2|inspect
The man-machine team
for visual inspection
A new dimension in visual inspection
for
quality assurance
2|inspect lets you see all details!
Visual inspection in mechanical engineering
The unit has just been completed and is ready for shipment. A final check should ensure the customer’s full satisfaction:
Are all wires connected? All clamps set correctly? All necessary covers in place? Is the correct nameplate attached?
The visual inspection of complex products with modular variance and very different inspection points is demanding. Large and unwieldy objects in particular are a major challenge for the inspector.
End of line testing
The end-of-line inspection is the final step before the assembled product is shipped to the customer. Usually, the completeness and correct fit of all components is checked in this inspection step. The first sample against which each test point is compared, serves as a reference for perfect product condition. If the inspector detects a deviation, he must decide whether he can correct it immediately by simple rework or whether he must send the product back to assembly.
The complexity of modular product variants
Highly variant small series that result from modular design approaches are very complex to test:
Have the correct spark plug connector and base feet been installed for the variant? Does the tube connection have the correct orientation? Has the right nameplate been attached? Is the tank cap correct according to the customer request?
The number of product variants increases exponentially with the possible combinations of components. And the higher the number of variants, the less likely an inspector has encountered a particular product variant before. This means the inspector has to adjust to each product that potentially exhibits only a slight variation. In order not to make any mistakes at this point in the production process, the tester will proceed very conscientiously and possibly repeat test steps just to be sure, which significantly slows down the test.
CAVI - computer assisted visual inspection
Complex inspection tasks can be mastered efficiently when man and machine join forces to form an inspection team. In Computer Assisted Visual Inspection (CAVI), both man and machine play to their specific strengths. While the computer does not overlook anything and does not forget any inspection point, the human has the necessary expertise to make complex decisions: Does a detected deviation still fulfill the order? Can the error be corrected or is the component deficient?
Computer systems with artificial intelligence can learn from human decisions. This enables the inspector to train his own virtual assistant over time. The assistant can increasingly make independent decisions about inspection cases and relieve the human in his complex inspection task.
What is 2|inspect?
2|inspect is a system for visual inspection in quality assurance. The software supports the planner in creating the inspection instruction and the inspector in performing the inspection. The inspection system has two product levels: on the one hand, workflow optimization in the inspection process and, on the other hand, an interactive assistant for the inspector, which can be amended on a modular basis.
Stage 1: Workflow optimization
Without connection to a training system, 2|inspect detects all defined points of the inspection object. Deviations from the reference object are detected and prioritized on a pixel basis. The inspector benefits from complete detection and the clear presentation of all inspection points in a table. This enables structured step-by-step inspection and automatic documentation of all inspection activities.
Stage 2: Inspection assistant
When you use 2|inspect TRAINING, the system learns which test points are OK and which are NOT OK by observing the inspector. During the training period, the software coordinates its training progress with the tester. In this way, you recognize the current maturity level of the decision models at any time and can decide how far you want to trust the automatic defect detection. As the training progresses, the software evaluates the test tasks more and more independently, thus gradually relieving the tester of his workload.
The 2|inspect system
The 2|inspect system consists of 3 components: the 2|inspect APP, the WORKPLACE software and 2|inspect TRAINING:
2|inspect APP
The 2|inspect app on a mobile device* is the central tool for the inspector: it is used to record, compare, evaluate and document. In addition, the app is also used to shoot all necessary images for creating the inspection instruction.
*for WINDOWS operating systems
WORKPLACE
The workplace software on the workstation offers the inspection instruction designer all necessary convenience for marking the inspection points and defining the inspection task. New inspection assistants are created here. The app and workplace software exchange all necessary data via a local wireless connection.
2|inspect TRAINING
A temporary connection to the training server is established* to train the virtual inspection assistants. The user decides whether and when to send collected test images in encrypted form. The training result is played back to the workplace and is then also available to the tester on the mobile devices.
*encrypted data connection to secure servers located in Germany
All benefits at a glance
- mobile: suitable for use on large, immovable test objects
- uses image processing and can locate all inspection points automatically
- provides an inspection workflow that handles all inspection points in a structured and clear manner
- provides a training system that learns from - and increasingly relieves the burden on - the inspector
- provides another, independent test result = double inspection system
- provides complete documentation for traceable test results
Interested in 2|inspect?
Contact us for a free demonstration.
