Test light box

Abstract

This utility model discloses a test lightbox for image acquisition in vision-based color fastness testing of textiles. It includes a first housing with a tray on its bottom wall. The upper surface of the tray has a groove for holding a sheet of material to be tested. A window communicating with the interior space of the first housing is also provided on one side of the first housing. The tray is slidably connected to the bottom wall of the first housing. An illumination source is also provided inside the first housing. A second housing is located on top of the first housing. The second housing contains a camera device and a power module. A mounting through-hole communicating with the interior space of the first housing is provided on the bottom wall of the second housing. The camera device is embedded in the mounting through-hole so that its field of view covers the tray inside the first housing. This test lightbox can provide highly consistent and repeatable image data, laying a reliable foundation for subsequent image analysis and color fastness assessment, thereby improving testing accuracy and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of visual inspection fixture technology, and in particular to a test light box. Background Technology

[0002] Colorfastness is related to the ability of textiles to retain their color during use against various environmental factors (such as washing, friction, and light). To improve the objectivity and repeatability of colorfastness testing, a vision-based image acquisition method has been introduced. This method aims to acquire images of the textiles to be tested using standardized image acquisition equipment and environments, and then analyze and evaluate them using image processing techniques.

[0003] However, existing devices or systems for image acquisition often have several problems. For example, during image acquisition, the placement of the material sheet under test may not be precise or consistent, leading to deviations in the viewing angle, distance, or position within the illumination area in each captured image. This affects image quality and color accuracy, thus impacting the reliability of subsequent image-based colorfastness assessments. Furthermore, some devices may lack convenient and quick material sheet loading and unloading mechanisms, resulting in low operational efficiency. These issues make the image acquisition process for vision-based textile colorfastness testing difficult to standardize and replicate, limiting the method's widespread application and accuracy in practice.

[0004] Therefore, a testing device is needed that can provide a stable and repeatable image acquisition environment and operating procedure. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a test lightbox with a stable and repeatable image acquisition environment and operating procedure to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a test lightbox for image acquisition in vision-based color fastness testing of textiles. It includes a first housing, with a tray on the bottom wall of the first housing. The upper surface of the tray has a groove for holding a sheet of material to be tested. A window communicating with the interior space of the first housing is also provided on one side of the first housing. The tray is slidably connected to the bottom wall of the first housing, allowing it to enter and exit the first housing through the window. A lighting source is also provided inside the first housing. A second housing is located on top of the first housing. A camera device and a power module are provided inside the second housing. The power module is electrically connected to the camera device and the lighting source. A mounting through-hole communicating with the interior space of the first housing is provided on the bottom wall of the second housing. The camera device is embedded in the mounting through-hole so that its field of view covers the tray inside the first housing.

[0007] Preferably, the device includes a first panel connected to one end of the tray near the window. A limiting baffle is provided at the window. When the tray is fully inserted into the first box, the first panel abuts against the limiting baffle and seals the window.

[0008] Preferably, the window includes a first segment at the bottom and a second segment at the top, the length of the second segment being much greater than the length of the first segment, the first segment being adapted to the first panel, and the second segment having a second panel detachably connected to the window.

[0009] Preferably, a transparent viewing section is provided on the second panel.

[0010] Preferably, the tray is further provided with a plurality of light sensors located around the groove. The light sensors are used to detect one or more of color temperature, brightness, and color rendering index. The second housing is also provided with a controller, which is connected to the light sensors and the lighting source.

[0011] Preferably, the camera device is connected to the test terminal via a wired or wireless communication network.

[0012] Preferably, the camera device includes a camera and a mounting bracket connected to the camera.

[0013] Preferably, the lighting source includes a plurality of LED modules disposed around the camera.

[0014] Preferably, the lighting source further includes a plurality of fluorescent tubes disposed on the inner side wall of the first housing.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the test light box provided by the present invention offers a closed environment comprising a first housing, a tray, a window, a lighting source, a second housing, and a camera device. The tray can move in and out of the first housing to ensure that the material sample to be tested is stably positioned at the image acquisition location, i.e., in the groove on the tray. The camera device is fixed to the bottom wall of the second housing through mounting holes and extends into the interior of the first housing, ensuring consistency in the viewing angle and position of image capture. The lighting source provides stable and uniform illumination conditions. Therefore, through this mechanical positioning and camera alignment mechanism for the material sample to be tested, the repeatability of sample position, angle, and illumination conditions during each image acquisition is greatly improved. This technical solution can provide highly consistent and repeatable image data, laying a reliable foundation for subsequent image analysis and color fastness assessment, thereby improving testing accuracy and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the test light box in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is another state diagram of the test light box in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second housing of the test light box in the open state in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first housing of the test light box in the open state in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the camera device in one of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the camera device in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, objectives and effects of this utility model, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] This embodiment discloses a test lightbox for image acquisition in vision-based textile color fastness testing.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 The test light box includes a first housing 1, and a tray 2 is provided on the bottom wall inside the first housing 1. The upper surface of the tray 2 is provided with a groove 20 for holding the material sheet to be tested. The groove 20 supports the placement of the material sheet in either a horizontal or vertical position.

