Optical Inspection Architecture for Real-Time Sorting of Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical inspection systems struggle to efficiently inspect and analyze fast-moving objects, such as those moving at speeds greater than 1 m/s, due to the challenges of high-speed image acquisition, processing, and analysis, particularly in applications like quality control and sorting of objects for recycling.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a multi-stage architecture with image capturing devices, storage systems, and processors configured to acquire, preprocess, analyze, and store images of moving objects, utilizing AI for real-time classification and grading, and can be deployed on-site or in the cloud, enabling high-speed inspection and sorting of large volumes of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed image acquisition is used to inspect fast-moving objects, then inspection speed is improved, but processing and analysis capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into multiple image capturing devices (first image capturing device and second image capturing device) that capture images from different positions or angles. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple images, increasing inspection speed while distributing the processing load across multiple devices and processors, thereby managing complexity effectively.
2Productivity
If multiple image capturing devices are used to increase inspection throughput, then productivity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent image capturing devices, each with its own first-stage storage system and second-stage processor. This modular segmentation enables parallel operation to increase throughput while keeping each individual processing unit manageable in complexity. The segmented architecture allows independent optimization of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image capturing devices perform the same inspection function simultaneously, with each device being a universal unit capable of capturing, storing, and processing images independently. This multi-functionality approach increases productivity through parallel processing while maintaining standardized, manageable complexity in each universal unit.
3Loss of time
If real-time analysis is implemented for moving objects, then response time is improved, but processing power requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Processing power is segmented across multiple second-stage processors (first second-stage processor and second second-stage processor), each handling analysis for specific image capturing devices. This distribution enables real-time analysis by parallelizing processing tasks, reducing overall analysis time while preventing any single processor from being overwhelmed, thus managing power requirements effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides techniques for optical inspection systems and methods for moving objects. In some embodiments, an optical inspection system includes: an image capturing device configured to acquire images from moving objects; a first-stage storage system; a second-stage processor; a second-stage storage system; a third-stage processor; and a third-stage storage system. In some embodiments, an optical inspection system, includes: an image capturing device; a volatile memory system; a first and a second second-stage processor; and a third-stage storage system. The second-stage processor or the first second-stage processor can be configured to analyze the images from the image capturing device. The third-stage processor or the second second-stage processor can be configured to process information from a processor and/or storage system and produce a report.