Coated Surface Inspection Under Controlled Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing coating defects on surfaces are subjective, non-reproducible, and influenced by varying environmental conditions, making defect identification and quality assessment difficult.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that creates an enclosed space to isolate the coated surface from ambient illumination, using predefined photographic acquisition conditions, and employs adjustable components like light sources and cameras to ensure consistent image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual assessment by human employee is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment system with an automated image processing system. A camera captures images of the coated surface, and image processing algorithms automatically detect and analyze coating defects, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while significantly improving measurement precision and reproducibility.
2Device complexity
If ambient illumination is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controlled illumination as an intermediary between the camera and the coated surface. By using a light source with defined spectral characteristics and geometric arrangement, the system ensures consistent and reproducible lighting conditions, making the defect detection process reliable and independent of ambient illumination variations.
3Measurement precision
If controlled illumination is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the illumination system, including the spectral characteristics of the light source, the geometric arrangement of light sources relative to the camera and sample, and the intensity distribution. By carefully selecting and controlling these parameters, the system achieves high measurement precision while keeping the device design practical and manageable.
4Measurement precision
If multiple photographic components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the photographic components (camera, light sources, sample holder) to be coordinated within a single integrated device that can capture images under predefined conditions. The system is configured to accommodate different types of coating defects by adjusting photographic parameters, making it a universal solution for various inspection requirements without requiring multiple separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for inspecting a coated surface for a surface defect. The method comprises: using (102) a device (200, 300, 400, 700, 800, 900) for covering the coated surface to be inspected, the device being configured to create an enclosed space to isolate the surface coating to be inspected from ambient illumination in order to provide predefined photographic acquisition conditions within the enclosed space; acquiring (104) a photo of the coated surface being within the enclosed space; and inspecting (106) the photo for the presence of the surface defect.