X-Ray Detector Column Switching for High-Speed Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray inspection devices struggle to perform inspections efficiently at high conveyance speeds of articles due to the volume of generated images exceeding the inspection time, preventing timely image transfer and inspection.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray inspection device employs a configuration with alternating columns of first and second detecting elements, integrating their outputs under different conveyance speed conditions, and adjusts the number of columns used for image generation based on speed, allowing for reduced image volume and timely transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the conveyance speed of articles is increased to improve production efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the image volume becomes too large to be transferred and inspected within the inspection time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidimage transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection elements are divided into two separate groups: first detecting elements arranged in a first column and second detecting elements arranged in a second column parallel to the first column. Multiple first columns and multiple second columns are arranged alternately along the conveying direction. This segmentation allows the system to process and transfer image data in a more efficient manner, enabling timely inspection even at high conveyance speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the conveyance speed is high, then productivity is improved, but the image volume exceeds the processing capacity within inspection time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance speedVSAvoidimage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The detection elements are divided into two separate groups: first detecting elements arranged in a first column and second detecting elements arranged in a second column parallel to the first column. Multiple first columns and multiple second columns are arranged alternately along the conveying direction. This segmentation allows the system to process and transfer image data in a more efficient manner, enabling timely inspection even at high conveyance speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the conveyance speed of the article. When the conveyance speed is higher than a predetermined speed, the image generation unit generates an image using only the output values from the first detecting elements. When the conveyance speed is lower than the predetermined speed, the system uses output values from both first and second detecting elements to generate a more detailed image. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between inspection accuracy and processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables inspection to be performed regardless of conveyance speed by reducing image volume and ensuring timely transfer, while maintaining effective detection of foreign matter and minimizing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate the article conveyed by the conveying unit with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit in which a plurality of detecting elements configured to detect the X-rays are arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4682516A1X-ray inspection device
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP4682516A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4682516A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4682516A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem]To provide an X-ray inspection device (1) that can perform inspection regardless of a conveyance speed of an article (G). [Solving method]An X-ray inspection device (1) includes: a conveying unit (5) that conveys an article (G); an X-ray irradiation unit (6) that irradiates the article (G) conveyed by the conveying unit (5) with X-rays; a sensor unit (7) in which a plurality of detecting elements (10) that detect the X-rays are arranged in a plurality of columns in a crossing direction horizontally intersecting a conveying direction (A) in the conveying unit (5); an image generation unit (22) that generates an image based on a detection result output from the sensor unit (7); and an inspection unit (23) that inspects quality of the article (G) based on the image. The sensor unit (7) outputs an integrated value of output values of first detecting elements (11) in a plurality of first columns (C1) and an integrated value of output values of second detecting elements (12) in a plurality of second columns (C2) when a conveyance speed of the conveying unit (5) is lower than a predetermined speed, and outputs an integrated value of the output values of the first detecting elements (11) in the plurality of first columns (C1) and the output values of the second detecting elements (12) in the plurality of second columns (C2) when the conveyance speed of the conveying unit (5) is the predetermined speed or higher.