Transparent Edible Object Marking Inspection With Dual Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marking devices struggle to accurately inspect marking patterns on transparent edible objects due to difficulties in obtaining direction data and information about the marking pattern with precision.
Innovation Solution
A marking inspection device for transparent edible objects that uses a camera orthogonal to the conveyance path, combined with reflective and transmissive illuminating units, and a control unit to determine marking pattern quality based on imaging data, employing polarizing plates and selective illumination modes for colorless and colored transparent objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If reflective illumination is used from the same side as the imaging unit, then the marking inspection device can operate with a simpler illumination configuration, but it becomes difficult to obtain direction data and marking pattern information with accuracy on transparent edible objects
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two independent units: a reflective illuminating unit for colored transparent objects and a transmissive illuminating unit for colorless transparent objects. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction by providing the appropriate illumination method for each object type without requiring a complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameter (reflective vs. transmissive) based on the transparency and color properties of the edible object. By adjusting the illumination mode according to object characteristics, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring overly complex illumination configurations for all cases.
2Measurement precision
If transmissive illumination is used for colorless transparent objects, then marking pattern visibility is improved, but the system requires more complex illumination control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between transmissive and reflective illumination modes based on the detected properties of the edible object. The control unit automatically adjusts the illumination type, making the system adaptable to different object characteristics without requiring manual intervention or overly complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single system can perform both transmissive illumination (for colorless objects) and reflective illumination (for colored objects). This universal design achieves high marking pattern visibility across different object types while maintaining reasonable system complexity through shared control architecture.
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 accurate inspection of marking patterns on transparent edible objects by clearly capturing their posture and patterns, ensuring high precision in quality determination.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarizing plate that is disposed between the ring light and the conveyance path; and a second polarizing plate that is disposed between the camera and the conveyance path, and has a polarizing axis orthogonal to the polarizing axis of the first polarizing plate
Implementation Method 2
performs reflective illumination with the illuminating unit from the same side as the imaging unit
Implementation Method 3
performs transmissive illumination with the transmissive illuminating unit in a case where the transparent edible object is colorless and transparent
Data Source
AI summary
A marking inspection device 100 for transparent edible objects includes: a conveying unit 2 that conveys, along a linear conveyance path 2a, a transparent edible object C on which a marking pattern has been formed; an inspecting imaging unit 30 that captures an image of the transparent edible object C being conveyed on the conveyance path 2a, and obtains inspecting imaging data; and a control unit that determines quality of the marking pattern, on the basis of the inspecting imaging data 30. In the marking inspection device 100, the inspecting imaging unit 30 includes: a camera 31 disposed so that the imaging direction is orthogonal to the conveyance path 2a; a reflective illuminating unit 32 disposed on a same side of the conveyance path 2a as the camera 31; and a transmissive illuminating unit 33 disposed on an opposite side of the conveyance path 2a from the camera 31.