US 5,533,139 A · Coating density analyzer and method using image processing

Abstract

An image processor based system and method are provided for recognizing predefined-types of coating density imperfections in a web. Specific imperfection-types to be analyzed include continuous-type, as well as point-type, anomalies. Continuous-type imperfections are recognized in a moving continuous web through the accumulation and integration of density data on the web passing through a system imaging area. Depending upon the type of imperfection to be imaged, the light source provides either constant illumination or strobed illumination of the moving coated web. For most types of imperfections, transmissive illumination of the web is used, however, for point-type anomalies reflective illumination is possible, particularly if the web is static. A machine vision image processor contains predefined lookup tables which allow adaptive control of web illumination within the imaging area. An integrating sphere is used to provide for uniform web illumination. Corresponding machine vision based imperfection recognition processing routines are also described.

Claims35

Dependent claims

An image processor based system having a two-dimensional imaging area, said system for recognizing a predefined continuous-type density imperfection in a coating on a moving coated web passing through said imaging area, said system comprising:

a non-coherent light source providing uniform illumination of said web while said web passes through said two-dimensional imaging area;
full-frame image acquisition and full-field integration means for accumulating coating density data representative of a plurality of different regions of said illuminated moving coated web, each region of said plurality of different regions being co-extensive, passing sequentially through said imaging area, and having a corresponding full-frame image, said full-field integration means for outputting integrated image data representative of a sum of said corresponding full-frame images;
and
an image processor coupled to said image acquisition and integration means, said image processor being programmed to recognize said at least one density imperfection of said predefined continuous-type in said coating using said integrated image data output by said integration means.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Coating density analyzer and method using image processing

Life of this patent

Coating density analyzer and method using image processing

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims35