Periodic Image Inspection for Multi-Angle Line Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image inspection methods require multiple imaging devices or frequent repositioning of a single device to inspect objects flowing through a production line from various directions, leading to increased costs and prolonged inspection times due to the need for repeated activation and stopping of motors to rotate the object or move the device.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection device that periodically changes the location and orientation of the object relative to the imaging device while maintaining the location relationship, allowing images to be taken with different imaging conditions at predefined positions, thereby reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing motor activation times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging devices are used to surround the inspection target, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the procurement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple imaging devices into a single imaging device by combining it with a rotation mechanism. Instead of using multiple fixed cameras to capture images from different directions simultaneously, one imaging device captures images at multiple rotational positions, achieving the same inspection coverage with fewer devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic motion (rotation) to the imaging system. The imaging device remains stationary while the inspection target rotates, allowing the same device to capture images from multiple directions at different time points, transforming a static multi-device requirement into a dynamic single-device solution.
2Area of stationary object
If the imaging device is moved around the inspection target, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the inspection target to achieve comprehensive inspection coverage. The target rotates through predefined angular positions (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) where images are captured, creating a periodic imaging cycle that covers all necessary directions without requiring continuous movement or repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is pre-positioned at a fixed location with optimal viewing angle, and the rotation mechanism is pre-configured to bring the inspection target to predetermined positions. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time decision-making about device movement, allowing rapid sequential imaging at each rotational position.
3Area of stationary object
If the inspection target is rotated by a rotation mechanism, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the inspection time increases due to repeated motor activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous rotation of the inspection target throughout the imaging process. Instead of stopping the motor at each imaging position and then restarting it, the motor continues running, and images are captured at predetermined angular positions during the continuous rotation, eliminating repeated acceleration and deceleration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from encoders or position sensors on the rotation mechanism to determine when the inspection target reaches predetermined angular positions. This feedback triggers image capture at the correct moments without requiring the motor to stop, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining continuous motion and minimizing inspection time.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image inspection device (1, 1A) which inspects the inspection target (4) by images includes: an imaging part (2), which images the inspection target; a changing part (3R), which makes the location of the inspection target with respect to the imaging part periodically and relatively change; and a control part (9), which makes the imaging part image the inspection target so as to acquire a plurality of images having different imaging conditions at a plurality of timings which is periodically repeated due to the relative changes and at which the inspection target is in a predefined location with respect to the imaging part.