Services · Feasibility Study

Feasibility study for a reliable vision system

With a feasibility study, we clarify before implementation whether and under which conditions your inspection task can be reliably automated. To do so, we examine real sample parts, test suitable cameras, lenses and lighting, and develop a first image-processing approach.

01 · Overview

The first step towards
a reliable vision solution.

Not every inspection task can be solved with the same camera, lighting or software. That is why every THOPinspect project begins with a feasibility study. Together we examine your application under real conditions and develop the optimal vision solution – before you invest.

The feasibility study covers
  • 01
    Analysis of the inspection taskCapturing requirements, cycle time and quality criteria.
  • 02
    Test setupSelection and testing of suitable camera, lens and lighting concepts.
  • 03
    Image-processing developmentRule-based image processing or AI – matched to your inspection task.
  • 04
    Evaluation of resultsAssessment of detection rate, robustness and process reliability.
  • 05
    Documentation & recommendationSummary of results and recommendation of the suitable THOPinspect system.
  • 06
    Closing discussionJoint review of the results and definition of the next steps.
02 · Investigation

What is examined?

  • FeaturesGood and defective characteristics
  • OpticsField of view, required resolution, camera and lens
  • SetupWorking distance and lighting geometry
  • EnvironmentAmbient light influences
  • SoftwareImage-processing method
  • StabilityRepeatability and robustness
  • ProcessCycle time and possible machine integration
03 · System choice

Which system solution follows from this?

Depending on the outcome of the feasibility study, we recommend the suitable system – this may be a THOPinspect system, an individual integration, or a standard system from Keyence, Cognex, wenglor or another manufacturer if that is the most economical solution.

04 · FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When does a feasibility study for a vision system make sense?

A feasibility study makes sense whenever it needs to be established, before implementation, whether an optical inspection is technically reliable and economically viable. This applies in particular to small or hard-to-detect defects, varying surfaces and materials, multiple product variants or short cycle times.

It also provides a sound basis for decisions when selecting camera and lighting, when comparing rule-based image processing with AI, when replacing a manual visual inspection, and when retrofitting existing production lines.

What does the result of a feasibility study include?

At the end, the customer receives a documented assessment of the inspection task. This includes the test setup, meaningful example images, the lighting and image processing used, as well as the inspection results achieved.

On this basis, THOP provides a concrete recommendation for the next steps and, where required, a sound quotation for the vision system, the machine integration and the software.

What information and parts are needed to start?

To start, THOP needs representative good, defective and borderline sample parts as well as a description of the inspection task. Also important are known defect patterns, material and surface characteristics, product variants, the target cycle time and part positioning.

In addition, we clarify the installation situation, existing machine and control technology, interfaces, requirements for HMI and operation, as well as the desired documentation and traceability. The required details are captured in a structured way using a shared checklist.

How is it decided whether rule-based image processing or AI is used?

The suitable technology is assessed on the basis of defect patterns, part variance, data availability, cycle time and the required inspection reliability. The aim is not to use AI for its own sake, but to arrive at a robust, understandable and maintainable solution.

Contact

Have your inspection task examined

Send us a description, images or sample parts. Together we define the sensible scope of the feasibility study.

Request a feasibility study