Inspection Device PTP Packaging Attribute Data Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection devices for PTP sheets face challenges in managing data efficiently, as embedding attribute information into inspection image data can alter pixel data, affecting inspection results, and writing this information into header sections complicates processing with general image processing software.

Innovation Solution

The inspection device converts data from non-inspection target areas into attribute information, allowing it to be included in the inspection image data as one file, without affecting inspection results, and enables processing with general image processing software by storing attribute information in specific areas of the image, such as corners or edges, separate from the inspection target areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If attribute information is embedded into pixel data of inspection image data, then data management is simplified and processing load is reduced, but inspection results may be affected and pixel data may mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management complexityVSAvoidinspection result reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image data into inspection target areas and non-inspection target areas. Attribute information is embedded only in the non-inspection target area pixels, separating the inspection-critical data from the attribute data. This segmentation ensures that inspection results remain reliable while still achieving simplified data management through single-file storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If attribute information is written into header information of inspection image data, then attribute information is included in inspection image data, but processing with general image processing software becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with general image processing softwareVSAvoidattribute information inclusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts attribute information from the header section and embeds it directly into the pixel data of non-inspection target areas. This approach allows attribute information to be included within the image data structure itself, ensuring compatibility with general image processing software that can read the image file without special header processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If inspection image data and attribute information are stored in separate files, then data organization is clear, but the number of files increases and data management becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata organization clarityVSAvoidnumber of files
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges inspection image data and attribute information into a single image file by embedding attribute information as pixel values in non-inspection target areas. This combination reduces the number of files from multiple separate files to a single integrated file, simplifying data management while maintaining clear organization through spatial separation of inspection and attribute data within the same file.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration simplifies data management, reduces processing load, and ensures reliable inspection results by keeping attribute information separate from inspection data, allowing for efficient storage and processing of inspection image data using general software.

Implementation Method 1

an irradiator configured to irradiate at least an inspection object, which is a PTP sheet or a portion that eventually forms the PTP sheet, with light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an imaging unit configured to take an image of the inspection object that is irradiated with the light emitted from the irradiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3553504B1Inspection device and PTP packaging machine
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 CKD CORP
  • EP3553504B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3553504B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3553504B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

There is provided an inspection device or the like that prevents an inspection from being affected, that allows for processing using a general image processing software, that enables attribute information to be included in inspection image data, and that simplifies data management and reduces the processing load. The inspection device includes a quality judgment unit configured to determine whether an inspection object is defective or non-defective, based on inspection image data that is data of an inspection image with regard to the inspection object. The inspection image data includes data of respective pixels corresponding to an inspection target area TA2 that is an object of determination by the quality judgment unit and data of respective pixels corresponding to a non-inspection target area TB2 that is an area other than the inspection target area TA2. The inspection device is also configured to convert at least part of data of respective pixels corresponding to the non-inspection target area TB2 into attribute information relating to an inspection.