Optical Surface Cleanliness Assessment via Luminosity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the cleanliness of surfaces rely on subjective expert judgments and are time-consuming, requiring standardized scales and trained personnel, which limits efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical processing system that captures digital images of surfaces and analyzes luminosity values to automatically determine cleanliness, using a light-tight housing, camera, and processor to adjust environmental settings based on the type of surface, allowing for objective and standardized cleanliness assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expert visual inspection is used to determine cleanliness, then judgment accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection process with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the surface, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze luminosity values to determine cleanliness, substituting human expert judgment with automated optical-mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-inspection by using the surface's own optical properties (luminosity) to determine its cleanliness state. The surface reflects light in a way that directly indicates its cleanliness, and the system automatically measures this property without requiring external expert interpretation.
2Measurement precision
If expert training is implemented to improve cleanliness assessment accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex human training and judgment system with a straightforward optical measurement system. Instead of training experts to interpret visual cues, the system uses camera-based luminosity measurement with automated image processing, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining or improving accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If environmental conditions are controlled to improve luminosity measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized controlled environment specifically for the measurement area. The light-tight housing isolates only the necessary measurement zone from external light interference, rather than controlling the entire surrounding environment, thus achieving measurement precision with minimal complexity.
4Productivity
If automated image processing is implemented to reduce inspection time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human visual analysis with objective computational image processing algorithms. These algorithms automatically calculate luminosity values from captured images and compare them against predefined thresholds, providing both rapid processing and consistent, unbiased accuracy in cleanliness determination.
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 system provides an objective and efficient means to assess cleanliness, reducing reliance on human experts and minimizing errors, enabling automated determination of surface cleanliness across various types of materials and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a camera within the housing to capture a digital image of the ware being inspected
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for determining cleanliness of various surfaces by processing images of the surfaces. The surfaces may comprise, for example, drinking glasses, dishes, fabric swatch arrays, Tosi plates, ceramic tiles, or stainless steel coupons. In one example, a system includes a camera to capture a digital image of a surface, a light source to illuminate the surface, a housing to enclose the surface, the camera, and the light source in a light-tight environment, and an analysis computer to receive the digital image, calculate a luminosity value for the surface from the digital image, and determine a cleanliness value for the surface from the calculated luminosity value. The analysis computer may automatically configure an environment in which to capture the digital image such that the environment is suited for the particular surface to be analyzed. The analysis computer may also cause the camera to automatically capture the digital image.