Transparent Object Detection Using Polarization Degree Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a technology that can accurately detect the outer shape of transparent subjects, which existing visual inspection methods struggle to achieve due to issues with transparency and partial opacity.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising an imaging unit, an illumination unit that uses linearly polarized light, and a polarization control unit to control the polarization state of light, generating information on the degree of linear polarization, allowing for precise detection of transparent subjects' outer shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional visual inspection methods are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the detection accuracy of transparent subjects is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of light by introducing polarization plates and controlling the polarization angle. The inspection system uses linearly polarized light incident on the transparent subject, and by rotating the polarization plate to different angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), the system captures multiple images with different polarization states. This parameter change enables the detection of subtle refractive index differences in transparent materials that are invisible under conventional illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization plates as an intermediary element between the light source and the transparent subject. The first polarization plate polarizes the incident light, and the second polarization plate (analyzer) controls the polarization state of the detected light. This intermediary mechanism transforms the invisible optical property (refractive index variation) into visible image contrast, enabling accurate detection of transparent subject boundaries and internal structures.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images at different polarization angles are captured, then the detection accuracy improves, but the inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by capturing images at regularly spaced polarization angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). This periodic sampling of the polarization state allows the system to extract sufficient information about the transparent subject's optical properties. The periodic pattern enables efficient data processing and accurate reconstruction of the subject's outer shape and internal structure without requiring continuous polarization angle variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between polarization angles and image intensity variations. The system uses the captured images at different polarization angles to compute the refractive index distribution and outer shape through image processing algorithms. This preliminary computation approach allows the system to quickly process multiple polarization images and generate accurate detection results without excessive processing time.
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 high-accuracy detection of transparent subjects' outer shapes by generating a polarization degree image, improving production accuracy in electronic apparatus assembly and inspection.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit that illuminates a subject with linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization control unit that controls a polarization state of light to be detected
Implementation Method 3
a generation unit that generates information regarding a degree of linear polarization of the light to be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes: an imaging unit; an illumination unit; a polarization control unit; and a generation unit. The imaging unit generates image data on the basis of incident light. The illumination unit illuminates a subject with linearly polarized light. The polarization control unit controls a polarization state of light to be detected, the light to be detected travelling toward the imaging unit. The generation unit generates information regarding a degree of linear polarization of the light to be detected, on the basis of image data regarding the light to be detected, the polarization state of the light to be detected having been controlled, the image data regarding the light to be detected being generated by the imaging unit.