Automated Inspection Path Planning for 3D Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Planning inspection paths for optical picture-taking devices to inspect complex three-dimensional objects is a complex manual process, requiring numerous adjustments to ensure complete surface coverage, especially with objects that require motion in multiple degrees of freedom.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using electronically stored design data and optical imaging characteristics to determine the inspection path for the picture-taking device, allowing for automatic calculation of positions to cover the entire object or areas of interest, with consideration for displacement devices and illumination, reducing manual intervention and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of inspection paths is used, then flexibility in adjusting inspection parameters is improved, but the complexity and time required for path planning increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in adjusting inspection parametersVSAvoidcomplexity of path planning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the inspection path by having the control device calculate the trajectory based on object design data and camera imaging characteristics, eliminating the need for manual path configuration while maintaining adaptability through automated parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the inspection path using stored design data and imaging characteristics before actual inspection begins, allowing the path to be pre-optimized based on the specific object geometry and camera parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual inspection of motion sequences is performed, then accuracy of inspection coverage is improved, but the time and effort required for path specification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of inspection coverageVSAvoidtime for path specification

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment and inspection processes with automated computational methods, using the control device to calculate and verify inspection paths based on object data and camera characteristics, thereby maintaining accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from object design data and imaging characteristics to automatically adjust and optimize the inspection path, ensuring complete coverage accuracy without requiring manual verification and correction cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated path determination is implemented, then the time and effort for path planning is reduced, but the need for accurate object data and camera parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of path planningVSAvoiddependence on data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition and validation of object design data and camera imaging characteristics before automated path calculation, ensuring that accurate data is available in advance to support the automated determination process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that verify the accuracy of input data and adjust the automated path determination process accordingly, maintaining reliability by detecting and correcting data quality issues before they affect inspection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8059151B2Method for planning an inspection path for determining areas that are to be inspected

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 ISRA VISION SYST AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for planning an inspection path (2) for at least one optical picture-taking device (4), particularly a camera, for inspecting a three-dimensional object (3). The picture-taking device (4) and the object (3) are movable relative to each other by means of a displacement device (5, 6). To ensure that the method for planning inspection paths and for determining areas to be inspected is easy to use and reliably covers all areas to be inspected, it is provided that, based on the design data (8), particularly CAD data and/or data determined by a sensor, relating to the object (3) and/or an area (12) to be inspected on the object, and based on the optical imaging characteristics of the picture-taking device (4), stored in electronic form, and using an arithmetic logic unit (10), the inspection path (2) for the optical picture-taking device (4) is automatically determined by specifying a specific geometric relationship between the picture-taking device (4) and the surface to be inspected.