Spectrophotometer Image Analysis for Defect-Free Surface Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-angle spectrophotometers struggle to accurately measure the appearance attributes of vehicle parts with subtle defects like scratches and air pockets, leading to inaccurate paint recipes and repeated coating processes due to the limitations of human visual inspection and low-quality integrated displays.

Innovation Solution

A method using a spectrophotometer with an integrated camera to analyze pixel values for defect detection, determining a defect indicator through image analysis, and controlling the measurement process to ensure defect-free areas are measured, with optional correction for defect influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection by operators is used to detect defects, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but measurement accuracy deteriorates because subtle defects like micro scratches cannot be easily recognized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated optical analysis system. The spectrophotometer captures images and processes pixel values through algorithms to automatically detect defects, substituting human visual inspection with an automated optical-digital hybrid system that provides both ease of operation and high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the sample surface and the final measurement result. The system captures images, analyzes pixel values to generate defect indicators, and uses these indicators to control whether measurements are taken, acting as a mediator that filters out defective areas before spectral analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If integrated camera and display are used for defect detection, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because small displays with limited contrast and brightness make it difficult to recognize defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextent of automationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the sample surface and the final measurement result. The system captures images, analyzes pixel values to generate defect indicators, and uses these indicators to control whether measurements are taken, acting as a mediator that filters out defective areas before spectral analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated optical analysis system. The spectrophotometer captures images and processes pixel values through algorithms to automatically detect defects, substituting human visual inspection with an automated optical-digital hybrid system that provides both ease of operation and high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If measurements are taken on surfaces with defects, then productivity is improved by avoiding rework, but measurement precision deteriorates because defects negatively influence measurement results and cause color gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary defect detection and assessment before the actual spectral measurement takes place. By analyzing pixel values and generating defect indicators in advance, the system determines whether a measurement area is suitable, preventing defective measurements from being taken in the first place and eliminating the need for rework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where defect indicators generated from image analysis are used to control the measurement process. The system provides feedback about the quality of the measurement area and adjusts whether measurements are taken, ensuring that only suitable areas are measured and avoiding the need for corrective rework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260073496A1Method and device for investigating visual properties of a sample surface having defects

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 X RITE EUROPE GMBH

AI summary

A method for investigating visual properties of a sample surface using a spectrophotometer having an integrated camera comprises acquiring at least one image of a measurement area of the sample surface for at least one measurement geometry, using the integrated camera of the spectrophotometer, and determining a defect indicator that is indicative of defects of the sample surface in the measurement area. The step of determining a defect indicator comprises analyzing pixel values of the at least one image, using at least one processor.