Editing Step-and-Repeat Instructions in Machine Vision Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine vision inspection systems lack a convenient method for unskilled users to edit or make adjustments to step-and-repeat programming instructions, which are essential for precision and versatility in inspecting arrays of workpiece features.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that convert step-and-repeat operation instructions into independently-editable code blocks, allowing users to edit each block separately within a graphical user interface, eliminating the need for complex text-based programming and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If step-and-repeat programming instructions are used for precision inspection of workpiece arrays, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because unskilled users cannot easily edit the instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the step-and-repeat programming instructions into multiple independently-editable code blocks, where each code block corresponds to a specific feature location in the workpiece array. This segmentation allows users to edit individual features without affecting others, transforming the originally monolithic and difficult-to-edit program into manageable, independent units that maintain precision while improving editability.
2Productivity
If text-based programming is used for step-and-repeat operations, then productivity is improved through automation, but device complexity increases making the system harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface (GUI) as an intermediary between the user and the text-based programming system. The GUI provides visual tools for creating and editing step-and-repeat instructions, translating user-friendly graphical interactions into the underlying text-based code. This intermediary maintains the automation efficiency of text-based programming while eliminating its complexity for end users.
3Ease of operation
If step-and-repeat instructions are converted to independently-editable code blocks, then ease of operation is improved allowing flexible editing, but device complexity increases due to the conversion mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a conversion mechanism that automatically transforms step-and-repeat programming instructions into independently-editable code blocks without requiring manual intervention. The system performs the conversion autonomously, generating the appropriate code structure and organizing it into editable blocks. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the perceived complexity for users, as the conversion happens automatically rather than requiring users to understand or manage the conversion process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, a GUI and a method are provided that allow intuitive, flexible and robust editing of individually editable instructions generated by conversion operations applied to a defined step-and-repeat programming element in a machine vision inspection system. The method includes: a) Converting a defined step-and-repeat programming element to generate N independently-editable code blocks including an independently-editable substantial replication of a repeated operation block of the step-and-repeat element, each of code blocks executed at a respective location corresponding to a step and repeat location; b) Representing the code blocks in an editing GUI; and c) Eliminating the defined step-and-repeat programming element as an editable element. The defined step-and-repeat programming element may be represented in the editing GUI. The conversion operations may be initiated by a user activating a step and repeat conversion command directed to the defined step-and-repeat programming element.