Servo Lighting Control for Industrial Vision Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial vision devices face challenges in configuring optimal lighting for object recognition due to the complexity of controlling multiple light sources, limited versatility, and the need for specialized training, which affects the precision and efficiency of image processing.

Innovation Solution

A method for configuring an industrial vision device that includes a camera system with original and slaved light sources, where a control interface processes original light signals to control the slaved light sources, allowing for easy programming and adaptation of lighting configurations without requiring special training, by establishing a computer relationship between original and slave lighting configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple original light sources are used to provide versatile lighting configurations, then the adaptability of the vision device is improved, but the complexity of controlling these light sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light sensors as intermediary devices that detect the state of original light sources and automatically translate them into control signals for slaved light sources. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for complex programming by operators, as the sensors automatically establish the control relationships between original and slaved light sources based on detected light patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface performs self-configuration by using light sensors to automatically detect original light source states and generate appropriate control signals for slaved light sources. The system configures itself without requiring external programming or specialized operator training, as the sensors autonomously establish the lighting control relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fieldbuses are used to control light sources with coordinated sequences and different colors, then the versatility of lighting control is improved, but the responsiveness and accuracy of ignition sequences deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control versatilityVSAvoidresponse speed of light control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fieldbus communication protocols with direct optical detection and electronic signal processing. Light sensors detect optical signals from original light sources and immediately convert them into control signals for slaved light sources through electronic circuits, eliminating the communication delays and protocol overhead inherent in fieldbus systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The light sensors serve as direct intermediaries that establish instantaneous optical-electronic-optical signal paths between original and slaved light sources. This direct intermediary approach bypasses the multi-layered fieldbus communication architecture, achieving faster response times while maintaining versatile lighting control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If integrated LED lighting is used in the camera, then the ease of operation is improved, but the versatility of lighting configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control easeVSAvoidlighting configuration options
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of integrated lighting (ease of operation) with external lighting (versatility) by using light sensors to detect original light sources that can be either integrated or external. The sensor-based control interface automatically adapts to detect and control various lighting configurations, combining the simplicity of integrated control with the flexibility of multiple lighting options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is designed with universal functionality to work with both integrated camera LEDs and external light sources. The light sensors can detect various types of original light sources, and the electronic unit can control different configurations of slaved light sources, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to diverse lighting scenarios while maintaining ease of operation.

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 simplifies the programming of the control interface, enabling rapid and versatile control of lighting configurations, improving the effectiveness of object recognition and adaptability to different environments without the need for complex programming or specialized training.

Implementation Method 1

first and second light sensors for each capturing a respective original light signal emitted by said original light source and emitting a respective sensor signal in response to the capture of said respective original light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3647715B1Method for parameterizing a machine vision device
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 TPL VISION UK LTD
  • EP3647715B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP3647715B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for setting up an industrial vision device, said method comprising the following successive steps: a) selection, according to the area of ​​interest, of a servo lighting configuration, and recording of the servo lighting configuration in the control interface and/or application of the servo lighting configuration; b) independently of step a), selection of an original lighting configuration, and application of the original lighting configuration; c) establishment of a computer relationship between said original and servo lighting configurations and recording of said relationship in the control interface so that the electronic unit controls lighting of the area of ​​interest according to the servo lighting configuration in response to an original lighting configuration.