Optical processing of surfaces to determine cleanliness
US8229204B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30124
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques are described for determining cleanliness of various surfaces by processing images of the surfaces. The surfaces may comprise, for example, drinking glasses, dishes, fabric swatch arrays, Tosi plates, ceramic tiles, or stainless steel coupons. In one example, a system includes a camera to capture a digital image of a surface, a light source to illuminate the surface, a housing to enclose the surface, the camera, and the light source in a light-tight environment, and an analysis computer to receive the digital image, calculate a luminosity value for the surface from the digital image, and determine a cleanliness value for the surface from the calculated luminosity value. The analysis computer may automatically configure an environment in which to capture the digital image such that the environment is suited for the particular surface to be analyzed. The analysis computer may also cause the camera to automatically capture the digital image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.