Counting of Integrated Circuits by photo or video

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for counting integrated circuits (ICs) contained in anti-static shipping tubes, specifically exploring automated counting techniques using photo or video technology. Participants consider various approaches, including machine vision, weighing, and coding solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a quick, cheap, and reliable method for counting ICs using photos or videos.
  • Another suggests weighing the ICs as an alternative to visual counting methods.
  • A participant mentions the availability of a counting app in the Apple Store, implying that AI could simplify the task.
  • Machine vision is proposed as a viable solution, with references to specific manufacturers like Cognex, Keyence, and Omron.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of visual counting unless significant effort is put into custom coding, with a suggestion to use mathematical morphology techniques in tools like MATLAB or ImageJ.
  • One participant questions whether all ICs are identical, suggesting weighing as a method if they are.
  • A later reply mentions the use of a laser sensor to count the pins on the ICs as a potential method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness of different counting methods, with no consensus reached on the best approach. Some advocate for machine vision, while others suggest weighing or coding solutions, indicating multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential limitations of visual counting methods, including the need for custom coding and the accuracy of different techniques. There is also uncertainty regarding the uniformity of the ICs, which could affect the choice of counting method.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in electronics manufacturing, quality control, or anyone looking for efficient methods to count small components in bulk.

Devildog
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
Counting of Integrated Circuits by photo or video
I am looking for a quick, cheap yet reliable way to count IC's that are in anti-statis shipping tubes. I am thinking of a way to count automatically via a photo or video?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

Can you post a few representative photos? Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window to upload the images.

Have you considered using weighing instead of photo/video?
 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DaveE, phyzguy and Baluncore
There's a counting app in apple store. You can probably try before you buy.

It's almost a trivial task for new AI, I reckon.
 
Search machine vision. This should be a near trivial task for a modern machine vision system. There are a number of good machine vision manufacturers that can supply a good and reliable system. Just do not expect it to be cheap.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dlgoff
Are they all the same. If so, can you weigh them?
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: sophiecentaur
berkeman said:
Welcome to PF.

Can you post a few representative photos? Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window to upload the images.

Have you considered using weighing instead of photo/video?
currently looking at using a laser sensor to count the pins on the IC
 
As someone suggested, you should look into machine vision. You should be able to achieve exactly what you're looking for via "cameras" / sensors. Some brands to take a look at - Cognex, Keyence, Omron.
 
Reply
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
I wouldn't suggest this as an accurate way unless you really put a lot into your own code, but I wanted to share maybe a crude fast way if you know roughly which shapes you are looking for you can use mathematical morphology on a tool like matlab or (free) imagej. On MATLAB i'll use something like strel() and imerode() followed by bwlabel() https://www.mathworks.com/help/images/ref/bwlabel.html

When I look at packages usually ICs are much bigger than passives like bypass caps so I would make a rectangle or diamond that's slightly bigger than the passives and you might be able to get away with that.
 

Similar threads

Why is silicon the preferred material for wafers in integrated circuits?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Window fan: Bypassing thermostat with a button
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Building a Counting Circuit | Dane Peagler
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Simple Seven Segment Counter Project Help?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Switching from Law to Integrated Circuit Design/Semiconductors at Low Cost?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Reliability of LEDs: PF Members' Views and Experience
  • · Replies 99 ·
4
Replies
99
Views
9K
Undergrad Would aluminium foil increase copper tubing insulation?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Concentrated arcs in bubble chamber photos
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Combinatorics: Counting quadrilaterals in triangle pattern
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Know any good Semiconductor/Integrated Circuit dvds?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K