Modular teaching conveyor experiment platform

Abstract

This utility model discloses a modular teaching conveying experimental platform, including a main frame, a belt at the top of the main frame, and transmission rollers at the inner sides of both ends of the belt, which are rotatably connected to the main frame. The transmission rollers at the rear end of the main frame are connected to the output shaft of a motor via a coupling. Light source brackets are provided on both sides of the main frame for mounting light sources to provide illumination for the detection area. A camera is located at the center of the top of the main frame for image acquisition of materials on the belt. A cylinder is located at the top front end of the main frame for pushing and blocking materials. This invention relates to the field of machine vision experimental platform technology. The modular support structure is constructed using industrial-grade aluminum profiles, facilitating equipment installation and debugging. The belt drive system is flexibly adjustable to adapt to different material transport. The multi-light source support system and single-to-multi-view camera architecture can acquire high-quality image data for different detection tasks and material characteristics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of machine vision experimental platforms, specifically a modular teaching delivery experimental platform. Background Technology

[0002] In industry, machine vision conveyors are widely used, primarily for product quality inspection and sorting. Common industrial machine vision conveyors possess basic visual inspection functions, capable of detecting product dimensions and defects. For example, in the electronics manufacturing industry, they are used to check the accuracy of electronic component placement; in the food and beverage industry, they are used to check the integrity of product packaging. While machine vision conveyor technology is relatively mature, most products are designed for specific industrial applications, such as coal mining, logistics, and other fields, focusing primarily on inspection and control in actual production, lacking consideration for teaching and research. Currently, there are relatively few machine vision conveyors specifically designed for educational use in the education market. However, with the increasing emphasis on practical teaching in higher education, especially in practical courses related to artificial intelligence, robotics engineering, and automation, the demand for equipment that integrates machine vision technology with conveyor systems is gradually emerging. Some universities or vocational colleges may build their own simple machine vision experimental platforms, but their integration and functional completeness are limited.

[0003] In teaching experiments, traditional machine vision inspection equipment has relatively limited functionality, making it difficult to meet diverse teaching needs. The frame structure of some equipment is not conducive to the installation and debugging of various vision inspection-related devices and modules; the transmission system cannot flexibly adapt to the transmission requirements of different materials; the light source and camera systems lack flexibility and expandability, making it difficult to acquire high-quality image data for different inspection tasks and material characteristics; at the same time, there are also shortcomings in material screening and sorting functions, as well as data processing and management, failing to provide comprehensive data support for teaching evaluation and process optimization. Furthermore, existing equipment typically lacks functional expansion interfaces, making it difficult to meet the experimental needs of continuously updated and expanded courses, and failing to effectively help students deeply understand and master machine vision technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular teaching delivery experimental platform to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A modular teaching conveying experimental platform includes a main frame, a belt at the top of the main frame, and transmission rollers at the inner sides of both ends of the belt. The transmission rollers are rotatably connected to the main frame. The transmission rollers at the rear end of the main frame are connected to the output shaft of a motor via a coupling. Light source brackets are provided on both sides of the main frame for mounting light sources to provide illumination for the detection area. A camera is located at the center of the top of the main frame for image acquisition of the material on the belt. A cylinder is located at the top front end of the main frame for pushing and blocking the material.

[0007] Preferably, the camera and the cylinder are both connected to the main frame via an L-shaped bracket. The lower end of the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket is fixedly connected to the main frame, and the camera and the cylinder are respectively located at the end of the horizontal section of their respective L-shaped brackets.

[0008] Preferably, a development board is also provided on the outer front end of the main frame, and the development board is connected to the camera and exchanges data through a switch.

[0009] Preferably, the switch is located inside the distribution box, which also includes an air switch, a power strip, a switch module, a solenoid valve, and a relay. The switch is located at the center of the lower end of the distribution box, the power strip and the switch module are located at the two sides of the distribution box, and the air switch, solenoid valve, and relay are arranged sequentially from left to right at the upper end of the distribution box.

[0010] Preferably, the air switch is used for overall circuit control and protection, the power strip is used to connect the power supply of each electrical device, the switch module is used to control the switching of the motor, the solenoid valve is used to control the cylinder to push or block the material, and the relay is used for circuit switching and control to realize the logical control of each device.

[0011] Preferably, the switch is also connected to external network devices for remote monitoring and management of the entire system.

