Transparent tube inspection system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a transparent tube inspection system and method. The transparent tube inspection system includes: two light sources, adapted to be mounted on either end of a transparent tube to be inspected, for emitting illumination light from both ends into the interior of the tube; an imaging device for capturing an image of the transparent tube illuminated by the light sources; and a determination device for determining whether the transparent tube is of acceptable quality based on the image captured by the imaging device. In the present invention, the light sources are mounted on either end of the transparent tube, providing good illumination for the tube while avoiding interference with the imaging device, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of transparent tube inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transparent tube inspection system and a transparent tube inspection method. Background Art

[0002] Transparent tubes are used in various industries. For example, transparent glass or plastic tubes. Before leaving the factory, they must be inspected to determine if they meet quality standards. Conventional quality inspection systems for transparent tubes typically include a backlight and a camera. The backlight illuminates the entire tube from the rear, while the camera captures images of the tube from the front. However, the large size of the backlight prevents the camera from being positioned on the rear side of the tube. Consequently, a 360-degree image of the tube cannot be captured simultaneously, resulting in blind spots. This prevents detection of all defects on the tube, reducing the accuracy and reliability of quality inspections. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a transparent tube inspection system is provided, comprising: two light sources, adapted to be mounted on opposite ends of a transparent tube to be inspected, respectively, for emitting illumination light from both ends of the transparent tube into the interior of the transparent tube; an imaging device, adapted to capture an image of the transparent tube illuminated by the light sources; and a determination device, adapted to determine whether the transparent tube is of acceptable quality based on the image captured by the imaging device.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device is capable of simultaneously capturing images of the entire circumference of the photographed section of the transparent tube.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device includes: an annular mounting frame; and at least three cameras mounted on the annular mounting frame, wherein the at least three cameras are evenly spaced around the circumference of the annular mounting frame and are used to simultaneously capture images of the transparent tube passing through the annular mounting frame.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least three cameras are all directed toward the center of the annular mounting frame to simultaneously capture images of the transparent tube passing through the center of the annular mounting frame.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device includes three cameras, and the angle between the optical axes of two adjacent cameras is equal to 120 degrees.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device includes four cameras, and the angle between the optical axes of two adjacent cameras is equal to 90 degrees.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light source is an infrared spotlight.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transparent tube inspection system further includes: a clamping device for clamping the transparent tube; and a moving device for moving the clamping device so that the clamped transparent tube moves through the imaging device.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping device includes: a mounting plate connected to the moving device; a first clamp mounted on the mounting plate and suitable for clamping the transparent tube; and a second clamp mounted on the mounting plate and suitable for clamping the transparent tube, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the moving direction of the transparent tube.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when it is necessary to inspect the first end section of the transparent tube, the second clamp is clamped on the second end section of the transparent tube and moves the first end section of the transparent tube past the imaging device to capture an image of the first end section of the transparent tube through the imaging device.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when it is necessary to inspect the second end section of the transparent tube, the first clamp clamps the first end section of the transparent tube and moves the second end section of the transparent tube past the imaging device to capture an image of the second end section of the transparent tube through the imaging device.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when it is necessary to inspect the middle section of the transparent tube, the first clamp and the second clamp simultaneously clamp the first end section and the second end section of the transparent tube respectively and move the middle section of the transparent tube past the imaging device to capture an image of the middle section of the transparent tube through the imaging device.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving device is a multi-degree-of-freedom robot, and the mounting plate is connected to a terminal end of the multi-degree-of-freedom robot.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving device moves the transparent tube along a predetermined path through the imaging device so that the transparent tube passes through the center of the annular mounting bracket and is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transparent tube inspection system is suitable for inspecting curved transparent tubes of different shapes and / or transparent tubes of different sizes.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a transparent tube inspection method is provided, comprising the following steps: providing the aforementioned transparent tube inspection system; clamping a first end section of the transparent tube with a first clamp and moving the clamped second end section of the transparent tube through an imaging device via the first clamp to capture an image of the second end section of the transparent tube; clamping the second end section of the transparent tube clamped by the first clamp with a second clamp and moving the clamped middle section of the transparent tube through the imaging device together via the first clamp and capturing an image of the middle section of the transparent tube; releasing the first clamp and moving the first end section of the transparent tube through the imaging device via the second clamp clamped on the second end section of the transparent tube to capture an image of the first end section of the transparent tube.

[0020] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, light sources are respectively installed at both ends of the transparent tube, which not only provides good lighting for the transparent tube but also does not interfere with the imaging device, thereby improving the inspection accuracy and reliability of the transparent tube.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an imaging device of a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A diagram showing the arrangement of cameras of a transparent pipe inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4A A schematic diagram showing a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inspecting a second end section of a transparent tube;

[0026] Figure 4B A schematic diagram showing a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inspecting a middle section of a transparent tube;

[0027] Figure 4CA schematic diagram showing a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inspecting a first end section of a transparent tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0030] According to one general technical concept of the present invention, a transparent tube inspection system is provided, comprising: two light sources, adapted to be mounted on opposite ends of a transparent tube to be inspected, respectively, for emitting illumination light from the opposite ends into the interior of the transparent tube; an imaging device, adapted to capture an image of the transparent tube illuminated by the light sources; and a determination device, adapted to determine whether the transparent tube is of acceptable quality based on the image captured by the imaging device.

[0031] According to another overall technical concept of the present invention, a transparent tube inspection method is provided, comprising the following steps: providing the aforementioned transparent tube inspection system; clamping a first end section of the transparent tube with a first clamp and moving the clamped second end section of the transparent tube through an imaging device via the first clamp to capture an image of the second end section of the transparent tube; clamping the second end section of the transparent tube clamped by the first clamp with a second clamp and moving the clamped middle section of the transparent tube through the imaging device together with the first clamp and capturing an image of the middle section of the transparent tube; releasing the first clamp and moving the first end section of the transparent tube through the imaging device via the second clamp clamped on the second end section of the transparent tube to capture an image of the first end section of the transparent tube.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent tube inspection system includes two light sources 20, an imaging device 10, and a judgment device. The two light sources 20 are adapted to be mounted on either end of the transparent tube 100 to be inspected, emitting illumination light from both ends into the interior of the transparent tube 100. The imaging device 10 is adapted to capture an image of the transparent tube 100 illuminated by the light sources 20. The judgment device is adapted to determine whether the quality of the transparent tube 100 is acceptable based on the image captured by the imaging device 10. The judgment device may be a functional module running on a computer and may include an image processing module and a defect recognition module. The image processing module processes the captured image, and the defect recognition module identifies defects on the transparent tube 100 based on the processed image. If a defect is detected, the judgment device determines that the transparent tube 100 is of unacceptable quality. If no defect is detected, the judgment device determines that the transparent tube 100 is of acceptable quality.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an imaging device 10 of a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A diagram showing the arrangement of cameras 11 of a transparent pipe inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the imaging device 10 can simultaneously capture images of the entire circumference of the captured section of the transparent tube 100. That is, the imaging device 10 can capture images of the transparent tube 100 in a 360-degree direction.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the imaging device 10 includes an annular mounting frame 12 and at least three cameras 11. The at least three cameras 11 are mounted on the annular mounting frame 12. The at least three cameras 11 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the annular mounting frame 12 and are configured to simultaneously capture images of the transparent tube 100 passing through the annular mounting frame 12.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, at least three cameras 11 are all directed toward the center of the annular mounting frame 12 to simultaneously capture images of the transparent tube 100 passing through the center of the annular mounting frame 12 .

