By synthesizing multiple pieces of imaging data using many light sources, halation and shadows can be removed during inspection, enabling imaging that only accentuates the configuration of the workpiece or parts that are uneven (flaws).
Given that it is able to capture characteristics that are impossible or difficult to see with normal imaging devices, such as aluminum die casts and scratches on the panel surface, it is also very suited for AI applications, in addition to rule-based image processing.
Through this device, it is possible to quantify inspections of minute flaws and stabilize the precision of inspections. In addition, since it is able to capture flaws clearly, it can greatly reduce the number of images needed to train AI.
Benefits from installation
Since it can capture and visualize characteristics that are difficult to see with normal imaging equimpment, it is able to quantify inspections of minute flaws, which tend to have personal bias, and stabilize the precision of inspections.
By removing halation and shadows, which are not needed for inspections, the number of workpieces that are deemed to have flaws due to the angle of the light is reduced.
Photometric stereo method
This is a method that involves the use of one camera and multiple light sources for photography and 3D measurement of the object. The camera is fixed as it takes photographs of the object, while the positions of the light sources are changed. The inclination of each surface is estimated based on the changes in brightness from each position. By taking photographs while increasing the number of light sources, it is possible to remove halation and shadows, which are not needed for inspections.
AI and image processing
An algorithm that accentuates uneven surfaces is applied to the photometric stereo photographs. Separating information about three-dimensional uneven surfaces from textures, such as patterns, results in images that are suited for AI and image processing applications.
Interface
It is equipped with a user-friendly interface that enables instant operation at the site of the inspection and offers various settings that allow for adjustment of the device with an even higher level of detail. In addition, as opposed to other company’s products, it is free of limitations regarding which cameras it can be used with. Since it can be used with most industrial cameras, it is particularly compatible with AI.
