Graphical Inspection Workflow for Faster Defect Analysis Setup

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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 a more efficient and user-friendly interface for image analysis in pharmaceutical packaging inspection.

Innovation Solution

A graphical programming interface that allows for the creation and simulation of sample inspection processes, featuring blocks for image input, operation, sorting, and feedback, enabling parameter configuration and real-time process evaluation, with the ability to select and modify parameters for optimized image processing.

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 avoid syntax errors and build algorithms without programming capabilities, but the interface requires extensive programming and compilation for each change, increasing time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the inspection task and automatically generates an initial inspection algorithm configuration based on pre-defined templates and historical data. This preliminary action provides a head start before the user begins customization, eliminating the need to program from scratch and reducing overall configuration time while maintaining ease of operation through the graphical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If complex inspection algorithms are developed for each individual type of container and medicinal drug, then the analysis precision meets stringent quality standards, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection precisionVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal inspection algorithm framework that can handle multiple container types and medicinal drugs through a single unified interface. The framework automatically adapts to different inspection requirements by selecting and configuring appropriate analysis modules from a library, eliminating the need to develop separate complex algorithms for each product type while maintaining high inspection precision through specialized processing when needed.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection algorithm is divided into modular, independently configurable segments that can be selectively activated. Each segment handles a specific aspect of inspection (e.g., defect detection, dimensional measurement, surface analysis), allowing the system to assemble appropriate combinations for different product types without requiring complete algorithm redesign, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If image analysis operations are increased to meet quality standards, then the inspection thoroughness improves, but the processing time exceeds the rapid advancing times of samples on manufacturing lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection thoroughnessVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial image analysis by selectively processing only the most critical regions of interest in each image rather than analyzing the entire image uniformly. Based on preliminary detection and defect probability maps, the system concentrates computational resources on areas most likely to contain defects, achieving thorough inspection of critical areas while reducing overall processing time to match manufacturing line speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection process uses periodic analysis with varying intensity levels. Rapid preliminary scanning is performed continuously at high speed, followed by more thorough periodic deep analysis of suspicious regions or samples with higher defect probability. This periodic approach maintains productivity by keeping average processing time low while ensuring reliability through comprehensive periodic inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12510877B2Graphical programming interface for programming a sample inspection process, and related programming method
Publication Date: 2025.12.30 STEVANATO GRP SPA
  • US12510877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A graphical programming interface for programming an inspection process of samples. The inspection process is a recognition process, based on images, of defects of samples. A graphical programming interface includes at least one image input type block including an input into a memory of a multiplicity of images of at least one sample, a multiplicity of operation type blocks. Each operation type block includes at least one operation which processes images, a multiplicity of sorting type blocks. The graphical programming interface allows at least one image input type block to be selected if more than one input type block is provided for, at least one operation type block among the multiplicity of operation type blocks, and at least one sorting type block among the multiplicity of sorting type blocks.