Multi-Source Edge Detection for Adjacent Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edge detection methods struggle to accurately detect edges and boundaries of multiple objects that are adjacent and three-dimensionally positioned, leading to incorrect detection and automation challenges in logistics systems.
Innovation Solution
An edge detection device comprising a light source with multiple light-emitting parts and an imaging part that generates image data, using combinations of image data from different light sources to detect edges by calculating differences and correcting for false signals, allowing for precise edge detection even among closely positioned objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source is used to illuminate objects, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of edges and boundaries deteriorates when objects are adjacent and three-dimensionally positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple light-emitting parts positioned at different locations. Each light-emitting part illuminates the objects from a different angle, enabling the detection system to capture edge information from multiple perspectives. This segmentation of the illumination source resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient measurement precision for adjacent three-dimensional objects without requiring an overly complex single-source configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single light source to multiple light sources positioned in different spatial dimensions. By arranging light-emitting parts at various locations around the objects, the system captures three-dimensional edge information through multiple two-dimensional images. This dimensional approach to illumination resolves the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision for complex object arrangements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to improve edge detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but false signals increase due to multiple reflections and shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multiple reflections and shadows into a beneficial detection mechanism. By deliberately using multiple light sources that create controlled reflections and shadows, the system generates distinctive patterns that help identify true edges versus false signals. The detector analyzes these patterns across multiple images to distinguish actual object boundaries from artifacts, transforming what would be noise into useful information for accurate edge detection.
3Reliability
If a single image is captured, then the processing time is short, but the detection reliability is insufficient for adjacent three-dimensional objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple images from different light source positions before final edge detection. By pre-acquiring images under various illumination conditions and storing them, the detector can subsequently process these pre-captured images to reliably identify edges of adjacent three-dimensional objects. This preliminary imaging action ensures detection reliability without requiring real-time processing of complex multi-angle data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the object image under different lighting conditions. By capturing and storing multiple image copies from different light source positions, the system enables comprehensive edge detection through comparison and analysis of these copies. This copying approach ensures reliable detection of three-dimensional object edges while allowing processing to be performed on the stored image copies rather than requiring simultaneous real-time analysis.
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 solution effectively reduces false signals and accurately detects edges, enhancing automation capabilities in logistics systems by correctly identifying the location and status of objects, improving transfer and handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light source 2 including a plurality of light-emitting parts 21 to 24 for irradiating a plurality of objects G adjacent to each other with light
Implementation Method 2
by irradiating from each of a plurality of light sources to objects, and by imaging a reflected light from the objects by two-dimensional image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an edge detection device includes a light source, an imaging part, and a detector. The light source includes at least three light-emitting parts for irradiating a plurality of objects adjacent with a light. The imaging part images a surface of the objects irradiated by each of the light-emitting parts, and generates a plurality of image data of the surface. The detector detects edges of the surface imaged, based on at least two different combinations of the plurality of image data.