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Surface Inspection System

Abstract: A surface inspection system (100) configured to inspect at least one surface (101a, 101b) of a workpiece (103) is provided. The surface inspection system (100) comprises at least one frame assembly (102, 104) having a fixed frame structure (106, 108) and a movable frame structure (110, 112). The movable frame structure (110, 112) is configured to be moved between a working position (W) and a parked position (P) with respect to the fixed frame structure (106, 108). The surface inspection system (100) also comprises at least one illuminating device (120, 122), at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136), and an image processing unit (140). The at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136) is configured to acquire an image for detecting particles, defects, or other surface characteristics in or on the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103). Figure 1.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
25 November 2021
Publication Number
21/2023
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
PHYSICS
Status
Email
bangalore@knspartners.com
Parent Application

Applicants

TATA STEEL LIMITED
Jamshedpur, Jharkhand 831001, India

Inventors

1. Jitendra Kumar Mathur
C/o TATA Steel Sahibabad, 23/4 Sahibabad Industrial Area, Ghaziabad-201010, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Anoop Kumar Trivedi
C/o TATA Steel Sahibabad, 23/4 Sahibabad Industrial Area, Ghaziabad-201010, Uttar Pradesh, India
3. Atul Agrawal
C/o TATA Steel Sahibabad, 23/4 Sahibabad Industrial Area, Ghaziabad-201010, Uttar Pradesh, India

