How to Inspect Moving Objects on a Production Line with a Moving Camera
This patent describes a method and apparatus for inspecting specific defect locations on objects moving along a production line by having an optical camera move alongside the object to take images without stopping the line.
Original patent title: “Method for material testing of an object in a production and/or conveyor line and inspection apparatus”
This patent describes a method and apparatus for inspecting specific defect locations on objects moving along a production line by having an optical camera move alongside the object to take images without stopping the line. Owned by Isra Vision with 18 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2045.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a system for checking objects for flaws while they are continuously moving on a conveyor belt. Instead of stopping the object, an optical inspection device, like a camera with a microscope (claimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 3), is moved along with the object at the same speed (claim 1). This camera focuses on specific, pre-identified spots where defects might occur (claim 1). The system can take multiple images of each potential defect location (claim 4), even adjusting the camera's distance or angle slightly between images for better detail (claim 5). A robotic arm, such as a SCARA robot (claim 7), positions the camera precisely, and a sensor can measure the exact distance to the object's surface (claim 8).
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover inspection systems where the object or the optical inspection device must stop for images to be taken.
- Does not cover non-optical inspection methods, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Does not cover systems that scan an entire object surface to discover new defect locations, only those inspecting *previously identified* potential defect spots.
- Does not cover inspection where the camera is stationary and the object simply moves past it without the camera tracking its movement.
- Does not cover general quality control that isn't specifically focused on "material testing" for "defects" at identified locations.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The core innovation is performing high-resolution optical inspection of specific defect locations on an object *while both the object and the camera are continuously moving*. This avoids the need to stop the production line, which is a significant bottleneck in traditional quality control processes.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Automotive component inspection on assembly lines
Semiconductor wafer inspection during fabrication
Pharmaceutical packaging quality checks for defects
Consumer electronics assembly inspection
Food and beverage container flaw detection
Why it matters
The bigger picture
In modern manufacturing, stopping a production line for quality checks can be very costly and reduce efficiency. This invention aims to solve that problem by allowing detailed inspection to happen without interrupting the flow of goods. This approach helps ensure high product quality and reduces waste, which is crucial for industries producing large volumes of items.
Filed
May 14, 2025
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Isra Vision GmbH, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is a prominent company in industrial image processing and machine vision, and they are actively developing and deploying such inspection systems. Other major players in industrial automation and robotics, such as KUKA, Fanuc, and Cognex, are also continuously innovating in high-speed, in-line quality control solutions.
Market impact
This technology directly addresses a critical need for efficient quality control in high-volume manufacturing. By enabling detailed inspection without stopping the production line, it can significantly increase throughput and reduce manufacturing costs. This could lead to higher quality products across various industries and reduce the amount of defective goods reaching consumers.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a system for checking objects for flaws while they are continuously moving on a conveyor belt. Instead of stopping the object, an optical inspection device, like a camera with a microscope (claim 3), is moved along with the object at the same speed (claim 1). This camera focuses on specific, pre-identified spots where defects might occur (claim 1). The system can take multiple images of each potential defect location (claim 4), even adjusting the camera's distance or angle slightly between images for better detail (claim 5). A robotic arm, such as a SCARA robot (claim 7), positions the camera precisely, and a sensor can measure the exact distance to the object's surface (claim 8).
The clever bit
The core innovation is performing high-resolution optical inspection of specific defect locations on an object *while both the object and the camera are continuously moving*. This avoids the need to stop the production line, which is a significant bottleneck in traditional quality control processes.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover inspection systems where the object or the optical inspection device must stop for images to be taken.
- Does not cover non-optical inspection methods, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Does not cover systems that scan an entire object surface to discover new defect locations, only those inspecting *previously identified* potential defect spots.
- Does not cover inspection where the camera is stationary and the object simply moves past it without the camera tracking its movement.
- Does not cover general quality control that isn't specifically focused on "material testing" for "defects" at identified locations.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Limited data
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
12/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$29K – $94K
Midpoint $59K · 18.7 yr remaining · industry ×1.5
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
18 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
Droste, J., Tasse, S., & Eickelberg, S. How to Inspect Moving Objects on a Production Line with a Moving Camera (U.S. Patent No. 20,250,377,309). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20250377309/method-for-material-testing-of-an-object-in-a-production-andor-conveyor-line-and
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How to Inspect Moving Objects on a Production Line with a Moving Camera cover?
This patent describes a method and apparatus for inspecting specific defect locations on objects moving along a production line by having an optical camera move alongside the object to take images without stopping the line.
Who owns patent US 20250377309?
This patent is owned by Isra Vision.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on May 14, 2045, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
In modern manufacturing, stopping a production line for quality checks can be very costly and reduce efficiency. This invention aims to solve that problem by allowing detailed inspection to happen without interrupting the flow of goods. This approach helps ensure high product quality and reduces waste, which is crucial for industries producing large volumes of items.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover inspection systems where the object or the optical inspection device must stop for images to be taken.
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