Industrial light source and machine vision system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an industrial light source and machine vision system. Industrial light source includes luminous component, and the adjustable light component of cooperation with luminous component uses;The adjustable light component is located the light side of industrial light source;The adjustable light component can switch between at least two optical properties;The luminous component is used to send out light, and the light is shot out industrial light source after passing through adjustable light component;Among them, when the adjustable light component is in different optical properties, the distribution of light field is different when the light is emitted. Application the utility model embodiment can improve the applicability of industrial light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of machine vision technology, and in particular to an industrial light source and machine vision system. Background Technology

[0002] In scenarios where industrial light sources are used in conjunction with industrial cameras for illumination, these light sources typically include light-emitting diode (LED) chips, circuit boards, structural components, optical diffusers (also known as diffusers), and optical mirrors. The optical diffusers in these industrial light sources are usually made of materials such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Direct light is diffused after passing through the optical diffuser, thus providing better illumination and ensuring a uniform and stable diffused light coverage area for the industrial light source.

[0003] While optical diffusers with different optical parameters can provide varying transmittance and lighting effects, the optical diffusers used in current industrial light sources are pre-designed and selected. This means the material of the optical diffuser in industrial light sources is fixed, resulting in a fixed transmittance and thus a fixed lighting effect. Therefore, once the working distance between the industrial light source and the object to be illuminated is fixed, the bright-field or dark-field lighting effect produced by the industrial light source is also fixed. Since the required bright-field or dark-field lighting effects may differ in different lighting scenarios, the aforementioned industrial light sources with fixed lighting effects can only be used in certain fixed scenarios, resulting in limited applicability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide an industrial light source and a machine vision system to dynamically adjust the lighting effect of the industrial light source, thereby improving the applicability of the industrial light source. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect of this utility model, an industrial light source is provided for machine vision tasks. The industrial light source includes a light-emitting component and a dimmable component used in conjunction with the light-emitting component. The dimmable component is located on the light-emitting side of the industrial light source. The dimmable component is capable of switching between at least two optical characteristics.

[0006] The light-emitting component is used to emit light, which is emitted from the industrial light source after passing through the tunable light-emitting component; wherein, when the tunable light-emitting component is in different optical characteristics, the distribution of the light field at the emitted light is different.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source further includes a first driving module electrically connected to the tunable component, for driving the tunable component to switch between different optical characteristics via current and / or voltage signals.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source further includes a driving interface electrically connected to the tunable component, for accessing a second driving module external to the industrial light source, and transmitting current and / or voltage signals sent by the second driving module to the tunable component to drive the tunable component to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the optical properties include at least a first optical property and a second optical property;

[0010] The light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component is in the first optical characteristic is less than the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component is in the second optical characteristic.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the optical properties include at least a third optical property and a fourth optical property;

[0012] When the tunable light component is in the third optical characteristic, the transmittance of the light is higher than a preset upper threshold; when the tunable light component is in the fourth optical characteristic, the transmittance of the light is lower than a preset lower threshold.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the dimming component is a dimming film.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source further includes at least one light-emitting aperture and a light-transmitting portion; each of the light-emitting apertures is disposed on the light-emitting side and distributed circumferentially along the light-transmitting portion; each of the light-emitting apertures is respectively provided with the dimmable component.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source further includes a first connecting component disposed on the opposite side of the light-emitting side. The first connecting component is used to cooperate with a second connecting component disposed on the industrial camera lens to realize the connection between the lens and the industrial light source. When the industrial light source is connected to the lens, the light-transmitting part is coaxial with the lens.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source further includes a light-emitting aperture; the light-emitting aperture is disposed on the light-emitting side, and the tunable light-emitting component is disposed at the light-emitting aperture; the light-emitting component includes light-emitting sub-components arranged in an array; the projection of the light-emitting sub-components on the light-emitting side is located in the light-emitting aperture.

[0017] In a second aspect of this utility model, a machine vision system is provided, the machine vision system including an industrial camera and any of the industrial light sources described above.

[0018] This invention provides an industrial light source and machine vision system that achieves illumination by transmitting light emitted from a light-emitting component through a tunable light-emitting component before exiting the industrial light source. Since the industrial light source includes a tunable light-emitting component used in conjunction with the light-emitting component, the tunable light-emitting component can switch between at least two optical characteristics. When the tunable light-emitting component is in different optical characteristics, the distribution of the light field emitted is different. Furthermore, it is understood that if the light field distribution of the light emitted by the industrial light source is different, the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source will be different. Therefore, when the tunable light-emitting component is in different optical characteristics, the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source provided in this invention is different. Therefore, by controlling the optical characteristics of the tunable light-emitting component, the light field distribution of the light emitted by the industrial light source after exiting through the tunable light-emitting component can be dynamically adjusted, thereby dynamically adjusting the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source and improving the applicability of the industrial light source.

