Glass Sheet Edge Inspection Using Oblique Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass sheets often develop defects at their edges during cutting processes, which can lead to breakage during transportation and subsequent processing, necessitating delays and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for inspecting glass sheet edges using an optical system with a light source and camera to illuminate and capture images, combined with image processing to detect defects, and a transport device to convey the glass sheets for real-time defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass sheets are transported without inspection, then productivity is maintained, but defects at edges cause breakage and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection is performed before the glass sheets are transported to detect edge defects in advance. The optical inspection system captures images of the glass sheet edges and the image processing system analyzes them to identify defects such as chipping or cracking before transportation begins, preventing breakage during transport without stopping the production line.
2Measurement precision
If edge defects are detected using traditional inspection methods, then defect detection is achieved, but inspection time causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical inspection system consisting of a light source, camera, and image processing device. The optical system captures images of the glass sheet edges and computer algorithms automatically analyze them to detect defects, eliminating the need for manual checking and significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is integrated into the existing production line flow, allowing continuous inspection without stopping the glass sheet transportation. The optical inspection device captures images continuously as glass sheets pass through, and the image processing system analyzes them in real-time, maintaining uninterrupted production while ensuring constant defect detection.
3Productivity
If glass sheets with edge defects are processed further, then manufacturing continues, but the glass sheets break into pieces during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system detects edge defects before the glass sheets enter subsequent processing stages. By identifying defects such as chipping or cracking in advance, the system allows defective sheets to be removed or sorted before they undergo processing that would cause them to break into pieces, maintaining continuous manufacturing throughput while protecting glass sheet integrity.
4Measurement precision
If manual inspection of glass sheet edges is performed, then defect detection is possible, but labor costs and inspection consistency vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical inspection system consisting of a light source, camera, and image processing device. The optical system captures images of the glass sheet edges and computer algorithms automatically analyze them to detect defects, eliminating the need for manual checking and significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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
Accurately detects edge defects, allowing for timely identification and prevention of breakage, reducing downtime and ensuring safe handling of glass sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged to illuminate an edge portion of a glass sheet, for example in a direction oblique to the glass sheet
Implementation Method 2
a camera arranged to acquire an image of the edge portion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for inspecting an edge of a glass sheet are disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical system including a light source arranged to illuminate an edge portion of a glass sheet in a direction oblique to the glass sheet and a camera arranged to take an image of the edge portion, and an image processing device configured to process an image of the glass sheet received from the camera to detect an edge defect of the glass sheet. The method includes acquiring an image of a glass sheet, detecting an edge line of the glass sheet from the image, detecting a reference line from the edge line, and detecting an edge defect of the glass sheet by comparing the edge line and the reference line.