【Case Study】Reduce human error by automating visual inspection! Image processing system ‘MoMaVi’

15/12/2022

Samurai Asia Editorial Department

"Industrial cameras and image inspection equipment have too much functions and they are too expensive..."
"Don't have the budget for multiple machine vision systems..."
"Want to try to see if automation is possible for the time being..."

The image processing system"MoMaVi" developed by Mars Tohken Solutions solves various problems in all types of inspections at low cost. In this article, we will introduce the features of MoMaVi and its innovative use beyond the manufacturer's expectations.

Simple, easy and low-cost!
What is the image processing system "MoMaVi"?

MoMaVi is an image processing system that can perform various inspection of precision parts and count the quantity of objects utilizing a smartphone. Mechanization not only aims to eliminate false positives and omissions caused by visual inspection, it is worth mentioning that all types of image processing at low cost with a simple device configuration using a smartphone camera can be achieved, without the need to introduce expensive equipment such as "image inspection equipment," "industrial cameras" and "dedicated lighting”.

＜With MoMaVi, the following can be inspected＞

■ Presence inspection : Checks the presence or absence of things that should be there.

■ Color order inspection : Checks the order of different colored parts.

■ Quantity counting: Counts things in boxes and pallets

■ Pattern inspection: Check for missing or positions of logos and other printing

■ Shape inspection: Inspects the shape of plastic and metal parts

■ Inspection of large areas: MoMaVi can inspect large areas with a single camera

In addition to these, it can be used for various other inspections such as "counting the number of colors," "surface inspection," etc., depending on the idea.

Case study of use in Thailand for measuring the viscosity of liquids Automate everything from measurement to data management!

The following is an example that proves MoMaVi's ability to perform inspections that previously had to be performed visually or with expensive specialized equipment.

SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD., a Thai subsidiary of Japanese chemical manufacturer Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., has implemented a liquid viscosity measurement system using MoMaVi.

Viscosity measurement of liquids
Viscosity is calculated by measuring the time it takes for the surface of the water (liquid) to fall from the upper line to the lower line in the thermostatic chamber.

Before
The moments the water surface passed the upper and lower lines were visually observed and measured using a stopwatch.

Problems faced by conventional measurement methods
・Variation in measurement results occurs
・It is difficult to concentrate on other tasks during measurement
・Failure to do so would result in starting over from the beginning
・It is time-consuming and labor-intensive to perform measurement and viscosity calculation
・Specialized viscosity measuring equipment is expensive

After
MoMavi was deployed. The following benefits were realized by using a smartphone camera to determine and automatically start and end measurements.

▲Liquid viscosity measurement solution using MoMavi

◎No variation in measurement results
Start and end timing is determined mechanically in units of 0.001 seconds. The same results are obtained no matter by who or how many times the measurement is performed.

◎Other tasks can be performed while measuring & Worry-free
After pressing the start button for the measurement, let MoMaVi take care of a series of tasks. Not only other works can be done at the same time without worrying about the end time, but no need to redo it, which dramatically improves work efficiency.

◎Automatic viscosity calculation & data management
No more time and effort spent on multiple calculations and careful checks with a calculator. After MoMaVi calculates viscosity, it automatically sends data to LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and issues COA (Certificate of Analysis). By linking MoMaVi with the data management system, further operational efficiency was achieved.

▲Image identification allows smartphone to measure how long the liquid has been flowing.

Sanyo Chemical Industries and Mars Tohken Continuing to take on new challenges in Thailand

The company's LIMS is handled by Freewill-Mars Tohken Co., Ltd., and Thai subsidiary of each other have been associated for a long time.

"When I heard about the development concept of MoMaVi from Mr. Shima, I came up with the idea of using it for viscosity measurement. In our work as chemical manufacturers, reliability is of the utmost importance. That said, on the other hand, people make mistakes. However, if we make a mistake in analysis, we lose the trust of our customers, and the individual who made the mistake is also depressed, and I have seen this happen many times in the past. Managers should try not to blame the individual who made a mistake in analysis, so we are sincerely satisfied with the improvement effect by MoMaVi, and we are sharing the effect of the newly developed system with our group companies. Based on the results of this case, we plan to adopt the system for inspections of new products. We expect Mars Tohken to continue to provide us with advanced solutions that will contribute to the development of our business" ＜Mr. Mitsuhashi, SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.＞

Interview support: SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.
The Thai subsidiary of Japanese chemical manufacturer Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. The company's main products are surfactants and superabsorbent polymers, and it provides cutting-edge technologies in a wide range of fields such as automobiles, electrical and electronics, printing, cosmetics, and medical care.

▲From left to right: President Maeda and Mr. Mitsuhashi of SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD., and Mr. Shima and Mr. Jihong of Mars Tohken

Hirokazu Mitsuhashi
Factory Manager / Director　
2002 Joined Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd. and engaged in research and development
2010 Engaged in quality assurance and plant operation at a production base in Japan
2018 Assigned to SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.
After heading the Quality Assurance and Service Lab, assumed the position of factory manager

If you are interested in the image processing system "MoMaVi", or if you are considering deploying automated solutions using image recognition, 2D codes and RFID in Thailand, please contact us using the form below.

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