Board Image Processing Device Alternative Mark Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual setting of the reference position for a board in component mounting machines is prone to errors due to visual measurement, which can compromise the accuracy of the mounting process.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically recognizes the reference position by using alternative marks from the wiring pattern when the fiducial mark is undetectable, employing a supplementary process that involves acquiring and using alternative marks to maintain high accuracy in board image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used to set the reference position, then the operator can visually measure and set the position, but the accuracy is reduced due to visual measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual setting capabilityVSAvoidreference position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual measurement method with an automated image processing system. The detecting section automatically detects the fiducial mark position and the alternative mark position from image data, eliminating the need for manual visual measurement by an operator. This substitution of mechanical/manual operation with an automated detection system resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the board itself to provide the alternative mark through its wiring pattern. When the fiducial mark is undetectable, the system automatically identifies and uses characteristic sections from the board's own wiring pattern as alternative marks, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and maintaining high accuracy through automated self-detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If automatic detection using fiducial mark is used, then the reference position can be recognized with high accuracy, but the system fails when the fiducial mark is undetectable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position recognition accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares alternative marks in advance by identifying characteristic sections in the wiring pattern that can serve as backup fiducial marks. When the primary fiducial mark is undetectable, the system has pre-identified alternative marks ready to be used, providing a cushioning effect that prevents complete detection failure and maintains reliability while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameter by switching from detecting the fiducial mark to detecting alternative marks derived from the wiring pattern. This parameter change allows the system to maintain detection reliability when the original fiducial mark is undetectable, while preserving measurement accuracy through the automated image processing of the alternative marks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If supplementary process using alternative mark is added, then the system can handle undetectable fiducial marks, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the detecting section to perform both fiducial mark detection and alternative mark detection using the same image processing apparatus. The supplementary process reuses existing components and algorithms, allowing the system to handle both detectable and undetectable fiducial mark scenarios without proportionally increasing device complexity. This universal approach maintains reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If template matching is used for fiducial mark detection, then the detection accuracy is high, but the process cannot adapt when the fiducial mark is missing or different

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiducial mark detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the detection target flexible. Instead of being fixed on the fiducial mark only, the system dynamically switches between fiducial mark detection and alternative mark detection based on whether the fiducial mark is detectable. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high measurement precision while becoming versatile enough to handle missing or different mark scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3376844B1Image processing device and image processing method for base plate
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 FUJI CORP
  • EP3376844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376844B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3376844B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An object is to provide a board image processing device and a board image processing method, in which it is possible to recognize a reference position of the board with higher accuracy. The image processing device for the board includes: a mark acquisition section that, in a case where a position of a fiducial mark is not detected, acquires a different characteristic section that is different from the fiducial mark as an alternative mark instead of a fiducial mark; and a second position recognition section that recognizes the reference position of the board based on a result of detection performed by a second detecting section and a positional relationship between the fiducial mark and the alternative mark.