GUI-Based Non-Numeric Sliders for Vision System Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic inspection technologies, such as photodetector arrays and machine vision systems, face limitations in flexibility, accuracy, and speed, particularly in handling diverse products and uncertain object locations, and are often costly and complex to set up and operate.
Innovation Solution
A vision detection system employing a low-resolution imager with on-board processors, capable of high frame rates and sensitive to short shutter times, which uses a GUI-based interface for setup and monitoring, allowing for flexible configuration and real-time analysis of objects moving through the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If machine vision systems are used for automatic inspection, then measurement precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system is divided into separate functional modules: an imager for capturing images, a processor for analyzing images and making decisions, and a GUI for user interaction. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high inspection accuracy through specialized processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A graphical user interface (GUI) acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex vision system. The GUI provides intuitive controls and visual feedback, allowing users to configure and monitor the system without needing to understand the underlying complex processing algorithms, thus reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If photodetector arrays are used for inspection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and measurement precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic image processing algorithms that can adapt to different inspection requirements in real-time. The processor analyzes complete images and can adjust analysis parameters based on the specific object being inspected, providing high adaptability to different products while maintaining a relatively simple hardware configuration compared to specialized photodetector arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system changes processing parameters such as threshold values, region of interest, and analysis algorithms based on the inspection requirements. This allows a single flexible system to handle diverse inspection tasks with different precision requirements, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability through software-based parameter adjustment rather than hardware reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If traditional vision systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to slower processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image processing steps such as noise reduction, edge detection, and region of interest identification before the final inspection decision. This preliminary processing prepares the data in advance, allowing the main inspection algorithm to work more efficiently and achieve high precision results faster, thereby improving both measurement precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor continuously analyzes images as they are captured by the imager, maintaining a steady stream of inspection decisions without interruption. This continuous processing eliminates idle time between inspections and ensures that each image is analyzed immediately, maximizing productivity while maintaining high measurement precision through consistent processing quality.
4Measurement precision
If photodetectors are arranged to inspect multiple points, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to physical arrangement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically arranging multiple photodetectors to inspect different points, the system uses a single imager to capture a complete image of the object. The processor then creates virtual copies of the inspection process by analyzing different regions of the captured image, achieving multi-point inspection accuracy without the physical complexity of arranging multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional array of photodetectors to a two-dimensional image capture approach. By capturing the entire object in a single 2D image, the system can analyze multiple points simultaneously across the object surface, improving measurement precision while eliminating the physical arrangement complexity associated with linear photodetector arrays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables reliable, efficient, and flexible inspection of objects by capturing and analyzing multiple images in real-time, reducing setup complexities and costs, while improving decision-making speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The image is captured by exposing a two-dimensional array of photosensitive elements for a brief period, called the integration or shutter time, to light that has been focused on the array by a lens.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a system and method for employing GUI-based non-numeric slide buttons and bar meters to setup and monitor operating parameters of a vision system (the term “vision system” as used herein including the above-described vision detector). Such parameters can include, but are not limited to the threshold at which a feature is activated in viewing an image. Operating parameters also include the under-lying range of contrast values and levels of brightness intensities (or by input inversion, the level of darkness) recognized and acted upon by the vision system. Graphical representations of operating parameters are displayed in a parameter box on the GUI with moving bars that are shaded, patterned or colored so as to provide a relative level between two extremes on a scale of the given operating parameter. The endpoints of the scale can be established by analyzing the relevant extremes on a subject image view. The current level of the given parameter is displayed as a bar that extends a distance along the scale that is proportional to the current level of the parameter along the scale. Input of operating parameter settings with respect to the scale is made by moving a setting slider along the scale between the extremes. The position of the slider establishes the user-input setting relative to the scale. In an illustrative embodiment, scales, level bars and setting sliders can also be displayed on the image view itself, adjacent to a given image view feature, which is the subject of the scale.