Car Body Inspection Device Segmentation for Specular Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of car paint surfaces with varying surface normals and curvatures leads to inefficiencies in capturing specular reflection light, requiring multiple cameras and decreasing inspection device efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A car body inspection system comprising a main inspection device with an illuminator and a light receiver for inspecting a first area, coupled with an auxiliary inspection device to inspect a second area, where the light receiver does not receive specular reflection light, allowing for increased efficiency by distributing inspection tasks between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple cameras are used to capture specular reflection light from the entire paint surface, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and inspection efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidnumber of cameras
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system divides the car body surface into multiple inspection areas, with the main inspection device handling the first inspection area and auxiliary inspection devices handling the second inspection area. This segmentation allows each device to focus on specific areas where specular reflection light can be effectively captured, rather than requiring multiple cameras to cover the entire surface uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different inspection approaches to different areas of the car body surface. The main inspection device uses specular reflection light capture for areas where this method is effective, while auxiliary inspection devices handle areas where specular reflection light cannot be received. This local differentiation optimizes the inspection approach for each specific area's characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If multiple cameras are used to capture specular reflection light from the entire paint surface, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the inspection efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system divides the car body surface into multiple inspection areas, with the main inspection device handling the first inspection area and auxiliary inspection devices handling the second inspection area. This segmentation allows each device to focus on specific areas where specular reflection light can be effectively captured, rather than requiring multiple cameras to cover the entire surface uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines which areas can be inspected by the main inspection device using specular reflection light and which areas require auxiliary inspection devices. The controller automatically assigns inspection tasks based on the surface characteristics and light reception capabilities, eliminating the need for manual configuration and optimizing inspection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If the main inspection device attempts to inspect all areas, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates in areas without specular reflection light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidinspection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different inspection approaches to different areas of the car body surface. The main inspection device uses specular reflection light capture for areas where this method is effective, while auxiliary inspection devices handle areas where specular reflection light cannot be received. This local differentiation optimizes the inspection approach for each specific area's characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the main inspection device and auxiliary inspection devices. It determines which areas can be inspected by the main device and assigns appropriate areas to auxiliary devices, ensuring that each area is inspected by the most suitable device for maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances inspection efficiency and accuracy by allowing the main device to focus on areas with received specular reflection while the auxiliary device addresses areas without it, optimizing the inspection process.

Implementation Method 1

an illuminator to illuminate a surface of a car body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light receiver to receive specular reflection light from a first inspection area of the surface illuminated by the illuminator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpecular reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4443142A1Car body inspection device, car body inspection system, and car body inspection method
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4443142A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4443142A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4443142A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A car body inspection device (100) includes: a main inspection device (100) including: an illuminator (120) to illuminate a surface (2P) of a car body; a light receiver (130) to receive specular reflection light from a first inspection area of the surface (2P) illuminated by the illuminator (120); and a controller (140) configured to inspect the first inspection area based on the specular reflection light received by the light receiver (130). The main inspection device (100) is coupled to an auxiliary inspection device (200) to inspect a second inspection area other than the first inspection area on the surface (2P). The light receiver (130) of the main inspection device (100) does not receive the specular reflection light in the second inspection area.