Telecentric Cartesian Scanner for Fast Large-Format Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanners, including flatbed, planetary, and Cartesian scanners, face limitations in scanning large-format and three-dimensional objects due to resolution, complexity, cost, and mechanical constraints, particularly when using linear sensors and telecentric optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A Cartesian scanner with a telecentric optical system, a matrix sensor, and stroboscopic lighting integrated with the optical system, allowing for high-resolution, compact, and cost-effective scanning by moving the scanning head or surface during image acquisition, using a high-speed matrix sensor and real-time position tracking to minimize mechanical stress and blur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear sensor and telecentric optical system are used in Cartesian scanners to improve resolution for large-format works, then the acquisition resolution is improved, but the scanning speed decreases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a matrix sensor that captures multiple images simultaneously at different positions, creating a comprehensive digital copy of the entire object surface in one operation. This eliminates the need for sequential scanning with linear sensors, thereby maintaining high resolution while dramatically increasing scanning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the scanning process into multiple simultaneous image acquisitions using a matrix sensor with multiple pixels, each capturing light from different positions on the object. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple scan positions, achieving both high resolution and fast scanning speed.
2Area of stationary object
If a linear sensor and telecentric optical system are used to scan large objects, then the acquisition format is improved, but the device dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix sensor creates a complete digital copy of the object surface simultaneously, eliminating the need for large physical sensor arrays. This allows the system to achieve large acquisition format through software processing of multiple small images rather than requiring a physically large sensor, thereby reducing device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear sensor to a two-dimensional matrix sensor, allowing the system to capture the entire object surface in a single operation. This dimensional change enables large acquisition format without proportionally increasing device dimensions or weight.
3Productivity
If a matrix sensor is used instead of a linear sensor, then the scanning speed is improved, but the depth of field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a matrix sensor that captures multiple images at different positions simultaneously, with overlapping fields of view. This segmentation allows the system to maintain depth of field by processing multiple images that each cover a limited area, while the combined result provides comprehensive coverage at high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image acquisition at multiple positions with overlapping fields before final processing. This preliminary action ensures that each individual image maintains sufficient depth of field, while the subsequent stitching and processing create the final high-speed scan result.
4Measurement precision
If the optical system and sensor are separated from the lighting system in planetary scanners, then the resolution is improved, but the constructional complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical system, matrix sensor, and lighting system into a single unified scanning head assembly. This merging eliminates the complexity of separate components and their independent movement, while maintaining the resolution benefits through the combined optimized design of the integrated system.
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
The scanner achieves fast, precise, and reliable scanning of large objects with reduced mechanical stress and cost, enabling high-quality 3D image reconstruction by correcting image alignment errors through real-time position data and overlapping acquisitions.
Implementation Method 1
an acquisition device (20) positioned along a vertical optical axis (A) and perpendicular to the scanning surface (γ), wherein the acquisition device (20) comprises a telecentric optical system (20a) configured for directing a light beam from the scanning surface (γ) to the acquisition device (20)
Implementation Method 2
stroboscopic lighting integrated with the optical system, allowing for high-resolution, compact, and cost-effective scanning
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a Cartesian scanner (100) comprising a scanning surface (γ) on which an object (O) to be scanned can be positioned and a scanning head (200) comprising an acquisition device (20) configured for acquiring at least one image of the object (O). The scanning head (200) comprises a lighting system comprising at least one light source (2). The scanner (100) comprises a movement system (300) configured for moving the scanning head (200) or the scanning surface (γ) along a scanning direction (X). The scanner (100) comprises a control and processing unit connected to the acquisition device (20) and to the movement system (300). In use, during a movement of the scanning head (200) or of the scanning surface (γ) along the scanning direction (X), the control and processing unit is configured for repeatedly activating the acquisition device (20) in such a way that it acquires, for each activation, an image.