[0025] A window 10 communicating with the interior space of the first box 1 is also provided on one side of the first box 1. The tray 2 is slidably connected to the bottom wall of the first box 1 so that the tray 2 can enter and exit the first box 1 through the window 10.

[0026] The first housing 1 is also equipped with a lighting source 3.

[0027] The top of the first housing 1 is provided with a second housing 6. The second housing 6 is provided with a camera device 7 and a power module 8. The power module 8 is electrically connected to the camera device 7 and the lighting source 3. The bottom wall of the second housing 6 is provided with a mounting through hole 60 that communicates with the internal space of the first housing 1. The camera device 7 is embedded in the mounting through hole 60 so that the field of view of the camera device 7 covers the support plate 2 inside the first housing 1.

[0028] The test lightbox provided in this embodiment solves the problems of unstable and inconsistent image acquisition in the prior art through optimized structural design and precise positioning and alignment mechanisms, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the test.

[0029] The first housing 1 is the main structure of the test light box. The tray 2 is slidably connected to the bottom wall of the first housing 1 via a sliding guide rail, allowing the tray 2 to easily enter and exit the interior of the first housing 1. It should be noted that the sliding guide rail is a common component for sliding connections, such as those commonly used in drawers. In addition to linear guide rails, ball bearing guide rails, dovetail guide rails, or other types of guide rails that can provide smooth sliding and precise positioning can also be used. Therefore, the specific structure of the sliding guide rail will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0030] The grooves 20 on the surface of the tray 2 are used to fix the material sheet to be tested, ensuring that the material sheet remains stable during movement and positioning. The shape and size of the grooves 20 can be adapted to different specifications of the material sheet to be tested, such as circular, elliptical, or rectangular shapes of different sizes.

[0031] The rectangular window 10 on the side wall of the first enclosure 1 serves as the entrance for the tray 2. The second enclosure 6 is fixed to the top of the first enclosure 1, providing space and support for the installation of the camera device 7 and the power module 8.

[0032] The mounting through hole 60 on the bottom wall of the second housing 6 is connected to the interior of the first housing 1. The lens of the camera device 7 is tightly embedded in the mounting through hole 60, so that it can look down at the tray 2 inside the first housing 1.

[0033] The power module 8 is located inside the second housing 6 and supplies the power required for operation to the camera device 7 and the lighting source 3 through wires.

[0034] Therefore, it can be seen that the test lightbox in the above embodiments, through this mechanical positioning and camera alignment mechanism of the material sheet under test, greatly improves the repeatability of sample position, angle, and lighting conditions during each image acquisition. This precisely controlled image acquisition process solves the technical problems of large image differences and poor repeatability caused by inaccurate sample positioning and unstable lighting when acquiring images for vision-based color fastness testing of textiles using traditional manual or simple devices. This technical solution can provide highly consistent and repeatable image data, laying a reliable foundation for subsequent image analysis and color fastness assessment, thereby improving testing accuracy and efficiency.

[0035] On the other hand, please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 4The test light box also includes a first panel 40, which is connected to the end of the tray 2 near the window 10. A limit baffle 11 is provided at the window 10. When the tray 2 is fully inserted into the first housing 1, the first panel 40 abuts against the limit baffle 11 and blocks the window 10.

[0036] By setting a first panel 40 on the tray 2 and setting a limiting baffle 11 at the window 10, the window 10 is effectively blocked or partially blocked by the contact that occurs when the tray 2 is fully inside the first box 1 to obtain the image position. At the same time, a physical stop point is provided for the positioning of the tray 2.

