Inline Image Inspection Checks Using Synthetic NG Feature Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing article inspection apparatuses require manual operation checks, leading to increased downtime, reduced production efficiency, and inability to accurately assess product quality during normal operation due to transitioning to inspection stop states.

Innovation Solution

An article inspection apparatus that performs operation checks in parallel with normal operation using an image processing unit, determination unit, and display unit, generating operation check images to verify the functionality of these units during normal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation checks are performed by transitioning to inspection stop states, then the detection signals can be verified, but the production efficiency is reduced and downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection signal verificationVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation check process is executed continuously during the driving operation rather than stopping the inspection apparatus. The operation check processing unit performs parallel processing on operation check images while the image processing unit processes normal inspection images, allowing continuous verification of detection signals without interrupting production flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using actual inspection articles for operation checks, the system creates operation check images by synthesizing defective feature portions with normal inspection images. This copying approach allows verification of detection functionality using virtual test cases that do not require physical samples or production interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If the inspection apparatus transitions to inspection stop states for operation checks, then the detection unit operation can be verified, but the downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection unit operation verificationVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Operation check images are generated in advance by synthesizing defective feature portions with normal inspection images during the driving operation. This preliminary preparation of test data allows the operation check processing to execute immediately without waiting for physical samples or stopping the apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operation check processing unit executes verification processes continuously during normal inspection operations. By using parallel processing architecture, the system maintains continuous detection signal verification without transitioning to stop states, eliminating downtime entirely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If manual operation checks are performed, then the detection signals can be assessed, but the work time not converted into data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection signal assessmentVSAvoidwork time not converted into data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The operation check processing unit automatically performs detection signal assessment using synthesized operation check images and the same image processing algorithms as normal inspection. This self-service approach eliminates manual inspector involvement entirely, converting all work time into actionable inspection data without human intervention delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual physical operation checks by inspectors are replaced with automated digital processing. The system uses computational algorithms to execute operation checks on synthesized images, substituting mechanical human actions with electronic processing that immediately generates and analyzes data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260057505A1Article inspection apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 ANRITSU CORP

AI summary

The article inspection apparatus includes an image processing unit that performs an image process with respect to an imaging data of an article and outputs determination data, a determination unit that determines a quality state of the article based on the determination data, an operation check image generation unit that generates an image including an NG feature image in which the quality state is determined to be defective as an operation check image used in an operation check processing unit based on an inspection image during a driving operation, and an operation check processing unit that executes an operation check process using the predetermined image processing algorithm in parallel with an operation of the image processing unit during the driving operation, and determines whether the operations of the image processing unit and the determination unit are normal.