A multi-view imaging film selection device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a multi-view imaging selection device, comprising: a carrier conveyor module, including a conveyor belt driven by a power unit and a carrier platform disposed on the conveyor belt; and an optical acquisition module, including an image acquisition unit and a reflecting prism group, wherein the image acquisition unit is disposed on the top of the carrier platform; the reflecting prism group is fixed at a predetermined angle on both sides of the carrier platform's movement path, and its reflecting surface is configured to reflect the light paths from both sides of the dried fruit slices on the carrier platform to the framing range of the image acquisition unit. This utility model efficiently and cost-effectively acquires the front and side features of dried fruit slices simultaneously in a multi-channel, narrow-pitch environment, solving the problems of excessively large size and high cost of existing multi-camera, complex 3D systems, and limited selection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of food processing equipment, specifically to a multi-view imaging and film selection device. Background Technology

[0002] One step in the processing of dried fruit is intelligent sorting, also known as the slicing process. This process requires judging the length, side thickness, and defects of the sliced ​​and cored dried fruit. However, in implementing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the inventors discovered that the existing technology has at least the following technical problems:

[0003] 1. In narrow-aisle, high-density production line environments, the excessive physical size and required field of view of multiple cameras and their systems can easily cause installation interference and conflicts between devices;

[0004] 2. For multi-line array camera systems or 3D systems, complex optical mechanisms such as rotating mirrors are required, which place extremely high demands on the precision of mechanical installation. Real-time and high-precision stitching of line array image rows is required to form a complete image. This increases the complexity, cost, and maintenance difficulty of the system. For irregularly shaped dried fruit slices, the image stitching algorithm is complex, and the stitching process may introduce errors, affecting the accuracy of detection.

[0005] 3. The dried fruit is placed in a carrier with a rotating indexing plate for imaging. In order to capture a clear image, the indexing plate must be stopped. The "rotation-positioning-stopping-taking-restarting" process of the indexing plate severely limits the efficiency of image selection.

[0006] The aforementioned problems limit the ability to achieve efficient, low-cost, and omnidirectional dried fruit sorting on narrow-channel, high-density production lines. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an imaging sorting device that can efficiently and cost-effectively acquire the front and side features of dried fruit slices simultaneously in a multi-channel, narrow-spacing environment. This device would solve the problems of existing multi-camera, complex 3D systems being too large, too costly, and having limited sorting efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a multi-view imaging film selection device. This application provides the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a multi-view imaging selection device, comprising: a carrier transport module, including a conveyor belt driven by a power unit and a carrier platform disposed on the conveyor belt; an optical acquisition module, including an image acquisition unit and a reflecting prism group, wherein the image acquisition unit is disposed on the top of the carrier platform; the reflecting prism group is fixed at a predetermined angle on both sides of the movement path of the carrier platform, and its reflecting surface is configured to reflect the light paths on both sides of the dried fruit slices on the carrier platform to the field of view of the image acquisition unit.

[0009] For example, the power unit uses a stepper motor.

[0010] For example, the image acquisition device uses an industrial camera.

[0011] For example, the reflecting prism assembly uses a triangular prism.

[0012] In the above technical solution, sliced ​​and cored dried fruit is placed in an empty carrier and transported by a conveyor belt past an industrial camera's imaging position. The light path is reflected by a prism, eliminating the need for additional cameras and capturing images of both sides of the dried fruit simultaneously in a single shot. This avoids space conflicts associated with multiple camera installations and is suitable for narrow-channel, high-density production lines. It provides more comprehensive information for vision-based dried fruit quality sorting (such as detecting defects, cracks, deformities, color uniformity, and size), significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of detection compared to a single perspective. Compared to traditional multi-camera surround arrangements, this device requires only one camera and its lens system. It eliminates the need for complex multi-camera brackets, wiring, trigger synchronizers, and data acquisition cards, simplifying installation, debugging, and maintenance.

[0013] In some technical solutions, the position sensing module is located upstream of the photo-taking station and is configured to detect the position of the carrier platform in real time and trigger the top image acquisition device to expose; the image acquisition device is configured to simultaneously capture the top direct image of the dried fruit and the side images reflected by the reflecting prism group in a single exposure.