[0012] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] This invention utilizes an industrial-grade aluminum profile frame to construct a modular support structure, facilitating equipment installation and debugging. The belt drive system is flexibly adjustable to adapt to different material transport methods. A multi-light source support system and a single-to-multi-view camera architecture acquire high-quality image data for various detection tasks and material characteristics. A screening and sorting module automates material screening. A Jetson high-performance development board, working in conjunction with the software system architecture, enables real-time visual inspection, data management, and analysis. Functional expansion interfaces meet the needs of course experiments. Overall, this invention provides a comprehensive, flexible, and easy-to-use platform for machine vision teaching experiments, helping students better learn and master machine vision technology. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the distribution box of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the air compressor of this utility model;

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Main frame; 2. Belt; 3. Drive roller; 4. Motor; 5. Coupling; 6. Light source bracket; 7. Camera; 8. Cylinder; 9. Development board; 10. Air switch; 11. Power strip; 12. Switch module; 13. Solenoid valve; 14. Relay; 15. Switch. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below.

[0020] The "range" disclosed in this utility model is defined by a lower limit and an upper limit. A given range is defined by selecting a lower limit and an upper limit, which define the boundaries of a particular range. Ranges defined in this way can include or exclude endpoints and can be arbitrarily combined; that is, any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to form a range. For example, if a range of 10–50 is listed for a specific parameter, it is also expected that ranges of 10–40 and 20–50 are also included. Furthermore, if the minimum range values ​​are listed as 1 and 2, and the maximum range values ​​are listed as 3, 4, and 5, then the following ranges are all expected: 1–3, 1–4, 1–5, 2–3, 2–4, and 2–5. In this application, unless otherwise stated, the numerical range "a–b" represents a shortened representation of any combination of real numbers between a and b, where a and b are real numbers. For example, the numerical range "0–5" means that all real numbers between "0–5" have been listed herein; "0–5" is merely a shortened representation of these numerical combinations.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application may be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, all steps in this application may be performed sequentially or randomly, preferably sequentially. For example, the method includes steps (a) and (b), indicating that the method may include steps (a) and (b) performed sequentially, or it may include steps (b) and (a) performed sequentially. For example, the mention that the method may also include step (c) indicates that step (c) may be added to the method in any order. For example, the method may include steps (a), (b), and (c), or it may include steps (a), (c), and (b), or it may include steps (c), (a), and (b), etc.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising" and "including" as used in this application can be open-ended or closed-ended. For example, "comprising" and "including" can mean that other components not listed may also be included, or that only the listed components may be included.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the reaction will proceed under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, all parts or percentages are by weight or by weight percentage.

[0027] In this invention, all the substances used are known substances that can be purchased or synthesized by known methods.

[0028] In this invention, all the devices or equipment used are conventional devices or equipment known in the art and are readily available.

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0030] Example:

[0031] A modular teaching delivery experimental platform, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, it includes a main frame 1, a belt 2 on the top of the main frame 1, and transmission rollers 3 on the inner sides of both ends of the belt 2. The transmission rollers 3 are rotatably connected to the main frame 1. The transmission rollers 3 at the rear end of the main frame 1 are connected to the output shaft of the motor 4 through a coupling 5. Light source brackets 6 are provided on both sides of the main frame 1 for installing light sources to provide illumination for the detection area. A camera 7 is provided at the center of the top of the main frame 1 for image acquisition of the material on the belt. A cylinder 8 is provided at the top front end of the main frame 1 for pushing and blocking the material.

[0032] In one possible implementation, both the camera 7 and the cylinder 8 are connected to the main frame 1 via an L-shaped bracket. The lower end of the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket is fixedly connected to the main frame 1, and the camera 7 and the cylinder 8 are respectively located at the ends of the horizontal sections of their respective L-shaped brackets.

