Inspection Light Source With Phosphor For Foreign Matter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices face challenges in detecting foreign matter with light absorption and reflection properties similar to those of the inspection object, particularly in the near-infrared region, and struggle with making compact and high-power light sources.
Innovation Solution
The inspection device employs a light source with a phosphor that emits inspection light with a spectral distribution having a maximum value between 600 nm and 750 nm, and includes both red and near-infrared optical components, optimizing the spectral intensity for effective foreign matter detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If white light having optical components over a wide wavelength range from short-wavelength visible to near-infrared is used, then the detection range is broad, but the efficiency of light utilization is low and the light source cannot be made compact and high power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating optical components in specific wavelength ranges (red light: 600-750nm, near-infrared: 750-900nm) rather than using broad-spectrum white light. This targeted approach improves light utilization efficiency while maintaining effective detection capability for foreign matter in food.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light source by using multiple LEDs with specific peak wavelengths (630nm, 680nm, 780nm) instead of white light. This parameter optimization enables compact and high-power light source design while achieving sufficient detection range for practical applications.
2Power
If optical components are biased in the near-infrared region, then the light source can be made compact and high power, but it becomes difficult to detect foreign matter whose light absorption property and light reflection property in the near-infrared region are similar to those of an inspection object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands using separate LEDs for red light (630nm, 680nm) and near-infrared light (780nm). This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power output while improving detection sensitivity by selecting optimal wavelengths that maximize the optical property differences between foreign matter and food.
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 solution enables high-sensitivity detection of foreign matter regardless of its tone, improves signal/noise ratio, and allows for a compact and high-power light source, effectively addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A spectral distribution of the inspection light has at least one maximum value derived from fluorescence emitted by the phosphor
Implementation Method 2
detects, using the photodetector, after an inspection object is irradiated with inspection light emitted by the light source, reflected light of the inspection light reflected by the inspection object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inspection device including: a light source including a phosphor; and a photodetector, and detecting, using the photodetector, reflected light of the inspection light reflected by the inspection object. A spectral distribution of the inspection light has at least one maximum value derived from fluorescence emitted by the phosphor, and the maximum value is within a wavelength range of 600 nm or more and 750 nm or less. When Pmax is set as a spectral intensity at the maximum value where the spectral intensity is largest at the at least one maximum value, a largest value of the spectral intensity in a wavelength range longer than 750 nm is 20% or more of Pmax and less than Pmax, and the spectral intensity within a wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 550 nm or less is less than 20% of Pmax.