Data processing device and method for visual inspection of batteries

Abstract

A data processing device for visual inspection of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one processor and a memory for storing at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor. Here, the at least one command may include an command to generate a first image, in which the surface of the battery is visually represented, based on a captured image of the outer surface of the battery; an command to generate a second image, in which depth information of the outer surface of the battery is visually represented, by aligning three-dimensional shape data of the outer surface of the battery with the first image; and an command to output one or more of the first image and the second image via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0109760 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 31, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0077509 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 16, 2022, and all of the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance of a battery, and more particularly, to a data processing apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance that can further improve the efficiency of battery appearance inspection. [[ID=ll]]

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be reused through charging even after discharging, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and can also be used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and smart grid ESSs (Energy Storage Systems).

[0004] Secondary batteries can be classified into can-type batteries in which an electrode assembly is built into a cylindrical metal can and pouch-type batteries in which an electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type case. Generally, cylindrical can-type batteries are known to have relatively large capacities and high structural stability.

[0005] In the case of a cylindrical battery, it is manufactured through an electrode manufacturing process, an electrode assembly manufacturing process, an electrode assembly housing process, and a can assembly coupling process, and is finally shipped through a quality inspection process for the manufactured cylindrical battery.

[0006] The defect inspection process for the battery's appearance primarily utilizes a two-dimensional image board for inspecting the battery's outer surface. Specifically, an operator checks a two-dimensional image of the battery's outer surface displayed on a display device and determines whether a defect exists in a specific area. However, because the defect in the battery's appearance is determined based on a two-dimensional image, there are limitations in terms of inspection accuracy, and the inspection time may be delayed.

[0007] To address the problems described above, there is a need for appropriate visual inspection technology that can more accurately and quickly determine whether or not there are defects in the appearance of batteries. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The objective of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a data processing device for visual inspection of batteries.

[0009] Another object of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a data processing method that can be performed in such a data processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A data processing device for visual inspection of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective may include at least one processor and a memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor.

[0011] Here, at least one of the above commands may include: a command to generate a first image in which the battery surface is visually represented based on an image of the battery's outer surface; a command to generate a second image in which the depth information of the battery's outer surface is visually represented by aligning three-dimensional shape data of the battery's outer surface with the first image; and a command to output one or more of the first and second images via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0012] The command to generate the first image described above may include a command to receive a two-dimensional image of the outer surface of a cylindrical battery, and a command to apply a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image to flatten the outer surface of the cylinder.

[0013] The command to generate the second image may include a command to calculate depth information for each of the planar coordinates of the first image using the three-dimensional shape data, and a command to map the calculated depth information to each of the planar coordinates to generate the second image.

[0014] Here, the second image described above may be a two-dimensional image in which the depth information of the outer surface of the battery is represented by color.

[0015] The commands output via the GUI described above may include commands to output one or more of the following, depending on the video output mode selected by the user: the first video, the second video, and a third video in which the first and second videos are superimposed.

[0016] Here, the third image may be an image in which the second image is superimposed on the first image with a predetermined level of transparency and visualized.

[0017] The commands output via the GUI may include a command to output a depth value for a specific point via the GUI if a selection signal for that specific point is received in the output video.

[0018] The commands output via the GUI may include commands to generate and output a fourth image visualizing a tray containing multiple batteries; and commands to output a first or second image for a specific battery corresponding to a selection signal received in the fourth image.

[0019] The command to generate and output the fourth image described above may include a command to visualize and output batteries that have been determined to be defective and batteries that are normal, so that they can be distinguished from each other.

[0020] The above-mentioned command may include: a command to calculate the outer diameter value for a cylindrical battery using the above-mentioned three-dimensional shape data; a command to generate one or more of the following: a fifth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross-section, and a sixth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a vertical cross-section; and a command to output one or more of the fifth and sixth images via the above-mentioned GUI.

[0021] Here, the command to output one or more of the fifth and sixth images may include a command to visualize reference information, including the minimum, maximum, and average values ​​of the calculated outer diameter, and one or more of the upper and lower specification limits for the outer diameter, and output it superimposed on the output image.

[0022] A data processing method for visual inspection of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective may include the steps of: generating a first image in which the battery surface is visually represented based on an image of the battery's outer surface; generating a second image in which depth information of the battery's outer surface is visually represented by matching three-dimensional shape data of the battery's outer surface with the first image; and outputting one or more of the first image and the second image via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0023] The first step of generating the above-described image may include receiving a two-dimensional image of the outer surface of a cylindrical battery; and applying a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image to flatten the outer surface of the cylinder.