Specification

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a surface inspection system, and more particularly the surface inspection system configured to monitor surface quality of a workpiece such as a steel strip.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Due to global competition in the automotive sector, the quality of skin panels of motor vehicles has become one of the main determinant factors in the purchase process decision. Skin panels of motor vehicles are aesthetics products and have stringent quality requirements. Traditionally, surface quality inspection of the skin panels was carried out manually by human inspectors at skin pass mills where these skin panels were manufactured. However, the quality of inspection was less accurate and was far from satisfaction because of low productivity and reliability. As a preventive measure, surface inspection systems were used to overcome the drawbacks of human inspection and to accurately monitor the surface quality of steel strips (used to make skin panels) based on machine-vision technology. These surface inspection systems utilize cameras and lights mounted on fixed frames to inspect the top and bottom surfaces of the steel strips.
[0003] Lights of these systems play an important role, since these lights are reflected from bridle rolls and are captured by camera. Images of defects are captured and analyzed through image processing systems to inspect the surface quality of the steel strips. In new production lines these systems can be strategically placed so as to not interfere with activities such as threading operations or cleaning activities etc. However, due to space constraints in old and existing production lines, commissioning of new surface inspection systems has become a major challenge, as rearranging the old and existing production lines to accommodate the surface inspection systems was found to be not economical. Further, as the cameras and lights of the existing surface inspection systems are to be positioned at fixed locations, even when used in old and new production lines, there was a possibility of interference (hurdles) with activities such as strip threading operation, dent cleaning of bridle rolls etc. Hence, it is desirable to develop a surface inspection system which can be used in both the old and new production lines, which can mitigate the above-mentioned hurdles and accurately inspect the surface quality of skin passed steel strips.
OBJECTIVE OF INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the invention to solve the problems of the prior art and to provide a surface inspection system which can be used in both the old and new production lines and can accurately inspect the surface quality of skin passed steel strips.
[0005] Another objective of the present invention is to develop the surface inspection system comprising a unique frame assembly for mounting illuminating devices and cameras of the surface inspection system.
[0006] It is further another objective of the present invention to provide the surface inspection system having frame assembly comprising a movable frame structure and fixed frame structure which reduces interference with activities such as strip threading operation, offline inspection, dent cleaning of bridle rolls, maintenance etc.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to surface inspection system. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a surface inspection system configured to inspect at least one surface of a workpiece is provided. The surface inspection system comprises at least one frame assembly having a fixed frame structure and a movable frame structure. The movable frame structure is configured to be moved between a working position and a parked position with respect to the fixed frame structure. The surface inspection system also comprises at least one illuminating device to irradiate the at least one surface of the workpiece. The surface inspection system further comprises at least one camera configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface of the workpiece by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface of the workpiece.
[0009] In an embodiment, the surface inspection system comprises an image processing unit configured to process the image acquired by the at least one camera for detecting particles, defects, or other surface characteristics in or on the at least one surface of the workpiece.
[0010] In an embodiment, the workpiece is a sheet metal strip configured to roll on bridle rolls.
[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one frame assembly includes a top frame assembly and a bottom frame assembly.
[0012] In an embodiment, the top frame assembly comprises a fixed frame structure and a movable frame structure. The movable frame structure is configured to be moved between a working position and a parked position with respect to the fixed frame structure.
[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one illuminating device is disposed on the movable frame structure. The at least one illuminating device irradiates the at least one surface of the work piece.
[0014] In an embodiment, the at least one camera including a first camera, and a second camera are disposed on the fixed frame structure. The first camera and the second camera are configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface of the workpiece by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface of the workpiece.
[0015] In an embodiment, the movable frame structure is configured to be move with respect to the fixed frame structure between a working position and a parked position via a first drive mechanism.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first drive mechanism comprises a locking disc, at least one plumber block, at least one chain, a connecting shaft, at least one sprocket, at least one roller track, and at least one rolling bracket.
[0017] In an embodiment, the bottom frame assembly comprises a fixed frame structure and a movable frame structure. The movable frame structure is configured to be moved between a working position and a parked position with respect to the fixed frame structure.
[0018] In an embodiment, the at least one at least one illuminating device is disposed on the movable frame structure. The at least one illuminating device irradiates the at least one surface of the work piece.