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the imaging device 10 includes three cameras 11, and the angle between the optical axes of two adjacent cameras 11 is equal to 120 degrees. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the imaging device 10 may also include four cameras 11, and the angle between the optical axes of two adjacent cameras 11 is equal to 90 degrees.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the light source 20 can be an infrared spotlight. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light source 20 can also be other types of suitable light sources.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent tube inspection system further includes a clamping device 30 and a moving device 40. The clamping device 30 is used to clamp the transparent tube 100. The moving device 40 is used to move the clamping device 30 and the transparent tube 100 clamped by the clamping device 30, so that the clamped transparent tube 100 moves through the imaging device 10.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 30 includes a mounting plate 33, a first clamp 31, and a second clamp 32. The mounting plate 33 is connected to the moving device 40. The first clamp 31 is mounted on the mounting plate 33 and is suitable for clamping the transparent tube 100. The second clamp 32 is mounted on the mounting plate 33 and is suitable for clamping the transparent tube 100. The first clamp 31 and the second clamp 31 are separated by a predetermined distance in the direction of movement of the transparent tube 100.

[0042] Figure 4A A schematic diagram illustrating a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inspecting the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100 .

[0043] like Figure 1-3 and Figure 4A As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent tube 100 has a first end section 110 , a second end section 120 and a middle section 130 located between the first end section 110 and the second end section 120 .

[0044] like Figure 1-3 and Figure 4A As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when it is necessary to inspect the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100, the first clamp 31 is clamped on the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100 and the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100 is moved past the imaging device 10 to capture an image of the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100 through the imaging device 10.

[0045] Figure 4B A schematic diagram illustrating a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inspecting the middle section 130 of a transparent tube 100 .

[0046] like Figure 1-3 and Figure 4BAs shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when it is necessary to inspect the middle section 130 of the transparent tube 100, the first clamp 31 and the second clamp 32 are simultaneously clamped on the first end section 110 and the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100, respectively, and the middle section 130 of the transparent tube 100 is moved past the imaging device 10, so that an image of the middle section 130 of the transparent tube 100 is captured by the imaging device 10.

[0047] Figure 4C A schematic diagram showing a transparent tube inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inspecting a first end section 110 of a transparent tube.

[0048] like Figure 1-3 and Figure 4C As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when it is necessary to inspect the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100, the second clamp 32 is clamped on the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100 and the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100 is moved past the imaging device 10 to capture an image of the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100 through the imaging device 10.

[0049] like Figure 1-3 and Figures 4A-4C As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the moving device 40 is a multi-degree-of-freedom robot, and the mounting plate 33 is connected to the end 41 of the multi-degree-of-freedom robot.

[0050] like Figure 1-3 and Figures 4A-4C As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving device 40 can move the transparent tube 100 along a predetermined path through the imaging device 10, so that the transparent tube 100 passes through the center of the annular mounting frame 12 and is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 11. This can improve the image capture effect.

[0051] like Figure 1-3 and Figures 4A-4C As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transparent tube inspection system of the present invention is suitable for inspecting curved transparent tubes 100 of different shapes and / or transparent tubes 100 of different sizes. Therefore, the transparent tube inspection system of the present invention has good compatibility.

[0052] The following will refer to the attached Figures 4A-4C The process of inspecting the transparent tube 100 using the aforementioned transparent tube inspection system will be described in detail.

[0053] First, if Figure 4A As shown, the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100 is clamped by the first clamp 31 and the second end section 120 of the clamped transparent tube 100 is moved through the imaging device 10 by the first clamp 31 to capture an image of the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100;

[0054] Then, if Figure 4B As shown, the second clamp 32 is clamped on the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100 clamped by the first clamp 31, and the middle section 130 of the clamped transparent tube 100 is moved through the imaging device 10 by the first clamp 31 and the second clamp 32 together to capture an image of the middle section 130 of the transparent tube 100;

[0055] Finally, if Figure 4C As shown, the first clamp 31 is released, and the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100 is moved past the imaging device 10 by the second clamp 32 clamped on the second end section 120 of the transparent tube 100 to capture an image of the first end section 110 of the transparent tube 100.

