Camera Inspection of Plate Surfaces Using Oblique Strip Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for plate-shaped objects, such as furniture plates, are unable to effectively inspect surfaces that were previously processed or unprocessed, or have already been inspected, particularly those adjacent to processed surfaces, due to limitations in capturing comprehensive images during production.
Innovation Solution
A camera arrangement with multiple observation areas and a matrix sensor captures strip-shaped images from different angles, which are then combined into two-dimensional images using an image processor, allowing for the inspection of all surfaces, including previously processed or unprocessed areas, by moving the plate-shaped objects relative to the camera device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single observation area is used for inspection, then the inspection system is simple, but it cannot inspect previously processed or unprocessed surfaces adjacent to processed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the observation area into multiple segmented regions (first, second, and third observation areas) that can capture different portions of the plate-shaped object including previously processed surfaces, currently processed surfaces, and adjacent unprocessed surfaces. This segmentation allows comprehensive inspection coverage without requiring multiple separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the inspection capability by adding spatial dimensions to the observation areas. The observation areas are arranged to capture images from multiple angular perspectives, enabling the system to inspect surfaces that would otherwise be invisible from a single viewpoint, including adjacent surfaces and previously processed areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different directions, then comprehensive inspection is possible, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple observation functions into a single camera device by incorporating multiple observation areas within one camera. This integration achieves multi-directional inspection capability while minimizing space requirements and avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a simple imaging device and a complex multi-perspective inspection system. The camera captures images from multiple observation areas simultaneously, providing comprehensive inspection coverage without requiring multiple specialized camera units.
3Productivity
If only the currently processed surface is inspected, then the inspection process is efficient, but defects in previously processed or unprocessed areas are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system performs preliminary capture of images from multiple observation areas including previously processed surfaces and adjacent unprocessed surfaces before the inspection process is complete. This allows defects in all areas to be detected in a single pass through the production line, maintaining efficiency while ensuring comprehensive defect detection.
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 solution enables comprehensive inspection of plate-shaped objects, including previously processed or unprocessed areas, by capturing and combining strip-shaped images from various angles, improving defect detection and reducing the need for additional processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
a first observation area running obliquely opposite to the direction of movement is imaged onto a first imaging area of the camera device formed as a pixel strip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3
AI summary
Shown is an arrangement and a method for inspecting plate-shaped objects moving relative to a camera device in a direction of movement through at least two observation areas, wherein in one detection state strip-shaped images are recorded along an observation area running obliquely opposite to the direction of movement, wherein in another detection state strip-shaped images are recorded along another observation area, and wherein the strip-shaped images recorded in each of the individual detection states are combined to form a two-dimensional image.