[0019] Of course, any product implementing this utility model does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another structure of an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the optical path of an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6Another optical path diagram of an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another optical path for an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another optical path for an industrial light source provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of an industrial light source II provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 10 Another structural schematic diagram of the industrial light source II provided in this embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another structure of the industrial light source II provided in this embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the optical path of a machine vision system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 13 Another optical path diagram of a machine vision system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the optical path of a second machine vision system provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 15 This is another optical path diagram of the machine vision system II provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The meaning of each reference numeral in the attached figures will be explained below:

[0037] 11-Light-emitting component, 12-Dimmable component, 13-Light-transmitting part, 131-First light-transmitting hole, 132-Second light-transmitting hole, 14-Light-emitting hole, 15-First driving module. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on this application are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] To achieve dynamic adjustment of the lighting effect of industrial light sources and thus improve their applicability, this utility model provides an industrial light source for machine vision tasks. (See attached image.) Figure 1 The industrial light source includes a light-emitting component 11 and a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11. The light-emitting component 11 emits light, which is emitted from the industrial light source after passing through the dimmable component 12. The dimmable component 12 is located on the light-emitting side of the industrial light source; the dimmable component 12 can switch between at least two optical characteristics, and the distribution of the light field in the emitted light is different when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics.

[0040] Specifically, the light-emitting component 11 can refer to multiple discrete light-emitting devices, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The light-emitting device can be any device capable of emitting light, such as an LED light bead, etc. The light-emitting component 11 can also refer to a light strip composed of multiple light-emitting devices.

[0041] The dimming component 12 can be a dimming film, or other dimming components besides a dimming film, such as a zoom lens or zoom lens group, etc. For ease of description, the zoom lens or zoom lens group will be referred to as a zoom lens (group) below. Figure 1 For ease of illustration, the dimmable component 12 is represented by a box, but this does not mean that the dimmable component 12 is actually a box in actual application.

[0042] Different light field distributions refer to different spatial distributions of light intensity. Specifically, different light field distributions can mean that the light emitted by an industrial light source exhibits either a bright field illumination effect or a dark field illumination effect. In this embodiment, different light field distributions can be achieved by adjusting the emission angle of the light using the adjustable light component 12. If the emission angle of the light is large, the light emitted by the industrial light source forms a large light spot with lower light intensity at each point within the spot, resulting in a dark field illumination effect. If the emission angle is small, the light emitted by the industrial light source forms a small light spot with higher light intensity at each point within the spot, resulting in a bright field illumination effect.

[0043] Alternatively, different light field distributions can be achieved by adjusting the light transmittance using the dimmable component 12. Higher transmittance results in a stronger light spot, creating a bright-field illumination effect. Lower transmittance results in a weaker light spot, creating a dark-field illumination effect. Alternatively, different light field distributions can also be achieved by adjusting the light emission angle and transmittance using the dimmable component 12.

[0044] Based on the above description, in this embodiment, the different distribution of the light field when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics can also be regarded as: when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the light emission angle and / or transmittance are different.

[0045] Different light field distributions can also refer to: industrial light sources emitting light that is bright in the center and dark around the edges, or industrial light sources emitting light that is bright around the edges and dark in the center, etc. In this embodiment, different light field distributions can be achieved by setting up gratings.

[0046] By applying this embodiment of the invention, illumination can be achieved by transmitting light emitted from the light-emitting component 11 through the tunable light-emitting component 12 before exiting the industrial light source. Since the industrial light source includes the tunable light-emitting component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, the tunable light-emitting component 12 can switch between at least two optical characteristics. When the tunable light-emitting component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the distribution of the light field emitted is different. Furthermore, it is understood that if the light field distribution of the light emitted by the industrial light source is different, the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source will be different. Therefore, when the tunable light-emitting component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source provided in this embodiment of the invention is different. Therefore, by controlling the optical characteristics of the tunable light-emitting component 12, the light field distribution of the light emitted by the industrial light source after passing through the tunable light-emitting component 12 can be dynamically adjusted, thereby dynamically adjusting the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source, and thus improving the applicability of the industrial light source.

[0047] Referring to the foregoing description, in the process of dynamically adjusting the lighting effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source, the present utility model embodiment relies on the switching of the dimmable component 12 between at least two optical characteristics, and the different light field distributions when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics. Therefore, the following will provide an exemplary description of how to control the switching of the dimmable component 12 to different optical characteristics, and the different light field distributions when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source includes a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, and a first driving module 15, for controlling the dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0049] If the dimmable component 12 is a dimming film, then the first driving module 15 is a driving circuit disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB). If the dimmable component 12 is a zoom lens (group), then the first driving module 15 is a driving motor for driving the zoom lens (group).

[0050] The first driving module 15 is electrically connected to the tunable component 12 and is used to drive the tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics via current and / or voltage signals. Specifically, the first driving module 15 drives the tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics via a current signal; or, the first driving module 15 drives the tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics via a voltage signal; or, the first driving module 15 drives the tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics via both current and voltage signals.

