ensuring optimal and reproducible positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rigid mechanical devices are used to define installation position, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and flexibility are worsened

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid mechanical positioning devices with an optical/electronic detection system. Sensors detect the actual position of the light source relative to reference points, and a control unit processes this information to determine deviations from target positions. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical constraint structures while achieving precise positioning through detection and control.

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

2Measurement precision

If rigid mechanical devices are used to define installation position, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static mechanical positioning to dynamic sensor-based detection. The sensors continuously monitor the light source position, and the control unit can process deviations in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different positioning requirements and configurations without being constrained by fixed mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positioning parameter from fixed mechanical constraints to variable sensor detection values. By detecting actual position parameters through sensors and comparing them with target position parameters, the system can adapt to different measurement objects and application scenarios, providing both precision and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If light source position changes, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision is worsened due to shadows and uneven illumination

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously detect the actual position of the light source, and the control unit compares this with the target position. When deviations are detected (which could cause shadows or uneven illumination), the system can generate control signals to correct the position. This closed-loop feedback ensures that adaptability in positioning does not compromise measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3176730B1Illumination for industrial image processing
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 B&R IND AUTOMATION GMBH
  • EP3176730B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3176730B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Light source (1) for industrial image processing for illuminating an image area (3), wherein the light source (1) has at least one sensor (40) and the at least one sensor (40) is provided for detecting an actual relative position (6) of the light source (1) with respect to a reference plane (10) and that a comparison unit (11) connected to sensor (40) is provided for comparing the actual relative position (6) of the light source (1) with a predetermined relative target position (7).