Dynamic Machine Vision Testing with Preconfigured Targets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine vision systems require complicated and lengthy installation and setup processes, necessitating significant resources and trained personnel, which complicates deployment and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for dynamic testing of machine vision systems that includes a tunnel system with integrated hardware and software elements, enabling automated testing and a standardized testing interface to simplify deployment and reduce the time and resources required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional machine vision systems are installed and set up, then the system can perform image acquisition and analysis functions, but the installation and setup processes become complicated and lengthy, requiring significant resources and trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured testing targets with known symbol positions and characteristics before the actual machine vision system installation. The testing targets include pre-marked barcodes, QR codes, or other recognizable symbols at predetermined locations that allow automated verification of imaging device performance without requiring complex manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating simplified test representations of the actual machine vision system components. The testing targets serve as copies or stand-ins for the full system, allowing validation of imaging device functionality through simpler, more straightforward testing procedures rather than complex system-level installation and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If conventional machine vision systems are installed and set up, then the system can perform image acquisition and analysis functions, but the deployment process requires significant time and trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling automated testing of the machine vision system using the testing targets. The imaging devices can autonomously capture images of the testing targets, and the system automatically analyzes whether the targets are properly positioned and recognized, eliminating the need for manual verification by trained personnel and significantly reducing deployment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The testing targets are prepared in advance with predetermined symbol positions and characteristics, so that when the machine vision system is installed, the imaging devices can immediately begin automated testing without requiring time-consuming manual configuration or calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated testing is implemented, then deployment time and resource requirements are reduced, but the system complexity increases with integrated hardware and software elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the automated testing system into distinct, modular components: the testing targets with predetermined symbols, the imaging devices for capture, and the processing system for analysis. This modular approach allows each component to be independently designed, tested, and replaced, reducing the overall complexity of the integrated system while maintaining deployment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250301120A1System and method for dynamic testing of a machine vision system
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 COGNEX CORP
  • US20250301120A1 patent drawing
  • US20250301120A1 patent drawing
  • US20250301120A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for dynamic testing of a machine vision system includes receiving a set of testing parameters and a selection of a tunnel system. The machine vision system can include the tunnel system and the tunnel system can include a conveyor and at least one imaging device. The method can further include validating the testing parameters and controlling the at least one imaging device to acquire a set of image data of a testing target positioned at a predetermined justification on the conveyor. The testing target can include a plurality of target symbols. The method can further include determining a test result by analyzing the set of image data to determine if the at least one imaging device reads a target symbol associated with the at least one imaging device and generating a report including the test result.