[0033] In one possible implementation, a development board 9 is also provided on the outer front end of the main frame 1, and the development board 9 and the camera 7 are connected and exchange data through a switch 15.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the switch 15 is located inside the distribution box, which also includes an air switch 10, a power strip 11, a switch module 12, a solenoid valve 13, and a relay 14. The switch 15 is located at the center of the lower end of the distribution box, while the power strip 11 and the switch module 12 are located at the two sides of the distribution box. The air switch 10, the solenoid valve 13, and the relay 14 are arranged sequentially from left to right at the upper end of the distribution box.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the air switch 10 is used for overall circuit control and protection, the power strip 11 is used to connect the power supply of each electrical device, the switch module 12 is used to control the switching of the motor 4, the solenoid valve 13 is used to control the cylinder 8 to push or block materials, and the relay 14 is used for circuit switching and control to realize the logical control of each device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, switch 15 is also connected to external network devices for remote monitoring and management of the entire system.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the machine vision-based modular teaching delivery experimental platform includes a basic framework and transmission system, as well as machine vision and control.

[0038] 1) Basic frame and transmission system:

[0039] Aluminum Profile Frame: The main frame 1 is constructed using industrial-grade aluminum profiles, leveraging their lightweight, high strength, and easy assembly characteristics to create a modular support structure. The frame features pre-set standardized mounting holes, compatible with mainstream industrial accessories on the market, supporting flexible installation and position adjustment of equipment such as cameras 7, light sources via light source brackets 6, and sensors.

[0040] Belt drive system:

[0041] Conveying unit: A wear-resistant and anti-static rubber belt 2 is selected, combined with a high-precision aluminum transmission roller 3, to ensure stable material transmission. The belt 2 is wound around the transmission roller 3, and the material is placed on the belt 2 for conveying.

[0042] Drive module: Equipped with a 220V miniature speed-regulating gear reducer motor 4, with an adjustable power of 50-200W and a speed range of 0.1-10m / s. It is connected to the transmission roller 3 via a perforated coupling 5 (high-torque elastic structure, outer diameter 55mm, length 78mm, bore diameter 12-30mm adjustable), supporting forward and reverse rotation control and speed regulation. After the motor 4 starts, it drives the transmission roller 3 to rotate via the perforated coupling 5, thereby driving the belt 2.

[0043] 2) Machine vision and control components:

[0044] Visual Inspection: A light source bracket 6 is installed at a suitable location on the aluminum profile frame 1, and a light source is mounted on the bracket 6 to provide sufficient illumination for the inspection area. Simultaneously, a camera 7 is installed on the frame 1 to acquire images of the materials on the conveyor belt. The image information acquired by the camera 7 is transmitted to the Jetson development board 9 for processing and analysis to achieve functions such as material identification and inspection. Data transmission between the camera 7 and the Jetson development board 9 is facilitated by a switch 15, ensuring stable and efficient data transmission. The switch 15 can also connect to other network devices, facilitating remote monitoring and management of the entire system.

[0045] Control section:

[0046] Electrical control: An air switch 10 is installed for overall circuit control and protection. A power strip 11 is used to connect the power supply to various electrical devices. A switch module 12 can control the switching of equipment such as the motor 4.

[0047] Pneumatic control: Cylinder 8 is controlled by solenoid valve 13, enabling operations such as pushing and blocking materials. Relay 14 can be used for circuit switching and control to achieve logic control of various devices.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the device employs a multi-light source support system, integrating a configurable light source bracket (compatible with M6 standard threaded interfaces). It can simultaneously connect light sources of different colors (e.g., red, green, blue) and different types (e.g., ring light, backlight, strip light). Controlled via a power distribution box terminal, the combination and parameters of the light sources can be quickly switched and adjusted according to different detection tasks and material characteristics. The device features a single-to-multi-view camera architecture with a modular design, supporting gradual expansion from a single-view camera to a multi-view camera. Standardized camera interfaces facilitate replacement with cameras of different resolutions and field of view. The multi-view cameras coordinate through a specially designed synchronization control module. The system includes a screening and material distribution module, which sets up a screening and material distribution device based on machine vision recognition results along the conveyor path. This device consists of a high-precision electric push rod, a diversion baffle, and an intelligent control system. It also integrates a Jetson high-performance development board, using an NVIDIA Jetson high-performance development board as the core computing unit, connecting to the camera, light source, and other control modules via a high-speed data transmission interface. Finally, it includes a power distribution box terminal control system, which integrates a power management module, a motor drive module, and a control signal conversion module. The system allows for terminal control of the conveyor speed, light source, camera, screening and material distribution rules via an operation panel.