[0037] The first panel 40 is fixed to one end of the tray 2 near the window 10. Its size and shape are designed so that when the tray 2 is fully slid into the first housing 1, it can precisely contact or tightly fit the limiting baffle 11 located at the window 10. The limiting baffle 11 is fixed at an appropriate position in the window 10, serving as a physical obstruction or positioning reference when the first panel 40 enters. The limiting baffle 11 can also be designed as a structure integrally formed with the side wall of the first housing 1.

[0038] When the tray 2 slides to the image acquisition position via the sliding guide rail, the first panel 40 comes into contact with the limiting baffle 11. By covering or blocking the window 10 with the first panel 40, external ambient light is effectively blocked from entering the interior of the first housing 1, thereby ensuring the purity and stability of the internal lighting environment during image acquisition, reducing the impact of stray light on image quality, and improving the accuracy of color fastness testing.

[0039] Furthermore, the window 10 includes a first segment 10a at the bottom and a second segment 10b at the top. The length of the second segment 10b is much greater than the length of the first segment 10a. The first segment 10a is adapted to the first panel 40, and the second segment 10b is provided with a second panel 41 that is detachably connected to the window 10.

[0040] In order to provide an observation or operation window while ensuring the convenience of the tray 2 entering and exiting and the light blocking effect of the window 10, this embodiment optimizes the structure of the window 10, that is, divides the window 10 into two parts: the first segment 10a at the bottom and the second segment 10b at the top.

[0041] The first section 10a at the bottom is mainly used for the entry and exit of the tray 2, and its height is designed to match or be slightly higher than the height of the first panel 40.

[0042] The second segment 10b at the top is much longer than the first segment 10a, indicating that the second segment 10b occupies most of the area of ​​window 10. This division allows the first segment 10a to remain relatively small for quick sealing, while the second segment 10b provides a larger opening area.

[0043] A second panel 41 is provided within the second segment 10b and is detachably connected to the window 10. The function of the second panel 41 is to cover the window 10 area of ​​the second segment 10b under normal working conditions, further enhancing the light isolation effect. At the same time, its detachable nature allows users to open the area when needed for observation, adjustment, or maintenance.

[0044] This embodiment meets different usage requirements through structural design of different parts of window 10. The first section 10a at the bottom is relatively low and is mainly used for the horizontal sliding of the support plate 2. The second section 10b at the top is relatively high and occupies the main area of ​​window 10. The second panel 41 is installed on the inside of window 10 in the second section 10b by means of detachable means (e.g., snap-fit, magnetic attraction, screw fixation, etc.).

[0045] During image acquisition, the second panel 41 is usually in the installed state, working together with the first panel 40 to block the window 10 to the greatest extent possible, ensuring a stable internal lighting environment. When it is necessary to install the tray 2, clean the interior, or check the light source or camera device 7, the second panel 41 can be easily removed, and operations can be performed through the larger second segment 10b window 10.

[0046] It should also be noted that the height of the second segment 10b is more than twice the height of the first segment 10a, meaning that the length of the second segment 10b in this embodiment is much greater than the length of the first segment 10a.

[0047] Specifically, a transparent viewing section 410 is provided on the second panel 41.

[0048] By utilizing the optical transmittance of the transparent material, light can pass through the transparent observation section 410, allowing the user to clearly observe the interior of the first housing 1 from the outside without opening the second panel 41. This includes observing the condition of the material sheet to be tested on the tray 2, the operation of the illumination source 3, and the position of the camera device 7. This observation function is highly beneficial for preliminary status checks, troubleshooting, or ensuring the correct placement of the material sheet during testing without interrupting the testing process.

[0049] The transparent observation section 410 can be made of different types of optical glass or plastic, such as low-dispersion glass, anti-reflective glass, scratch-resistant acrylic, etc., to meet different optical performance and environmental requirements. The inner surface of the transparent observation section 410 can be treated with anti-reflection or diffuse reflection to reduce the reflection of internal light sources on the panel and avoid affecting observation or being captured by the camera device 7.

[0050] On the other hand, the tray 2 is also equipped with several light sensors 5 located around the groove 20. The light sensors 5 are used to detect one or more of the color temperature, brightness, and color rendering index. The second housing 6 is also equipped with a controller (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the light sensors 5 and the lighting source 3.

[0051] Several light sensors 5 are mounted on the upper surface of the tray 2, arranged around the groove 20. These light sensors 5 can be photodiodes, photoresistors, color sensors, or integrated luminance / color temperature / color rendering index sensors. For example, a high-precision color sensor can be used, capable of simultaneously measuring illuminance, color temperature (such as CCT), and color rendering index (such as Ra). These sensors are electrically connected to a controller located inside the second housing 6 via wires or a flexible circuit board.

