Reflective Background Optical Imaging for Machine Vision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision systems face limitations in image contrast and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions, requiring expensive and complex illumination setups that are not effective for objects in motion, leading to increased costs and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A machine vision system comprising an optical imager with a single illumination source positioned on one side of the object and a reflective background on the other side, enhancing image contrast without the need for additional illumination sources or complex circuitry, allowing for advanced image processing like barcode decoding and shape recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple banks or arrays of LEDs completely encircle the targeted object, then illumination quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing multiple light sources around the object to illuminate it directly, the patent inverts the approach by placing a single light source behind the object and using a reflective background to bounce light forward onto the object's front surface. This eliminates the need for complex multi-sided illumination structures while achieving effective lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective background as an intermediary element between the light source and the object. This mediator reflects light from the rear illumination source onto the front of the object, enabling effective illumination without requiring direct front-facing light sources or complex multi-bank LED arrays.
2Measurement precision
If a second light source or second imager is added, then image quality is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source in the patent serves multiple functions: it illuminates the object from the rear, and through the reflective background, provides front-facing illumination equivalent to what would traditionally require separate light sources. This multi-functional approach achieves improved image quality without adding additional illumination components or control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the object's own rear surface and the reflective background to serve the illumination function that would traditionally require separate front-facing light sources. The light source illuminates the object, the reflective background redirects the light, and the object itself becomes part of the illumination pathway, eliminating the need for additional components.
3Illumination intensity
If sophisticated illumination banks are used, then image contrast is improved, but footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the illumination approach from a horizontal plane (multiple light sources around the object) to a vertical dimension by placing the light source behind the object and using the reflective background to redirect light forward. This dimensional shift achieves effective illumination with minimal footprint, as the entire illumination system fits within the depth of the imaging space rather than requiring lateral expansion.
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 system improves image contrast and reduces costs by simplifying the setup, enabling advanced image processing capabilities even in space-restricted environments, such as assembly lines, with improved accuracy and reduced component requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective background positioned on the other side of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining an image of an object using an optical imager having an illumination source that is positioned on one side of the object to be imaged and a reflective background positioned on the other side of the object. The imaging system may be implemented in an assembly line or sample processor by using at least one imager and a reflective background positioned behind the samples moving along the assembly or process line. The imager is programmed to decode barcode information and to identify objects in the image using pattern matching techniques.