Contact Lens Package Detection Using X-Ray and Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting contact lenses in packages are unreliable, especially for wet lenses, and require complex setups or extensive calibration, often failing to differentiate between water and lenses, leading to costly batch rejections.
Innovation Solution
A method combining an x-ray detection system with an optical detection system to reliably detect contact lenses in packages, improving detection of wet lenses and reducing the complexity of the logical setup, allowing for simultaneous or sequential scanning of packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical detection system is used alone, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection reliability deteriorates especially for wet lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an optical detection system and an x-ray detection system into a unified detection apparatus. The optical system uses a light source and camera to detect lens presence, while the x-ray system uses an x-ray source and x-ray camera to provide complementary detection. The evaluation unit integrates signals from both systems to determine lens presence, achieving reliable detection of both dry and wet lenses without requiring complex calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes signals from both the optical and x-ray detection systems. This evaluation unit combines the detection signals and determines lens presence based on the integrated information, serving as a mediator that synthesizes data from multiple detection modalities to achieve reliable detection results.
2Reliability
If spot checks or chance recognition of empty packages is performed, then detection effort is reduced, but quality control deteriorates leading to batch rejections
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus automatically performs detection of every package without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by continuously scanning packages, automatically evaluating detection signals, and identifying empty packages or packages with defects, eliminating the need for spot checks or chance recognition while maintaining high inspection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous detection of packages as they move through the packaging line. The optical and x-ray detection systems continuously scan packages, and the evaluation unit continuously processes detection signals, ensuring that every package is inspected without interruption, maintaining both high reliability and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If manual checking of all packages is performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but costs and time consumption increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated detection system combining optical and x-ray detection. The optical system uses light sources and cameras to detect lens presence, while the x-ray system uses x-ray sources and cameras to provide complementary detection. This substitution maintains high detection accuracy while dramatically reducing inspection time and eliminating the need for manual checking of every package.
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
The combination of x-ray and optical detection systems ensures 100% accurate detection of contact lenses in packages, regardless of their state, eliminating false positives and negatives, and reducing manual inspection costs.
Implementation Method 1
the package is checked for presence of an ophthalmic lens with an x-ray detection system
Implementation Method 2
the package is checked for presence of an ophthalmic lens with an x-ray detection system
Implementation Method 3
conducting a light beam through the package and onto an image plane to form an image of the package on the image plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of an ophthalmic lens, particularly a contact lens, in a package. The method for detecting the presence of an ophthalmic lens, particularly a contact lens, in a package, is characterised in that the package is checked for presence of an ophthalmic lens with an x-ray detection system and with an optical detection system, whereby presence of an ophthalmic lens is given if either one or both cameras detect presence of an ophthalmic lens.