Appearance Inspection Apparatus Lateral Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appearance inspection apparatuses using the light-section method face challenges in achieving high shutter speed due to band-shaped image capture and vertical alignment of reflected lights, leading to longer data output times and reduced inspection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a slit beam irradiating section that directs a band-shaped slit beam orthogonally to the conveyance direction, with first and second optical mechanisms guiding reflected lights to an area sensor camera to form images laterally, allowing simultaneous output of two image data within a preset region, thereby increasing shutter speed and enabling more accurate inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images of reflected lights are formed vertically aligned on the area sensor camera, then complete surface inspection is achieved, but data output time increases and shutter speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alignment direction of the two reflected light images from vertical (conventional) to lateral (orthogonal to conveyance direction). This dimensional reorientation allows both images to be captured within a preset region of the area sensor, enabling simultaneous data output while maintaining complete surface coverage for accurate inspection
2Measurement precision
If shutter speed is increased for high density image capture, then inspection accuracy improves, but data output time must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the image alignment from vertical to lateral arrangement on the area sensor, the patent enables both reflected light images to be output simultaneously within the preset sensor region. This reduces data output time, allowing the shutter speed to be increased for higher density image capture along the conveyance direction
3Area of stationary object
If band-shaped slit beam is used for illumination, then surface coverage is improved, but image data output time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the two band-shaped slit beam images laterally aligned within the preset region of the area sensor, orthogonal to the conveyance direction. This lateral arrangement allows both images to be captured and output simultaneously, maintaining comprehensive surface coverage while reducing image data output time
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 configuration reduces data output time by half, allowing for higher resolution image capture and more accurate appearance inspections by increasing the shutter speed of the area sensor camera.
Implementation Method 1
an area sensor camera for capturing images of the slit beam irradiated on the surface of the inspection object; a first optical mechanism which has an optical path for receiving a reflected light of the slit beam irradiated on the surface of the inspection object
Data Source
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AI summary
An appearance inspection apparatus 1 of the invention has conveying means 10 for conveying an inspection object K and surface shape inspecting means 20 for inspecting the surface shape of the inspection object. The surface shape inspection means 20 has a slit beam irradiating section 23, 24, 25 for irradiating a band-shaped slit beam L1 on the surface of the inspection object K, an area sensor camera 22 for capturing images of the slit beam L1, first and second optical mechanisms 30, 40 for receiving reflected lights L2, L3 of the slit beam L1 on the downstream and upstream sides in a conveyance direction, respectively, and guiding them to the area sensor camera 22, and a shape judging section 50 for judging appropriateness of the surface of the inspection object K based on images captured by the area sensor camera 22. Optical paths of the first and second optical mechanisms 30, 40 allow images of the reflected lights L2, L3 to be formed on the area sensor camera 22 in a state where they are aligned laterally.