Object Imaging Reflector Layout for Clear Transparent Waste Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object recognition apparatuses in automatic recyclable waste sorting systems face challenges in clearly imaging and recognizing recyclable waste due to high reflectance of components, leading to unclear contours and potential contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a housing with distinct areas of different diffuse reflectance, where the first reflector has a higher diffuse reflectance than the second reflector, and side plates with varying reflectance portions to enhance imaging clarity and reduce contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high reflectance components are used in the housing, then light is effectively reflected and distributed, but imaging clarity deteriorates due to bright spots and unclear contours
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple areas with different diffuse reflectance values. The first area (light source housing inner wall) has a first diffuse reflectance, while the second area (side plate inner wall) has a second diffuse reflectance that is lower than the first. This local differentiation allows the light source area to effectively reflect and distribute light, while the side plate area minimizes bright spots and improves imaging clarity by reducing excessive reflections.
2Illumination intensity
If uniform high reflectance surfaces are used, then light distribution is improved, but contamination risk increases due to difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the housing have different diffuse reflectance properties. The side plate area with lower diffuse reflectance is easier to clean and maintain, reducing contamination risk, while the light source area maintains higher reflectance for effective light distribution. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between light distribution and cleanability.
3Illumination intensity
If high diffuse reflectance is used throughout the housing, then light is well-distributed, but transparent objects become difficult to image clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate area where transparent objects are imaged has a lower diffuse reflectance than the light source area. This reduces bright spots and excessive reflections that interfere with imaging transparent objects, while the light source area maintains high reflectance for adequate illumination. This local differentiation enables clear imaging of transparent objects while maintaining overall light distribution.
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
This configuration allows for clearer imaging of recyclable waste, improving recognition accuracy and ease of cleaning, especially for transparent objects, while minimizing bright spots and reducing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector inside the housing to diffusely reflect light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An object imaging apparatus includes a housing, a light source inside the housing, a first reflector inside the housing to diffusely reflect light from the light source, a second reflector inside the housing to guide at least a part of light from the light source to the first reflector, and an imager to image an object irradiated with the light from the first reflector. A diffuse reflectance of the first reflector is higher than a diffuse reflectance of the second reflector.