[0051] In this embodiment, the current and / or voltage signals emitted by the first driving module 15 can be regarded as control commands for switching the dimmable component 12 between different optical characteristics. For example, the dimmable component 12 is a dimming film. Under the drive of different current and / or voltage signals, the microstructure inside the dimming film can change its shape distribution, modulating the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11. After modulation, the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 when it exits from the dimming film change, that is, the distribution of the light field when the light is emitted is different, thereby forming a variety of imaging effects with different degrees of diffusion, that is, forming a variety of different lighting effects.

[0052] By using this embodiment, the optical characteristics of the dimmable component 12 can be switched through the first driving module 15 included in the industrial light source itself, thereby dynamically adjusting the lighting effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source. Moreover, without the cooperation of external equipment, the industrial light source itself can switch the optical characteristics of the dimmable component 12, thus further improving the applicability of the industrial light source.

[0053] In another possible embodiment, the industrial light source includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, and a driving interface. The driving interface is electrically connected to the dimmable component 12 and is used to access a second driving module external to the industrial light source, and to transmit current and / or voltage signals sent by the second driving module to the dimmable component 12 to drive the dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0054] Specifically, after the second drive module, which is externally connected to the drive interface, is connected to the industrial power supply, the second drive module sends current and / or voltage signals to the drive interface. After receiving the current and / or voltage signals sent by the second drive module, the drive interface transmits the received current and / or voltage signals to the tunable component 12, so that the current and / or voltage signals transmitted to the tunable component 12 drive the tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0055] The above text has provided an exemplary description of the method for controlling the switching of different optical characteristics of the dimmable component 12. As described above, in the process of dynamically adjusting the lighting effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source, the present utility model embodiment relies not only on the switching of the optical characteristics of the dimmable component 12, but also on the different light field distributions of the dimmable component 12 under different optical characteristics. Therefore, the following text will provide an exemplary description of the different light field distributions when the dimmable component 12 is under different optical characteristics.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the optical characteristics include at least a first optical characteristic and a second optical characteristic; the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component 12 is in the first optical characteristic is smaller than the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component 12 is in the second optical characteristic.

[0057] When the dimmable component 12 is in the first optical characteristic, most of the light will be transmitted through the dimmable component 12, and only a small portion of the light may be diffused at the dimmable component 12. Furthermore, the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component 12 is in the first optical characteristic is small, which allows the light to converge to form a brighter light spot, achieving the effect of bright field lighting.

[0058] When the dimmable component 12 is in its second optical characteristic, most of the light will be diffused at the dimmable component 12, and only a small portion of the light will be directly transmitted through the dimmable component 12. Furthermore, the light emission angle is larger when the dimmable component 12 is in its second optical characteristic, which allows the light to be dispersed to form a larger and darker light spot, achieving the effect of dark field illumination.

[0059] When light is diffused at the dimmable component 12, the diffused light may continue to diffuse at the dimmable component 12 after being reflected inside the industrial light source, or it may be transmitted out from the dimmable component 12.

[0060] When the dimming component 12 is a dimming film, the switching between the first optical feature and the second optical feature can be achieved by adjusting the diffuse reflectance of the dimming film. Specifically, the dimming film is in the second optical feature by increasing the diffuse reflectance of the dimming film, and in the first optical feature by decreasing the diffuse reflectance of the dimming film.

[0061] When the dimmable component 12 is a zoom lens (group), a relatively rough mirror area and a relatively smooth mirror area can be provided on the surface of the zoom lens (group). Switching between the first and second optical features is achieved by moving the zoom lens (group) with a motor. Specifically, moving the relatively rough mirror area into the optical path of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 puts the zoom lens (group) in the second optical feature, and moving the relatively smooth mirror area into the optical path of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 puts the zoom lens (group) in the first optical feature. In another possible embodiment, the optical characteristics include at least a third and a fourth optical feature; when the dimmable component 12 is in the third optical feature, the light transmittance is higher than a preset upper threshold; when the dimmable component 12 is in the fourth optical feature, the light transmittance is lower than a preset lower threshold.

[0062] The preset upper and lower threshold values ​​can be set according to user needs or past experience. It is understandable that when the light transmittance is higher than the preset upper threshold, the brightness of the light emitted from the industrial light source should be greater so that the light forms a bright-field illumination effect after illuminating the surface of the object to be illuminated. Therefore, when setting the preset upper threshold, it is necessary to ensure that the brightness of the light emitted from the industrial light source is sufficiently high when the light transmittance is higher than the preset upper threshold.

[0063] Furthermore, when the light transmittance is lower than the preset lower threshold, the brightness of the light emitted from the industrial light source should be relatively small so that the light forms a dark field lighting effect after illuminating the surface of the object to be illuminated. Therefore, when setting the preset lower threshold, it is necessary to ensure that the brightness of the light emitted from the industrial light source is sufficiently small when the light transmittance is lower than the preset lower threshold.

[0064] When the dimming component 12 is a dimming film, the switching between the third optical feature and the fourth optical feature can be achieved by adjusting the transmittance of the dimming film. Specifically, the dimming film is in the third optical feature by increasing the transmittance of the dimming film, and in the fourth optical feature by decreasing the transmittance of the dimming film.

