Steerable Mirror Machine Vision for Multi-Angle Object Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision systems require complex, time-consuming, and expensive installations, calibrations, and operations to capture multiple images of objects from different angles and zoom levels, especially when objects move or are larger than the field of view, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a controllable mirror 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 define various optical paths and focus the lens arrangement accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are arranged to capture images from different angles and locations, then comprehensive object coverage is achieved, but system complexity, installation cost, and calibration time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a steerable mirror that can dynamically change its orientation to redirect light paths, allowing a single fixed imaging device to capture images from multiple angles and locations by mechanically adjusting the mirror's position during operation
Solution Approach 2:
A single imaging device is made multi-functional through the addition of a steerable mirror, enabling it to perform the functions of multiple fixed imaging devices by redirecting light to capture images from various perspectives and locations
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used to capture images at different zoom levels, then detailed analysis is improved, but system cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable mirror is positioned at different angles to create varying optical path lengths, effectively providing different zoom levels for image capture without requiring multiple imaging devices with different focal lengths
3Productivity
If multiple imaging devices are installed to track moving objects, then image acquisition completeness is improved, but installation time and calibration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable mirror can rapidly adjust its orientation in response to object motion, allowing a single imaging device to track and capture images of moving objects from multiple positions without requiring pre-installation of multiple devices
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 imaging process, reduces costs, and minimizes errors by enabling a single imaging device to capture comprehensive images of objects from various perspectives and zoom levels, potentially eliminating the need for 3D sensors and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing a controllable mirror 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 by tilting the mirror relative to one or two axes to define various optical paths
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for scanning a side of an object to identify a region of interest is provided. The method can include determining, using one or more computing devices, a distance between a side of an object and an imaging device, determining, using the one or more computing devices, a scanning pattern for an imaging device that includes a controllable mirror, based on the distance between the side of the object and the imaging device, moving a controllable mirror according to the scanning pattern to acquire, using the one or more computing device and the imaging device, a plurality of images of the side of the object, and identifying, using the one or more computing devices, the region of interest based on the plurality of images.