Visual Inspection Spot-Checking for Camera Drift and Algorithm Availability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing visual inspection systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately spot-checking the availability of their hardware and algorithms, leading to potential inaccuracies in inspection results due to factors like camera position changes and lighting conditions, with current methods being time-consuming and inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that inspect defect types and parameters of target objects in multiple images using a visual inspection system, comparing them with known standards to confirm the availability of the system's algorithm and hardware, and providing alerts when issues are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual inspection methods are used to spot-check the visual inspection system, then the system can detect hardware issues, but the inspection efficiency is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availability detectionVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual inspection system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting its own hardware status and algorithm availability through standardized test images and automated comparison processes, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary spot-checks using pre-prepared standardized test images with known defect types before actual production inspection, allowing hardware and algorithm availability to be verified in advance without affecting production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If comprehensive spot-checking of all cameras and algorithms is performed, then system reliability is improved, but the inspection time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidspot-check duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs spot-checks on a selective basis rather than comprehensive inspection of all cameras and algorithms simultaneously. It uses standardized test images to partially verify system components, achieving sufficient reliability without excessive time investment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The spot-check process is segmented into independent modules: hardware availability detection for each camera, algorithm availability detection, and defect type verification. These can be performed separately and efficiently, reducing overall inspection time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the visual inspection system operates without regular spot-checks, then productivity is maintained, but the accuracy of inspection results deteriorates due to hardware drift

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic spot-checks at scheduled intervals during production operations. This rhythmic verification ensures hardware and algorithm availability are maintained without continuously interrupting production, balancing productivity with inspection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback through automated detection of hardware status and algorithm performance using standardized test images. When deviations are detected, the system generates alerts or reports errors, enabling timely corrections to maintain inspection accuracy without compromising productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4358030B1Computer-implemented method and apparatus for spot- checking visual inspection system
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4358030B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4358030B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4358030B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for spot-checking a visual inspection system are disclosed. The method includes: (210) obtaining a plurality of to-be-inspected images; (220) inspecting the plurality of to-be-inspected images to obtain defect types and/or parameters of a target object in the plurality of to-be-inspected images; and (230) confirming availability of the visual inspection system based on the defect types and/or parameters.