Component Image Matching for Operation Manual Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In small-lot production of multiple models, there is a high risk of mismatch between components and their corresponding operation procedure manuals due to manual numbering, especially for components like those in aircraft production, leading to erroneous identification.

Innovation Solution

A determination system comprising a determination device, an input device, an imaging device, and a database that compares captured images of components with correct images associated with operation procedure manuals to ensure matching shapes, using image processing to identify and correct mismatches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual visual checks are used to verify component matching, then operation simplicity is maintained, but matching accuracy deteriorates due to component similarity and worker fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematching accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the component and compares it with the corresponding image in the operation procedure manual. This copying approach allows precise visual comparison without requiring manual inspection, thereby improving matching accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple since it only requires capturing and storing images rather than complex physical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection process with an automated image-based comparison system. Instead of relying on human eyes and judgment, the system uses captured images and automated comparison logic to determine matching accuracy, eliminating the subjectivity and fatigue issues associated with manual checks while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward image processing.

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

2Productivity

If automated production management systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the verification process into simple, discrete steps: capturing an image of the component, retrieving the corresponding image from the operation procedure manual, and comparing the two images. This segmentation of the verification task into basic operations enables automated production management without requiring complex integrated systems, as each step can be independently implemented and managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal verification mechanism that can be applied to all components regardless of type or complexity. By using a general image-based comparison approach, the same system structure works for different component categories, enabling automated production management across diverse manufacturing processes without requiring component-specific complex verification systems.

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

3Measurement precision

If image comparison is performed to verify component matching, then matching accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-capturing and storing images of components along with their corresponding operation procedure manual images in a database before the actual verification process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time image capture and retrieval during verification, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy through pre-processed image comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By using pre-stored digital copies of component images and operation procedure manual images, the system can perform rapid comparison without requiring real-time physical measurement or recapture. The image copying and database storage approach enables fast verification by simply retrieving and comparing existing digital copies, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3869429B1Determination system
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SUBARU CORP
  • EP3869429B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869429B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3869429B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A determination device (1) includes a computer. The computer is configured to compare an image (I) of a component (B) that is captured and a correct image (10) that is associated with an operation procedure manual (A) and in which the component (B) is captured. The computer is configured to determine whether a component shape in the image (I) of the component (B) and a component shape in the correct image (10) agree. If the two component shapes do not agree, the computer is configured to determine that the component (B) and the operation procedure manual (A) do not match.