[0024] The step of generating the second video may include: calculating depth information for each of the planar coordinates of the first video using the three-dimensional shape data; and mapping the calculated depth information to each of the planar coordinates to generate the second video.

[0025] Here, the second video may be a two-dimensional video in which the depth information of the outer surface of the battery is represented by color.

[0026] The step of outputting via the GUI may include outputting one or more of the first video, the second video, and a third video in which the first video and the second video are superimposed, according to a video output mode selected by the user.

[0027] Here, the third video may be a video in which the second video is superimposed on the first video with a preset transparency for visualization.

[0028] The step of outputting via the GUI may include outputting, via the GUI, a depth value for the specific point if a selection signal for the specific point in the output video is received.

[0029] The step of outputting via the GUI may include: generating and outputting a fourth video in which a tray containing a plurality of batteries is visualized; and outputting the first video or the second video for the specific battery corresponding to the selection signal if a selection signal for a specific battery in the fourth video is received.

[0030] The step of generating and outputting the fourth video may include visualizing and outputting so that batteries determined to be defective and normal batteries are distinguished from each other.

[0031] At least one of the above steps may include: calculating the outer diameter value for a cylindrical battery using the three-dimensional shape data; generating one or more of a fifth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross-section, and a sixth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a vertical cross-section; and outputting one or more of the fifth image and the sixth image via the GUI.

[0032] Here, the step of outputting one or more of the fifth and sixth images may include a step of visualizing reference information, including the minimum, maximum, and average values ​​of the calculated outer diameter values, and one or more of the upper and lower specification limits for the outer diameter values, and outputting it superimposed on the output image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, the accuracy and time efficiency of battery visual inspection can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a visual inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the data processing method performed in the visual inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a reference diagram illustrating a method for generating a first image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a reference diagram illustrating a method for generating a second image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example screen illustrating a diagnostic video according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is an example screen illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram of a data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The present invention can be modified in various ways and may have many different embodiments. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this should not be understood as limiting the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0036] Terms such as First, Second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by such terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the First component may be named the Second component, and similarly, the Second component may be named the First component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items or one of multiple related items.

[0037] When it is stated that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that this may mean that it is directly linked or connected to that other component, but that there may also be another component in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

[0038] The terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless they are clearly different in context. In this application, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless explicitly defined herein.

[0040] The present invention and various embodiments thereof will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an appearance inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The visual inspection system 100 according to the present invention can be used in the process of inspecting whether or not there are any defects in the appearance of a battery 10. The visual inspection system may consist of a loading device for loading batteries, a transfer device for moving the loaded batteries to a specific location, a 2D camera 110 for photographing the outer surface of the battery at that location, a 3D scanner 120 for generating 3D shape data from the outer surface of the battery, and a visual inspection device 130 for inspecting whether or not there are any defects in the appearance using the generated image.

[0043] The object of inspection of the visual inspection system according to the present invention may be a cylindrical battery, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] The 2D camera 110 is a device that captures images of the outer surface of the battery 10 and generates a two-dimensional image. Here, the 2D camera 110 can be configured to be positioned at a specific location in the inspection equipment to capture one or more of the outer surface, top surface, and bottom surface of the cylindrical battery.

[0045] The 3D scanner 120 is a device that generates three-dimensional shape data for the outer surface of the battery 10. For example, the 3D scanner 120 can be an optical shape profiling device that generates a three-dimensional dataset of a cylindrical battery. Here, the 3D scanner 120 can be configured to be positioned at a specific location in the inspection equipment to generate three-dimensional shape data for one or more of the outer surface, top surface, and bottom surface of the cylindrical battery.

[0046] The visual inspection device 130 can receive two-dimensional images from the 2D camera 110 and three-dimensional shape data from the 3D scanner 120.

[0047] The visual inspection device 130 can process the received 2D captured video and 3D shape data using a predefined data processing process to generate one or more inspection videos. Subsequently, the visual inspection device 130 can output the generated one or more inspection videos via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0048] The display device is either included in the visual inspection device 130 or connected to the visual inspection device 130 via a network, and can output the generated inspection video via a predefined GUI. The operator can check the outputted inspection video and identify one or more of the following: whether the battery 10 is defective, the defective item, and the location of the defect, and perform a visual inspection of the battery.

