Position-Specific Illumination for Surface Measurement Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In factory automation, existing image processing technologies face challenges in achieving accurate image measurement across different surface regions of a target due to varying illumination conditions, leading to inconsistent measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system that varies the light emission states of multiple light emitting units and generates image data based on specific conditions associated with each surface region, allowing for optimal illumination and data generation tailored to the position, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single illumination condition is used for all image data, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision varies across different surface regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination condition settingVSAvoidsurface shape measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining illumination conditions and generation conditions separately for each position or region of the image data. The determination unit sets position-specific parameters such as illumination intensity, wavelength, and polarization state according to the local surface characteristics, ensuring optimal measurement precision for each region while managing complexity through automated determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the illumination condition and generation condition variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts illumination parameters and image generation conditions based on the specific position being measured, allowing the measurement system to adapt to different surface regions and their unique measurement requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple illumination conditions are used for different surface regions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface shape measurement accuracyVSAvoidillumination condition control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the determination unit automatically determines optimal illumination and generation conditions based on position information and measurement requirements. The system uses feedback from position detection and surface characteristics to automatically adjust illumination parameters, reducing the need for manual configuration and complex control while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by creating a determination unit that can handle multiple types of measurements across different surface regions using a single integrated system. The determination unit universally applies the principle of position-specific condition determination to various measurement tasks, eliminating the need for multiple specialized illumination systems for different measurement scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables high measurement accuracy for each surface region by determining the optimal illumination and generation conditions, reducing noise and enhancing feature extraction, especially for tasks like scratch inspection.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination unit in which a plurality of light emitting units for irradiating the target with illumination light are disposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3499178B1Image processing system, image processing program, and image processing method
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 OMRON CORP
  • EP3499178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499178B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3499178B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The embodiments of the disclosure set a condition when image data is generated, in association with a position of image data. An image processing device makes a plurality of light emission states of a plurality of light emitting units different according to an illumination condition, and acquires a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by imaging in the plurality of different light emission states. The image processing device generates image data to be used for image measurement from a plurality of pieces of acquired image data on the basis of a generation condition defined in association with a position in the image data. In the image processing device, at least one of the illumination condition and the generation condition is determined so that the generated image data becomes image data suitable for a purpose of the image measurement.