X-Ray Inspection Data Synchronization for Simpler Defect Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The configuration of conventional X-ray inspection apparatuses becomes complicated due to the need to integrate and synchronize detection results from both article detection units and X-ray detection units, making it difficult to determine article defects based on X-ray inspection images.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray inspection apparatus with a first control unit that acquires and associates detection data from both X-ray and article detection units, generating inspection data that simplifies the process for a second control unit to generate X-ray inspection images and determine defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the control unit integrates and synchronizes detection results from both article detection units and X-ray detection units, then the accuracy of article defect determination is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of article defect determinationVSAvoidcontrol unit configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control functions into two separate control units: a first control unit that handles X-ray detection data processing and image generation, and a second control unit that handles article detection data processing. This segmentation allows each control unit to specialize in specific tasks, improving the accuracy of defect determination through synchronized detection results while avoiding the complexity of a single integrated control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a timing synchronization mechanism as an intermediary between the first and second control units. This intermediary component coordinates the detection timing information from both control units, enabling accurate association of X-ray images with corresponding articles without requiring complex integration logic in either control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the first control unit acquires and associates detection data from both X-ray and article detection units, then the efficiency of generating X-ray inspection images is improved, but the first control unit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of generating X-ray inspection imagesVSAvoidfirst control unit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the article detection data processing function from the first control unit and assigns it to a separate second control unit. The first control unit only handles X-ray detection data acquisition, processing, and image generation, while the second control unit handles article detection data. This extraction improves the efficiency of X-ray image generation by eliminating unnecessary data processing steps in the first control unit while maintaining the benefits of synchronized detection through the second control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Simplifies the control unit configuration by synchronizing detection results, allowing for efficient generation of X-ray inspection images and accurate defect determination without complex synchronization processes.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray irradiation unit (6) configured to irradiate the article with X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray irradiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detection unit (7) configured to detect the X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4682518A1X-ray inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP4682518A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4682518A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4682518A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide an X-ray inspection apparatus (1) that can simplify a configuration of a control unit (10, 20) configured to inspect whether an article (G) is defective or not even when an X-ray inspection image is generated based on detection by an article detection unit (9). An X-ray inspection apparatus (1) includes a conveying unit (5), an article detection unit (9) configured to detect an article (G), an X-ray irradiation unit (6), an X-ray detection unit (7), a first control unit (10) configured to generate first data (D1) used to generate an X-ray inspection image based on a detection result of X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit (7), and a second control unit (20) configured to determine whether the article (G) is defective or not based on the X-ray inspection image. The first control unit (10) acquires, in addition to the first data (D1), second data (D2) that is information related to a detection result by the article detection unit (9) and generates inspection datum (D3) including a first region (R1) in which the first data (D1) is stored and a second region (R2) in which the second data (D2) is stored. The second control unit (20) generates the X-ray inspection image based on the inspection data (D3) generated by the first control unit (10).