Liquid Flow-Down Detection via Luminance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for determining the flow-down state of liquid from a nozzle struggle to reliably detect the presence and state of liquid discharge without relying on reference images or comparisons before and after the discharge, especially in fast-paced processing environments where liquid discharge times are short and nozzles move during positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that perform imaging to capture the flow-down path of liquid, calculate the total value of pixel values along the flow-down direction, and determine the presence or absence of liquid based on changes in the orthogonal direction, emphasizing the luminance difference between the liquid and background to accurately assess the flow-down state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image comparison techniques are used to determine liquid discharge state, then measurement precision can be achieved, but processing time increases and reliability decreases during fast-paced operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid column as a separate detectable element by utilizing its unique optical properties (luminance characteristics). Instead of comparing entire images, the system isolates and detects only the liquid column based on its reflected light properties, enabling rapid identification without full image processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes luminance (optical property) changes of the liquid column to detect discharge state. By monitoring the brightness/reflected light characteristics of the liquid column in real-time, the system can immediately determine discharge occurrence without temporal comparison, achieving both speed and accuracy
2Measurement precision
If reference images are prepared for comparison, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the liquid column's own optical characteristics (luminance properties) as the detection basis. The liquid column inherently provides the detection signal through its reflected light, eliminating the need for external reference images or comparison standards. The detection is self-contained within the imaging process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection information (luminance characteristics of liquid column) from the complex image data. By focusing solely on the optical properties of the liquid column rather than processing entire images or maintaining reference libraries, the system achieves simple, real-time detection
3Measurement precision
If liquid discharge time is extended for accurate detection, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous imaging and real-time luminance monitoring of the liquid column. Instead of requiring discrete discharge periods for detection, the system continuously tracks the liquid column's optical properties, enabling immediate detection of discharge start and end points without interrupting or extending the discharge process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/temporal comparison methods with optical detection. By using luminance characteristics of the liquid column as the detection mechanism, the system achieves instantaneous detection that is independent of discharge duration, allowing rapid processing without sacrificing detection accuracy
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 determination of the flow-down state of liquid from an imaged image without requiring reference images, effectively addressing the challenges of fast processing and moving nozzles by emphasizing luminance differences, thus ensuring proper liquid discharge monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid column which becomes luminous by the reflection of illumination light by the liquid column is imaged
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging is performed such that a flow-down path of the liquid from the nozzle arranged above a work to an upper surface of the work is included in an imaging field of view (Step S401). A total value of pixel values of pixels belonging to each pixel column composed of the pixels arranged in a line along a flow-down direction of the liquid in an evaluation region corresponding to the flow-down path out of an imaged image is calculated (Step S402-S403). Based on a change mode of the total value in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flow-down direction, presence or absence of the flow-down of the liquid is determined (Step S405-S407).