Exceeding the Inspection Capabilities of Both Human Vision and Machine Vision

Human visual perception provides tolerances for acceptable levels of quality in a device's cosmetic appearance, but human inspectors are increasingly costly and subject to fatigue and inconsistency. Traditional machine vision systems can automate inspection tasks, but fall short on imaging sensitivity, thus these systems may miss subtle or low-contrast defects that have a critical impact on overall device quality. The INSPECT platform leverages Radiant imaging systems that replicate the acuity of human perception while offering the advantages of automation and repeatability.

Combined with a ProMetric® high-resolution, low-noise imaging system from Radiant Vision Systems, INSPECT Software detects subtle, low-contrast defects on surfaces and devices. Manufacturers who need to meet expectations for high quality product appearance require precise and efficient visual inspection. With INSPECT tools, images are analyzed to identify diverse features simultaneously, both predictable (e.g., logos and icons) and randomly occurring (e.g., surface defects) to ensure finish quality. Advanced logic within the INSPECT platform allows users to apply specific defect tolerances for pass/fail determinations in production inspection.

INSPECT is a set of tools that enable users to apply the power of scientific-grade imaging systems to address uniquely challenging visual inspection tasks using in-house resources and with full control of the resulting intellectual property (IP). The INSPECT workflow engine supports rapid prototyping that readily transitions to production line applications, such as integration into custom fixtures and manufacturing systems for fully automated quality control.

INSPECT Software Tools and Features

A specialized software platform for automated machine vision solution development, INSPECT provides a flexible framework with a powerful set of image pre-processing and analysis tools for custom visual inspection.

Software Tools

• Align and Crop
• Blob
• Convolution
• Define Region
• Find Edge
• Find Shape
• Histogram
• Local Threshold    
• Min/Max
• Region Complement
• Region Morphology
• Region Set Math
• Set Region
• Template Match
• Threshold

Communications

• Two-way data communications function with factory automation subsystems. Protocols supported:
  • TCP/IP
  • Byte array / RS-232
  • Byte array / UDP
• An Image Output tool allows compressed images to be stored, with or without graphic overlays.

Workflow Editor

• Supports creation of custom sequences of operations that can be stored and reused.
  
  

Typical Applications

INSPECT enables easy and flexible set up of inspection routines to address a wide range of visual inspection applications including:

• Automated visual inspection of surfaces and finishes to detect dings, dents, scratches, finish non-uniformity, and other cosmetic defects
• Inspection of logos and icons on surfaces
• Product tracking, reporting, and manufacturing history for traceability and process control