Laser Surface Profiling for Curved Article Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting defects in the surface of curved articles in the food processing industry, such as fish fillets, are costly and complex due to the use of X-ray radiation, requiring specialized conveying devices and high maintenance, and pose safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method using a line laser light source and a camera to optically scan the surface of articles, determining raw and smoothed height data, and generating differential height data to identify defects without X-ray radiation, employing filtering and threshold comparisons to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray radiation is used to detect defects in articles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray radiation-based detection system with an optical measurement system using laser light and camera. This substitution eliminates the need for complex X-ray sources, shielding, and specialized conveying devices while achieving sufficient defect detection precision through optical surface scanning and height analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive optical components (laser light source, camera, conveyor belt) instead of expensive X-ray equipment. The system achieves reliable defect detection using readily available, low-cost components that do not require specialized maintenance or safety infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If X-ray radiation is used to detect defects, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive X-ray radiation with low-power optical components. The laser light source and camera consume minimal energy compared to X-ray generators, significantly reducing operational costs and energy loss while maintaining adequate defect detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses passive reflection of laser light from the article surface, requiring no additional energy input beyond the laser source. The backscattered light naturally provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for complex energy-intensive detection mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If conventional conveyor belt is used for transporting articles, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference with detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into discrete line profiles captured sequentially as the article moves on the conveyor belt. By processing the surface in transverse lines rather than requiring complete surface visibility at once, the system achieves accurate height measurements using a simple conveyor belt without needing complex positioning or specialized conveying mechanisms
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 reliable and precise detection of defects with low apparatus complexity and cost, allowing for automatic adjustment of sensitivity and robustness against interference, suitable for identifying defects in curved articles like fish fillets.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the articles by means of a line laser light source arranged above the conveyor belt such that a laser line generated by means of the line laser light source is oriented transverse to the conveying direction
Implementation Method 2
line-by-line detection of backscattered light while the articles are being conveyed, using a camera arranged above the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 3
line-by-line detection of backscattered light while the articles are being conveyed, using a camera arranged above the conveyor belt, by recording a line profile in each case
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically detecting surface defects of curved articles of the food processing industry includes: conveying the articles in a conveying direction by a conveyor belt, illuminating the articles by a line laser light source above the belt such that the laser line is oriented transverse to the conveying direction, line-by-line detection of backscattered light while the articles are being conveyed, using a camera above the belt, by recording a line profile in each case, determining raw line height data representing the cross-sectional heights, from the line profile recorded, determining raw surface height data by compiling the raw line height data determined in the conveying direction, determining smoothed surface height data by filtering the raw line height data and/or the raw surface height data using at least one filter criterion, and determining differential height data by subtracting the smoothed data from the raw data. An apparatus is also provided.