Inspection Software Validation Using 3D Defect Reference Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inspection software used in manufacturing and production settings often fails to accurately validate components, leading to misleading or inaccurate results due to improper calibration or defects, which can result in components being incorrectly marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for validating inspection software by using a dataset defining properties for a three-dimensional component with known defects, comparing inspection results to reference results within a predetermined threshold, and issuing a signal indicative of validation or defectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If inspection software is used to analyze inspection results, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to software defects or improper calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidinspection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by validating the inspection software before actual use. A validation process is performed using a validation object with known characteristics to establish that the software is properly calibrated and functioning correctly before it is deployed for inspecting production components, preventing accuracy issues from affecting real inspections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the inspection software's results against known reference data from validation objects. The system provides feedback on whether the software measurements match expected values within acceptable tolerances, allowing operators to verify software accuracy and make adjustments if validation fails

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If validation of inspection software is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional validation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidvalidation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The validation process is performed as a preliminary action before production inspections begin. By completing validation upfront using standardized validation objects with known characteristics, the system ensures accuracy is established before time-sensitive production work starts, minimizing impact on overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses validation objects that are copies or representations of actual production components but with known, controlled characteristics. These validation objects replicate real component features while providing predetermined reference values, allowing accurate validation without requiring actual production parts or extending validation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11989114B2Validation of inspection software
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP
  • US11989114B2 patent drawing
  • US11989114B2 patent drawing
  • US11989114B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for validating an inspection software are provided. A dataset which defines properties for a three-dimensional component having at least one known defect is obtained. The three-dimensional component is inspected with the inspection software using the dataset to obtain inspection results for the three-dimensional component. The inspection results are compared to reference results for the three-dimensional component. When the inspection results correspond to the reference results within a predetermined threshold, a signal indicative of validation of the inspection software is issued.