Polarized Surface Inspection Imaging for Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems struggle to acquire images of objects with appropriate levels of detail due to poor lighting conditions, especially in factory settings, leading to incomplete representation of surface features, and multiple image acquisitions can be challenging for moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A single image acquisition method using different types of light projected from various directions, such as linearly, elliptically, or circularly polarized light, to generate a detailed image by analyzing sub-images with distinct polarization orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image acquisitions are performed to improve surface feature detail, then image quality improves, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process by using a single image acquisition that captures multiple polarization orientations simultaneously through different regions of the sensor array. Each region is associated with a specific polarization filter orientation, allowing the system to obtain multiple polarization images in one shot rather than requiring multiple sequential acquisitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the polarization measurement by distributing different polarization filters across different regions of the sensor array. This spatial multiplexing allows simultaneous capture of multiple polarization states without temporal sequencing, effectively transforming a time-based problem into a space-based solution.
2Loss of information
If multiple image acquisitions are performed to capture complete surface features, then image completeness improves, but productivity decreases for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple regions, each equipped with polarization filters at different orientations. This segmentation enables simultaneous capture of multiple polarization images across different spatial zones, ensuring complete surface feature information is obtained in a single acquisition without requiring sequential imaging that would fail for moving objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous imaging capability by capturing all necessary polarization information simultaneously in a single exposure. This eliminates gaps between sequential acquisitions, ensuring that moving objects are imaged continuously without interruption, thereby maintaining both information completeness and high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional lighting is used to illuminate the surface, then setup simplicity is maintained, but image contrast and detail are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different polarization filter orientations to different regions of the sensor array. Each region is optimized to detect light polarized at a specific angle, allowing the system to extract detailed surface information from various lighting conditions simultaneously. This regional specialization enables high contrast imaging without requiring complex external lighting modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs self-service by using the reflected light itself to carry polarization information that reveals surface features. Rather than requiring complex external lighting setups, the system leverages the natural polarization properties of reflected light and uses internal polarization filters to extract surface detail, thereby maintaining setup simplicity while achieving high image quality.
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 approach allows for high-detail imaging of surface features with reduced computational complexity and equipment costs, suitable for both stationary and moving targets, by combining sub-images to enhance contrast and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
A single image acquisition is executed, including acquiring at least three sub-images, each of the at least three sub-images being acquired using a different one of the at least three types of light and at least partly excluding the at least two other types of light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for acquiring images of objects. Light (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) of different types (e.g., different polarization orientations) can be directed onto an object (112) from different respective directions (e.g., from different sides of the object). A single image acquisition can be executed in order to acquire different sub-image data (120a, 120b, 120c) corresponding to the different light types. An image (122) of a surface of the object, including representation of surface features of the surface, can be generated based on the sub-image data (120a, 120, 120c).