[0019] In an embodiment, the at least one camera including a third camera, and a fourth camera are disposed on the fixed frame structure, wherein the third camera and the fourth camera are configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface of the workpiece by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface of the workpiece.
[0020] In an embodiment, the movable frame structure is configured to be move with respect to the fixed frame structure between a working position and a parked position via a second drive mechanism.
[0021] In an embodiment, the second drive mechanism comprises a motor, at least one chain, at least one sprocket, at least one roller track, at least one rolling bracket, a plurality of limit switches, and a control panel.
[0022] In an embodiment, the top frame assembly and the bottom frame assembly are made of mild steel components.
[0023] In an embodiment, the surface inspection system comprises guards provided on the at least one illuminating device to avoid illuminating device breakage due to workpiece breakage.
[0024] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 illustrates schematic view of an exemplary surface inspection system configured to inspect a workpiece, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figures 2 to 7a illustrate different views of a bottom frame assembly of the surface inspection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 7b illustrates a view of a second drive mechanism of the bottom frame assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figures 8 to 13 illustrate different views of a top frame assembly of the surface inspection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate views of portions of a first drive mechanism of the top frame assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0034] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0036] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 10, an exemplary surface inspection system (100) according to an embodiment of present invention is depicted. The surface inspection system (100) is configured to inspect at least one surface (101a, 101b) of a workpiece (103) for detecting particles, defects, or other surface characteristics. In the illustrated example, the workpiece (103) is a sheet metal strip configured to roll on bridle rolls (109) in a skin pass mill. In the illustrated example, the at least one surface (101a, 101b) includes a first surface (101a) and a second surface (101b). The surface inspection system (100) comprises at least one frame assembly (102, 104), at least one illuminating device (120, 122) and at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136).
[0037] The at least one illuminating device (120, 122) is configured to irradiate the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103). In the illustrated example, the surface inspection system (100) comprises two illuminating devices (120, 122) including a first illuminating device (120) and a second illuminating device (122). The first illuminating device (120) is configured to irradiate the first surface (101a) of the workpiece (103). The second illuminating device (122) is configured to irradiate the second surface (101b) of the workpiece (103). In the illustrated example, the first illuminating device (120) and the second illuminating device (122) embodies light sources such as LED’s having higher lux value. In the illustrated example, the lux value is 65000.
[0038] The at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136) is configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103) by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103). In the illustrated example, the surface inspection system (100) comprises four cameras (130, 132, 134, 136) including a first camera (130), a second camera (132), a third camera (134), and a fourth camera (136). The first camera (130) and the second camera (132) are configured to acquire an image for inspecting the first surface (101a) of the workpiece (103) by acquiring light irradiated by the first illuminating device (120) and reflected from the first surface (101a) of the workpiece (103). The third camera (134) and the fourth camera (136) are configured to acquire an image for inspecting the second surface (101b) of the workpiece (103) by acquiring light irradiated by the second illuminating device (122) and reflected from the second surface (101b) of the workpiece (103). The surface inspection system (100) comprises a compact rack system support enclosure (HSSE) (not shown), system server (not shown), an image processing unit (140). The image processing unit (140) is configured to process the images acquired by the at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136) for detecting particles, defects, or other surface characteristics in or on the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103). The surface inspection system (100) comprises two frame assemblies (102, 104) including a top frame assembly (102) and a bottom frame assembly (104).
[0039] Referring to Figures 1, 3 to 6, the bottom frame assembly (104) comprises a fixed frame structure (108) and a movable frame structure (112). The movable frame structure (112) is configured to be moved between a working position (W) (shown in Figure 3) and a parked position (P) (shown in Figure 4) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108). The fixed frame structure (108) and the movable frame structure (112) (as shown in Figures 3 to 6) comprises multiple frame members, bracket members and mounting members made of mild steel to accommodate various components of the surface inspection system (100). In the illustrated example, one configuration of the multiple frame members, bracket members and mounting members of the bottom frame assembly (104) is being depicted in the Figures 3 to 6. Alternatively, different configurations of the bottom frame assembly (104) may be possible, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0040] The second illuminating device (122) configured to irradiate the second surface (101b) is disposed on the movable frame structure (112). The third camera (134) and the fourth camera (136) are disposed on the fixed frame structure (108). The movable frame structure (112) is moved with respect to the fixed frame structure (108) between the working position (W) and the parked position (P) via a second drive mechanism (180).