[0065] When the tunable light component 12 is a grating, the switching between the third and fourth optical features can be achieved by adjusting the gap and size of the grating. Specifically, by adjusting the gap and size of the grating to appropriate values, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 cancels out after diffraction by the grating, which is equivalent to reducing transmittance, thus placing the grating in the fourth optical feature. By adjusting the gap and size of the grating to another appropriate value, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is superimposed after diffraction by the grating, which is equivalent to increasing transmittance, thus placing the grating in the third optical feature.

[0066] To facilitate understanding of the industrial light source provided by this utility model, the following description will use schematic diagrams of the specific structures of the industrial light sources in two different examples (hereinafter referred to as Example 1 and Example 2, respectively) to illustrate the industrial light source provided by this utility model. For ease of description, the industrial light source in Example 1 will be referred to as Industrial Light Source 1, and the industrial light source in Example 2 will be referred to as Industrial Light Source 2.

[0067] For industrial light source one in Example 1, the structural schematic diagram of industrial light source one can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown, an industrial light source includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-transmitting part 13, and at least one light-emitting hole 14.

[0068] Each light-emitting aperture 14 is located on the light-emitting side of the industrial light source and is distributed circumferentially along the light-transmitting portion 13; each light-emitting aperture 14 is equipped with a dimmable component 12. The light-emitting component 11 emits light, which is emitted from the industrial light source after passing through the dimmable component 12. The dimmable component 12 can switch between at least two optical characteristics; and when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the distribution of the light field at the emitted light is different. Figure 2 For illustrative purposes, the dimmable component 12 is not shown. The light-emitting component 11 and the dimmable component 12 have been described by way of example above, and will not be repeated here.

[0069] See Figure 2 As shown, the light-transmitting portion 13 includes a first light-transmitting hole 131 and a second light-transmitting hole 132. The first light-transmitting hole 131 is located on the light-emitting side of the industrial light source, and the second light-transmitting hole 132 is located on the side of the industrial light source opposite to the light-emitting side. In other words, the first light-transmitting hole 131 and the second light-transmitting hole 132 are located on opposite sides of the industrial light source. Furthermore, the second light-transmitting hole 132 is coaxial with the first light-transmitting hole 131.

[0070] The industrial light source has a hollow structure between the first light-transmitting hole 131 and the second light-transmitting hole 132, allowing light to enter through the first light-transmitting hole 131 and pass through the second light-transmitting hole 132, that is, light can pass through the light-transmitting part 13. The hole formed by the first light-transmitting hole 131 can be empty or it can be provided with a transparent sheet; similarly, the hole formed by the second light-transmitting hole 132 can be empty or it can be provided with a transparent sheet.

[0071] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 13 is circular in shape. It is understood that... Figure 2 This is only a schematic diagram of one possible industrial light source. In other possible embodiments, the shape of the light-transmitting part 13 may also be other than a circle, such as a rectangle, etc.

[0072] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the industrial light source includes a plurality of light-emitting apertures 14. In other possible embodiments, such as... Figure 3 As shown, an industrial light source can also include only one light-emitting aperture 14.

[0073] The phrase "each light-emitting aperture 14 is provided with a dimmable component 12" in this article can mean: one dimmable component 12 is provided at each light-emitting aperture 14; it can also mean: there is only one dimmable component 12 covering all light-emitting apertures 14; or it can mean: multiple light-emitting apertures 14 are divided into multiple groups of light-emitting apertures 14, and one dimmable component 12 is provided at each group of light-emitting apertures 14. The number of dimmable components 12 is not limited in this article, as long as each light-emitting aperture 14 is provided with a dimmable component 12.

[0074] Regarding the method of controlling the dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics, in one possible embodiment, the structural schematic diagram of the industrial light source 1 can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, an industrial light source includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-transmitting part 13, at least one light-emitting hole 14, and a first driving module 15. Figure 4 For illustrative purposes, the light-transmitting part 13 and the light-emitting hole 14 are not shown.

[0075] See Figure 4 The first driving module 15 is electrically connected to each tunable component 12. The first driving module 15 drives each tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics via current and / or voltage signals. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the dimmable component 12 is a dimming film, and the first driving module 15 is a driving circuit. The first driving module 15 has been described by example above and will not be repeated here.

[0076] In another possible embodiment, the industrial light source one includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-transmitting portion 13, at least one light-emitting aperture 14, and a driving interface. The driving interface is electrically connected to each dimmable component 12, and is used to connect to a second driving module externally mounted on the industrial light source one, and to transmit the current and / or voltage signals sent by the second driving module to each dimmable component 12 to drive each dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics. The second driving module has been described exemplarily above and will not be repeated here.

[0077] The above text has provided an exemplary description of how to control the dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics. The following text, in conjunction with... Figure 4The schematic diagram of the industrial light source shown illustrates, by way of example, the changes in the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the tunable component 12 when it is in different optical conditions.

[0078] In one possible embodiment, the optical characteristics include at least a first optical characteristic and a second optical characteristic; the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component 12 is in the first optical characteristic is smaller than the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component 12 is in the second optical characteristic.

[0079] See Figure 5 When the dimmable component 12 is in its first optical characteristic, most of the light is transmitted through it. In other words, when the dimmable component 12 is in its first optical characteristic, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 directly penetrates the dimmable component 12, exits from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source, and directly illuminates the surface of the object requiring illumination. In this embodiment, the first optical characteristic of the dimmable component 12 can be referred to as a fully transparent state. The light emitted from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source is relatively bright, and the light emission angle is relatively small. Most of the light will illuminate the surface of the object requiring illumination, creating a bright-field illumination effect.

[0080] See Figure 6 When the dimmable component 12 is in the second optical characteristic, most of the light is diffused at the dimmable component 12. That is, when the dimmable component 12 is in the second optical characteristic, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is diffused on the side of the dimmable component 12 closest to the light-emitting component 11 (hereinafter referred to as the inner surface). This causes most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 to exit from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source one at a large light-emitting angle after being diffused by the inner surface of the dimmable component 12, and to illuminate the surface of the object to be illuminated. In this embodiment, the second state of the dimmable component 12 can be called the partially diffused state, and most of the light emitted from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source one has a large light-emitting angle, so that most of the light cannot illuminate the surface of the object to be illuminated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source one forms a dark field illumination effect after illuminating the surface of the object to be illuminated.

[0081] In another possible embodiment, the optical characteristics include at least a third optical characteristic and a fourth optical characteristic; when the dimmable component 12 is in the third optical characteristic, the light transmittance is higher than a preset upper limit threshold; when the dimmable component 12 is in the fourth optical characteristic, the light transmittance is lower than a preset lower limit threshold. This embodiment has been described exemplarily above and will not be repeated here.

[0082] The changes in the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the dimmable component 12 under different optical characteristics have been illustrated above. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the optical axis of the light-emitting component 11 is parallel to the central axis of the light-transmitting portion 13, that is, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is direct light.

[0083] In other possible embodiments, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 may also be oblique light. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is radially directed towards the central axis of the light-transmitting portion 13. Furthermore, a schematic diagram showing that most of the light is transmitted through the dimming component 12 when it is in the first optical characteristic can be shown as follows: Figure 7 As shown. A schematic diagram illustrating that most light is diffused at the dimmable component 12 when it is in the second optical characteristic is shown below. Figure 8 As shown. Figure 7 and Figure 5 The difference is only that Figure 5 The light rays in the image are direct rays. Figure 7 The light rays in the image are oblique rays. Figure 7 and Figure 5 The way light is emitted and the effect formed after the light is emitted and shines on the surface of the object that needs to be illuminated are the same, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0084] Similarly, Figure 8 and Figure 6 The difference is only that Figure 6 The light rays in the image are direct rays. Figure 8 The light rays in the image are oblique rays. Figure 8 and Figure 6 The manner in which the light is emitted and the effect formed after the light is emitted and shines on the surface of the object to be illuminated are the same, so they will not be described again here. In this article, direct illumination means that the optical axis of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is parallel to the central axis of the light-transmitting part 13, and oblique illumination means that the optical axis of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is not parallel to the central axis of the light-transmitting part 13.

[0085] It is understood that industrial light source one is usually used in conjunction with industrial camera for illumination. Based on this, in order to realize the installation and fixation of industrial light source one and industrial camera, in one possible embodiment, industrial light source one further includes a first connecting component disposed on the side opposite to the light-emitting side (hereinafter referred to as the light-incident side). The first connecting component is used to cooperate with a second connecting component disposed on the lens of industrial camera to realize the connection between lens and industrial light source one. When industrial light source one is connected to lens, light-transmitting part 13 is coaxial with lens.

[0086] The first connecting component can be configured with different types of connecting components according to user needs, including but not limited to screw holes, through holes, and snap-fit ​​devices. For example, the first connecting component can be a plate with a through hole on the light-incident side of the industrial light source. In this example, a threaded hole is provided at the industrial camera lens. The lens and the industrial light source can be fixedly connected by aligning the through hole on the plate with the threaded hole and screwing in a screw. The lens and the industrial light source can be disassembled by unscrewing the screw. After the industrial light source and the lens are fixedly connected, the central axis of the light-transmitting part 13 is coaxial with the optical axis of the lens.

[0087] The structure of industrial light source one in Example 1 has been described above by way of example. The structure of industrial light source two in Example 2 provided by this utility model will be described below by way of example, with reference to a specific industrial light source structure diagram.

[0088] For industrial light source 2 in Example 2, the structural schematic diagram of industrial light source 2 can be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the industrial light source 2 includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, and a light-emitting aperture 14.

