Multispectral Imaging Device for Single-Camera Optical Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems requiring multiple cameras and light sources to capture images of subjects with different optical characteristics are inefficient due to the need for separate image processing and correction of positional differences, and often require complex light source interference prevention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device using a single camera with an image sensor having N-band spectral optical filters and M types of light sources with distinct wavelength ranges, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple locations with different optical characteristics by applying light from different directions and intensities, and generating image signals through a matrix operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and light sources are used to capture images of subjects with different optical characteristics, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single camera equipped with a spectral optical filter having N bands that can capture multiple wavelength ranges. This universal imaging device replaces multiple specialized cameras, allowing one camera to perform the functions of several cameras by capturing images under different spectral conditions and processing them to inspect various inspection targets with different optical characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters by using an optical filter with N bands and M types of light sources with different emission spectra. By varying the wavelength range and spectral characteristics, the system can adapt to inspect different inspection targets (characters, defects, labels) that have different optical characteristics, all through a single camera
2Productivity
If multiple cameras are used to capture images simultaneously, then the inspection speed is improved, but the image processing complexity increases due to position correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single camera with N-band spectral filtering captures all imaging target areas simultaneously in one shot, eliminating the need for multiple cameras. This approach maintains high inspection speed while avoiding the complex image processing required to align and correct positions from multiple camera views
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different areas, then the image quality for different optical characteristics is improved, but the light source control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using M types of light sources with different emission spectral characteristics, where each light source type is optimized for illuminating specific imaging target areas with particular optical characteristics. The spectral optical filter with N bands then selectively captures the reflected or transmitted light from each area, enhancing image quality for different inspection targets
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes spectral parameters by employing light sources with different emission spectra and an N-band optical filter. This allows selective illumination and capture optimized for different optical characteristics of inspection targets, improving image quality without requiring complex mechanical control mechanisms
4Device complexity
If a single camera is used to capture multiple locations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture different optical characteristics simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the limitation of a single camera by introducing an N-band spectral optical filter and M types of light sources with different emission spectra. By changing the spectral parameters and processing the captured images through matrix operations, the system can extract and enhance images corresponding to different optical characteristics from a single camera's capture
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 simultaneous capture of multiple locations with different optical characteristics at the same angle of view using a simple configuration, reducing processing time and complexity while improving image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor including a spectral optical filter of N bands (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) with different spectral transmittance characteristics
Implementation Method 2
an optical filter that is disposed on an optical path between the image sensor and a subject and configured to transmit light beams of the mutually different wavelength ranges from the M types of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a camera, light sources, an optical bandpass filter, and a conversion unit. The camera includes an image sensor including a N-band color filter (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3). The M types of light sources (where M is a natural number that satisfies 2≤M≤N) have the emission spectral characteristics of having respective peaks in mutually different wavelength ranges within a visible light range and a near-infrared range. The conversion unit generates image signals of M bands each having spectral sensitivity to the corresponding one of the mutually different wavelength ranges by performing a matrix operation on an N-band imaging signal obtained by the image sensor when an article is photographed with the camera. The light application direction and the emission intensity are individually selected for each of the light sources.