Print Inspection Image Threshold Switching for 3D Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visual inspection of three-dimensional objects for print quality is prone to variations and errors due to inspector sensitivity, leading to inconsistent judgments on product defects.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system utilizing multiple lighting devices and image capturing techniques to synthesize images of three-dimensional objects, combined with an information processing apparatus that analyzes and compares images to determine print quality, reducing inspector burden and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection by inspector is used to inspect print quality, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but inspection accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to inspector sensitivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system with an automated optical inspection system. The imaging device captures images of the inspection target object, and the image processing apparatus automatically analyzes these images to detect print quality defects. This substitution eliminates human inspector sensitivity variations while maintaining relatively simple equipment requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If automated image processing is used to inspect print quality, then inspection accuracy and consistency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into two functional modules: an imaging device that captures images and an image processing apparatus that analyzes the images. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design. The imaging device can be a standard camera, and the image processing apparatus can be a conventional computer with image processing software, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If visual inspection by inspector is used, then equipment cost is low, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to heavy inspector burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service inspection system where the imaging device and image processing apparatus automatically perform the inspection without requiring human inspectors. The system captures images, processes them through algorithms, and automatically determines print quality. This eliminates the heavy burden on inspectors and significantly improves productivity and inspection efficiency while keeping equipment costs relatively low.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inspection system (1) includes: an identification unit (206) configured to determine whether a predetermined pattern is present in a master image of an inspection target object; an image acquisition unit (201, 202, 203, 204) configured to acquire an inspection target image of the inspection target object from an image captured by an image capturing device; an inspection unit (208) configured to compare the master image of the inspection target object with the inspection target image, to inspect the inspection target object; and a threshold switching unit (207) configured to switch a threshold value used in comparing the master image with the inspection target image of the inspection target object by the inspection unit (208) depending on a determination result by the identification unit (206).