Egg Inspection Device Using Segmented Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg inspection apparatuses often overlook surface defects such as cracks, dirt, or damage at the small or large ends of eggs due to oblique imaging and light leakage, leading to erroneous determinations.
Innovation Solution
The egg inspection apparatus employs two irradiation units emitting infrared light from opposite ends of the egg, combined with CCD cameras imaging from above, to accurately assess the entire surface, including the ends, by using staggered illumination and imaging configurations to prevent light leakage and enhance image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the imaging device is oriented obliquely to observe the ends of the egg, then the inspection coverage of the egg ends is improved, but light leaks from outside the egg and enters the imaging device causing erroneous white areas in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple independent imaging devices, each responsible for specific regions (equatorial region, small end, large end). Each imaging device has its own illumination unit, creating segmented inspection zones that avoid light leakage interference while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single oblique imaging angle to multiple imaging dimensions by positioning imaging devices at different locations (above the egg, obliquely above each end). This multi-dimensional arrangement allows each device to capture specific regions without light from illumination units interfering with the imaging path.
2Device complexity
If a single imaging device is used to inspect the entire egg surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inspection accuracy at the egg ends deteriorates due to light leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The single imaging device is segmented into multiple imaging devices, each dedicated to specific egg regions. This segmentation eliminates light leakage interference at the ends while maintaining overall system functionality through coordinated operation of multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each imaging device is optimized for its specific inspection region with dedicated illumination units. The first imaging device inspects the equatorial region, while the second and third devices inspect the small and large ends respectively, with each having tailored illumination angles and positions for optimal local inspection quality.
3Illumination intensity
If the illumination device emits light directly from below, then the illumination intensity is improved, but light leaks and enters the imaging device causing false crack detection
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent illumination units, each paired with a specific imaging device. The first illumination unit illuminates the equatorial region for the first imaging device, while second and third illumination units illuminate the ends for their respective imaging devices, preventing cross-interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The egg itself acts as an intermediary that blocks light from reaching unintended imaging devices. By positioning illumination units and imaging devices in specific geometric relationships, the egg's body prevents light leakage from one region from entering another region's imaging device.
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 setup allows for precise detection of broken, cracked, or dirty surfaces on both ends of the egg, improving the accuracy of egg grading and reducing personnel costs by automating the inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
a first irradiation unit 2 and a second irradiation unit 3, which emit infrared light toward one end E1 and the other end E2 of the egg E, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging unit 4 and a second imaging unit 5, which image the egg E when irradiated with the infrared light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An egg inspection apparatus (1) includes a plurality of irradiation units (2, 3), a plurality of imaging units (4, 5) and a determination unit (10). The plurality of irradiation units (2, 3) include a first irradiation unit (2) configured to emit light toward an egg (E) from the side of one end of the egg (E), and a second irradiation unit (3) configured to emit light toward the egg (E) from the side of the other end of the egg (E). The plurality of imaging units (4, 5) include a first imaging unit (4) configured to image the egg (E) from the side of the other end of the egg (E), and a second imaging unit (5) configured to image the egg (E) from the side of the one end of the egg (E). The first imaging unit (4) images the egg (E) when one of the first irradiation unit (2) and the second irradiation unit (3) emits light toward the egg (E). The second imaging unit (5) images the egg (E) when the other of the first irradiation unit (2) and the second irradiation unit (3) emits light toward the egg (E). The determination unit (10) determines a condition of a surface of the egg (E).