[0041] Referring to Figures 3 to 7b, the second drive mechanism (180) comprises a motor (182), at least one chain (184a, 184b), at least one sprocket (186a, 186b, 186c, 186d. 186e), at least one roller track (188a, 188b), and at least one rolling bracket (189a, 189b). In the illustrated example, the second drive mechanism (180) comprises five sprockets (186a, 186b, 186c, 186d, 186e) including a first sprocket (186a), a second sprocket (186b), a third sprocket (186c), a fourth sprocket (186d), and a fifth sprocket (186e). Alternatively, the second drive mechanism (180) may comprise one or more than one sprocket, without any limitations.
[0042] The first sprocket (186a) is a simplex sprocket drivably coupled to the motor (182). The motor (182) is configured to provide the necessary torque required to rotate the first sprocket (186a). In the illustrated example, the motor (182) is a geared single-phase motor. The first sprocket (186a) is coupled to the second sprocket (186b) (not shown) via a first chain (184a) of the at least one chain (184a, 184b). The second sprocket (186b) and the third sprocket (186c) are disposed on a single shaft (not shown) such that as the second sprocket (186b) is rotated, the third sprocket (186c) which is a compound sprocket also rotates. The fourth sprocket (186d) and the fifth sprocket (186e) are locking sprockets which along with the third sprocket (186c) drives on a second chain (184b) of the at least one chain (184a, 184b). The second chain (184b) is a roller chain which drives the movement of the movable frame structure (112) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108) so as to move between the working position (W) and the parked position (P).
[0043] The second chain (184b) is disposed on a top roller track (188a) (shown in Figure 6) of the at least one roller track (188a, 188b). A bottom roller track (188b) (shown in Figure 6) of the at least one roller track (188a, 188b) is disposed below the top roller track (188a). A frame member (113) of the movable frame structure (112) is supported by a plurality of rollers (190) disposed on the at least one rolling bracket (189a, 189b). The plurality of rollers (190) are configured to roll on the top roller track (188a) and the bottom roller track (188b) (as shown in Figures 6 and 7) to move the movable frame structure (112) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108). The rollers and rolling brackets disposed on one side of the frame member (113) of the movable frame structure (112) are being described herein. However, the description is equally applicable to the rollers and rolling brackets disposed on other side of the frame member (113) of movable frame structure (112), without any limitations.
[0044] The bottom frame assembly (104) further comprises a plurality of limit switches (181), a striker (183), a control panel (191) and a cable drag chain (185). The plurality of limit switches (181) are configured to restrict the movement of the movable frame structure (112) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108). The striker (183) is configured to restrict the movement of the plurality of rollers (190) disposed on the at least one rolling bracket (189a, 189b). The cable drag chain (185) is configured to hold various cables and wires relating to the second illuminating device (122), the third camera (134), the fourth camera (136) and other components of the bottom frame assembly (104). The control panel (191) facilitates in controlling various operations of the bottom frame assembly (104).
[0045] During operation, i.e. when the movable frame structure (112) is to be moved with respect to the fixed frame structure (108) from the parked position (P) (as shown in Figure 4) to the working position (W) (as shown in Figure 3) or vice-versa. The motor (182) is energized to provide the necessary torque to rotate the first sprocket (186a). The first sprocket (186a) rotates the third sprocket (186c) via the second sprocket (186b). The third sprocket (186c), along with the fourth sprocket (186d) and the fifth sprocket (186e) drives on the second chain (184b), this facilitates movement of the plurality of rollers (190), thereby moving the movable frame structure (112) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108) from the parked position (P) to the work position (W) or vice versa. The movement of the movable frame structure (112) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108) from the parked position (P) to the work position (W) or vice versa is based on the direction of rotation of the motor (182).
[0046] Referring to Figures 1, 8 and 9, the top frame assembly (102) comprises a fixed frame structure (106) and a movable frame structure (110). The movable frame structure (110) is configured to be moved between a working position (W) (shown in Figure 9) and a parked position (P) (shown in Figure 8) with respect to the fixed frame structure (106). The fixed frame structure (106) and the movable frame structure (110) (as shown in Figures 8 to 11) comprises multiple frame members, bracket members and mounting members made of mild steel to accommodate various components of the surface inspection system (100). In the illustrated example, one configuration of the multiple frame members, bracket members and mounting members of the top frame assembly (102) is being depicted in the Figures 8 to 13. Alternatively, different configurations of the top frame assembly (102) may be possible, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0047] The first illuminating device (120) is configured to irradiate the first surface (101a) is disposed on the movable frame structure (110). The first camera (130) and the second camera (132) are disposed on the fixed frame structure (106). The movable frame structure (110) is moved in direction “D1” with respect to the fixed frame structure (106) to move the movable frame structure (110) from the parked position (P) to the working position (W). The movable frame structure (110) is moved in direction “D2” with respect to the fixed frame structure (106) to move the movable frame structure (110) from the working position (W) to the parked position (P). The movable frame structure (110) is moved with respect to the fixed frame structure (106) via a first drive mechanism (170).