[0089] A light-emitting aperture 14 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the industrial light source, and a dimmable component 12 is disposed at the light-emitting aperture 14; the light-emitting component 11 includes light-emitting sub-components arranged in an array; the projection of the light-emitting sub-components on the light-emitting side is located in the light-emitting aperture 14. The light-emitting component 11 is used to emit light, which is emitted from the industrial light source after passing through the dimmable component 12. The dimmable component 12 can switch between at least two optical characteristics; and when the dimmable component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the distribution of the light field after light emission is different. Figure 9 For illustrative purposes, the dimmable component 12 is not shown. The light-emitting component 11 and the dimmable component 12 have been described by way of example above, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] Array arrangement can refer to a uniform array arrangement, such as... Figure 9 As shown, this means that the distance between the center point of each light-emitting sub-component and the center point of its adjacent light-emitting sub-component is equal. Array arrangement can refer to a non-uniform array arrangement, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the distance between the center point of each light-emitting component and the center point of its adjacent light-emitting component is not exactly equal. A light-emitting component can be any device capable of emitting light, such as an LED chip.

[0091] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the industrial light source two includes only one light-emitting aperture 14. In other possible embodiments, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the industrial light source 2 may also include multiple light-emitting holes 14.

[0092] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source 2 includes: a light-emitting component 11, a tunable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-emitting aperture 14, and a first driving module 15. The first driving module 15 is electrically connected to the tunable component 12 and is used to drive the tunable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics through current and / or voltage signals.

[0093] In another possible embodiment, the industrial light source 2 includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-emitting aperture 14, and a driving interface. The driving interface is electrically connected to the dimmable component 12 and is used to connect to a second driving module external to the industrial light source, and to transmit the current and / or voltage signals sent by the second driving module to the dimmable component 12 to drive the dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0094] Since the dimmable component 12 in the second industrial light source provided by this utility model is the same as the dimmable component 12 in the first industrial light source, the method of controlling the dimmable component 12 in the second industrial light source to switch between different optical characteristics is the same as the method of controlling the dimmable component 12 in the first industrial light source to switch between different optical characteristics. Please refer to the relevant description of the method of controlling the dimmable component 12 in the first industrial light source to switch between different optical characteristics, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] Regarding the changes in the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the tunable component 12 in the second industrial light source when it is in different optical characteristics, in one possible embodiment, the optical characteristics include at least a first optical characteristic and a second optical characteristic; the light emission angle of the tunable component 12 when it is in the first optical characteristic is smaller than the light emission angle of the tunable component 12 when it is in the second optical characteristic.

[0096] In another possible embodiment, the optical characteristics include at least a third optical characteristic and a fourth optical characteristic; when the dimmable component 12 is in the third optical characteristic, the light transmittance is higher than a preset upper limit threshold; when the dimmable component 12 is in the fourth optical characteristic, the light transmittance is lower than a preset lower limit threshold.

[0097] Since the tunable component 12 in the second industrial light source provided by this utility model is the same as the tunable component 12 in the first industrial light source, the changes in the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the tunable component 12 in the second industrial light source when it is in different optical characteristics are the same as the changes in the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the tunable component 12 in the first industrial light source when it is in different optical characteristics. Please refer to the above description of the changes in the light emission angle and / or transmittance of the tunable component 12 in the first industrial light source when it is in different optical characteristics, which will not be repeated here.

[0098] In the above structural schematic diagram of industrial light source one, the dimmable component 12 is a dimming film. It is understood that the above structural schematic diagram of industrial light source one is only a possible structural schematic diagram of industrial light source one. In embodiments where the dimmable component 12 is a dimming component other than a dimming film, the structure of industrial light source one may also be a different structure from the above structural schematic diagram of industrial light source one. Similarly, in the above structural schematic diagram of industrial light source two, the dimmable component 12 is a dimming film. It is understood that the above structural schematic diagram of industrial light source two is only a possible structural schematic diagram of industrial light source two. In embodiments where the dimmable component 12 is a dimming component other than a dimming film, the structure of industrial light source two may also be a different structure from the above structural schematic diagram of industrial light source two.

[0099] Industrial light sources are typically used in conjunction with industrial cameras for illumination. However, with continued use, the brightness of these light sources naturally diminishes, and the existing illumination effect cannot be adjusted. Therefore, to ensure consistent brightness in images captured by industrial cameras, it is necessary to continuously adjust the camera's exposure time or the lens aperture. This results in a significant workload when using industrial cameras, potentially leading to slow shooting pace and low image quality due to improper depth-of-field control. Consequently, the application difficulty of using industrial light sources in conjunction with industrial cameras is increased.

[0100] Based on this, in order to reduce the workload of industrial camera shooting by dynamically adjusting the lighting effect of industrial light source, reduce the possibility of slow shooting rhythm and low image quality caused by improper lens depth of field control, and thus reduce the application difficulty of using industrial light source and industrial camera together, corresponding to the aforementioned industrial light source, this utility model embodiment also provides a machine vision system, the machine vision system including industrial camera and industrial light source as shown in any of the above embodiments.