[0052] The controller is a processing unit, such as an ARM-based microcontroller or a dedicated lighting control chip. The controller has analog or digital input interfaces for receiving signals from the light sensor 5, processing logic for comparing sensor data with preset thresholds, and an output interface for sending control signals. The controller is electrically connected to the power supply module 8 via a communication interface (e.g., IC, SPI, or PWM output). The power supply module 8 receives the control signals from the controller and adjusts the power output to the lighting source 3 accordingly.

[0053] For example, if the light sensor 5 detects that the brightness is lower than a preset value, the controller will instruct the power module 8 to increase the output voltage or current, thereby increasing the brightness of the lighting source 3. If color temperature drift is detected, for an illumination array with multiple color temperature light sources, the controller can adjust the relative power output of different light sources to correct the color temperature. The function of the light sensor 5 is to acquire the illumination parameters of the image acquisition area in real time and provide feedback signals. The function of the controller is to receive sensor signals, process and compare data, and generate control commands based on the results to achieve automatic adjustment of the lighting source 3. This intelligent control system can actively compensate for the nonlinear characteristics of the light source and environmental changes, maintaining highly stable illumination conditions.

[0054] The number and position of the light sensors 5 can be optimized according to the size and shape of the groove 20 and the required monitoring accuracy. For example, one light sensor 5 can be placed at each of the four corners of the groove 20, or multiple sensors can be evenly distributed along the edge of the groove 20. The type of light sensor 5 can be selected to be a sensor with higher accuracy or specific spectral response characteristics, such as a spectral sensor, which can obtain more detailed spectral distribution information. The connection between the light sensor 5 and the controller can be wired or wireless communication modules (such as Zigbee or Bluetooth) for data transmission to simplify wiring.

[0055] The power module 8 can be designed to have more precise dimming capabilities, such as supporting brightness adjustment in 1% increments. The lighting source 3 can be designed to have multiple independently controlled zones, each zone being adjusted independently by the controller to achieve more precise control over the uniformity of illumination or to simulate illumination from a specific direction.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lighting source 3 includes several LED modules 3a disposed around the camera 70.

[0057] The selection and layout of the lighting source 3 are designed to provide the light source characteristics required to meet textile color fastness testing standards (such as ISO-A, AATCCEP, etc.), including specific color temperatures (such as D, A, CWF, TL, etc.), high color rendering index (CRI), and sufficient brightness.

[0058] LED module 3a is fixed on the top wall of the first housing 1 (which is also the bottom wall of the second housing 6). These light sources are connected to the power module 8 via wires, and are driven by the power module 8 with stable power.

[0059] LED module 3a consists of multiple LED beads. By selecting different chips and packaging technologies, it can achieve high color rendering index and specific color temperature light output. Arranging these light sources in an array, and using reflective materials or diffusers, can further improve the uniformity of illumination.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple LED modules 3a are mounted around the lens of the camera 70, forming a ring-shaped or polygonal layout. The light emitted by these LED modules 3a illuminates the support plate 2 and the material sheet below from all around the lens of the camera 70. This surround lighting layout provides relatively uniform diffused light, reducing shadows caused by surface textures or minor undulations of the material sheet. Furthermore, because the light source is close to the lens, a near-coaxial lighting effect is achieved, which is beneficial for capturing surface details of the material sheet. At the same time, since the light source is located around the lens rather than directly facing it, glare can be effectively avoided.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 4 The lighting source 3 also includes several fluorescent tubes 3b disposed on the inner side wall of the first housing 1.

[0062] Fluorescent tube 3b emits light by exciting phosphors through mercury vapor discharge. Different color temperatures and spectral distributions can be achieved by selecting different phosphor formulations.

[0063] Single surround LED lighting may not meet the spectral requirements of specific color fastness testing standards in certain situations, or a wider range or more uniform background lighting may be required. Some color fastness standards (such as AATCC and ISO) specify the use of specific types of light sources, such as fluorescent lamps. In this embodiment, in addition to the LED module 3a surrounding the lens of the camera 70, several fluorescent tubes 3b are also provided on the inner sidewall of the first housing 1. These fluorescent tubes 3b can provide spectral characteristics different from those of the LED module 3a, such as simulating standard light sources like D65 and TL84. By independently or in combination controlling the on / off state and brightness of the LED module 3a and the fluorescent tubes 3b, various standard light source environments can be simulated, or more sufficient and uniform internal lighting of the housing can be provided.

