Visible-Light Transmission Inspection for Foreign Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection apparatuses using radiation struggle to detect foreign objects within or attached to the inspection target due to reduced accuracy when such objects are transmitted through, leading to difficulty in detection and decreased inspection precision.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus utilizing visible light or near-infrared light to transmit through non-transparent objects, with imaging units capturing transmitted light to detect foreign objects, and optionally using multiple imaging angles and light-blocking members to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If radiation (X-ray) is used to inspect objects, then penetration capability through the object is improved, but detection accuracy of foreign objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the inspection radiation from X-ray (high energy, high penetration but poor foreign object contrast) to visible light or near-infrared light (lower energy, good penetration for non-transparent objects, and excellent foreign object detection capability). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by selecting a radiation type that simultaneously provides adequate penetration and superior foreign object detection contrast.
2Measurement precision
If visible light or near-infrared light is used to transmit through non-transparent objects, then detection of foreign objects is improved, but penetration capability through completely opaque objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the object being inspected must be a non-transparent object that allows transmission of visible light or near-infrared light. This parameter constraint ensures that the object has sufficient translucency in the visible or near-infrared spectrum, enabling both foreign object detection and adequate light penetration simultaneously.
3Productivity
If radiation affecting human body is used for inspection, then inspection capability is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the inspection radiation from ionizing radiation (X-ray) to non-ionizing radiation (visible light or near-infrared light). This parameter change maintains adequate inspection capability for detecting foreign objects in non-transparent objects while completely eliminating the safety hazards associated with ionizing radiation exposure to human bodies.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding mechanism is used to protect from radiation, then safety is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the shielding mechanism from the inspection system by changing the radiation type from ionizing (X-ray) to non-ionizing (visible light or near-infrared light). Since visible or near-infrared light poses no radiation safety hazards, the complex shielding mechanisms required for X-ray protection can be completely removed, simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Facilitates easy detection of foreign objects within or attached to the inspection target, improving accuracy while ensuring safety and reducing blind spots, and eliminating the need for shielding mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit that emits the visible light and/or the near-infrared light transmittable through the object
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging unit that is disposed in a side opposite to the light source unit with the object interposed between the first imaging unit and the light source unit and that images transmitted light transmitted through the object
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus that enables a foreign object contained in or attached to an object as an inspection target to be easily detected and that can improve accuracy of inspection is provided. An inspection apparatus that inspects an object as an inspection target at least partially including a non-transparent region allowing transmission of visible light includes a light source unit that emits the visible light to the object at an inspection position, an imaging unit that is disposed in a side opposite to the light source unit with the object interposed between the imaging unit and the light source unit and that images transmitted light transmitted through the object, and an inspection unit that inspects the object based on an image captured by the imaging unit.