[0049] Furthermore, the core functional modules include:

[0050] (1) Multi-light source support system: An integrated configurable light source bracket (compatible with M6 standard thread interface) is designed to provide a flexible multi-light source system that can simultaneously connect to light sources of different colors (such as red, green, and blue) and different types (such as ring light, backlight, and strip light). Through the control of the distribution box terminal, the combination and parameters of the light sources can be quickly switched and adjusted according to different detection tasks and material characteristics to obtain the best lighting effect and improve the quality of image acquisition.

[0051] (2) Single-to-multi-camera architecture: It adopts a modular design, supporting the gradual expansion from a single-camera to a multi-camera system. The camera interface adopts a standardized design, which facilitates the replacement of cameras with different resolutions and different fields of view. The multi-cameras work together through a specially designed synchronization control module to ensure that accurately matched image data is acquired at the same time, thereby realizing all-round and multi-angle visual inspection of materials.

[0052] (3) Material Screening and Sorting Function Module: A material screening and sorting device based on machine vision recognition results is installed on the conveyor path. This device consists of a high-precision electric push rod, a flow divider, and an intelligent control system. When the machine vision system detects the characteristics of the material, it transmits the signal to the intelligent control system. The control system then drives the relay to close through the digital signal output port of the development board, thereby controlling the solenoid valve connected to the air compressor. This enables precise drive of the cylinder to extend and retract, and finally guides the material accurately to different discharge ports through the flow divider, achieving automatic rejection of defective products and sorting of qualified products, thus achieving efficient material screening and sorting.

[0053] (4) Integration of Jetson High-Performance Development Board: The core computing unit is the NVIDIA Jetson high-performance development board. The development board integrates a powerful GPU processor, capable of rapidly running complex machine vision algorithms, such as deep learning object detection algorithms and image segmentation algorithms. The development board connects to the camera, light source, and other control modules via a high-speed data transmission interface, ensuring fast and stable data transmission and enabling real-time visual detection and processing.

[0054] (5) Distribution Box Terminal Control: The distribution box serves as the power supply and control hub for the entire equipment, integrating power management modules, motor drive modules, control signal conversion modules, etc. Through the operation panel on the distribution box, operators can easily perform terminal control on the conveyor's running speed, the switching and parameter adjustment of the light source, the camera settings, and the material screening and distribution rules.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the functional expansion interface has pre-set movable mounting holes on both sides of the aluminum profile frame, which is compatible with commercially available industrial automation devices and meets the experimental expansion needs of the course.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the software system architecture includes a front-end visualization page. A web-based front-end visualization page is developed, accessible via a browser. The page includes an area displaying the equipment's visual inspection results and a parameter setting area, allowing users to view inspection results and set relevant parameters in real time. In the equipment status monitoring area, users can view the visual inspection results in real time, presenting the machine vision system's inspection results of materials in the form of images and data, such as whether the product is qualified, the location and type of defects, etc. In the parameter setting area, users can easily set and adjust the parameters of the machine vision algorithm, the light source, the camera, and the rules for screening and separating materials.

[0057] In one possible implementation, a data server, used to store and manage machine vision inspection data, possesses high reliability and scalability. The server interacts with the front-end visualization page and the device's control terminal via a network. After being stored on the server, the inspection data supports various query and analysis methods. Users can filter and analyze the data based on conditions such as time, material type, and inspection results, providing strong data support for subsequent teaching evaluation, process optimization, and product quality traceability.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the built-in algorithm system includes a quality inspection algorithm for the production date of aluminum cans. First, image preprocessing techniques are used to enhance and reduce noise in the image of the aluminum can surface. Then, the Region of Interest (ROI) of each character is extracted and corrected to ensure that the character presents a standard shape. Next, a trained model of 26 letters + 10 numbers + one punctuation mark (colon) is used to recognize each character. Simultaneously, each character is input into an anomaly detection model for comparison to check for defects (such as blurred characters, missing characters, etc.). After confirming that the characters are defect-free, the recognition results are combined into a string and compared with the input standard production date to determine whether the production date is correct.

[0059] In one possible implementation, students can use this conveyor to conduct product appearance defect detection experiments in machine vision courses for automation majors. The equipment is turned on, and the appropriate light source combination and parameters are selected via the power distribution box terminal. For example, when detecting surface defects on metal parts, a ring light is used to highlight surface features. According to experimental requirements, camera parameters are set on the front-end visualization page, adjusting camera resolution and exposure time. If a multi-view camera is used, images of the parts can be acquired from different angles and transmitted to the Jetson high-performance development board after coordination by the synchronous control module. The development board runs the defect detection algorithm and displays the detection results in real time on the front-end visualization page. If a defect is detected, the screening and distribution device diverts the parts to different outlets based on the results.

