Steerable Mirror Machine Vision System for Multi-Angle Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision systems for imaging and decoding barcodes or symbols require complex, time-consuming, and expensive installation, calibration, and maintenance due to the need for multiple imaging devices with angled optical axes to capture multiple sides or different views of objects moving on a conveyor.
Innovation Solution
A controllable mirror is used in combination with fixed mirrors to adjust the field of view and zoom of a single imaging device, allowing it to capture images from different locations and angles without the need for multiple devices, by tilting the mirror relative to one or two axes to change the optical path and focus the lens arrangement accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging devices are arranged with angled optical axes to capture multiple sides or different views of objects, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single imaging device by using a steerable mirror to redirect light paths. Instead of using multiple fixed imaging devices positioned at different angles, one imaging device with a movable mirror captures images from multiple viewpoints by dynamically changing the optical path, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the optical path through a steerable mirror that can change its orientation during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows a single static imaging device to achieve the functionality of multiple fixed devices by redirecting light from different angles onto the sensor, eliminating the need for complex multi-device arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are used to capture images at different locations and angles, then the imaging versatility is improved, but the installation and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single imaging device universal by equipping it with a steerable mirror that enables it to perform multiple imaging functions. The same device can capture images from various locations, angles, and distances by adjusting the mirror orientation, eliminating the need to install and calibrate multiple specialized devices for different imaging tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function into two independent components: a fixed imaging device and a dynamically adjustable steerable mirror. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-view imaging capabilities through mirror positioning rather than through multiple physical devices, significantly reducing installation and calibration requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple imaging devices are deployed to capture different views of objects on conveyor, then the object analysis capability is improved, but the maintenance cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single device-mirror system, reducing the number of components that require maintenance. Instead of maintaining multiple imaging devices, sensors, and their respective calibration systems, the solution maintains one imaging device with a steerable mirror, thereby lowering maintenance costs and simplifying repair operations while preserving comprehensive object analysis capability.
4Device complexity
If a single imaging device is used with fixed optical path, then the system complexity is reduced, but the field of view and zoom capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control into an otherwise simple single-device system through a steerable mirror. This dynamic element allows the optical path to be reconfigured in real-time, enabling the imaging device to achieve variable field of view and zoom capabilities without the complexity of multiple fixed devices or complex mechanical zoom mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a steerable mirror as an intermediary between the single imaging device and the object being imaged. This intermediary component enables flexible light path routing, allowing the same imaging device to capture images with different fields of view and zoom levels by redirecting light at different angles, thereby achieving versatility without increasing 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 approach simplifies the system by reducing complexity and costs, while enabling effective image acquisition and analysis of objects moving on a conveyor, including capturing multiple sides or regions of interest with varying degrees of zoom, potentially eliminating the need for 3D sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A controllable mirror is used in combination with fixed mirrors to adjust the field of view and zoom of a single imaging device, allowing it to capture images from different locations and angles without the need for multiple devices, by tilting the mirror relative to one or two axes to change the optical path
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for acquiring images of objects (84; 146) using an imaging device (80; 142) and a controllable mirror (30; 46). The controllable mirror (30; 46) can be controlled to change a field of view for the imaging device, including so as to acquire images of different locations, of different parts of an object, or with different degrees of zoom.