Elongated Object Inspection Optics With Single-Imager 360° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capturing highly accurate images of elongated objects during high-speed inspection is costly due to the need for high-performance imagers and control devices.
Innovation Solution
An appearance inspection device for elongated objects uses a single imager with multiple reflector sets to capture images around the object's periphery, adjusting optical path lengths to fit within the imager's depth of field, reducing costs while maintaining imaging performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple imagers are used to capture images of the elongated object periphery, then imaging coverage is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging task is segmented into multiple optical paths, each captured by a single imager through different reflector sets. Each reflector set captures light from a specific angular range, and these segmented views are synthesized to form a complete 360-degree inspection image, replacing the need for multiple imagers
Solution Approach 2:
Reflector sets are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the single imager and the elongated object. These reflectors redirect light from different angular positions to the imager, enabling the single imager to capture images that would otherwise require multiple imagers positioned around the object
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical path length varies across reflector sets, then imaging flexibility is improved, but image focus quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path length is controlled as a critical parameter within a predetermined range for all reflector sets. By maintaining this parameter within specified bounds, the system achieves both imaging flexibility through multiple reflector configurations and consistent image focus quality across all captured views
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path lengths from different reflector sets to the imager are equalized or kept within a narrow range, creating equipotential conditions for light propagation. This ensures that images from all angular positions are captured with comparable focus quality, eliminating focus variations that would arise from significantly different path lengths
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 device enables full 360-degree inspection of elongated objects with a single imager, minimizing size and cost, and improves accuracy by adjusting optical path lengths for consistent focus.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of reflectors included in each of the plurality of reflector sets includes a reflecting portion in a plane perpendicular to an axis of the elongated object
Data Source
AI summary
An appearance inspection device for an elongated object includes a high-performance imager at reduced cost without lowering the imaging performance. An appearance inspection device (10) for an elongated object includes an imaging unit (12) that captures an image of a periphery of an elongated object (11). The imaging unit (12) includes an imager (20) and reflector sets each including multiple reflectors combined to define an optical path extending from the imager (20) to the elongated object (11). Each reflector included in each reflector set is located within a predetermined range. The optical path extending in each reflector set from the imager (20) to the elongated object (11) has a length within a predetermined range. This structure allows the appearance of the elongated object to be fully inspected around 360 degrees about the axis with a single costly imager. The inspection device is thus less costly.