[0014] For example, the position sensor employs a photoelectric sensor.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the carrier conveying module provides continuous movement, and the position sensing and triggering mechanism ensures that the imaging process does not require stopping the carrier platform, guaranteeing that images of the top and two sides of the dried fruit are acquired at exactly the same time. The photoelectric sensor accurately detects the position of the carrier platform and triggers the image acquisition device when the dried fruit reaches the preset imaging station, realizing multi-view imaging of the dried fruit during continuous conveying, which greatly improves the sorting and processing efficiency of the dried fruit.

[0016] In some technical solutions, the position sensor is linked to the power unit signal and is configured to dynamically calculate the exposure trigger delay time based on the conveyor belt speed.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the position sensor acquires the conveyor belt speed in real time and dynamically calculates the precise exposure trigger delay required after considering the motor response delay and signal transmission delay based on the preset distance from the sensor to the imaging station. When the conveyor belt speed fluctuates (such as starting, stopping, or adjusting speed), it ensures that the dried fruit on the carrier platform triggers exposure the instant it precisely reaches the center point of the imaging station. This minimizes image blurring and imaging position shift caused by object movement, ensuring that each dried fruit is captured in a predetermined and consistent position.

[0018] In some technical solutions, the surface of the carrier platform is provided with a limiting structure, which is adapted to the shape of the dried fruit slices and is configured to maintain the horizontal posture of the dried fruit.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the above structure realizes the horizontal positioning of the dried fruit slices, avoiding the blurring of images caused by the rolling of dried fruit along the conveying direction. The horizontal posture ensures complete coverage of the prism reflection light path, improving the accuracy of the images on both sides of the prism reflection. The positioning structure on the surface of the carrier stage is adapted to the shape of the dried fruit slices, realizing automatic posture constraint and improving the efficiency of placing dried fruit.

[0020] In some technical solutions, the optical acquisition module also includes a ring light source, which coaxially surrounds the top image acquisition lens, and its illumination angle is configured to cover the top of the dried fruit and the reflection area of ​​the reflective prism group.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the coaxial ring light source is used to eliminate shadows and highlight the texture of the dried fruit surface. The ring light source provides uniform illumination and avoids reflection interference.

[0022] In some technical solutions, the installation angle of the reflecting prism group satisfies the following condition: the reflected virtual image of the reflecting prism group and the top surface of the dried fruit slice are on the same imaging plane of the image acquisition device.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the angle of the prism reflective surface is calculated through the optical path so that the virtual images on both sides of the dried fruit and the real image on the top of the dried fruit are in the same depth of focus range of the image acquisition device. Under a single exposure, the three perspectives are clearly focused at the same time, eliminating the blurring of the side images caused by insufficient depth of field. The pixel equivalent of the top direct image and the reflected images on both sides are completely consistent. The confocal plane eliminates perspective distortion. No mechanical focusing mechanism is required during the flying shooting process, and the exposure time is compressed.

[0024] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0025] This invention utilizes a prism to reflect light, eliminating the need for an additional camera and capturing images of the top and two sides of the dried fruit in a single shot. This avoids space conflicts associated with multiple camera installations and is suitable for narrow-channel, high-density production lines. The photoelectric sensor precisely detects the position of the carrier platform, allowing the imaging process to proceed without stopping the platform, thus improving the efficiency of dried fruit sorting.

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0029] Reference numerals: 1. Image acquisition device; 2. Ring light source; 3. Reflecting prism group; 4. Platform; 5. Baffle; 6. Conveyor belt; 7. Power unit; 8. Position sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] The following is combined with Figure 1 The structure and operation process of this utility model will be further explained in detail through specific embodiments.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, a multi-view imaging selection device includes: a carrier transport module, including a conveyor belt 6 driven by a power unit 7 and a carrier platform 4 disposed on the conveyor belt 6; an optical acquisition module, including an image acquisition unit 1 and a reflecting prism group 3, wherein the image acquisition unit 1 is disposed on the top of the carrier platform 4; the reflecting prism group 3 is fixed at a predetermined angle on both sides of the movement path of the carrier platform 4, and its reflecting surface is configured to reflect the light paths on both sides of the dried fruit slices on the carrier platform 4 to the field of view of the image acquisition unit 1.

[0035] For example, the power unit 7 uses a stepper motor.

[0036] For example, image acquisition device 1 uses an industrial camera.