[0056] In this way, the image capture of the entire transparent tube 100 in a 360-degree direction can be completed, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the quality inspection of the transparent tube.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved by those skilled in the art. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without causing any conflicts in structure or principle. These changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0059] Although some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0060] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A transparent tube inspection system for inspecting a bent transparent tube (100), characterized in that: include: Two light sources (20), adapted to be mounted on both ends of a transparent tube (100) to be inspected, respectively, and used to emit illumination light from both ends of the transparent tube (100) toward the interior of the transparent tube (100); an imaging device (10) for capturing an image of the transparent tube (100) illuminated by the light source (20); a judging device adapted to judge whether the quality of the transparent tube (100) is qualified based on the image captured by the imaging device (10); A clamping device (30) for clamping the transparent tube (100); and a moving device (40) for moving the clamping device (30) so that the clamped transparent tube (100) moves through the imaging device (10), The clamping device (30) comprises: A mounting plate (33) connected to the moving device (40); a first clamp (31), mounted on the mounting plate (33), adapted to clamp the transparent tube (100); and A second clamp (32), mounted on the mounting plate (33), is adapted to clamp the transparent tube (100). The first clamp (31) and the second clamp (32) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the moving direction of the transparent tube (100), the moving device (40) is a multi-degree-of-freedom robot, and the mounting plate (33) is connected to the end (41) of the multi-degree-of-freedom robot.

2. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The imaging device (10) is capable of simultaneously capturing images of the entire circumference of the captured section of the transparent tube (100).

3. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The imaging device (10) comprises: annular mounting bracket (12); and At least three cameras (11) are mounted on the annular mounting frame (12), The at least three cameras (11) are evenly spaced around the circumference of the annular mounting frame (12) and are used to simultaneously capture images of the transparent tube (100) passing through the annular mounting frame (12).

4. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least three cameras (11) are all directed toward the center of the annular mounting frame (12) to simultaneously capture images of the transparent tube (100) passing through the center of the annular mounting frame (12).

5. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The imaging device (10) comprises three cameras (11), and the angle between the optical axes of two adjacent cameras (11) is equal to 120 degrees.

6. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The imaging device (10) comprises four cameras (11), and the angle between the optical axes of two adjacent cameras (11) is equal to 90 degrees.

7. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source (20) is an infrared spotlight.

8. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When it is necessary to inspect the first end section (110) of the transparent tube (100), the second clamp (32) clamps the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100) and moves the first end section (110) of the transparent tube (100) through the imaging device (10) to capture an image of the first end section (110) of the transparent tube (100) through the imaging device (10).

9. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When it is necessary to inspect the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100), the first clamp (31) clamps the first end section (110) of the transparent tube (100) and moves the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100) through the imaging device (10) to capture an image of the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100) through the imaging device (10).

10. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When it is necessary to inspect the middle section (130) of the transparent tube (100), the first clamp (31) and the second clamp (32) are simultaneously clamped on the first end section (110) and the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100), respectively, and the middle section (130) of the transparent tube (100) is moved through the imaging device (10) to capture an image of the middle section (130) of the transparent tube (100) through the imaging device (10).

11. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The moving device (40) moves the transparent tube (100) along a predetermined path through the imaging device (10), so that the transparent tube (100) passes through the center of the annular mounting frame (12) and is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera (11).

12. The transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent tube inspection system is used for inspecting curved transparent tubes (100) of different shapes.

13. A method for inspecting a transparent tube, comprising the following steps: Providing the transparent tube inspection system according to claim 1; clamping a first end section (110) of a transparent tube (100) with a first clamp (31) and moving the clamped second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100) through an imaging device (10) via the first clamp (31) to capture an image of the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100); clamping the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100) clamped by the first clamp (31) with a second clamp (32) and moving the middle section (130) of the clamped transparent tube (100) through the imaging device (10) by the first clamp (31) and the second clamp (32) to capture an image of the middle section (130) of the transparent tube (100); The first clamp (31) is released, and the first end section (110) of the transparent tube (100) is moved through the imaging device (10) by the second clamp (32) clamped on the second end section (120) of the transparent tube (100) to capture an image of the first end section (110) of the transparent tube (100).

Images