Multi-Module Optical Inspection for Glass Pane Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for inspecting glass panes are unable to simultaneously determine and display the optical properties and quality of glass panes effectively, as optimal recording conditions for one type of defect are not suitable for detecting other types or properties, leading to incomplete evaluations.

Innovation Solution

A system with multiple inspection modules, each with different illumination and recording arrangements, connected to evaluation modules, allows for coordinated measurements and combined results, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of glass panes, including defects and optical properties, using a conveyor device for continuous inspection during production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single inspection module with specific lighting and imaging setup is used, then one type of defect can be detected optimally, but other types of defects or optical properties cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidinspection capability for different defect types
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is divided into multiple independent inspection modules, each equipped with specific lighting and imaging arrangements optimized for detecting particular defect types. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in one aspect while the system as a whole achieves comprehensive inspection capability across all defect types and optical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by integrating multiple inspection modules with different lighting and imaging configurations into a single coordinated system. Each module maintains its specialized function while the overall system can inspect various defect types including optical defects, imaging properties, thickness, scratches, and other imperfections through coordinated operation of all modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate inspection systems are used to detect different defect types, then comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidnumber of separate systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple inspection modules with different lighting and imaging arrangements are merged into a single integrated inspection system. The modules share common infrastructure including the conveyor device for glass pane transport, centralized control systems, and coordinated evaluation processes. This merging reduces overall system complexity and resource consumption while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage for all defect types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate inspection systems are deployed, then all defect types can be detected, but inspection time and production disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection coverageVSAvoidinspection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated inspection system operates continuously as glass panes move along the conveyor device, with multiple inspection modules simultaneously examining different aspects of each pane. This parallel continuous inspection eliminates the need for sequential checking or production stoppages, maintaining high productivity while achieving comprehensive defect detection coverage across all defect types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP1938091B1System and method for optically inspecting glass panes
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 ISRA VISION SYST AG
  • EP1938091B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for optically inspecting glass planes (2) with a conveying device (2) for displacing a glass pane (2) and with a first inspection module (5, 6, 7), which comprise a lighting device and a camera for illuminating and recording the glass pane (2), and with a first evaluating module (8, 9, 10, 11) for evaluating the images recorded from the glass pane (2). In addition, a second inspection module (5, 6, 7) is provided with a lighting device or camera for illuminating the recording of the glass pane (2), which is connected to a second evaluating module (8, 9, 10, 11) for evaluating the images recorded from the glass pane. The illuminating arrangements and/or the cameras of the first inspection module (5, 6, 7) and of the second inspection module (5, 6, 7) are differently designed and/or different from the glass pane (2) that can be conveyed past by means of the conveying device in the inspection modules (5, 6, 7). The invention also relates to a method carried out with this system (1).