[0064] On the other hand, the camera device 7 communicates with the test terminal via a wired or wireless communication network.

[0065] After capturing digital image data of the material under test, the camera device 7 transmits this image data via a wired or wireless network. The test terminal is an external device used to receive, process, and display the image data, such as a personal computer, workstation, tablet computer, or dedicated image analyzer. If a wired connection is used, the camera device 7 connects to the corresponding interface of the test terminal via a physical cable (e.g., USB cable, Ethernet cable, HDMI cable, etc.). If a wireless connection is used, the camera device 7 establishes a wireless connection with the test terminal via wireless communication technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.).

[0066] On the other hand, the camera device 7 includes a camera 70 and a mounting bracket connected to the camera 70.

[0067] In this embodiment, the camera 70 is the core optical and electronic component actually used for image capture, responsible for converting the light signal of the photographed object into an electrical signal. The mounting bracket is a structural component that connects the camera 70 to the mounting through hole 60 on the bottom wall of the second housing 6. Its function is to provide mechanical support for the camera 70 and ensure that the camera 70 can be stably installed in a preset position, and that its optical axis can be accurately and vertically aligned with the center point of the groove 20 on the support plate 2.

[0068] The camera 70 can be an industrial camera, a high-definition webcam 70, or other camera device 7 suitable for image acquisition.

[0069] The mounting bracket is connected to the camera 70 via screws, clips, or other fastening methods to form a complete camera assembly. This complete camera assembly 70 is then tightly fitted or fixed in the mounting through-hole 60 on the bottom wall of the second housing 6 using the mounting bracket. The design of the mounting bracket ensures that the camera 70 will not tilt or shift during installation, thereby ensuring that the optical axis of the camera 70 is precisely perpendicular to the working surface of the support plate 2 and aligned with the center point of the groove 20 at the image acquisition position.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The mounting bracket includes a support frame 71 embedded in the mounting through hole 60 and a micro-adjustment block 72 disposed on the support frame 71. The camera 70 is connected to the micro-adjustment block 72 via a connecting arm 73. The position of the camera 70 on the X-axis and Y-axis within the plane of the support frame 71 can be adjusted via the micro-adjustment block 72. In addition, the LED module 3a is disposed on the support frame 71.

[0071] It should be noted that the fine adjustment block 72 is a commonly used standard accessory and can be purchased as a finished product; therefore, its specific structure will not be described in detail.

[0072] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the scope of the present utility model application shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A test light box for image acquisition for visual based textile color fastness testing, characterized in that, The device includes a first housing, with a tray on the bottom wall of the first housing. The upper surface of the tray has a groove for holding a sample of material to be tested. A window communicating with the interior space of the first housing is also provided on one side of the first housing. The tray is slidably connected to the bottom wall of the first housing, allowing the tray to enter and exit the first housing through the window. A lighting source is also provided inside the first housing. A second housing is provided on top of the first housing. A camera device and a power module are provided inside the second housing. The power module is electrically connected to the camera device and the lighting source. A mounting through hole communicating with the interior space of the first housing is provided on the bottom wall of the second housing. The camera device is embedded in the mounting through hole, so that the field of view of the camera device covers the tray inside the first housing.

2. The test case according to claim 1, wherein, It includes a first panel, which is connected to the end of the tray near the window. A limit baffle is provided at the window. When the tray is fully inserted into the first box, the first panel abuts against the limit baffle and seals the window.

3. The test case according to claim 2, wherein, The window includes a first segment at the bottom and a second segment at the top. The length of the second segment is much greater than the length of the first segment. The first segment is adapted to the first panel. The second segment is provided with a second panel that is detachably connected to the window.

4. The test case according to claim 3, wherein, The second panel is provided with a transparent viewing section.

5. The test case of claim 1, wherein, The tray is also provided with a number of light sensors located around the groove. The light sensors are used to detect one or more of the color temperature, brightness, and color rendering index. The second box is also provided with a controller, which is connected to the light sensors and the lighting source.

6. The test case of claim 1, wherein, The camera device is connected to the test terminal via a wired or wireless communication network.

7. The test case of claim 1, wherein, The camera device includes a camera and a mounting bracket connected to the camera.

8. The test case of claim 7, wherein, The lighting source includes several LED modules disposed around the camera.

9. The test case of claim 8, wherein, The lighting source also includes several fluorescent tubes disposed on the inner side wall of the first housing.

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