Compact Vision System With Diffused Light For Glare Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vision systems struggle to adapt to strict size requirements while effectively detecting defects in products, leading to inefficiencies in image acquisition and defect detection.

Innovation Solution

A vision system with a configuration of image acquisition devices and a light source that emits diffused light, utilizing a light diffuser and solid-state light sources arranged to provide uniform illumination, ensuring optimal image capture and defect detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional vision system is used to inspect products, then defect detection capability is provided, but the system size and length become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the light source and diffuser assembly to extend perpendicular to the inspection plane rather than along the inspection direction. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve comprehensive illumination and defect detection capability while minimizing the system's length in the product transport direction, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and system compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a movable light source assembly that can be positioned at different locations relative to the inspection plane. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different inspection requirements while maintaining a compact overall structure, enabling defect detection without requiring excessive system length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the inspection zone is enlarged to improve coverage, then more products can be inspected, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection zone areaVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources and diffusers into a single integrated assembly that can be positioned as one unit. This merging of components achieves comprehensive illumination across an enlarged inspection zone while simplifying the overall system structure and reducing installation complexity, directly addressing the contradiction between inspection area and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If direct light is used from the light source, then illumination intensity is high, but reflections and glare interfere with image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensityVSAvoidreflections and glare
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the light source and the inspection zone. This diffuser scattering element maintains high illumination intensity while eliminating direct light paths that cause reflections and glare, thereby improving image quality. The diffuser acts as a mediator that preserves the beneficial effect of high intensity while removing the harmful reflections.

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

The system achieves compact design with efficient image acquisition and uniform illumination, minimizing reflections and maximizing the inspection zone without excessive length, enabling effective defect detection in manufactured products.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to emit diffused light, the light source comprising a light emitting element and a light diffuser, wherein the light diffuser comprises a diffusion structure configured to receive light from the light emitting element and project a diffused light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4641176A1Vision system for an inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 AUTOMATIZACION Y SISTEMAS DE INSPECCION & LINEA GLOBAL SL
  • EP4641176A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641176A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641176A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vision system for an inspection apparatus. This vision system comprises a plurality of image acquisition devices (3) and a light source configured to emit diffused light. The light source comprises a light emitting element (6) and a light diffuser (7), wherein the light diffuser (7) comprises a diffusion structure configured to receive light from the light emitting element and project a diffused light. The rectangular plane zone of the light diffuser (7) forms an angle comprised between 50° and 70° in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the inspection plane (2). The lens plane (4) forms an angle comprised between 2° and 10° in a clockwise direction with respect to the inspection plane (2).