Leather Hide Defect Detection Through Dual-Side Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying leather hide defects are subjective, time-consuming, and lack accuracy due to manual inspection, and existing devices fail to simultaneously acquire and compare images from both sides of the leather hide.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simultaneously acquire and compare images of a leather hide's grain and flesh sides using front and back lighting, employing line scan cameras and machine learning algorithms to identify and categorize defects with high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used to identify defects, then expert knowledge can be applied, but the process is subjective and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated optical system. Cameras capture images of the leather hide, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze defects, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining or improving accuracy and significantly reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the leather hide surface and analyzes these copies to identify defects. This allows multiple analyses to be performed on the same hide without repeated manual inspection, and enables objective comparison against reference defect patterns.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is used, then defects can be identified, but results vary between operators and lack consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with objective image processing algorithms. The system consistently applies the same analysis criteria to all hides, eliminating variability between operators and ensuring reliable, reproducible defect classification results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates reference defect patterns and compares captured images against these references to identify and classify defects. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent classification by continuously referencing established defect characteristics rather than relying on variable human judgment.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a single light source is used, then the device is simple, but defects on both sides of the hide cannot be simultaneously detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into separate lighting and imaging components for each side of the hide. Front light sources and cameras capture the grain side, while back light sources and cameras capture the flesh side, allowing simultaneous independent detection of defects on both surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system inspects the leather hide from multiple dimensions by placing light sources and cameras on both the front and back sides. This multi-dimensional approach enables simultaneous detection of defects on opposite surfaces, providing comprehensive coverage that a single-sided system cannot achieve.
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 method and apparatus improve defect identification accuracy, reduce time, and enhance productivity by providing consistent, reliable, and objective defect detection, enabling efficient categorization and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a front light source (3) configured to illuminate at least one part of a main surface (A) of the leather hide
Implementation Method 2
a back light source (4) configured to illuminate at least one part of a secondary surface of the leather hide
Implementation Method 3
a scanning device (5) configured to acquire at least a first image of the main surface (A) of the leather hide illuminated by the front light source (3) and at least a second image of the main surface (A) of the leather hide illuminated by the back light source (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method (100) for identifying and classifying surface defects of a leather hide placed on a rest surface (2), comprising the following steps: illuminating from above a portion of an upper surface of the leather hide; illuminating from below another portion of the upper surface of the leather hide; acquiring a first image of the illuminated upper surface representative of a first series of surface characteristics of the leather hide; acquiring a second image of the illuminated upper surface representative of a second series of surface characteristics of the leather hide; comparing the first image and the second image with at least one reference image or model in order to identify possible surface defects of the leather hide. The present patent application further relates to an apparatus for identifying surface defects of a leather hide.