Character Defect Detection Using Template Image Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current character defect detection in printing and laser engraving is inefficient and labor-intensive, relying on manual methods which are costly and not scalable.

Innovation Solution

A character defect detection method and device that acquires and processes images of characters to be inspected and template characters, converting them into consistent formats, extracting valid areas, calculating information differences, and determining defect detection results through transformed images, enabling automated and accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual character defect detection is used, then detection accuracy can be maintained at a high level, but labor costs increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses template character images as references to compare against actual printed characters. By creating ideal template copies of characters and systematically comparing them with actual printed characters, the system achieves automated detection with accuracy comparable to manual inspection, while dramatically improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection (mechanical human process) with an automated image processing system using computers and algorithms. The system processes images, extracts features, compares them against templates, and automatically identifies defects, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining high detection accuracy

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

2Measurement precision

If manual character defect detection is used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidlabor costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses template character images as ideal references to compare against actual printed characters. This automated template-matching approach maintains high detection accuracy while eliminating the need for human labor, thereby reducing labor costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system performs self-service by automatically comparing printed characters against templates and identifying defects without human intervention. The system processes images, extracts features, and detects defects autonomously, replacing manual inspection and eliminating labor costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual character defect detection is used, then detection quality can be maintained, but the process is not scalable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection qualityVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inspection with an automated computer-based image processing system that can process large volumes of characters consistently. This automated system maintains detection quality while being easily scalable to handle different production volumes and character types

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed to be universal and adaptable, capable of detecting defects in various character types (printed or laser-engraved) on different products. The template-based approach can be applied to multiple character formats and styles, making the system scalable and versatile across different applications

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

Data Source

PatentUS12002198B2Character defect detection method and device
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 GOERTEK INC
  • US12002198B2 patent drawing
  • US12002198B2 patent drawing
  • US12002198B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A character defect detection method and device are disclosed. The character defect detection method comprises: acquiring an image to be inspected containing a character and a template character image corresponding to the character, and converting the image to be inspected into an image having a format consistent with a format of the template character image; extracting a first valid area containing the character from the image to be inspected, and extracting a second valid area containing a template character from the template character image; obtaining a first image based on the first valid area, and obtaining a second image based on the second valid area; calculating a transformed image indicating an information difference between the first image and the second image based on the first image and the second image; and obtaining a character defect detection result of the image to be inspected based on information of the transformed image.