Jet Dispenser Identification via Optical Pattern Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing systems lack effective mechanisms for identifying and tracking individual components, such as non-contact viscous material dispensers, which hinders process control and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A jet dispenser identification system utilizing a camera and controller to acquire digital images, identify patterns, compare them with stored patterns, and provide identifier values, potentially using neural networks for similarity calculations and component recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no identification mechanism is implemented, then the system remains simple, but component tracking and process control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through a camera to capture images of components, creating a digital representation that can be stored and compared. This allows identification without physical contact or complex sensing mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by using a simple optical copy rather than complex direct detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods (such as physical tags or mechanical sensors) with an optical-electronic system using cameras and image processing. This substitution enables non-contact identification while maintaining system simplicity, as the camera and processor can be integrated into existing manufacturing equipment without adding complex mechanical components.
2Productivity
If manual tracking methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but productivity and tracking accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-identification of components through the camera and processor that continuously capture and compare component images. The system serves itself by automatically tracking components without human intervention, significantly improving productivity while the automated nature eliminates manual tracking errors and inefficiencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the processor continuously compares current component images with stored reference images, identifies matches, and updates tracking records. This automated feedback mechanism enables real-time component identification and tracking, improving productivity while the digital feedback system is simpler than manual tracking processes.
3Measurement precision
If pattern recognition algorithms are used, then identification accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing reference images and their corresponding component information in a database before actual identification is needed. During operation, the system only needs to compare new component images against these pre-stored references, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy through the use of comprehensive reference databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial pattern recognition by focusing on specific distinguishing features of components rather than analyzing every detail. The processor identifies components by comparing key visual characteristics against stored references, achieving sufficient accuracy without the computational burden of complete pattern analysis, thus reducing processing time while maintaining identification precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system for dispensing a fluid material onto a substrate includes a jet dispenser configured to receive the fluid material therein, the jet dispenser having a jet cartridge operably connected thereto, the jet cartridge being configured to receive the fluid material from the jet dispenser and having a nozzle through which the fluid material is discharged towards the substrate; a camera configured to acquire a digital image of the jet dispenser; and a controller having a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to: identify, on the digital image of the jet dispenser, an identified pattern of features present on the jet dispenser; compare the identified pattern with a stored pattern, the stored pattern being stored in the memory; calculate the similarity between the identified pattern and the stored pattern; and provide an identifier value associated with the stored pattern.