Time-Divided Illumination for Liquid Foreign Matter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foreign matter detection techniques in liquids are inefficient and inaccurate due to the need for separate illumination periods, making it difficult to capture images at appropriate timings for different types of foreign matter.
Innovation Solution
A determination apparatus that divides chronological image data acquired under varying illumination conditions into distinct data sets, allowing for accurate detection of foreign matter by alternating between states where transmitted light enters or is blocked, and where diffuse reflected light is captured, synchronized with high-frame-rate imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If irradiation with first irradiation light and second irradiation light is performed in different time periods, then the imaging means can capture images under different illumination conditions, but the inspection time increases and it becomes impossible to capture images at appropriate timing for foreign matter properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternately switching between first and second illumination conditions in a time-divided manner. The control unit switches the first and second irradiation sources on and off periodically, allowing the imaging means to capture images under different illumination conditions sequentially. This periodic switching enables efficient use of imaging timing while maintaining the ability to detect different types of foreign matter (light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting) with high accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple time-division irradiation is used, then the system can detect both light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting foreign matter, but detection efficiency decreases and accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-controlling the switching timing of illumination conditions based on the characteristics of foreign matter. The control unit determines appropriate imaging timings in advance for each illumination condition, ensuring that images are captured at optimal moments to detect specific types of foreign matter. This preliminary timing control improves detection efficiency while maintaining the versatility to detect both light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting foreign matter.
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 efficient and accurate detection of foreign matter by distinguishing between light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting objects based on their specific gravitational properties, improving detection accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first lighting unit configured to emit light so that light transmitted through a container enters an imaging device acquiring image data
Implementation Method 2
a second lighting unit configured to emit light so that light transmitted through the container does not enter the imaging device acquiring image data
Data Source
AI summary
A determination apparatus includes: a dividing unit configured to divide chronological image data acquired by imaging a liquid filled in a container while switching between a plurality of illumination conditions, into chronological image data corresponding to the illumination conditions; and a determining unit configured to determine foreign matter contained in the container based on each of the chronological image data obtained by division by the dividing unit.