Manufacturing Task Analysis Using Images and Tool Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in automatically analyzing tasks in manufacturing processes, particularly for indented products where task sequences and product designs differ significantly, making it difficult to accurately determine task completion.

Innovation Solution

An analysis device that receives images from an imaging device and detection signals from tools used in manufacturing tasks, utilizing end determination data to accurately determine the completion of each task based on consistent product states and signal patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual checks are used to determine task completion, then accuracy of task analysis is improved, but labor costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask completion detection accuracyVSAvoidtime for manual checks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated analysis device that uses imaging devices to capture images and AI algorithms to analyze task completion. The system automatically compares captured images with reference images to determine whether tasks are completed, eliminating the need for manual checks while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the manufacturing system to automatically monitor and determine task completion without external human intervention. The analysis device continuously captures images and autonomously determines task status, allowing the production line to self-regulate and report completion status automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated analysis is implemented, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask analysis efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis device is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple types of tasks and products through configurable reference images and AI algorithms. Rather than requiring separate systems for each task type, a single multi-functional device adapts to different manufacturing scenarios by loading appropriate reference data and analysis parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary analysis device that sits between the manufacturing process and the control system. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex image analysis and task determination logic in a dedicated unit, rather than distributing complexity across multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional task monitoring methods are used, then system complexity is kept low, but adaptability to different products and task sequences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different manufacturing processesVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the reference images and analysis parameters to be updated and reconfigured for different products and task sequences. The AI algorithms dynamically adjust to new task types by learning from reference data, enabling the system to adapt to varying manufacturing requirements without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to achieve adaptability by modifying analysis parameters, reference images, and threshold values based on the specific product and task being monitored. Rather than changing the physical system structure, the solution changes software parameters and data inputs to accommodate different manufacturing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250044766A1Analysis device, analysis system, analysis method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 KK TOSHIBA
  • US20250044766A1 patent drawing
  • US20250044766A1 patent drawing
  • US20250044766A1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an analysis device performs an analysis related to a plurality of tasks of a manufacturing process. The analysis device receives an image when each of the plurality of tasks is performed. The analysis device receives the images from an imaging device acquiring the images. The analysis device receives a detection signal from a tool used in at least one of the plurality of tasks. The detection signal is detected by the tool. The analysis device refers to end determination data for determining an end of each of the plurality of tasks. The analysis device determines the end of each of the plurality of tasks based on the images, the detection signal, and the end determination data.