Shape Classification Using User-Defined Planes and Limit Coordinates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for classifying the shape of objects, such as components in electronic devices, are limited in flexibility and accuracy, particularly in handling deviations from ideal shapes due to manufacturing inaccuracies and mechanical stresses, which can lead to assembly issues and malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for user-defined shape categories with customizable planes, points, and limit coordinates, enabling flexible classification of objects based on their surface measurements relative to a nominal shape, allowing for adaptation to new components and assembly configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a global second order fit is used to categorize objects, then the classification process is simple, but the categories are limited and fixed by the geometry of second order surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification process simplicityVSAvoidcategory flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the surface classification problem into multiple discrete planes rather than using a single global fit. Each plane can be independently defined with its own points and limit coordinates, allowing flexible categorization without being constrained by the geometry of a single second-order surface. This segmentation enables the system to handle diverse shape categories while maintaining measurement simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If fixed shape categories based on second order surfaces are used, then the classification method is straightforward, but it cannot accommodate user-defined or updated categories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification method straightforwardnessVSAvoidcategory updateability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic shape categories where the number of planes, points per plane, and limit coordinates can be flexibly defined and updated by users based on specific classification needs. Unlike fixed second-order surface categories, this system allows categories to be adapted, modified, or completely redefined without changing the underlying measurement methodology, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manufacturing inaccuracies and deformations are not accounted for, then the classification process is simpler, but assembly problems and malfunctions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification process complexityVSAvoidassembly reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by defining multiple planes with specific points and limit coordinates that can focus on critical local features of the object surface. This allows the classification system to pay special attention to regions where manufacturing inaccuracies or deformations most affect assembly reliability, rather than treating all surface areas uniformly. The local measurement approach enables detection of critical deviations without requiring complex global analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3274923B1Method for shape classification of an object
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 KLA CORP
  • EP3274923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3274923B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3274923B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for shape classification of an object is provided. Shape categories are provided which specify a plane and points therein relative to the object, and also specify at least one limit coordinate for each such point, the limit coordinate defining a boundary in a direction normal to the plane for the shape of the object considered in order for the object to be classified into a respective shape category. The shape categories can be provided by a user, making the method very flexible. The shape categories can in particular be derived from a set of samples of objects representing a shape category to be defined. For classification, the position of a surface of the object is measured at each of the points defined in the shape category, and the result is compared with the corresponding limit coordinate.