Machine vision optical inspection apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the field of automated inspection technology, specifically to a machine vision optical inspection device, including a camera, an image fiber bundle, and at least two front-end lenses; the at least two front-end lenses are respectively oriented towards different parts of the object to be inspected; the image fiber bundle has at least two input ends, each connected to one of the front-end lenses; the camera is located at the output end of the image fiber bundle and is used to capture the object to be inspected as presented by the image fiber bundle. This application achieves blind-spot-free imaging inspection through the cooperation of multiple image fiber bundles and a single camera, which not only reduces the number of cameras required, lowers costs and saves space, but also ensures the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated inspection technology, and more specifically, to a machine vision optical inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, machine vision inspection systems typically rely on mounting multiple cameras and corresponding lenses at various angles of the object to be inspected to ensure comprehensive, blind-spot-free inspection. However, this approach has significant drawbacks: it not only requires a large number of cameras and lenses, leading to high costs, but also occupies a significant amount of space, increasing the system's complexity and maintenance difficulty. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a machine vision optical inspection device that achieves blind-spot-free imaging inspection through the cooperation of multiple image fiber bundles and a single camera. This not only reduces the number of cameras required, lowers costs and saves space, but also ensures the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the inspection.

[0004] This application is implemented as follows: This application provides a machine vision optical inspection device, including a camera, an image fiber bundle, and at least two front-end lenses; the at least two front-end lenses are respectively facing different parts of the object to be inspected; the image fiber bundle has at least two input ends respectively connected to the front-end lenses; the camera is located at the output end of the image fiber bundle and is used to capture the object to be inspected presented by the image fiber bundle.

[0005] As an optional implementation, the planes containing the output ends of at least two of the image fiber bundles are parallel to each other.

[0006] As an optional implementation, the output ends of at least two of the image fiber bundles are in contact with each other.

[0007] As an optional implementation, all output terminals are located on the same plane; and the optical axis of the camera is perpendicular to the plane where the output terminals are located.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the focal point of the front-end lens is located in the plane where the input end of the image fiber bundle is located.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the object to be detected has multiple surfaces to be detected; the multiple front-end lenses are configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple surfaces to be detected.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the optical axis of the front-end lens is perpendicular to the surface to be detected.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the plurality of the front-end lenses are arranged at circumferential intervals around the object to be detected.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the image fiber bundle includes multiple optical fibers arranged in an array and in contact with each other, as well as a protective sleeve covering the periphery.

[0013] As an optional implementation, a light source is also included, which emits light toward the object to be detected.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include: This application significantly reduces the number of cameras and lenses required in traditional multi-camera systems, requiring only a single camera to acquire images of an object from multiple directions, effectively reducing equipment costs, system size, and installation space. Simultaneously, due to the excellent flexibility and bendability of the image fiber bundle, the front-end lens can be flexibly arranged in confined or complex structural spaces, improving the adaptability and deployability of the detection system. Furthermore, by employing a high-density, fine-diameter fiber optic transmission bundle, the resolution and clarity of image transmission can be guaranteed, meeting the requirements for high-precision detection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing technology; Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the machine vision optical inspection equipment according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the machine vision optical inspection equipment according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the machine vision optical inspection equipment according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Icons: 100-Camera; 101-Image fiber bundle; 102-Front-end lens; 103-Object to be detected; 105-Input end; 106-Output end; 107-Surface to be detected; 108-Fiber optic cable; 109-Protective sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in existing technologies, machine vision inspection systems typically rely on mounting multiple cameras and corresponding lenses at various angles of the object to be inspected to ensure comprehensive, blind-spot-free inspection. However, this method has significant drawbacks: it not only requires a large number of cameras and lenses, leading to high costs, but also occupies a significant amount of space, increasing the complexity and maintenance difficulty of the system.

[0023] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a machine vision optical inspection device.

[0024] Reference Figure 2As shown, the machine vision optical inspection device provided in this application includes a camera 100, an image fiber bundle 101, and at least two front-end lenses 102; the at least two front-end lenses 102 are respectively facing different parts of the object 103 to be inspected; the image fiber bundle 101 has at least two input ends 105 respectively connected to the front-end lenses 102 in a one-to-one correspondence; the camera 100 is located at the output end 106 of the image fiber bundle 101 and is used to capture the object 103 to be inspected presented by the image fiber bundle 101.

