Separate Lighting Imaging Apparatus for Flexible Height Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses with integrated lighting and imaging devices lack flexibility during installation, requiring precise positioning and increasing user burden, and cannot utilize separate general-purpose imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with separate lighting and imaging devices, where the lighting device includes multiple light projection units and pattern light generation units that project diffused light with varying patterns, allowing the imaging device to generate angle images with irradiation angle information, enabling height measurement without strict calibration of device positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lighting device and imaging device are integrated with fixed relative positions, then measurement precision is improved, but installation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate lighting device and imaging device components. The lighting device includes multiple light projection units (first light projection unit with first light source, second light projection unit with second light source) that can be positioned independently around the measurement object, while the imaging device remains separate. This segmentation allows flexible installation configurations while maintaining measurement capability through coordinated operation of the separated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting device and imaging device are separated, then installation flexibility is improved, but user burden during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relative positions of the first light projection unit and second light projection unit are predetermined and fixed within the lighting device housing before installation. This preliminary configuration of the light projection units' relative positions eliminates the need for users to perform complex calibration procedures during installation, reducing user burden while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through the predetermined relative positions of the light projection units. The imaging device automatically receives pattern lights from the known positions of the first and second light projection units, and the system autonomously calculates height information without requiring manual intervention or complex user setup procedures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light projection units are used with known relative positions, then absolute shape measurement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into multiple independent light projection units (first light projection unit, second light projection unit), each with its own light source and pattern light generation capability. These units are positioned at known relative positions within the housing, enabling absolute shape measurement through triangulation while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light projection units with known relative positions are combined within a single lighting device housing that integrally supports them. This merging of multiple projection units allows the system to perform absolute shape measurement by receiving pattern lights from multiple known positions, achieving enhanced measurement capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 configuration allows for flexible installation and accurate measurement of the absolute shape of objects without increasing user burden, as the relative positions of light projection units are known, reducing the need for precise adjustment of the imaging device relative to the lighting device.
Implementation Method 1
a first light projection unit provided with a first light source that emits diffused light, and a first pattern light generation unit that sequentially generates a plurality of first measuring pattern lights having different patterns by receiving diffused light emitted from the first light source
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device that is provided separately from the lighting device, receives the first measuring pattern lights reflected from the measurement object through the opening of the housing to generate a plurality of first pattern images
Data Source
AI summary
Based on a plurality of first pattern images, a first angle image with each pixel having irradiation angle information of first measuring pattern lights on the measurement object is generated, and based on a plurality of second pattern images, a second angle image with each pixel having irradiation angle information of second measuring pattern lights on the measurement object is generated. In accordance with the irradiation angle information of each pixel in the first angle image, the irradiation angle information of each pixel in the second angle image, and relative position information of a first light projection unit and a second light projection unit, the height of the measurement object in a direction of a central axis of a lighting device is measured.