Stereo Optical Assembly for Precise Machine Vision Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical systems for imaging biological specimens lack the precision and reliability needed for state-of-the-art imaging systems, requiring a specifically designed machine vision system for calibrating and positioning components in opto-fluidic instruments.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly that generates intersecting light beams for stereo-image formation, using mirrors and lenses to reflect and focus light onto a sensor array, combined with a computing node for processing images to determine 3D shape and location, enabling precise positioning of instrumental components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If off-the-shelf components and existing solutions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision are insufficient for state-of-the-art imaging systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a sensor array for capturing images, multiple light sources positioned at different locations for multi-angle illumination, and a computing node for processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for precision while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing node acts as an intermediary that receives images from the sensor array, processes the multi-angle light beam data, and determines three-dimensional characteristics of the object. This intermediary processing layer enables high precision measurement without requiring direct complex mechanical positioning systems.
2Measurement precision
If a specifically designed machine vision system is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array serves multiple functions: capturing images from different angles, detecting object positions, and providing data for three-dimensional reconstruction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, achieving high measurement precision while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning and calibration mechanisms with an optical-based machine vision approach. By using multiple light sources and a sensor array to optically determine three-dimensional characteristics, the system achieves high calibration accuracy without relying on precision mechanical components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and imaging mirrors are used for stereo-image formation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple light sources positioned at different locations to create multiple virtual views of the object, effectively copying the illumination pattern from different angles. This optical copying approach achieves three-dimensional measurement precision without requiring complex physical models or fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional single-angle imaging to three-dimensional multi-angle imaging by adding light sources at different positions. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate three-dimensional object determination while the modular design keeps manufacturing and assembly manageable.
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
Enables precise and reliable positioning of components in opto-fluidic instruments for high-precision imaging of biological specimens, enhancing the accuracy of biological sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources configured to generate a first light beam and a second light beam that intersects the first light beam at an intersection region to thereby illuminate an object within the intersection region
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging mirror configured to reflect the first light beam after the intersection region and towards the sensor array. The optical assembly includes a second imaging mirror configured to reflect the second light beam after the intersection region and towards the sensor array
Implementation Method 3
a focusing lens configured to collect and focus reflected light from the first imaging mirror to a first portion of the sensor array and from the second imaging mirror to a second portion of the sensor array
Implementation Method 4
a first collimating lens configured to collimate the first light beam from the one or more light sources onto the object and the first imaging mirror. The optical assembly may include a second collimating lens configured to collimate the second light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly of a machine vision system for calibrating and/or positioning of various motion control modules of an analytical system/tool/instrument having integrated optics and fluidics modules configured for imaging of biological specimens is disclosed. The optical assembly includes one or more light sources configured to generate a first light beam and a second light beam that intersects the first light beam at an intersection region to illuminate an object within the intersection region; a sensor array configured to receive the first light beam and the second light beam to thereby form a stereo-image based on received light from the first light beam and the second light beam; a first imaging mirror configured to reflect the first beam after the intersection region and towards the sensor array; and a second imaging mirror configured to reflect the second beam after the intersection region and towards the sensor array.