[0101] By applying this embodiment of the invention, illumination can be achieved by transmitting light emitted from the light-emitting component 11 through the tunable light-emitting component 12 before exiting the industrial light source. It is understood that different light field distributions result in different illumination effects. Furthermore, since the industrial light source includes the tunable light-emitting component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, the tunable light-emitting component 12 can switch between at least two optical characteristics. When the tunable light-emitting component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the light field distribution at the emitted light is different. Therefore, when the tunable light-emitting component 12 is in different optical characteristics, the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source provided in this embodiment of the invention is different. Therefore, by controlling the optical characteristics of the tunable light-emitting component 12, the light field distribution of the light emitted from the industrial light source after passing through the tunable light-emitting component 12 can be dynamically adjusted, thereby dynamically adjusting the illumination effect presented by the light emitted by the industrial light source and improving the applicability of the industrial light source. Based on this, the machine vision system provided by this utility model, which includes the aforementioned industrial light source and industrial camera, can dynamically adjust the illumination effect of the industrial light source to adjust the brightness required when the industrial camera captures images, thereby ensuring that the brightness of the images captured by the industrial camera is consistent. This reduces the workload of adjusting the industrial camera during shooting, reduces the possibility of slow shooting pace, low image quality due to improper lens depth of field control, and thus reduces the application difficulty of using industrial light sources and industrial cameras together.

[0102] To facilitate understanding of the machine vision system provided by this utility model, the following description will be based on the structural schematic diagrams of the industrial light sources in the two different examples described above, namely Industrial Light Source 1 and Industrial Light Source 2.

[0103] Corresponding to the aforementioned industrial light source one, this utility model embodiment also provides a machine vision system one, which includes an industrial camera and the industrial light source one in any of the above embodiments; the industrial camera is located on the light-incident side of the industrial light source one, and the lens of the industrial camera is coaxial with the light-transmitting part 13 of the industrial light source one, that is, the central axis of the light-transmitting part 13 is coaxial with the optical axis of the lens of the industrial camera.

[0104] In one possible embodiment, the machine vision system includes an industrial camera, an industrial light source as described in any of the above embodiments, and a placement area. The placement area is located on the object-side focal plane of the industrial camera and the lens, and its center is located on the central axis of the light-transmitting portion 13. The placement area can be used to place objects that need to be illuminated.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the tunable component 12 in the industrial light source is in the first optical characteristic, the optical path diagram of the machine vision system can be as follows: Figure 12 As shown. See also Figure 12When the dimmable component 12 is in its first optical characteristic, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 in the industrial light source directly penetrates the dimmable component 12 and exits from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source at a relatively small light-emitting angle. This ensures that most of the light directly illuminates the surface of the object being photographed (i.e., the object requiring illumination), creating a bright-field illumination effect. The light illuminating the surface of the object is reflected by the surface of the object to the lens of the industrial camera. The industrial camera then captures an image of the object using its own imaging processing module, obtaining a bright-field image under bright-field illumination.

[0106] When the tunable component 12 in the industrial light source is in the second optical characteristic, the optical path diagram of the machine vision system can be as follows: Figure 13 As shown. See also Figure 13 When the dimmable component 12 is in its second optical characteristic, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is diffused on the inner surface of the dimmable component 12. This results in the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 exiting from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source one at a larger light-emitting angle after being diffused by the inner surface of the dimmable component 12. A small portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source one illuminates the surface of the object being photographed, creating a dark-field illumination effect. The light illuminating the surface of the object being photographed is reflected by the surface of the object to the lens of the industrial camera. The industrial camera then captures an image of the object under dark-field illumination using its own imaging processing module.

[0107] Depending on the application scenario, users can choose to use either bright-field images or dark-field images captured by an industrial camera. In other possible embodiments, users can also fuse the bright-field images and dark-field images captured by the industrial camera to obtain a fused image, which can be applied to different scenarios such as defect detection, localization, barcode recognition, optical character recognition (OCR), and measurement.

[0108] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source one includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-transmitting part 13, at least one light-emitting hole 14, and a driving interface. In this embodiment, the industrial camera in the machine vision system one includes a second driving module, which is electrically connected to the driving interface.

[0109] After the industrial camera is electrically connected to the drive interface through the second drive module, the second drive module sends current and / or voltage signals to the drive interface. After receiving the current and / or voltage signals sent by the industrial camera, the drive interface transmits the received current and / or voltage signals to each dimmable component 12, so that the current and / or voltage signals transmitted to each dimmable component 12 drive each dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0110] Corresponding to the aforementioned industrial light source two, this utility model embodiment also provides a machine vision system two, which includes an industrial camera and the industrial light source two in any of the above embodiments; the industrial camera is located on the side of the industrial light source two adjacent to the light-emitting side.

[0111] In one possible embodiment, the machine vision system 2 includes an industrial camera, an industrial light source 2 as described in any of the above embodiments, and a placement area for placing objects that require illumination.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the tunable component 12 in the industrial light source 2 is in the first optical characteristic, the optical path diagram of the machine vision system 2 can be as follows: Figure 14 As shown. See also Figure 14 When the dimmable component 12 is in its first optical characteristic, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 in the industrial light source 2 directly penetrates the dimmable component 12 and exits from the light-emitting side of the industrial light source 2 at a relatively small light-emitting angle. This ensures that most of the light directly illuminates the surface of the object being photographed (i.e., the object requiring illumination), creating a bright-field illumination effect. The light illuminating the surface of the object is reflected by the surface of the object to the lens of the industrial camera. The industrial camera then captures an image of the object using its own imaging processing module, obtaining a bright-field image under bright-field illumination.

