Container Liquid Inspection with Dual-Angle Reflective Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems struggle to accurately detect foreign objects in containers due to light transmission issues, making it difficult to differentiate between scratches on the container and foreign objects like glass fragments or fiber fragments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a first and second lighting unit positioned on the same side as the imaging device, tilted at angles between 0 to 40 degrees relative to the container's center axis, to illuminate the liquid from both ends, capturing reflected light for improved detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the illumination light source is placed opposite the camera across the container, then the imaging device can acquire image data through the container, but foreign objects like glass fragments and fiber fragments transmit light and cannot be detected accurately
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the light source opposite the camera (transmission mode), the patent places both the light source and camera on the same side of the container (reflection mode). This inversion of the illumination geometry causes light to reflect off foreign objects toward the camera, making transparent or translucent foreign objects visible through their reflected light patterns rather than requiring them to block transmitted light.
2Area of stationary object
If the illumination light source is placed opposite the camera, then light can pass through the container for imaging, but scratches and long thin foreign substances transmit light and create detection blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light sources positioned at different locations and angles on the same side as the camera. Each light source illuminates different regions of the liquid from specific angles, creating localized illumination patterns that highlight different types of foreign objects. This multi-angle illumination ensures that scratches, fibers, and other elongated objects reflect light toward the camera from various directions, eliminating detection blind spots while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage.
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 the acquisition of image data for precise foreign object detection by minimizing blind spots and improving the visibility of foreign objects within the container.
Implementation Method 1
a first lighting unit that emits light onto the liquid from one longitudinal end side of the container; and a second lighting unit that emits light onto the liquid from an other longitudinal end side of the container
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus has: a gripping unit that grips a container filled with a liquid; a first lighting unit that emits light onto the liquid from one longitudinal end side of the container; and a second lighting unit that emits light onto the liquid from the other longitudinal end side of the container. The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit are arranged on a same side as an imaging device that acquires image data showing a state of the liquid as seen from the container, and are each installed so as to emit light onto the liquid from a position where a center axis passing through a center of the container is tilted by any angle of 0 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.