Case Study

Industrial machine learning

Backlight inspection card
background-graphic
Introduction

Helping the quartz glass tube industry solve a challenging inspection task

The word “machine learning” is used when a machine imitates "cognitive" functions, often associated with humans. Hybrid vision which JLI has introduced is a combination of:

- Machine learning
- Standard machine vision
- Craftsmanship

Hybrid vision is the perfect solution for the classification of defects. Traditional inspection has been done manually as the production
speed is typically fairly low on quartz tube lines.

Replacing manual inspection with standard machine vision solves some of the problems with manual inspection, but for quartz glass tubes, it is mandatory to distinguish between open and closed airlines. This can be achieved by adding Machine Learning to the standard Machine vision system.

The standard machine vision system is able to detect all airlines and other defects. Images of all detected defects are then fed to the machine learning network that returns a likelihood of the defects being one of the typically 4 different types of defect including open- and closed airline.

The machine learning network is trained by pictures recorded earlier from the standard machine vision system, so the cooperation of the two types of vision helps get the system to perform as specified.

This training can be done in a week or so after installation, as the collection of pictures is automated and only a fraction of the pictures need to be sorted manually before training. Sorting open and closed airlines has so far not been possible to do reliably, but with Hybrid Vision, it is now possible.

JL Vision-ekspert-SK
Challenge

Replacing manual inspection with an automated process

Going from manual inspection to an automated system can be a challenge.

One thing is that manual inspection is not always very repeatable, an automated system can be a challenge to set up so it works the same way as the average manual inspector.

The machine learning part helps as the system can be retrained with samples that gradually bring the automated system in alignment with the previous manual inspection, but with both higher accuracy and repeatability.

SK2
Solution

Inspection on the production line

JLI designed, manufactured, and installed an inspection system that inspects quartz glass tubes while the tubes are being transported through the system.

The tubes are scanned and processed using a combination of standard machine vision (selects candidates) and machine learning (classifies candidates).

Results and benefits
Classification accuracy is >95% which is better and more consistent than the previous manual inspection.
Group 50 (1)
Rather have a PDF?

Download the case study 

 

Can we help you, too?

Image
Henrik Birk Sales Manager

Send me an email at hb@jlivision.com
or book a meeting, and let's find out how we can help you.

Book a meeting here
HB portrait square