Inspection System Using Displayed Sample Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inspection methods for image inspection systems, which rely on master samples, face challenges such as discoloration and the inability to verify the normal functioning of the inspection system without using actual product images, leading to inaccuracies and the need for frequent calibration.

Innovation Solution

An inspection method and system that displays a sample image of a product, allowing a camera to image and compare it with actual product images to determine good/defective status, thereby assessing the system's functionality without relying on master samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If master samples are used for inspection, then the inspection system can be calibrated, but the master samples may discolor over time due to oxidation, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidmaster sample stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a display device to show sample images that are copied from actual product images, replacing physical master samples. The camera images the display device to capture these sample images, enabling calibration and inspection without requiring physical master samples that degrade over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical master sample system with an electronic/digital system using display devices and image processing. Instead of relying on physical samples that can oxidize and discolor, the system uses displayed images that can be regenerated indefinitely without degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If commercially available general-purpose masters are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but it cannot verify the good/defective determination functionality of the actual examination system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidinspection system verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the inspection system versatile by enabling it to perform multiple functions: it can calibrate using sample images while simultaneously verifying the good/defective determination functionality. The same system infrastructure is used for both calibration and functional verification, eliminating the need for separate verification processes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses sample images copied from actual products to serve dual purposes: calibration and functional verification. These sample images enable the system to both calibrate its measurements and verify that its good/defective determination logic is working correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If images of good and defective products are used for inspection, then good/defective determination can be verified, but the imaging system normality cannot be inspected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidimaging system calibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the inspection system to perform both determination verification and imaging calibration using the same sample images and process flow. The system can switch between or combine these functions, making the inspection process multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate verification and calibration procedures.

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

4Productivity

If master samples are used for inspection, then the inspection process can be performed, but frequent recalibration is needed due to sample degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection throughputVSAvoidrecalibration frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digitally stored sample images that can be displayed indefinitely without degradation. These digital copies replace physical master samples, eliminating the need for frequent recalibration due to sample aging, oxidation, or other forms of physical degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the sample from a physical object subject to degradation to a digital image that can be stored and reproduced indefinitely. This parameter change from physical to digital eliminates the time-related degradation issue entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enables accurate inspection of image inspection systems without master samples, reducing the risk of discoloration issues and allowing for simultaneous inspection of multiple systems, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

imaging the displayed sample image by a camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS11574396B2Inspection method of examination system and examination system
Publication Date: 2023.02.07 NHK SPRING CO LTD
  • US11574396B2 patent drawing
  • US11574396B2 patent drawing
  • US11574396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An inspection method to be used to inspect an examination system configured to image an object and make a good/defective determination of the object on the basis of an image acquired by the imaging comprises displaying a sample image of the object, imaging the displayed sample image by a camera, and making a good/defective determination of the object indicated by the sample image on, the basis of the image acquired by imaging of the camera.