[0025] Among them, reference Figure 3 As shown, the image fiber bundle 101 includes multiple optical fibers 108 arranged in an array and in contact with each other, as well as a protective sleeve 109 covering the periphery.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, at least two front-end lenses 102 are respectively aimed at different angles or parts of the object 103 to be detected, and optical images from each direction are independently captured and coupled to multiple input ends 105 of the image fiber bundle 101. The image fiber bundle 101 is composed of a large number of regularly arranged microfibers 108, each fiber 108 can independently transmit the light intensity information of its corresponding area, thereby efficiently and with low distortion transmitting image signals from multiple angles to the output end 106 through the total internal reflection mechanism inside the fiber 108. At the output end 106, all input images are integrated and presented on the same image plane, and are uniformly acquired by a single camera 100, realizing the centralized acquisition of multi-angle images. This structure utilizes the image transmission characteristics of the fiber bundle 108 to realize the multiplexing and integration of spatially separated multiple optical images into a single imaging plane.

[0027] The technical advantages of the embodiments of this application are as follows: The embodiments of this application significantly reduce the number of cameras 100 and lenses required in a traditional multi-camera 100 system. Only one camera 100 is needed to complete image acquisition of an object from multiple directions, effectively reducing equipment costs, system size, and installation space.

[0028] Meanwhile, due to the good flexibility and bendability of the image fiber bundle 101, the front-end lens 102 can be flexibly arranged in narrow or complex structural spaces, improving the adaptability and deployability of the detection system.

[0029] Furthermore, by employing a transmission bundle composed of high-density, fine-diameter optical fibers 108, the resolution and clarity of image transmission can be guaranteed, meeting the requirements of high-precision detection. It is particularly suitable for automated machine vision inspection scenarios with high requirements for compactness, cost, and inspection integrity.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in an optional implementation, the planes containing the output ends 106 of at least two image fiber bundles 101 are parallel to each other.

[0031] It should be noted that the planes containing output terminals 106 may have a certain spacing, and the planes containing all output terminals 106 are nearly coplanar.

[0032] It should be noted that the output ends 106 of at least two image fiber bundles 101 lie on parallel planes. This layout design ensures that multiple viewpoint images captured from different front-end lenses 102 and transmitted via their respective corresponding image fiber bundles 101 can be neatly arranged at the output ends 106, forming a unified image plane. Because these output end 106 planes are parallel, the camera 100 can more easily align and capture these images, achieving simultaneous acquisition of multi-viewpoint images without complex optical adjustments or additional calibration steps. By rationally arranging the positional relationship of the output ends 106 of the fiber bundles 108, the integrated image can be presented on the image sensor of the camera 100 in an optimal state, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of imaging.

[0033] The technical effects that the embodiments of this application can produce are as follows: This application simplifies the alignment difficulty and complexity during the camera 100 shooting process, and improves the system integration and ease of operation. Since the planes where the output ends 106 of each image fiber bundle 101 are located are parallel to each other, the camera 100 only needs to be positioned once to simultaneously receive information from multiple directions, greatly reducing debugging time and workload, and improving detection efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, this design helps maintain the relative positional relationships between images from different viewpoints, facilitating accurate analysis and feature extraction by subsequent image processing software, thereby further enhancing the reliability and stability of the entire machine vision inspection system. This method is particularly suitable for applications requiring omnidirectional, high-precision object inspection, reducing costs while improving inspection quality.

[0035] Preferably, all output terminals 106 are located on the same plane; and the optical axis of the camera 100 is perpendicular to the plane where the output terminals 106 are located.

[0036] This design in the embodiments of this application ensures that multiple viewpoint images captured from different front-end lenses 102 and transmitted through their respective corresponding image fiber bundles 101 can be neatly arranged on the same plane to form a unified image plane. Since the optical axis of the camera 100 is perpendicular to the plane where the output end 106 is located, optical distortion can be minimized and image quality can be guaranteed, so that the image portion transmitted by each fiber bundle 108 can be presented uniformly and without distortion on the photosensitive element of the camera 100, thereby achieving high-quality multi-view image acquisition.

[0037] The technical effects that the embodiments of this application can produce are as follows: The embodiments of this application significantly improve the consistency and accuracy of image acquisition, while greatly simplifying the alignment and calibration process of the system.

[0038] Placing all output terminals 106 on the same plane and making the optical axis of camera 100 perpendicular to this plane not only helps ensure the accurate relative positional relationship between images from different viewpoints but also reduces image distortion caused by angular deviations. This setup provides a clearer and more accurate data foundation for subsequent image processing, improving analysis efficiency and detection accuracy.

[0039] Furthermore, this layout in the embodiments of this application reduces system complexity, facilitates maintenance and operation, and is particularly suitable for application scenarios that require high-precision, all-around visual inspection, such as industrial quality control and precision parts inspection, thereby improving work efficiency and ensuring the reliability of inspection results.