[0037] For example, the reflecting prism group 3 uses a triangular prism.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the sliced ​​and cored dried fruit is placed in an empty carrier and moved by a conveyor belt past the industrial camera's imaging position. The light path is reflected by a prism, eliminating the need for an additional camera and capturing images of both sides of the dried fruit simultaneously in a single shot. This avoids space conflicts associated with multiple camera installations and is suitable for narrow-channel, high-density production lines. It provides more comprehensive information for vision-based dried fruit quality sorting (such as detecting defects, cracks, deformities, color uniformity, and size), significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of detection compared to a single perspective. Compared to traditional multi-camera surround arrangements, this device requires only one camera and its lens system. It eliminates the need for complex multi-camera brackets, wiring, trigger synchronizers, and data acquisition cards, simplifying installation, debugging, and maintenance.

[0039] In some embodiments, the position sensing module is located upstream of the photo-taking station and is configured to detect the position of the carrier platform 4 in real time and trigger the top image acquisition device 1 to expose; the image acquisition device 1 is configured to simultaneously capture the top direct image of the dried fruit and the side images reflected by the reflecting prism group 3 in a single exposure.

[0040] For example, position sensor 8 employs a photoelectric sensor.

[0041] Specifically, the carrier platform 4 is made of plastic, and a metal column is provided at one end of the carrier platform 4 facing the direction of the conveyor belt movement. The photoelectric sensor is fixedly installed below the conveyor belt 6 of the carrier conveying unit. When the carrier platform 4 passes above the conveyor belt 6 of the photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor receives the signal from the metal column inside the carrier platform 4 in real time.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the carrier conveying module provides continuous movement, and the position sensing and triggering mechanism ensures that the imaging process does not require stopping the carrier platform 4, guaranteeing that images of the top and two sides of the dried fruit are acquired at exactly the same time. The photoelectric sensor accurately detects the position of the carrier platform 4 and triggers the image acquisition unit 1 when the dried fruit arrives at the preset imaging station, realizing multi-view imaging of the dried fruit during continuous conveying, which greatly improves the sorting and processing efficiency of the dried fruit.

[0043] In some embodiments, the position sensor is signal-linked with the power unit 7 and configured to dynamically calculate the exposure trigger delay time based on the speed of the conveyor belt 6.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the position sensor acquires the speed of the conveyor belt 6 in real time and dynamically calculates the precise exposure trigger delay required after considering the motor response delay and signal transmission delay based on the preset distance from the sensor to the imaging station. When the speed of the conveyor belt 6 fluctuates (such as starting, stopping, or adjusting speed), it ensures that the dried fruit on the carrier platform 4 triggers exposure the instant it precisely reaches the center point of the imaging station. This minimizes image blurring and imaging position shift caused by object movement, ensuring that each dried fruit is captured in a predetermined and consistent position.

[0045] In some embodiments, the surface of the carrier platform 4 is provided with a limiting structure, which is adapted to the shape of the dried fruit slices and is configured to maintain the horizontal posture of the dried fruit.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the above structure achieves horizontal positioning of the dried fruit slices, avoiding image blurring caused by the rolling of the dried fruit along the conveying direction. The horizontal posture ensures complete coverage of the prism reflection light path, improving the accuracy of the images on both sides of the prism reflection. The positioning structure on the surface of the carrier stage 4 is adapted to the shape of the dried fruit slices, realizing automatic posture constraint and improving the efficiency of placing dried fruit.

[0047] In some embodiments, the optical acquisition module further includes a ring light source 2, which coaxially surrounds the lens of the top image acquisition unit 1, and its illumination angle is configured to cover the top of the dried fruit and the reflection area of ​​the reflective prism group 3.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the coaxial ring light source 2 is used to eliminate shadows and highlight the texture of the dried fruit surface through the above structure. The ring light source 2 provides uniform illumination and avoids reflection interference.

[0049] In some embodiments, the installation angle of the reflecting prism group 3 satisfies the following condition: the reflected virtual image of the reflecting prism group 3 and the top surface of the dried fruit slice are on the same imaging plane as the image acquisition device 1.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the angle of the prism reflective surface is calculated through the optical path so that the virtual images on both sides of the dried fruit and the real image on the top of the dried fruit are in the same depth of focus range of the image acquisition device 1. Under a single exposure, the three perspectives are clearly focused at the same time, eliminating the blurring of the side images caused by insufficient depth of field. The pixel equivalent of the top direct image and the reflected images on both sides are completely consistent. The confocal plane eliminates perspective distortion. No mechanical focusing mechanism is required during the flying shooting process, and the exposure time is compressed.