[0048] Referring to Figures 10 to 15, the first drive mechanism (170) comprises a locking disc (171), at least one plumber block (172), a connecting shaft (175), at least one chain (174a, 174b), at least one sprocket (176a, 176b, 176c, 176d), at least one roller track (178a, 178b), and at least one rolling bracket (179a, 179b). In the illustrated example, the first drive mechanism (170) comprises four sprockets (176a, 176b, 176c, 176d) including a first sprocket (176a), a second sprocket (176b), a third sprocket (176c), and a fourth sprocket (176d). Alternatively, the first drive mechanism (170) may comprise one or more than one sprocket, without any limitations.
[0049] The third sprocket (176c) and the fourth sprocket (176d) are disposed on one side of the top frame assembly (102). The first sprocket (176a) and the second sprocket (176b) are disposed on the other side of the top frame assembly (102). The first sprocket (176a) is coupled to the second sprocket (176b) via a first chain (174a) of the at least one chain (174a, 174b). Ends of the first chain (174a) (as shown in Figure 12) are coupled to one end of a frame member (111) of the movable frame structure (110). More particularly, ends of the first chain (174a) (as shown in Figure 12) are coupled to at least one rolling bracket (179a) coupled to the frame member (111) of the movable frame structure (110). The first sprocket (176a) and the third sprocket (176c) are disposed on the connecting shaft (175). The connecting shaft (175) extends through the at least one plumber block (172). Rotation of any one of the first sprocket (176a) or the third sprocket (176c) causes a rotation in the other sprocket. The locking disc (171) is coupled to the end of the connecting shaft (175) next to the third sprocket (176c). The locking disc (171) comprises locking holes disposed along the circumference of the disc. A locking pin (not shown) of a disc locking frame (199) extending through one of locking hole locks the rotation of the locking disc (171).
[0050] The third sprocket (176c) is coupled to the fourth sprocket (176d) via a second chain (174b) of the at least one chain (174a, 174b). Ends of the second chain (174b) (as shown in Figure 13) are coupled to another end of the frame member (111) of the movable frame structure (110). More particularly, ends of the second chain (174b) (as shown in Figure 13) are coupled to at least one rolling bracket (179b) coupled to the frame member (111) of the movable frame structure (110).
[0051] Referring to Figures 10, 14, and 15, the movable frame structure (110) is supported by a plurality of rollers (165) disposed on the at least one rolling bracket (179a, 179b). The plurality of rollers (165) are configured to roll on the at least one roller track (178a, 178b) (as shown in Figures 14 and 15) to move the movable frame structure (110) with respect to the fixed frame structure (106).
[0052] During operation, i.e. when the movable frame structure (110) is to be moved with respect to the fixed frame structure (106) from the parked position (P) (as shown in Figure 8) to the working position (W) (as shown in Figure 9) or vice versa. The locking pin (not shown) extending through one of locking hole of the locking disc (171) is disengaged, thereby allowing the locking disc (171) to freely rotate. As the locking disc (171) is rotated, the third sprocket (176c) and the first sprocket (176a) also rotates, which in turn rotates the fourth sprocket (176d) and the second sprocket (176b) via the second chain (174b) and the first chain (174a) respectively. The first chain (174a) and the second chain (174b) pulls on the at least one rolling bracket (179a, 179b). The plurality of rollers (165) disposed on the at least one rolling bracket (179a, 179b) roll on the at least one roller track (178a, 178b), thereby moving the movable frame structure (110) with respect to the fixed frame structure (106). When the locking disc (171) is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction the movable frame structure (110) is moved to the working position (W), whereas when the locking disc (171) is rotated in the clockwise direction the movable frame structure (110) is moved to the parking position (P).
[0053] The top frame assembly (102) and the bottom frame assembly (104) comprises guards (160, 162) (shown in Figure 2 and 9) provided above the at least one illuminating device (120, 122) to avoid illuminating device (120, 122) breakage due to workpiece (103) breakage. The top frame assembly (102) and the bottom frame assembly (104) comprising the at least one illuminating device (120, 122) coupled to the movable frame structures (110, 112) are moved between the parking position (P) and the working position (W) provides the same accuracy as compared to market available fixed surface inspection systems.
[0054] The present invention relates to the surface inspection system (100) utilizes less space, investment and is very efficient since positioning plays an important role in defect detection. The disclosed surface inspection system (100) comprising the top frame assembly (102) and the bottom frame assembly (104) facilitates easy movement of the surface inspection system (100) between the working position and parking position, thereby reducing the down time during maintenance activities, thereby increasing productivity. The skin panel yield is improved, as the surface inspection system (100) facilitates faster and accurate decision. The movable and motorized frame assemblies of the surface inspection system (100) facilitate in the light cleaning activity, which will further enhance the detectability of defects. The disclosed surface inspection system (100) can be used in both the old and new production lines and can accurately inspect the surface quality of skin passed steel strips. The surface inspection system (100) having frame assemblies (102, 104) comprising the movable frame structure (110, 112) and the fixed frame structure (106, 108) reduces interference with activities such as strip threading operation, dent cleaning of bridle rolls, offline inspection etc.
[0055] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0056] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0057] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:

1. A surface inspection system (100) configured to inspect at least one surface (101a, 101b) of a workpiece (103), the surface inspection system (100) comprising:
at least one frame assembly (102, 104) comprising:
a fixed frame structure (106, 108); and
a movable frame structure (110, 112), wherein the movable frame structure (110, 112) is configured to be moved between a working position (W) and a parked position (P) with respect to the fixed frame structure (106, 108);
at least one illuminating device (120, 122) to irradiate the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103); and
at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136) configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103) by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103).

2. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the surface inspection system (100) comprises an image processing unit (140) configured to process the image acquired by the at least one camera (130, 132, 134, 136) for detecting particles, defects, or other surface characteristics in or on the at least one surface (101a, 101b) of the workpiece (103).

3. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the workpiece (103) is a sheet metal strip configured to roll on bridle rolls (109).

4. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 3, wherein the at least one frame assembly (102, 104) includes a top frame assembly (102) and a bottom frame assembly (104).
5. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 4, wherein the top frame assembly (102) comprises:
a fixed frame structure (106); and
a movable frame structure (110), wherein the movable frame structure (110) is configured to be moved between a working position (W) and a parked position (P) with respect to the fixed frame structure (106).

6. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 5, wherein the at least one illuminating device (120) is disposed on the movable frame structure (110), wherein the at least one illuminating device (120) irradiates the at least one surface (101a) of the work piece (103).

7. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 5, wherein the at least one camera (130, 132) including a first camera (130), and a second camera (132) are disposed on the fixed frame structure (106), wherein the first camera (130) and the second camera (132) are configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface (101a) of the workpiece (103) by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface (101a) of the workpiece (103).

8. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 5, wherein the movable frame structure (110) is configured to be move with respect to the fixed frame structure (106) between a working position (W) and a parked position (P) via a first drive mechanism (170).

9. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 8, wherein the first drive mechanism (170) comprises a locking disc (171), at least one plumber block (172), at least one chain (174a, 174b), a connecting shaft (175), at least one sprocket (176a, 176b, 176c, 176d), at least one roller track (178a, 178b), and at least one rolling bracket (179a, 179b).
10. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 4, wherein the bottom frame assembly (104) comprises:
a fixed frame structure (108); and
a movable frame structure (112), wherein the movable frame structure (112) is configured to be moved between a working position (W) and a parked position (P) with respect to the fixed frame structure (108).

11. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 10, wherein the at least one at least one illuminating device (122) is disposed on the movable frame structure (112), wherein the at least one illuminating device (122) irradiates the at least one surface (101b) of the work piece (103).

12. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 10, wherein the at least one camera (134, 136) including a third camera (134), and a fourth camera (136) are disposed on the fixed frame structure (108), wherein the third camera (134) and the fourth camera (136) are configured to acquire an image for inspecting the at least one surface (101b) of the workpiece (103) by acquiring light reflected from the at least one surface (101b) of the workpiece (103).

13. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 10, wherein the movable frame structure (112) is configured to be move with respect to the fixed frame structure (108) between a working position (W) and a parked position (P) via a second drive mechanism (180).

14. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 13, wherein the second drive mechanism (180) comprises a motor (182), at least one chain (184a, 184b), at least one sprocket (186a, 186b, 186c, 186d, 186e), at least one roller track (188a, 188b), at least one rolling bracket (189a, 189b), a plurality of limit switches (181), and a control panel (191).
15. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the top frame assembly (102) and the bottom frame assembly (104) are made of mild steel components.

16. The surface inspection system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the surface inspection system (100) comprises guards (160, 162) provided on the at least one illuminating device (120, 122) to avoid illuminating device (120, 122) breakage due to workpiece (103) breakage.

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202131054402-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
2 202131054402-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
3 202131054402-POWER OF AUTHORITY [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
4 202131054402-FORM-8 [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
5 202131054402-FORM 18 [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
6 202131054402-FORM 1 [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
7 202131054402-DRAWINGS [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
8 202131054402-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
9 202131054402-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [25-11-2021(online)].pdf 2021-11-25
10 202131054402-Proof of Right [15-12-2021(online)].pdf 2021-12-15
11 202131054402-FER.pdf 2023-11-02
12 202131054402-OTHERS [29-04-2024(online)].pdf 2024-04-29
13 202131054402-FER_SER_REPLY [29-04-2024(online)].pdf 2024-04-29
14 202131054402-DRAWING [29-04-2024(online)].pdf 2024-04-29
15 202131054402-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [29-04-2024(online)].pdf 2024-04-29
16 202131054402-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-04-11-2025).pdf 2025-10-09
17 202131054402-Correspondence to notify the Controller [30-10-2025(online)].pdf 2025-10-30
18 202131054402-Written submissions and relevant documents [19-11-2025(online)].pdf 2025-11-19
19 202131054402-FORM-26 [19-11-2025(online)].pdf 2025-11-19
20 202131054402-FORM 3 [19-11-2025(online)].pdf 2025-11-19

Search Strategy

1 202131054402SearchHistoryE_01-11-2023.pdf