[0060] In one possible implementation, in a deep learning practice course for artificial intelligence majors, students can utilize the large amount of detection data stored on a data server for model training and optimization. For example, using aluminum can quality inspection data, they can optimize a model for recognizing the production date of aluminum cans. First, corresponding data is selected from the data server, preprocessed, and then used to train the model. The model parameters are continuously adjusted to improve the accuracy of production date recognition, thereby realizing the practical application of deep learning algorithms.

[0061] By adopting the above technical solution:

[0062] The equipment structure is simplified to improve its spatial adaptability, making it suitable for the limited space of teaching laboratories and facilitating the installation, disassembly, and adjustment of the detection element positions. Simultaneously, the equipment's functionality is enhanced to meet teaching needs such as object detection and identification, providing machine vision capabilities. Furthermore, the use of an aluminum profile frame improves the equipment's corrosion resistance, extends its lifespan, and reduces maintenance costs. By incorporating a development board, the equipment's interconnectivity is improved, constructing a complete machine vision teaching system.

[0063] Working principle, refer to Figure 1-4 In practical use, the modular teaching conveying experimental platform based on machine vision first closes the air switch 10 to connect the power supply. As needed, the 220V micro-speed-regulating gear reducer motor 4 is started via the switch module 12, and the speed and direction of the motor 4 are adjusted to make the belt 2 run as required. Materials are placed on the belt 2 and conveyed forward. The camera 7 collects image information of the materials in real time and transmits it to the Jetson development board 9 for processing via the switch 15. When it is necessary to manipulate the materials, such as pushing them, the solenoid valve 13 is controlled via the Jetson development board 9, which in turn controls the cylinder 8. The entire system achieves material conveying and machine vision inspection functions through the coordinated work of its components. During operation, the position and parameters of each component can be adjusted according to the actual situation to meet different teaching and experimental needs. Simultaneously, the system data can be managed and analyzed via the switch 15, providing more data support for teaching and research.

[0064] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A modular teaching delivery experimental platform, characterized in that, The system includes a main frame (1), a belt (2) on the top of the main frame (1), transmission rollers (3) on the inner sides of both ends of the belt (2), the transmission rollers (3) being rotatably connected to the main frame (1), the transmission rollers (3) at the rear end of the main frame (1) being connected to the output shaft of the motor (4) via a coupling (5), light source brackets (6) on both sides of the main frame (1) for installing light sources to provide illumination for the detection area, a camera (7) at the top center of the main frame (1) for image acquisition of the material on the belt, and a cylinder (8) at the front top of the main frame (1) for pushing and blocking the material.

2. The modular teaching delivery experimental platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The camera (7) and cylinder (8) are both connected to the main frame (1) via L-shaped brackets. The lower end of the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket is fixedly connected to the main frame (1). The camera (7) and cylinder (8) are respectively located at the end of the horizontal section of their corresponding L-shaped brackets.

3. The modular teaching delivery experimental platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The main frame (1) is also provided with a development board (9) on the outer front side. The development board (9) and the camera (7) are connected and exchange data through a switch (15).

4. The modular teaching delivery experimental platform as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The switch (15) is located inside the distribution box. The distribution box is also equipped with an air switch (10), a power strip (11), a switch module (12), a solenoid valve (13), and a relay (14). The switch (15) is located at the center of the lower end of the distribution box. The power strip (11) and the switch module (12) are located at the two ends of the distribution box, respectively. The air switch (10), the solenoid valve (13), and the relay (14) are all located at the upper end of the distribution box from left to right.

5. The modular teaching delivery experimental platform as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The air switch (10) is used for the overall control and protection of the circuit, the power strip (11) is used to connect the power supply of each electrical device, the switch module (12) is used to control the motor (4), the solenoid valve (13) is used to control the cylinder (8) to push and block the material, and the relay (14) is used for the switching and control of the circuit to realize the logical control of each device.

6. The modular teaching delivery experimental platform as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The switch (15) is also connected to external network devices for remote monitoring and management of the entire system.

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