Graphical Inspection Programming With Simulated Processing Time

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical programming interfaces for sample inspection require extensive programming and compilation for each change, lack intuitive configuration options, and fail to optimize parameter complexity and processing time, necessitating specialized knowledge and inefficient use of hardware and software resources.

Innovation Solution

A graphical programming interface that allows for the creation and simulation of sample inspection processes, enabling the selection and configuration of image input, operation, and sorting blocks, with real-time feedback and parameter adjustment, optimizing the inspection process in terms of parameters and time, and allowing for effective analysis during programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing graphical programming interfaces are used to configure inspection algorithms, then the user can perform image processing operations, but the system requires extensive programming and compilation for each change, increasing time loss and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConfiguration of inspection algorithmsVSAvoidProgramming and compilation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple operation types (image acquisition, processing, analysis, sorting) with standard parameters and functions. Users can select from pre-defined operational templates rather than programming from scratch, significantly reducing configuration time and complexity while maintaining flexibility for customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to copy and reuse previously configured operation blocks and parameter settings across different inspection tasks. This eliminates redundant programming work and enables rapid deployment of similar inspection algorithms by copying proven configurations rather than recompiling entire programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If complex image processing operations are performed to meet quality standards, then inspection accuracy improves, but the number of parameters and operations increases, worsening system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInspection accuracyVSAvoidNumber of parameters and operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is divided into distinct operational modules (image acquisition, preprocessing, defect detection, classification, sorting). Each module handles specific tasks with dedicated parameters, allowing users to enable only the operations needed for their specific inspection requirements rather than configuring all possible parameters, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high inspection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different processing operations are applied to different regions or aspects of the image data based on specific inspection needs. The system applies specialized processing only where required (e.g., edge detection for container seams, color analysis for labeling) rather than uniformly applying all processing operations, optimizing the balance between inspection accuracy and parameter complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If extensive image processing operations are performed, then inspection thoroughness improves, but processing time increases, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInspection thoroughnessVSAvoidProcessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts processing operations and parameter settings based on the specific sample being inspected and the detected defect types. Processing intensity and complexity are adapted in real-time to match the actual inspection requirements, enabling thorough inspection when needed while maintaining high speed for routine samples, thus optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system employs periodic processing stages where different operations are applied in sequence at optimized intervals. Critical defect detection operations are performed at key stages in the processing pipeline rather than continuously applying all operations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage through strategically timed analytical steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4246263B1Graphical programming interface for programming a sample inspection process, and related programming method
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 STEVANATO GRP SPA
  • EP4246263B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

Graphical programming interface (100) for programming an inspection process (50) of samples (10), wherein said graphical programming interface (100) is implemented on a computer (300) comprising at least one processor (301) and at least one memory (302), wherein said inspection process (50) is suitable for driving an inspection machine (200), wherein said inspection process (50) is a recognition process, based on images (30), of defects (20) of samples (10), wherein said inspection process (50) comprises at least one operation (110) which processes images (30) depicting samples (10) and/or regions thereof, wherein the graphical programming interface (100) comprises at least one image input type block (111) comprising an input (51) into said at least one memory (302) of a multiplicity of images (30) of at least one sample (10), a multiplicity of operation type blocks (110), wherein each operation type block (110) comprises at least one operation (110) which processes images (30), a multiplicity of sorting type blocks (112), wherein the graphical programming interface (100) allows at least one image input type block (111) to be selected if more than one input type block (111) is provided for, at least one operation type block (110) among said multiplicity of operation type blocks (110), and at least one sorting type block (112) among said multiplicity of sorting type blocks (112), wherein the graphical programming interface (100) simulates the inspection process (50) under programming, thereby implementing a simulated inspection process (53), wherein said simulated inspection process (53) implemented through the graphical programming interface (100) comprises an execution on the computer (300) of said at least one preselected image input type block (111), said at least one preselected operation type block (110) of said multiplicity of operation type blocks (110), wherein said at least one operation type block (110) performs at least one operation (110) which processes said multiplicity of images (30) of said at least one preselected image input type block (111), computes and displays at least one time period required to carry out said at least one operation (110), said at least one preselected sorting type block (112) of said multiplicity of sorting type blocks (112) which comprises a sorting operation (52) suitable for controlling the inspection machine (200) to reject samples (10) which comprise at least one defect (20).