Incident Light Inspection of Moving Panel Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plate inspection systems cannot effectively inspect plate edges in incident light due to imaging issues, making it difficult to extract the edge of interest, especially when the system also images the side of the board.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for incident light inspection of plate edges, where the plate is illuminated from the inside, creating a shadow that highlights the edge, allowing for clear contrast-based inspection of both front and rear edges by adjusting the illumination direction to optimize brightness contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system images the side of the board to inspect plate edges, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the ability to extract the plate edge of interest deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is segmented into two distinct directions: one for illuminating the front plate edge and another for illuminating the rear plate edge. This segmentation allows the system to capture edge information without simultaneously imaging the side surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between inspection coverage and edge extraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
Different illumination directions are applied to different locations (front edge vs. rear edge) to create localized brightness contrasts. The front edge is illuminated from one direction while the rear edge is illuminated from another, allowing each edge to be inspected with optimized lighting conditions without interference from the side surface
2Productivity
If multiple plate edges are illuminated simultaneously, then the inspection efficiency is improved, but the contrast at the edge to be examined deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination directions are adjusted in an alternating or sequential manner rather than simultaneously. The system switches between different illumination directions corresponding to different plate edges, creating periodic action that maintains high contrast at each edge while improving overall inspection efficiency through automated sequencing
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination direction is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the system to switch between different lighting angles based on which edge is being inspected. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain optimal contrast conditions for each edge while inspecting multiple edges in sequence
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
Enables precise inspection of plate edges with high contrast, improving the ability to assess edge quality and geometry, and can be automated for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the plate is illuminated from the inside, creating a shadow that highlights the edge, allowing for clear contrast-based inspection
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves illuminating front and rear plate edges of a plate in respective illumination directions by an illumination device (20) i.e. LED. Luminance contrast is produced at plate surfaces limiting the plate edges for inspecting the plate edges. The luminance contrast of the plate edges is used for measuring a plate (1) or used as a measure for judgment of quality of the plate edges. Position of the plate is detected, and the illumination directions are adjusted based on the position of the plate, where the plate edges are arranged parallel to a movement direction (M) of the plate. An independent claim is also included for a system for inspection of plate edges of a plate.