Switchable Illumination Arrangement for Inner Wall Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optical inspection of inner walls, particularly in cylindrical bores, fail to clearly distinguish elevations and depressions from discolorations and brightness differences, limiting their ability to perform full-surface 100% inspection in production cycles.
Innovation Solution
A device with a camera and lighting arrangement that can switch between multiple brightness distributions, allowing for all-round view and illumination from various spatial directions, enabling the detection of elevations and depressions by differentiating them from material discolorations and brightness variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single brightness distribution is used for illumination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish elevations and depressions from discolorations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination arrangement is designed with dynamically switchable brightness distributions. The control unit can activate different operating states of the light sources to generate varying brightness patterns on the inner wall surface. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt illumination conditions for detecting different surface features without requiring multiple fixed illumination systems, thereby improving detection accuracy while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters by switching between different operating states of the light sources. Each operating state produces a distinct brightness distribution pattern on the inner wall. By varying these illumination parameters (brightness distribution patterns), the system can enhance the contrast between topographical features and discolorations, improving measurement precision without adding substantial hardware complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple operating states with different brightness distributions are implemented, then the detection of elevations and depressions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination arrangement is designed as a multi-functional system where a single set of light sources can generate multiple different brightness distributions through different operating states. This universal illumination system serves multiple detection purposes (detecting elevations, depressions, and distinguishing from discolorations) without requiring separate dedicated illumination systems for each function, thereby improving geometric measurement accuracy while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multiple illumination functions by changing the operational parameters of the light sources. The control unit switches between different operating states that produce varying brightness distributions. This parameter-based approach allows one illumination arrangement to perform multiple detection functions, improving geometric measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the entire inner wall surface is inspected, then the inspection completeness is improved, but the inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process uses periodic action by implementing a sequence of different brightness distributions in cyclic order. The control unit activates different operating states of the illumination arrangement sequentially, capturing images at each state. This periodic switching of illumination patterns enables comprehensive surface inspection through multiple viewing conditions while maintaining a structured, efficient inspection cycle that limits total inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action during inspection by seamlessly transitioning between different brightness distributions. The control unit coordinates the switching of illumination states with continuous or incremental movement of the inspection device along the bore, ensuring that image capture occurs continuously throughout the inspection process. This continuous operation enables complete surface coverage without idle time, improving inspection completeness while controlling inspection cycle time.
4Loss of information
If images are captured under varying brightness distributions, then the distinction between topographical features and material variations is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit implements feedback-based processing by comparing images captured under different brightness distributions. The system analyzes how surface features respond to varying illumination conditions and uses this information to distinguish between topographical features (elevations and depressions) and material variations (discolorations). This feedback approach improves information accuracy about surface features while using algorithmic processing rather than additional hardware to manage complexity.
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
Enables a comprehensive 100% inspection of inner walls within a production cycle by effectively distinguishing topographical features from material discolorations and brightness variations, ensuring accurate detection of bore wall shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination arrangement has at least two different operating states, wherein a first operating state is associated with a first brightness distribution emitted by the illumination arrangement
Implementation Method 2
the device is configured to capture a plurality of axially offset regions of an inner wall in a 360° view with the camera
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for the optical detection of inner walls (7) is proposed, comprising – at least one camera (K), – an optical imaging arrangement (3), and – an illumination arrangement (5), wherein – the apparatus (1) is configured to record in a panoramic view by means of the camera (K) a plurality of regions of an inner wall (7) which are axially offset from one another. The apparatus (1) is distinguished by virtue of the illumination arrangement (5) having at least two different functional states, wherein a first brightness distribution emitted by the illumination arrangement (5) is assigned to a first functional state, said brightness distribution differing from a second brightness distribution in at least one second functional state.