[0049] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the data processing method performed in the visual inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The visual inspection device can generate a first image in which the surface of the battery is visually represented based on the captured image of the battery's outer surface (S210). Here, the first image may correspond to a two-dimensional image of a predefined size generated based on the captured image generated by a 2D camera.

[0051] In this embodiment, the visual inspection device can receive a two-dimensional image of the outer surface of a battery from a 2D camera, apply a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image to flatten the outer surface, and generate a first image.

[0052] Figure 3 is a reference diagram illustrating a method for generating a first image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the visual inspection device can receive a two-dimensional image 310 of the outer surface of a cylindrical battery from a 2D camera. Subsequently, the visual inspection device can apply a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image 310 to correct it so that the outer surface of the cylinder is flattened, thereby generating a first image 320. Here, the visual inspection device can correct the distortion of the two-dimensional image 310 based on an image 330 of a dummy can having the same specifications as the battery to be inspected. For example, the visual inspection device can use an image 330 of a dummy can with a grid pattern formed on its outer surface to correct the image 310 of the battery using a distortion correction algorithm that flattens the distorted grid pattern, thereby generating the first image 320.

[0053] In this embodiment, the visual inspection device can apply a distortion correction algorithm to the captured video 310 to correct the cylindrical outer surface so that it is flattened, convert the corrected 2D video to a predefined size, or extract a predefined region from the corrected 2D video to generate a first video.

[0054] Referring again to Figure 2, the visual inspection device can match the three-dimensional shape data of the battery's outer surface with the first image to generate a second image in which the depth information of the battery's outer surface is visually represented (S220). Here, the second image can be a two-dimensional image having the same size as the first image, with depth information mapped to each planar coordinate. In this embodiment, the second image can be a two-dimensional image in which the depth information of the battery's outer surface is represented by color.

[0055] Figure 4 is a reference diagram illustrating a method for generating a second image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the visual inspection device can receive three-dimensional shape data 410 for a cylindrical battery from a 3D scanner. The visual inspection device can then use the received three-dimensional shape data 410 to calculate depth information for each of the planar coordinates (X, Y) of the first image 420. Here, the visual inspection device can calculate depth information for each of the planar coordinates (X, Y) of the first image 420 with reference to a virtual plane tangent to the outer surface of the cylinder. The visual inspection device can then map the calculated depth information to each of the planar coordinates of the first image 420 to generate a second image 430. Here, the second image 430 can be realized as a two-dimensional image represented by different colors for each depth value.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 2, the visual inspection device can output a diagnostic video via a predefined GUI (S230). Here, the diagnostic video may include one or more of the first video and the second video. That is, the visual inspection device can output one or more of the first video and the second video as a diagnostic video, thereby assisting the user in performing a visual defect inspection based on the outputted diagnostic video.

[0057] In this embodiment, the diagnostic image may further include a third image in which the first image and the second image are superimposed. Here, the third image may be an image in which the second image is superimposed on the first image with a predetermined level of transparency and visualized.

[0058] In one embodiment, the diagnostic image may further include a fourth image in which a tray containing multiple batteries is visualized. Here, the fourth image may include icons corresponding to each of the batteries, and the icons may be arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the batteries on the tray.

[0059] In this embodiment, the diagnostic video may further include one or more of a fifth video in which the outer diameter information of the cylindrical battery is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross-section and a sixth video in which the outer diameter information is visualized in the form of a vertical cross-section.

[0060] The following describes in more detail the diagnostic video images according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 5 is an example of the screen of a display device for illustrating a diagnostic video according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5, the visual inspection device can visualize and output one or more of the first to fifth images via a display device, depending on the video output mode selected by the user.

[0063] In one embodiment, the GUI may be configured to include one or more of the mode selection window 510 and the diagnostic video output window 510.

[0064] The visual inspection device can receive selection signals for one or more inspection modes and video output modes input by the user via the mode selection window 510.

[0065] The inspection mode may include one or more of the following: side inspection mode and outer diameter inspection mode. In side inspection mode, the video output mode may include one or more of the following: 2D video output mode, opaque merged video output mode, and transparent merged video output mode. In outer diameter inspection mode, the video output mode may include one or more of the following: horizontal cross-section video output mode and vertical cross-section video output mode.

[0066] The visual inspection device can output diagnostic video corresponding to the inspection mode and video output mode selected by the user via the diagnostic video output window 520.