[0040] It should be noted that although the above embodiments define the output terminals 106 as coplanar, they do not define the distance relationship between the output terminals 106 on the plane. Adjacent output terminals 106 can be brought closer to each other as needed.

[0041] A preferred embodiment is that the output ends 106 of at least two image fiber bundles 101 are in contact with each other; wherein, multiple output ends 106 can be arranged in an array.

[0042] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, by bringing adjacent output terminals 106 as close as possible or even in direct contact, a high-density integration of multiple image transmission areas on the output image plane is achieved.

[0043] Each optical fiber has 108 bundles that independently transmit image information from different perspectives. When the output ends 106 are closely arranged, they can be stitched together on the imaging surface of the camera 100 to form a continuous and compact composite image area.

[0044] The camera 100 can capture images from multiple perspectives simultaneously with a single exposure, eliminating the need for complex optical relays or image stitching corrections, thus improving system integration and imaging consistency.

[0045] The technical effects that the embodiments of this application can produce are as follows: This application embodiment significantly improves the space utilization of image acquisition and the system imaging efficiency. By making the output ends 106 of multiple image fiber bundles 101 contact each other and arrange them in an array, the redundant space of the output image plane is effectively reduced, allowing the photosensitive area of ​​the camera 100 to be fully utilized and avoiding pixel waste caused by the dispersion of the imaging area. At the same time, the closely arranged output ends 106 facilitate the rapid alignment and stitching of multi-view images in subsequent image processing, improving the automation and accuracy of detection.

[0046] The above structure is particularly suitable for machine vision inspection scenarios with limited space or high requirements for image integration, such as omnidirectional inspection of micro parts and identification of surface defects in internal cavities. While ensuring high resolution and multi-angle coverage, it further reduces the system size and cost, and enhances the practicality and scalability of the equipment.

[0047] As an optional implementation, the focal point of the front lens 102 is located in the plane where the input end 105 of the image fiber bundle 101 is located.

[0048] It should be noted that the focus of the front-end lens 102 is set on the plane where the input end 105 of the image fiber bundle 101 is located. This design is based on the principle of optical imaging, and by adjusting the position and focal length of the front-end lens 102, its clear imaging surface is precisely placed on the plane of the input end 105 of the fiber bundle 108.

[0049] When the light from the object 103 being detected is focused by the front-end lens 102, the resulting real image is located precisely on the input end 105. Each optical fiber 108 corresponds to a pixel or local area in the image, thus efficiently receiving and transmitting the light information at that location. This focusing method ensures that the image entering the bundle of optical fibers 108 has the highest spatial resolution and contrast, minimizing defocus blur and improving image transmission quality.

[0050] The technical effects that the embodiments of this application can produce are as follows: This implementation significantly improves the clarity and imaging quality of image transmission. By precisely aligning the focus of the front-end lens 102 with the input end 105 plane of the image fiber bundle 101, it effectively ensures that the details of the original optical image can be completely and accurately coupled into the fiber bundle 108, reducing light energy loss and image distortion, and improving the system's signal-to-noise ratio and detection sensitivity. Especially in high-precision machine vision applications, such as micro-defect identification or multi-angle feature comparison, this technology ensures that each image is in optimal focus, providing a high-quality data foundation for subsequent image stitching, analysis, and judgment, and enhancing the reliability and stability of the entire detection system. Simultaneously, this structure eliminates the need for an additional focusing element at the output end 106, simplifying system design and facilitating miniaturization and standardization.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 As shown, as an optional implementation, the object to be detected 103 has multiple surfaces to be detected 107; multiple front-end lenses 102 are configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple surfaces to be detected 107.

[0052] It should be noted that each front-end lens 102 in this embodiment is oriented so that its field of view covers a specific surface area, such as the side, end, inner wall, or curved surface of an object. Each front-end lens 102 focuses the optical image of the surface it is aimed at onto the input end 105 of the image fiber bundle 101 connected to it. The image signal is then independently transmitted to the output end 106 via the fiber bundle 108, and integrated at the output end 106 before being uniformly acquired by a single camera 100. This structure, through the coordinated design of the spatially distributed optical front end and the image transmission path of the fiber optic 108, achieves simultaneous acquisition of multi-angle and omnidirectional images of objects with complex geometries.

[0053] For example, the object 103 to be detected has six surfaces 107 to be detected, namely front and back, top and bottom, and left and right. There are six front-end lenses 102 respectively corresponding to the six surfaces 107 to be detected, that is, one front-end lens 102 is responsible for capturing one surface 107 to be detected.

