Equipment Custom-MadeCustom-Made Equipment

Visual inspection systems are composed of elements such as lighting equipment to illuminate the inspection target, lenses to adjust focal length and depth of field, and cameras for imaging.
In visual inspection, the most crucial aspect is accurately capturing images of the inspection target. To accurately capture the inspection target, it is essential to determine the optimal camera placement conditions and adjust the lighting equipment and illumination methods accordingly.
NIC’s custom-made non-destructive inspection systems allow for the combination of equipment required for image processing, enabling flexible integration of lenses and lighting devices tailored to specific applications. We carefully select and optimally design equipment to ensure stable image inspections.

Image Detection Flow in Visual Inspection

①Lighting

The purpose of lighting is to illuminate the inspection target and enable the extraction of specific characteristic information, such as scratches, dents, or foreign objects. Clear images produced by appropriate lighting are essential for stable detection in visual inspections.
LED lighting involves selection criteria such as the method of illumination, shape, and color (wavelength). Shapes include specular reflection types, diffuse reflection types, and transmission types.

②Camera

The cameras used in visual inspection systems are selected based on the size of the inspection target and the level of detail required, such as the size of scratches or foreign objects to be detected.
An image sensor processes the images captured by the camera internally and outputs the presence, absence, or differences of the target object. Specifically, it calculates the target object’s features such as area, centroid, length, and position, and provides data or judgment results.
The accuracy of an image is determined by the camera’s pixel count and image resolution. The pixel count refers to the number of points that make up an image. A higher pixel count results in a clearer and more detailed image. Pixel resolution refers to the size of the individual points (pixels) that make up an image.
Since the accuracy of the observable details varies depending on the pixel count and image resolution, it is essential to select the camera performance according to the inspection’s purpose and application.

③Lens

Various types of lenses are used in visual inspections, and it is essential to select and utilize them appropriately based on the application and conditions. The performance of camera lenses such as field of view, focal length, depth of field, and distortion significantly affects the inspection results.
Focal length and depth of field are critical for achieving image stabilization.

④Depth of Field (DOF)

Depth of field refers to the range in front of and behind a specific point where the image remains in focus and appears sharp. When the depth of field is shallow, the range in focus is limited, resulting in the subject (inspection target) being captured with high clarity while the background appears significantly blurred.
Conversely, when the depth of field is deep, the range in focus expands, capturing both the subject (inspection target) and the background with clarity.

Software Custom-MadeCustom-Made Software Development

Visual inspection processes the images of inspection targets using hardware such as cameras and lighting, as well as the software that operates these components. By custom-designing image processing software and optimally integrating it with the equipment, we deliver exceptional non-destructive inspection solutions.
NIC has responded to numerous customer requests over the years, developing a wide variety of image processing software. We continue to advance image processing technology, including sophisticated image classification, improved processing accuracy, and automation of visual inspections.

Mechanism of Visual Inspection / Image Processing

Types of Evaluation

We develop software tailored to various applications. We conduct detailed consultations with our customers to understand their specific criteria such as standards for determining foreign objects or alignment positions, and customize the settings accordingly.

Visual Inspection

We inspect the product’s surface for foreign objects, scratches, defects, and other issues.

Alignment and
Positioning

We measure whether the position and angle deviate from the specified standards.

Dimensional
Measurement

We verify whether the product’s processing and assembly meet the specified requirements. Additionally, it is possible to measure voids and gaps.

Presence/Absence and
Missing Parts Detection

We check whether there are any missing or excess components and verify the quantities are correct.

Optical Character
Recognition (OCR)

We recognize printed characters on the product and determine their accuracy.

Data ProcessingData Processing

We analyze the data obtained from visual inspections and process and manage it appropriately. By aggregating and visualizing inspection data, it can be utilized for analysis aimed at improving product quality and optimizing processes. We also support quantity aggregation on a daily or monthly basis as well as report printing, contributing to the efficiency of data management.

NIC’s Non-Destructive Inspection Types