[0067] Figures 6 to 13 are examples of screens illustrating the video output modes and output video in each mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 6 shows an example screen when the [2D video output mode] is selected in the side inspection mode. Referring to Figure 6, when the visual inspection device receives a selection signal for [2D video output mode], it can output a first video of the outer surface area of ​​the cylindrical battery via the diagnostic video output window 520. On the other hand, while Figure 6 shows a screen where the first video of the outer surface of the battery is output, the first video of the top or bottom surface of the battery may also be output, or the first videos of the outer surface, top surface, and bottom surface of the battery may all be output.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example screen when the [Opaque Combined Image Output Mode] is selected in the side inspection mode. Referring to Figure 7, when the visual inspection device receives a selection signal for the [Opaque Combined Image Output Mode], it can output a second image of the outer surface area of ​​the cylindrical battery via the diagnostic image output window 520. On the other hand, while Figure 7 shows a screen where a second image of the outer surface of the battery is output, a second image of the top or bottom surface of the battery may also be output, or a second image of the outer surface, top surface, and bottom surface of the battery may all be output.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example screen when the [Transparent Overlay Video Output Mode] is selected in the side inspection mode. Referring to Figure 8, when the visual inspection device receives a selection signal for the [Transparent Overlay Video Output Mode], it can output a third image of the outer surface area of ​​the cylindrical battery via the diagnostic video output window 520. Here, the third image may be an image in which the second image is superimposed on the first image with a pre-set transparency level for visualization. In this case, the transparency level can be varied through a setting change signal input by the user.

[0071] The third image according to the embodiment of the present invention is a diagnostic image in which a first image visually representing the surface of the outer surface of the battery and a second image visually representing (represented by color in Figure 8) depth information of the outer surface of the battery are superimposed with a certain degree of transparency. When the third image is output via a display device, the user can more intuitively recognize the presence or absence of defects in the battery's appearance and the location of the defects, thereby improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

[0072] When a selection signal for a specific point in the output diagnostic video is received, the visual inspection device can output the depth value for that point via the GUI. For example, referring to Figure 9, after the third video is output as a diagnostic video, if a selection signal for a specific point in the third video is received by the user, the visual inspection device can output the depth value (-0.0223 mm) stored in correspondence with the coordinate information of that point on top of the third video.

[0073] Figure 10 shows an example screen when a diagnostic video is output for a specific battery among several batteries. Referring to Figure 10, the visual inspection device can generate a fourth video 1020 visualizing a tray containing multiple batteries, and output the generated fourth video via the diagnostic video output window 520. Here, the visual inspection device can output the battery tray identifier via the battery tray list 1010 and generate and output the fourth video 1020 for a specific battery tray (e.g., NO. 3) selected by the user. The fourth video 1020 may include circular icons corresponding to each battery, as shown in Figure 10, and the icons may be arranged to correspond to the arrangement structure of the batteries on the tray.

[0074] When the visual inspection device receives a selection signal for a specific battery in the fourth image 1020, it can output one or more of the first, second, and third images for the specific battery corresponding to the selection signal. For example, as shown in Figure 10, if the battery located at C2 is selected from among the 25 batteries, and both the [2D image output mode] and [transparent merged image output mode] are selected as the image output modes, the visual inspection device can output both the first and third images for the selected battery.

[0075] The visual inspection device can visualize and output a fourth image 1020 so that defective batteries and normal batteries can be distinguished from each other. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the visual inspection device can visualize and output icons for defective batteries (B4, E3) with different colors than those for normal batteries. On the other hand, unlike in Figure 10, the visual inspection device can distinguish defective batteries from normal batteries by visually visualizing and outputting icons for defective batteries and normal batteries with different sizes and shapes.

[0076] Figure 11 shows an example screen when the [Horizontal Cross Section Video Output Mode] is selected in the outer diameter inspection mode. Referring to Figure 11, when the visual inspection device receives a selection signal for [Horizontal Cross Section Video Output Mode], it can calculate the outer diameter value of a cylindrical battery using 3D shape data. Subsequently, the visual inspection device generates a fifth video in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross section, and the generated fifth video can be output via the diagnostic video output window 520. Here, the fifth video may be a video in which the outer diameter value for each angle of the horizontal cross section is visualized in the form of a circle or semicircle. On the other hand, in order to further improve the visibility of the outer diameter value, the center point of the circle or semicircle can be defined as a specific value other than [0], for example, the specific value can be defined as a value obtained by multiplying the normal outer diameter value by 0.8 to 0.95.

[0077] Figure 12 shows an example screen when the [Vertical Cross Section Video Output Mode] is selected in the outer diameter inspection mode. Referring to Figure 12, when the visual inspection device receives a selection signal for [Vertical Cross Section Video Output Mode], it can calculate the outer diameter value of the cylindrical battery using the 3D shape data. Subsequently, the visual inspection device generates a sixth video in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a vertical cross section, and can output the generated sixth video via the diagnostic video output window 520.

