Automated Double-Sided Inspection Using Electrochromic Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional defect inspection systems require manual operation to inspect both sides of an object, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to human error and the need for manual overturning.
Innovation Solution
An automated optical double-sided inspection apparatus with light-blocking portions at opposite sides of the object, using electrochromic materials to control light transmission, allowing for simultaneous capture of both sides without manual intervention and reducing background clutter, thereby enhancing inspection performance and eliminating the need for complex image pre-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation is used to overturn the object for double-sided inspection, then inspection can be performed on both sides, but inspection efficiency decreases and human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into two independent image-capturing portions positioned at opposite sides of the platform, each capable of capturing images independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous dual-sided inspection without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential single-sided inspection to simultaneous dual-sided inspection by adding spatial dimensionality - placing image-capturing portions at both sides of the platform. This dimensional expansion enables automated inspection of both sides concurrently, improving both automation extent and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If light-blocking portions are used to eliminate background clutter, then recognition errors decrease and inspection performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking portions are extracted as separate controllable elements positioned between the image-capturing portions and the platform. By extracting the background elimination function into dedicated light-blocking components with independent control, the system achieves high recognition accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking portions employ electrochromic materials that can dynamically change their light transmission properties in response to voltage control. This dynamic capability allows the system to adaptively block or transmit light as needed, improving recognition accuracy without requiring complex mechanical or optical mechanisms.
3Reliability
If electrochromic materials are used for light-blocking portions, then light transmission control is improved and inspection accuracy increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes electrochromic materials that change their optical parameters (light transmission) in response to applied voltage. By changing the electrical parameter rather than using mechanical or thermal control methods, the system achieves reliable light transmission control with relatively low energy consumption, as electrochromic transitions require minimal power.
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 apparatus enables efficient and accurate double-sided inspection, reducing human error and improving recognition speed by automatically capturing images from both sides without manual handling and simplifying image processing, while maintaining high inspection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the first light-blocking portion and the second light-blocking portion each comprise a respective electrochromic material. Specifically, the processing portion adjusts voltages applied to the first light-blocking portion and the second light-blocking portion in terms of magnitude, so as to make the first light-blocking portion and the second light-blocking portion enter or exit a light-transmitting state or a light-blocking state, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An automated optical double-sided inspection apparatus includes a first image-capturing portion, a second image-capturing portion, a platform, a first light-blocking portion, a second light-blocking portion, and a processing portion. The platform carries an external object. When the processing portion operates in a first capturing mode, the second light-blocking portion blocks visible light from passing therethrough, while the first light-blocking portion allows visible light to pass therethrough, so that the first image-capturing portion shoots a first side of the external object through the first light-blocking portion to obtain a first image. When the processing portion operates in a second capturing mode, the first light-blocking portion blocks visible light from passing therethrough, while the second light-blocking portion allows visible light to pass therethrough, so that the second image-capturing portion shoots a second side of the external object through the second light-blocking portion to obtain a second image.