PTP Tablet Spectral Inspection With Ambient Light Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection methods for PTP packaging using spectral analysis face accuracy issues due to variations in light intensity and wavelength characteristics caused by ambient light entering the container film, leading to inconsistent spectral data and reduced inspection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An inspection device with a light shield member that blocks near infrared light from entering the container film, using a through hole for spectral data acquisition, and a background portion that does not reflect near infrared light, ensuring stable spectral data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If spectral analysis is performed by irradiating the tablet with near infrared light from the opening side of the pocket portion, then the inspection can be performed in a simple configuration, but ambient light enters the container film and causes variation in light intensity and wavelength characteristics, reducing inspection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection device configurationVSAvoidspectral data consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A light shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the container film. This light shield member includes a through hole that allows near infrared light to pass through while blocking ambient light from entering the container film, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of ambient light interference while maintaining the simplicity of the inspection configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shield member is segmented with a through hole that selectively transmits near infrared light while blocking other wavelengths. This segmentation allows the system to separate the useful near infrared light from the harmful ambient light, enabling accurate spectral analysis without requiring complex filtering systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the container film is made transparent to allow light transmission for inspection, then the filling process can be simplified, but ambient light enters and propagates through the container film causing distorted spectral data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer film fillingVSAvoidambient light interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light shield member acts as an intermediary that blocks ambient light from entering the container film while allowing the inspection light to pass through. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the transparency of the container film for ease of manufacture while introducing a selective barrier that eliminates ambient light interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shield member provides localized light blocking properties at specific positions around the container film opening, while the container film itself maintains its transparent quality for light transmission. This local differentiation allows the system to have both the ease of manufacture from transparent film and the protection from ambient light interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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 configuration enhances inspection accuracy by minimizing the influence of ambient light, allowing for consistent and accurate spectral analysis of contents in PTP packaging.

Implementation Method 1

a light shield member disposed between the irradiation unit and the container film and configured to block the near infrared light emitted by the irradiation unit from entering the container film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a spectral unit configured to disperse reflected light that is reflected from the content irradiated with the near infrared light across the through hole of the light shield member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectral dispersion: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

an imaging unit configured to take an image of an optical spectrum of the reflected light dispersed by the spectral unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3805740B1Inspecting device, and PTP packing machine
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CKD CORP
  • EP3805740B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2
  • EP3805740B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3805740B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There are provided an inspection device configured to suppress reduction in inspection accuracy with regard to an inspection taking advantage of spectral analysis, as well as a PTP packaging machine. An inspection device 22 comprises an illumination device 52 configured to emit near infrared light toward a container film 3 that has pocket portions 2 with tablets 5 placed therein; a light shield plate 54 placed between the illumination device 52 and the container film 3 and configured to block the near infrared light from entering the container film 3; a through hole 54a provided in the light shield plate 54 and configured to allow the near infrared light to pass through; and an imaging device 53 configured to disperse reflected light that is reflected from the tablet 5 irradiated with the near infrared light across the through hole 54a and to take an image of the dispersed reflected light. The inspection device 22 obtains spectral data of the tablet 5, based on spectroscopic image data obtained by the imaging device 53 and performs a different type inclusion inspection with regard to the tablet 5, based on the obtained spectral data.