Visual Inspection Image Reduction for Privacy-Safe Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated visual inspection systems capture images that include personal and confidential information, which are restricted by security policies and privacy regulations, potentially halting the inspection process and causing irreparable damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated visual inspection that removes personal and confidential information from images before use, producing reduced images that exclude irrelevant background data, allowing for secure and confidential inspection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability to different products are maintained, but inspection speed and productivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated inspection system is divided into separate functional modules: image acquisition module, image processing module, and defect detection module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high automation and inspection speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design. The system processes different product types by loading corresponding inspection programs rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated visual inspection system is designed with universal capabilities to inspect multiple product types including electronic components, mechanical parts, and packaged goods. The system uses reconfigurable imaging parameters, adjustable lighting conditions, and programmable defect criteria to adapt to different inspection requirements, thereby achieving high productivity across diverse applications without requiring separate dedicated systems for each product type.
2Reliability
If automated inspection systems are implemented, then inspection speed and consistency are improved, but initial cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated optical imaging and computer-based image processing. Cameras capture images of products, and software algorithms automatically analyze the images to detect defects. This substitution eliminates human variability and fatigue, providing consistent and reliable inspection results while reducing the need for complex mechanical inspection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the physical products for inspection. Instead of physically manipulating or measuring the actual products, the system captures optical images and performs all analysis on these digital representations. This approach ensures inspection consistency by analyzing identical digital data without variation, while simplifying the physical inspection apparatus compared to precise mechanical measurement systems.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive defect detection is performed, then measurement precision and quality control are improved, but inspection time and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing complete images of products and pre-processing them with enhancement algorithms before detailed defect analysis. Lighting is optimized in advance to highlight potential defect areas, and image resolution is set to capture all relevant details. This preliminary preparation enables subsequent rapid and accurate defect detection without requiring extended inspection time for each product.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system uses periodic scanning and analysis methods where images are captured at regular intervals along the production line. Defect detection algorithms periodically analyze image data using multiple passes: first pass for obvious defects, second pass for subtle defects. This periodic multi-level analysis achieves comprehensive defect detection accuracy while maintaining inspection speed by not requiring continuous exhaustive analysis of every pixel simultaneously.
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
Enables the use of images in inspection processes without compromising privacy or confidentiality, maintaining secure image handling and facilitating defect detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system (140) arranged to illuminate the object
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method and system for automated visual inspection, include receiving, from a camera imaging an inspection line, an image of the inspection line. The image includes an item on the inspection line personal or confidential image data. A processor produces from the image of the inspection line a reduced image, which does not include the personal or confidential image data, and inputs the reduced image to an inspection process.