Dog Leg Protective Unit for Image Capture Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capturing conditions in inspection systems affect determination accuracy, limiting the ability to effectively sort unsuitable inspection targets.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing unit configuration with a two-dimensional area sensor, a periphery illumination unit, and a protective unit featuring a plate-like member bent in a dog leg shape, along with a hood to reduce light interference and reflections, allowing for improved image capture and determination accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional image capturing unit is used without a protective unit, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but specular reflections and flare occur that reduce determination accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A protective unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the image capturing element. This protective unit includes a plate-like member with a specific geometric configuration (first planar portion and second planar portion connected through a bent portion) that acts as a mediator to block direct light paths that would cause specular reflections and flare, while still allowing the image capturing unit to function effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-like member of the protective unit is segmented into multiple planar portions (first planar portion and second planar portion) connected by a bent portion. This segmentation allows each portion to serve specific functions in blocking light from different angles, thereby reducing specular reflections and flare while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the angle of view is widened to inspect more area, then the inspectable area increases, but image quality deteriorates due to increased specular reflections and flare
Solution Approach 1:
The protective unit serves as an intermediary structure that can be positioned to block light paths that would cause reflections and flare across the entire widened field of view. The geometric configuration of the plate-like member is designed to effectively block oblique light rays that become more problematic when the angle of view is widened
Solution Approach 2:
The protective unit applies local quality control by strategically positioning the plate-like member to block light from specific directions. The first and second planar portions are oriented to address reflections from different angles, allowing the system to maintain high image quality across the entire widened inspectable area by locally managing light interference in different regions of the field of view
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
Enhances determination accuracy by widening the angle of view, reducing specular reflections, and minimizing flare, thereby improving the inspectable area and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a protective unit covering the image capture unit and the illumination unit, wherein the protective unit includes a plate-like member configured by a first planar portion and a second planar portion being connected through a bent portion bent in a dog leg shape
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing unit in an inspection system for performing an inspection target appearance inspection, the image capturing unit comprising, an image capture unit, an illumination unit arranged in a periphery of the image capture unit, and a protective unit covering the image capture unit and the illumination unit, wherein the protective unit includes a plate-like member configured by a first planar portion and a second planar portion being connected through a bent portion bent in a dog leg shape, and the image capture unit is located on a back side of the first planar portion.