[0051] The working process of this utility model:

[0052] Step 1: At the starting loading station of the circular conveyor belt, the gripper places the cored dried fruit slices into the groove of the moving carrier platform. The cross-sections on both sides of the dried fruit slices in the groove face the sides of the carrier platform 4. The limiting structure automatically fixes the horizontal posture of the dried fruit to prevent it from rolling.

[0053] Step 2: A stepper motor drives a closed-loop conveyor belt 6, on which 12 carrier platforms 4 are evenly fixed with constant spacing. Baffles 5 are installed on both sides of the conveyor belt 6 to prevent the carrier platforms 4 from derailing laterally. The carrier platforms 4 are spaced 0.2m-1.0m apart, and move towards the photography station at a constant speed (adjustable), ranging from 0.16-0.8m / s.

[0054] Step 3: Real-time position detection. When the carrier platform 4 passes over the conveyor belt 6 of the photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor receives the signal from the metal column inside the carrier platform 4 in real time and simultaneously acquires the speed of the conveyor belt 6. Dynamic trigger calculation: The system calculates the precise exposure trigger time based on the formula: Delay = (Distance from sensor to workstation / Conveyor belt 6 speed) + Camera response delay + Signal transmission delay.

[0055] Step 4: Synchronous trigger imaging. When the carrier platform 4 reaches the center point of the imaging station, the top industrial camera performs a single exposure (exposure time ≤ 1ms). The coaxial ring light source 2 is simultaneously lit, uniformly illuminating the top of the dried fruit and the prism reflection area.

[0056] Step 5: Multi-view synchronous capture, direct light path: the camera directly captures the image of the top surface of the dried fruit; reflected light path: the prisms on both sides of the stage 4 reflect the light paths on both sides of the dried fruit to the camera. Single exposure captures: top real image + two virtual images (the virtual images are calibrated by the prism angle and are in the same focal plane as the top real image).

[0057] Step Six: The industrial camera outputs 12 composite images captured consecutively within the current cycle. Each image contains a composite image from three perspectives (top + sides). The 12 captured carrier tables are then continuously moved out of the workstation and flow along the conveyor belt to the next process. All carrier tables in the current cycle are emptied within 15 seconds to make room for the 12 carrier tables in the next cycle. The removal process seamlessly connects with the entry of the first carrier table in the next cycle, ensuring continuous operation.

[0058] Beneficial effects:

[0059] This invention utilizes a prism to reflect light, eliminating the need for an additional camera and capturing images of the top and two sides of the dried fruit in a single shot. This avoids space conflicts associated with multiple camera installations and is suitable for narrow-channel, high-density production lines. The photoelectric sensor precisely detects the position of the carrier platform, allowing the imaging process to proceed without stopping the platform, thus improving the efficiency of dried fruit sorting.

[0060] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-view imaging film selection device, characterized in that, include: The vehicle transport module includes a power unit-driven conveyor belt and a vehicle platform mounted on the conveyor belt; The optical acquisition module includes an image acquisition unit and a reflective prism assembly, wherein the image acquisition unit is located on the top of the platform. The reflective prism assembly is fixed at a predetermined angle on both sides of the carrier platform's movement path, and its reflective surface is configured to reflect the light path on both sides of the dried fruit slices on the carrier platform into the field of view of the image acquisition device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The position sensing module is located upstream of the photo-taking station and is configured to detect the position of the carrier platform in real time and trigger the top image acquisition device to expose the image. The image acquisition device is configured to simultaneously capture a top direct image of the dried fruit and images of both sides reflected by a set of reflecting prisms in a single exposure.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The position sensor is linked to the power unit signal and is configured to dynamically calculate the exposure trigger delay time based on the conveyor belt speed.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the carrier platform is provided with a limiting structure, which is adapted to the shape of the dried fruit slices and is configured to maintain the horizontal posture of the dried fruit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical acquisition module also includes a ring light source that coaxially surrounds the top image acquisition lens, with its illumination angle configured to cover the top of the dried fruit slice and the reflection area of ​​the reflective prism group.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installation angle of the reflective prism group satisfies the condition that the reflected virtual image of the reflective prism group and the top surface of the dried fruit slice are on the same imaging plane of the image acquisition device.

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