Multi-Line Partial Image Inspection for Reflective Printed Materials

The patent divides the image capture process into multiple sequential line scans, where each line scan captures one line of the printed material. These line scans are then reconstructed into a complete image. This segmentation allows the use of simpler matrix cameras instead of complex line scan cameras while maintaining inspection capability for reflective materials.

The patent employs periodic pulsed illumination synchronized with the continuous movement of the printed material. The illumination is activated in periodic pulses as the material passes through the inspection region, enabling multiple line scans to be captured at different positions along the material width. This periodic action allows reconstruction of the complete image from sequential line scans using simple matrix cameras.

The illumination source operates in periodic pulses synchronized with the material transport and image capture process. Instead of continuous illumination, the light source is activated only during the brief moments when line scans are being captured, then switched off during the transport intervals. This periodic operation maintains sufficient illumination intensity for image capture while dramatically reducing overall power consumption and heat generation.

The patent maintains continuous image capture capability despite pulsed illumination by synchronizing the illumination pulses with the continuous movement of the material. As the material continuously passes through the inspection region, illumination pulses are timed to capture each line position, ensuring no gaps in the inspection process while keeping the illumination duty cycle low to reduce energy consumption.

The patent segments the inspection process into multiple sequential line scans captured by a matrix camera, rather than attempting to capture the entire image simultaneously. This segmentation allows the matrix camera to function effectively by capturing one line at a time during material transport, achieving inspection reliability for reflective materials comparable to line scan cameras while using less expensive equipment.

The synchronized periodic pulsed illumination enables matrix cameras to capture sequential line scans of reflective materials without the interference problems that plague continuous illumination systems. The pulsed illumination is timed to coincide with each line scan capture, providing sufficient light intensity for reflective surfaces while the sequential capture approach allows post-processing reconstruction of the complete image, achieving reliable inspection with cost-effective matrix cameras.