[0113] When the tunable component 12 in the second industrial light source is in the second optical characteristic, the optical path diagram of the second machine vision system can be as follows: Figure 15 As shown. See also Figure 15 When the dimmable component 12 is in its second optical characteristic, most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 is diffused on the inner surface of the dimmable component 12. This results in most of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 11 exiting from the light-emitting side of the second industrial light source at a relatively large light-emitting angle after being diffused by the inner surface of the dimmable component 12. A small portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting side of the second industrial light source illuminates the surface of the object being photographed, creating a dark-field illumination effect. The light illuminating the surface of the object being photographed is reflected by the surface of the object to the lens of the industrial camera. The industrial camera then captures an image of the object under dark-field illumination using its own imaging processing module.

[0114] Understandable Figure 14 and Figure 15 The structure of the machine vision system 2 shown is only one possible example of a machine vision system 2 structure. Figure 14 and Figure 15In the example, machine vision system two includes only one industrial light source two, with the industrial camera located to the right of the industrial light source two. In other possible examples, machine vision system two may also include two industrial light sources two, with the industrial camera located to the right of one industrial light source two and to the left of the other industrial light source two.

[0115] Depending on the application scenario, users can choose to use either bright-field images or dark-field images captured by an industrial camera. In other possible embodiments, users can also fuse the bright-field images and dark-field images captured by the industrial camera to obtain a fused image, which can be applied to different scenarios such as defect detection, location, barcode recognition, optical character recognition, and measurement.

[0116] In one possible embodiment, the industrial light source 2 includes: a light-emitting component 11, a dimmable component 12 used in conjunction with the light-emitting component 11, a light-emitting aperture 14, and a driving interface. In this embodiment, the industrial camera in the machine vision system 2 includes a second driving module, which is electrically connected to the driving interface.

[0117] After the industrial camera is electrically connected to the drive interface through the second drive module, the second drive module sends current and / or voltage signals to the drive interface. After receiving the current and / or voltage signals sent by the industrial camera, the drive interface transmits the received current and / or voltage signals to each dimmable component 12, so that the current and / or voltage signals transmitted to each dimmable component 12 drive each dimmable component 12 to switch between different optical characteristics.

[0118] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model are included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An industrial light source for machine vision tasks, characterized in that, The industrial light source includes a light-emitting component and a dimmable component used in conjunction with the light-emitting component; the dimmable component is located on the light-emitting side of the industrial light source; the dimmable component is capable of switching between at least two optical characteristics; The light-emitting component is used to emit light, which is emitted from the industrial light source after passing through the tunable light-emitting component; wherein, when the tunable light-emitting component is in different optical characteristics, the distribution of the light field at the emitted light is different.

2. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The industrial light source also includes a first driving module, which is electrically connected to the tunable component and is used to drive the tunable component to switch between different optical characteristics through current and / or voltage signals.

3. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The industrial light source also includes a driving interface, which is electrically connected to the tunable component. The driving interface is used to connect to a second driving module external to the industrial light source and transmit the current and / or voltage signals sent by the second driving module to the tunable component to drive the tunable component to switch between different optical characteristics.

4. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical properties include at least a first optical property and a second optical property; The light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component is in the first optical characteristic is less than the light emission angle of the light when the dimmable component is in the second optical characteristic.

5. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical properties include at least a third optical property and a fourth optical property; When the tunable light component is in the third optical characteristic, the transmittance of the light is higher than a preset upper limit threshold. When the tunable light component is in the fourth optical characteristic, the transmittance of the light is lower than a preset lower threshold.

6. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimmable component is a dimming film.

7. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The industrial light source further includes at least one light-emitting hole and a light-transmitting part; each of the light-emitting holes is disposed on the light-emitting side and distributed circumferentially along the light-transmitting part; each of the light-emitting holes is respectively provided with the dimmable component.

8. The industrial light source according to claim 7, characterized in that, The industrial light source further includes a first connecting component disposed on the opposite side of the light-emitting side. The first connecting component is used to cooperate with a second connecting component disposed on the industrial camera lens to realize the connection between the lens and the industrial light source. When the industrial light source is connected to the lens, the light-transmitting part is coaxial with the lens.

9. The industrial light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The industrial light source further includes a light-emitting aperture; the light-emitting aperture is disposed on the light-emitting side, and the adjustable light-emitting component is disposed at the light-emitting aperture; the light-emitting component includes light-emitting sub-components arranged in an array; the projection of the light-emitting sub-components on the light-emitting side is located in the light-emitting aperture.

10. A machine vision system, characterized in that, The machine vision system includes an industrial camera and an industrial light source as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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