Multimodal Defect Classification Using Image and Manufacturing Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing classification systems face challenges in accurately determining the class of objects, particularly in distinguishing between similar defects in products, as they rely solely on image data or manufacturing data, leading to uncertainty and reduced reliability in defect classification.

Innovation Solution

A classification system that combines image data and manufacturing data by using a learned model for image classification and a model-based approach for manufacturing data, allowing for the determination of object classes based on both classification results to enhance accuracy and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only image data is used for classification, then the classification process is simple, but the reliability of class determination is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of class determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of classification system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines image data classification results with manufacturing data classification results in the determination part. This merging of multiple data sources and classification approaches resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through comprehensive analysis while managing complexity through systematic integration of the classification components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If only image data is used for classification, then the processing load is low, but the accuracy of defect identification is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of defect identificationVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination part merges image data classification results with manufacturing data classification results to achieve more accurate defect identification. This combination allows the system to leverage complementary information from both data sources, improving measurement precision while distributing the processing load across multiple specialized classification components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple classification results are combined, then the reliability of class determination is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of class determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of classification system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the classification system into distinct functional parts: a first classification part for image data, a second classification part for manufacturing data, and a determination part for integrating results. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, improving reliability through comprehensive analysis while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The determination part serves multiple functions: it receives classification results from both image and manufacturing data, decides whether to use one or both results, and determines the final class of the object. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating integration logic in a single component that handles multiple classification sources uniformly.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11989226B2Classification system and classification method using lerned model and model including data distribution
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US11989226B2 patent drawing
  • US11989226B2 patent drawing
  • US11989226B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Reliability regarding a class determination for an object is improved. Classification system includes first classification part, second classification part, and determination part. First classification part classifies first target data into at least one of a plurality of first classes. Second classification part classifies second target data into at least one of a plurality of second classes. Determination part decides whether to use one or both of a first classification result that is a classification result obtained by first classification part and a second classification result that is a classification result obtained by second classification part, and determines a class of object based on one or both of them. The first target data is image data of object. The second target data is manufacturing data regarding a manufacturing condition of object.