Adjustable Slicing Direction for 3D AXI Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inline 3D AXI inspection methods using horizontally sliced images can lead to poor inspection efficiency and difficulty in reviewing results when the target lacks significant horizontal features, making it challenging to detect defects effectively.

Innovation Solution

The inspection method involves generating reconstructed volumes of examining targets using X-ray scans and controlling the slicing direction to create non-horizontal, such as vertical, sliced images that highlight significant features, allowing for improved defect detection and easier review of inspection results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If horizontally sliced images are used for inspection, then the inspection process is simple and standardized, but the inspection efficiency deteriorates and defect detection capability worsens when the target lacks significant horizontal features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection process simplicityVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the slicing direction adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically switch between horizontal, vertical, and angled slicing directions based on the specific inspection needs and target characteristics, thereby optimizing inspection efficiency for different defect types while maintaining process simplicity through automated direction selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of slicing direction from a fixed horizontal orientation to a variable parameter that can be adjusted to vertical or angled orientations. This parameter change enables the inspection system to adapt to different target geometries and defect orientations, significantly improving defect detection capability without complicating the overall inspection workflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If horizontally sliced images are used for inspection, then the inspection algorithm runs quickly, but the inspection result becomes difficult to review and defect detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection timeVSAvoidinspection result reviewability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the slicing direction to vertical or angled orientations when reviewing inspection results, making defects more visible and easier to analyze. This dynamic adaptation allows inspectors to efficiently review results without re-running the entire inspection process, reducing time loss while improving reviewability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces another dimension by switching from horizontal to vertical or angled slicing perspectives. This dimensional change provides different viewing angles of the same inspected object, making previously invisible or hard-to-detect defects apparent while maintaining quick review capability through the same inspection dataset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If vertical slice imaging is used to improve defect detection, then the significant features of the examining target are revealed, but the inspection algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidinspection algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the 3D scanned image data into multiple slicing direction views before the actual defect detection algorithm runs. This preliminary preparation organizes the data in a way that makes defects more apparent, allowing the detection algorithm to work more efficiently with simpler logic while achieving higher measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves algorithm complexity by implementing dimensionality change at the data visualization level rather than at the core detection algorithm level. The same detection algorithm can work on simpler horizontal slices for speed, while vertical or angled slices provide enhanced visual confirmation, effectively distributing the complexity management across different processing stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances inspection performance by revealing critical characteristics and features, facilitating faster and more accurate defect detection, particularly for defects like head-in-pillow, insufficient insertion, open, and non-wetting defects, which are difficult to identify with horizontal slices alone.

Implementation Method 1

a scanning device is provided which scans an examining target to generate a scanned image of the examining target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

the slicing portion is configured to slice the reconstructed volume into a sliced image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolume rendering and slicing: Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP3121591B1Inspection method and device
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 TEST RES INC
  • EP3121591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3121591B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3121591B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inspection method is provided herein. The inspection method is adapted for an inspection device. The inspection method includes: optically scanning an examining target for generating a scanned image; reconstructing the scanned image for a reconstructed volume; adjusting a slicing direction associated with the examining target for slicing the reconstructed volume into a sliced image; inspecting the sliced image for analyzing one or more features of the examining target; and outputting an inspection result of the examining target.