[0078] In this embodiment, the visual inspection device can visualize reference information for the outer diameter value and output it superimposed on a fifth or sixth image. Here, the reference information may include the minimum, maximum, and average values ​​of the outer diameter value, and one or more of the Upper Specification Limit (USL) and Lower Specification Limit (LSL) for the outer diameter value. For example, referring to Figure 13, when the visual inspection device outputs the sixth image, it can output both a graph of the minimum and maximum values ​​of the outer diameter value and straight lines showing the Upper Specification Limit (USL) and Lower Specification Limit (LSL).

[0079] In this embodiment, the fifth or sixth image can be generated based on the cumulative outer diameter values ​​of multiple batteries. For example, the visual inspection device can calculate the average value of the outer diameter values ​​of multiple batteries and generate the fifth or sixth image based on the calculated average value.

[0080] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the data processing device may correspond to the visual inspection device 130 in Figure 1, or to a configuration included in the visual inspection device 130.

[0081] An embodiment of the present invention may include at least one processor 1410, a memory 1420 for storing at least one instruction executed through the processor, and a transceiver 1430 connected to a network for communication.

[0082] The above-mentioned command may include: a command to generate a first image in which the battery surface is visually represented based on an image taken of the battery's outer surface; a command to generate a second image in which the depth information of the battery's outer surface is visually represented by aligning three-dimensional shape data of the battery's outer surface with the first image; and a command to output one or more of the first and second images via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0083] The command to generate the first image described above may include a command to receive a two-dimensional image of the outer surface of a cylindrical battery, and a command to apply a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image to flatten the outer surface of the cylinder.

[0084] The command to generate the second image may include a command to calculate depth information for each of the planar coordinates of the first image using the three-dimensional shape data, and a command to map the calculated depth information to each of the planar coordinates to generate the second image.

[0085] Here, the second image described above may be a two-dimensional image in which the depth information of the outer surface of the battery is represented by color.

[0086] The commands output via the GUI described above may include commands to output one or more of the following, depending on the video output mode selected by the user: the first video, the second video, and a third video in which the first and second videos are superimposed.

[0087] Here, the third image may be an image in which the second image is superimposed on the first image with a predetermined level of transparency and visualized.

[0088] The commands output via the GUI may include a command to output a depth value for a specific point via the GUI if a selection signal for that specific point is received in the output video.

[0089] The commands output via the GUI may include commands to generate and output a fourth image visualizing a tray containing multiple batteries; and commands to output a first or second image for a specific battery corresponding to a selection signal received in the fourth image.

[0090] The command to generate and output the fourth image described above may include a command to visualize and output batteries that have been determined to be defective and batteries that are normal, so that they can be distinguished from each other.

[0091] The above-mentioned command may include: a command to calculate the outer diameter value for a cylindrical battery using the above-mentioned three-dimensional shape data; a command to generate one or more of the following: a fifth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross-section, and a sixth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a vertical cross-section; and a command to output one or more of the fifth and sixth images via the above-mentioned GUI.

[0092] Here, the command to output one or more of the fifth and sixth images may include a command to visualize reference information, including the minimum, maximum, and average values ​​of the calculated outer diameter, and one or more of the upper and lower specification limits for the outer diameter, and output it superimposed on the output image.

[0093] The data processing device 1400 may further include an input interface device 1440, an output interface device 1450, a storage device 1460, and the like. Each component included in the data processing device 1400 can communicate with one another via a bus 1470.

[0094] Here, processor 1410 can mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which the method according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed. Memory (or storage device) can consist of at least one of volatile storage media and non-volatile storage media. For example, memory can consist of at least one of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

[0095] The operation of the method according to the embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices on which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across a network of computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0096] Some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of apparatus, but they can also be described by corresponding methods, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method can be described by corresponding blocks or items or features of corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps can be carried out by (or using) hardware devices such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps can be carried out by such devices.

