Polarized-Light Image Acquisition for Transmitting and Reflecting Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition devices struggle to accurately detect objects that reflect light, making it difficult to identify objects with both transmitting and reflecting properties on a target object.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition device that uses polarized light to detect specularly reflected light, incorporating a light irradiation device, imaging device with a rotating waveplate and polarizing plate, and an image processing unit to analyze polarization components, enabling accurate detection of objects on a target object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light transmitted through the inspection target object is detected, then the inspection target object can be inspected, but it is difficult to detect objects having a property of reflecting the light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into two independent detection paths: one for transmitted light (through the object) and one for reflected light (from the object surface). By using separate image sensors and optical paths, the system can simultaneously and accurately detect both transmitting and reflecting properties without the limitations of single-path detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarizer as an intermediary optical element that selectively transmits polarized light to the image sensor. This intermediary enables the system to detect reflected light with high accuracy by filtering out non-polarized light components, thereby solving the difficulty of detecting light-reflecting objects.
2Measurement precision
If a single image sensor detects transmitted light, then the inspection process is simple, but objects with both transmitting and reflecting properties cannot be detected with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical detection system into multiple independent channels: a transmitted light detection path and a reflected light detection path. Each path has its own image sensor and optical components, allowing simultaneous and accurate detection of both properties without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical system multi-functional by enabling the same inspection device to detect multiple properties (transmission and reflection) using a unified polarized light source and coordinated image sensor system, rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
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 device allows for high-accuracy detection of objects that transmit and reflect polarized light, even in three-dimensional scenarios and when birefringence is present, by evaluating polarization states and distributions.
Implementation Method 1
a light irradiation device that irradiates a target object with polarized light
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device that detects light that is specularly reflected by the target object in the polarized light
Implementation Method 3
an imaging device that detects light that is specularly reflected by the target object in the polarized light, and acquires image data including different polarization components of the light
Implementation Method 4
it is possible to detect the object present on the target object and having properties of transmitting and reflecting the polarized light with high accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
An image acquisition device 1 includes an illumination device 2 that irradiates a target object S with polarized light, an imaging device 7 that detects light that is specularly reflected by the target object S in the polarized light, and acquires a plurality of pieces of image data including different polarization components of the light, and an image processing device 8 that detects a foreign substance that is present on the target object S and through which the polarized light is transmitted, based on the plurality of pieces of image data.