[0054] This implementation enables comprehensive, blind-spot-free visual inspection of objects with multiple inspection surfaces 107, significantly improving the integrity and reliability of the inspection. By arranging the front-end lens 102 in a one-to-one correspondence with the inspection surfaces 107, each critical surface is effectively covered, avoiding the occlusion and blind spot problems of traditional single-view imaging. Simultaneously, combined with the flexible image transmission characteristics of the image fiber bundle 101, multiple observation points can be flexibly deployed without increasing the number of cameras 100, making it particularly suitable for inspection scenarios with compact structures or limited internal space. This solution, while ensuring high resolution and imaging quality, reduces system cost and size, achieving efficient and comprehensive automated optical inspection, and is widely applicable to the quality inspection of complex workpieces such as industrial parts, electronic components, and tubular devices.

[0055] As an optional implementation, the optical axis of the front lens 102 is perpendicular to the surface to be detected 107.

[0056] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application ensure that the lens images directly onto the target surface, so that the center light rays of the lens's field of view are perpendicularly incident on the surface to be inspected 107. Under this geometric relationship, the features of the object's surface can be captured by the lens with minimal perspective distortion and projection distortion, and precisely focused on the input end 105 of the image fiber bundle 101. Since perpendicular imaging avoids problems such as stretching, shadows, or edge blurring caused by oblique viewing, it can maximize the restoration of the true shape of the object's surface, improving the geometric fidelity of the image and the measurement accuracy.

[0057] Multiple front-end lenses 102 are arranged at circumferential intervals around the object to be detected 103.

[0058] As an optional implementation, the machine vision optical inspection device also includes a light source that emits light toward the object 103 to provide illumination for the inspection area.

[0059] It should be noted that the light emitted by the light source illuminates various surfaces of the object 103 to be inspected, enhancing the visibility of object features (such as edges, textures, defects, markings, etc.), and enters the corresponding front-end lens 102 through reflection or scattering. Each front-end lens 102 captures the image of the illuminated object within its field of view and focuses the optical information to the input end 105 of the image fiber bundle 101 connected to it, and then transmits it to the output end 106 for imaging by the camera 100. By reasonably configuring the position, angle, and illumination mode of the light source, the imaging contrast and uniformity of different surfaces 107 to be inspected can be optimized, improving the overall image quality.

[0060] In terms of effectiveness, this embodiment significantly improves the lighting conditions of the detection environment by introducing a dedicated light source, solving problems such as blurred imaging and low contrast caused by uneven ambient light or complex reflective characteristics of the target surface. Directional illumination helps to highlight subtle defects on the object's surface (such as scratches, dents, stains, etc.), improving the sensitivity and accuracy of detection. Especially in multi-angle detection, the arrangement of multiple front-end lenses 102 enables synchronous and uniform illumination of each surface 107 to be inspected on complex structural components, avoiding shadow occlusion.

[0061] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A machine vision optical inspection device, characterized in that, It includes a camera (100), an image fiber bundle (101), and at least two front-end lenses (102); the at least two front-end lenses (102) are respectively facing different parts of the object to be detected (103); the image fiber bundle (101) has at least two input ends (105) respectively connected to the front-end lenses (102); the camera (100) is located at the output end (106) of the image fiber bundle (101) and is used to capture the object to be detected (103) presented by the image fiber bundle (101).

2. The machine vision optical inspection equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planes containing the output ends (106) of at least two of the image fiber bundles (101) are parallel to each other.

3. The machine vision optical inspection equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output ends (106) of at least two of the image fiber bundles (101) are in contact with each other.

4. The machine vision optical inspection equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, All output terminals (106) are located on the same plane; and the optical axis of the camera (100) is perpendicular to the plane where the output terminals (106) are located.

5. The machine vision optical inspection device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The focal point of the front-end lens (102) is located on the plane of the input end (105) of the image fiber bundle (101).

6. The machine vision optical inspection device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The object to be tested (103) has multiple surfaces to be tested (107); multiple front-end lenses (102) are set one-to-one with the multiple surfaces to be tested (107).

7. The machine vision optical inspection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The optical axis of the front lens (102) is perpendicular to the surface to be tested (107).

8. The machine vision optical inspection device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Multiple front-end lenses (102) are arranged circumferentially around the object to be detected (103).

9. The machine vision optical inspection device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The image fiber bundle (101) includes multiple optical fibers (108) arranged in an array and in contact with each other, as well as a protective sleeve (109) covering the periphery.

10. The machine vision optical inspection device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a light source that emits light toward the object to be detected (103).

Images