[0097] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 100: Visual Inspection System 110:2D Camera 120: 3D Scanner 130: Visual inspection device 510: Mode Selection Window 520: Diagnostic video output window

Claims

1. A data processing device for visual inspection of batteries, At least one processor; Includes a memory for storing at least one instruction executed through the at least one processor; The at least one instruction is, A command to generate a first image that visually represents the surface of a battery based on images captured by a 2D camera on the outer surface of the battery; A command to calculate depth information for each of the planar coordinates of the first image using three-dimensional shape data acquired by a three-dimensional camera on the outer surface of the battery; and A command to generate a second image in which the depth information of the outer surface of the battery is represented by color, based on the correspondence between the calculated depth information and the two-dimensional coordinates of the plane coordinates; and A data processing device that includes a command to output one or more of the first video and the second video via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

2. The command to generate the first image is: A command to receive a two-dimensional image of the outer surface of a cylindrical battery; and The data processing device according to claim 1, which includes an instruction to apply a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image to flatten the outer surface of the cylindrical shape.

3. The instructions output via the GUI are: The data processing device according to claim 1, which includes a command to output one or more of the first video, the second video, and a third video in which the first video and the second video are superimposed, depending on the video output mode selected by the user.

4. The third video mentioned above is, The data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second image is superimposed on the first image with a predetermined transparency to create a visualized image.

5. The instructions output via the GUI are: The data processing device according to claim 1, which includes an instruction to output a depth value for a specific point via the GUI when a selection signal for a specific point in the output video is received.

6. The instructions output via the GUI are: A command to generate and output a fourth image in which a tray containing multiple batteries is visualized; and The data processing device according to claim 1, which includes an instruction to output a first or second video for a specific battery corresponding to the selection signal when a selection signal for a specific battery in the fourth video is received.

7. The command to generate and output the fourth video described above is: The data processing device according to claim 6, including an instruction to visualize and output batteries that have been determined to be defective and batteries that are normal, so that they can be distinguished from each other.

8. The at least one instruction is, A command to calculate the outer diameter value for a cylindrical battery using the aforementioned three-dimensional shape data; Commands to generate one or more of the following: a fifth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross-section, and a sixth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a vertical cross-section; and The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a command to output one or more of the fifth and sixth images via the GUI.

9. The command to output one or more of the fifth and sixth images is: The data processing device according to claim 8, which includes a command to visualize reference information, including the minimum, maximum, and average values ​​of the calculated outer diameter, and one or more of the upper and lower specification limits for the outer diameter, and output it superimposed on an output image.

10. A data processing method for visual inspection of batteries, A first image is generated in which the surface of the battery is visually represented, based on images captured by a two-dimensional camera on the outer surface of the battery; A command to calculate depth information for each of the planar coordinates of the first image using three-dimensional shape data acquired by a three-dimensional camera on the outer surface of the battery; and A step of generating a second image in which the depth information of the outer surface of the battery is represented by color, based on the correspondence between the calculated depth information and the two-dimensional coordinates of the plane coordinates; and A data processing method comprising the step of outputting one or more of the first video and the second video via a predefined GUI (Graphical User Interface).

11. The step of generating the first video is: The steps include receiving a two-dimensional image of the outer surface of a cylindrical battery, and The data processing method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of applying a predefined distortion correction algorithm to the received two-dimensional image to flatten the outer surface of the cylindrical shape.

12. The step of outputting via the GUI is: The data processing method according to claim 10, comprising the step of outputting one or more of the first video, the second video, and a third video in which the first video and the second video are superimposed, depending on the video output mode selected by the user.

13. The third video mentioned above is, The data processing method according to claim 12, wherein the second image is superimposed on the first image with a predetermined transparency to create a visualized image.

14. The step of outputting via the GUI is: The data processing method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of outputting a depth value for a specific point via the GUI when a selection signal for a specific point in the output video is received.

15. The step of outputting via the GUI is: A step of generating and outputting a fourth image in which a tray containing multiple batteries is visualized; and The data processing method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of outputting a first or second video for a specific battery corresponding to the selection signal in the fourth video when a selection signal for a specific battery is received.

16. The step of generating and outputting the fourth video is as follows: The data processing method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of visualizing and outputting a battery determined to be defective and a normal battery so that they can be distinguished from each other.

17. A step of calculating the outer diameter value for a cylindrical battery using the three-dimensional shape data; A step of generating one or more of the following: a fifth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a horizontal cross-section, and a sixth image in which the calculated outer diameter value is visualized in the form of a vertical cross-section; and The data processing method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of outputting one or more of the fifth and sixth images via the GUI.

18. The step of outputting one or more of the fifth and sixth images is: The data processing method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of visualizing reference information, which includes the minimum, maximum, and average values ​​of the calculated outer diameter, and one or more of the upper and lower specification limits for the outer diameter, and outputting it superimposed on the output image.

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