Radiographic Inspection Modular Conveyor Chain Background Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic inspection systems using modular conveyor chains face image degradation due to transmittance variations, which existing methods struggle to effectively cancel out, especially when conveyor chain features like hinges interfere with the X-ray image.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a calibration mode to create a template image of a modular conveyor chain segment, allowing for the subtraction of background interference from inspection images, using image processing techniques to geometrically match and interpolate the conveyor chain's influence, without relying on physical registration features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a modular conveyor chain is used in a radiographic inspection system, then the conveyor chain can effectively transport articles through the scanner, but transmittance variations of the conveyor chain segments cause background interference and image degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing a calibration image of the conveyor chain background before actual inspection. This pre-captured background image is then stored and subtracted from subsequent inspection images to remove the conveyor chain's transmittance variations. The calibration mode is activated before inspection mode to establish the baseline background pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful background component from the inspection images by identifying and separating the conveyor chain's transmittance pattern. Through image subtraction using the stored calibration image, the conveyor chain background is removed, leaving only the article features for inspection.
2Measurement precision
If image processing techniques are used to remove conveyor chain background, then image accuracy improves, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the complex image processing operation in advance by capturing and storing the calibration image during a preliminary calibration mode. This pre-processing eliminates the need for complex real-time processing during actual inspection, as the background subtraction can be performed more efficiently using the pre-established baseline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the conveyor chain background pattern through the calibration image. This copy is then reused for subtracting the background from multiple inspection images, avoiding the need to re-process the complex conveyor chain pattern for each article inspection.
3Reliability
If calibration mode is implemented to create template images, then background removal effectiveness improves, but system operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal calibration image that can be reused for multiple inspection cycles. The single calibration image captures the overall conveyor chain background pattern and serves as a template for removing backgrounds from numerous different articles, eliminating the need for separate calibration for each inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration as a preliminary one-time setup operation before actual inspection begins. This preliminary action establishes the background template that simplifies all subsequent inspections, transforming a potentially complex per-article calibration process into a simple, reusable template subtraction operation.
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 effectively removes the conveyor chain's background from radiographic images, providing clear images of inspected articles by accounting for manufacturing tolerances and variations, enhancing image accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source emitting scanning rays, with a radiation detector receiving the scanning rays
Implementation Method 2
a radiation detector receiving the scanning rays and converting them into detector signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a radiographic inspection system is designed for a radiographic inspection system in which a conveyor chain with identical modular chain segments transports the articles being inspected. The method encompasses a calibration mode and an inspection mode of the radiographic inspection system. In the calibration mode, calibration data characterizing the radiographic inspection system with the empty conveyor chain are generated and stored as a template image. In the inspection mode, raw images (50) of the articles (3) under inspection with the background (41) of the conveyor chain are acquired and arithmetically merged with the template image. The method results in a clear output image (51) of the articles under inspection being obtained without the interfering background of the conveyor chain.