3D Area-Scan Camera Translational Triggering for High-Speed Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine vision systems struggle to inspect objects moving at rates higher than the maximum image capture rate of the camera, particularly in 3D applications where image acquisition rates are limited.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a signaling device, a 3D area-scan camera, and a processor that captures images at known intervals irrespective of a trigger signal, allowing for the extraction and analysis of image data from moving objects to provide inspection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the camera captures images at a high rate to inspect objects moving at high speed, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the system cost increases due to requiring expensive high-speed cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images of the same object at different positions along the conveyor belt before the object leaves the inspection zone. These preliminary images are then combined to create a complete inspection result, allowing standard-speed cameras to achieve effective high-speed inspection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple images captured at different time points and positions into a single composite inspection result. By combining images from multiple captures of the same object, the system achieves complete inspection coverage without requiring the camera to capture every object at maximum speed
2Measurement precision
If the camera captures every object at maximum speed, then the inspection accuracy is maintained, but the object rate that can be inspected exceeds the camera's capture rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates multiple copies of images of the same object captured at different positions along the conveyor. These image copies are then processed and combined to achieve complete inspection accuracy, effectively allowing the system to inspect objects at rates higher than the camera's native capture rate
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to the inspection process by capturing images at multiple positions along the conveyor belt rather than requiring a single high-speed capture. This dimensional approach allows standard-speed cameras to achieve high effective inspection rates by accumulating data from multiple spatial locations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and associated methods and/or utilize a 3D area-scan camera having a FOV and positioned to include a portion of a transport device within the FOV, and configured to capture images in accordance with a known interval; and at least one processor in communication with the 3D area-scan camera, and configured to: receive the images, extract image data associated with the object from the images, and analyze the image data and provide an inspection result corresponding to the object.