Inspection System Segmented Lighting for High-Contrast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for detecting defects in objects are often slow, expensive, and difficult to use, with complex design and setup phases, and are susceptible to improvements aimed at increasing effectiveness and reducing inspection times.
Innovation Solution
An improved inspection system that generates beams of diffuse light radiation to illuminate objects under different lighting conditions, allowing for the acquisition and combination of multiple images to produce a high-contrast, highly detailed inspection image, with adaptable lighting conditions that can be tailored to specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are positioned at different angles to acquire images of different parts of the object, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and setup complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination function into multiple independent emitter groups (first group and second group) positioned at different angular positions around the object. Each group can be activated independently to provide lighting from different angles, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and complex mechanical manipulators while achieving comprehensive inspection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter groups serve multiple functions: they provide illumination from different angles, enable inspection of various object surfaces, and can be activated in different combinations to create diverse lighting conditions. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate cameras and manipulators, reducing overall system complexity
2Illumination intensity
If a mechanical manipulator is used to rotate the object and vary its orientation with respect to the light source, then the lighting conditions are improved, but the inspection speed decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical manipulator with a stationary illumination system using multiple emitter groups positioned at different angular positions. By activating different emitter groups, the system varies lighting conditions without moving the object or light sources, eliminating mechanical complexity and enabling rapid sequential illumination from multiple angles
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit activates different emitter groups in a periodic or sequential manner, switching between first and second groups to create varying lighting conditions. This periodic activation of different light sources provides diverse illumination angles without mechanical movement, maintaining high inspection speed
3Illumination intensity
If all emitters of a group are activated simultaneously for each lighting condition, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the adaptability to specific inspection needs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter groups are further segmented into individually controllable emitters within each group. The control unit can activate specific emitters from the first group, specific emitters from the second group, or combinations thereof, enabling precise control over lighting conditions to match specific inspection requirements while maintaining comprehensive coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static all-or-nothing emitter activation to dynamic selective activation. The control unit can adjust which specific emitters are active based on the inspection needs, creating adaptable lighting conditions that can be optimized for different object features, defect types, and inspection priorities
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
The system enables rapid generation of high-contrast images, allowing for a more detailed and error-free inspection of objects, overcoming the drawbacks of prior art by providing a simple, effective, and affordable solution.
Implementation Method 1
generates beams of diffuse light radiation to illuminate the object according to different lighting conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an inspection system (1) for objects characterized by the fact that it comprises a lighting apparatus (2) adapted to light up an inspection area (Z) where an object (O) to be inspected can be located, control means operatively connected to the lighting apparatus (2) and configured to activate/deactivate the groups of emitters (3), an acquisition device (8) adapted to acquire a plurality of images of the object (O) and a processor (9) operatively connected to the acquisition device (8) and configured to receive the plurality of acquired images to combine them with each other in order to return at least one individual processed image of the object (O).