LM3 Technologies Awarded U.S. Patent for AI Vision Inspection Architecture

LM3 Technologies is proud to announce the issuance of a U.S. patent for its proprietary AI vision inspection architecture, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of scalable, intelligent quality control solutions for manufacturing environments.

The patent, titled “System and Method of Object Detection Using AI Deep Learning Models,” protects the core technical framework that powers LM3’s integrated inspection platform—specifically, the architecture behind the company’s flagship solutions: QC Hero and PAQi.

Overview of the Patented Technology

The patented system describes an innovative approach to AI-powered defect detection that combines deep learning, edge processing, and industrial automation into a cohesive and modular platform. Key elements of the protected architecture include:

• A hybrid inspection system composed of an industrial PC and integrated PLC, enabling synchronized AI processing and factory control.

• Seamless integration of camera acquisition, model inference, image annotation, defect detection, and result storage into a unified framework.

• A one-button calibration and training process that enables the system to learn and detect presence, absence, order, and position of multiple objects in the field of view.

• Scalable deployment of AI models from a central cloud platform to multiple edge-based PAQi systems.

• Built-in compatibility with robotic automation, multi-cavity inspection, and multi-camera configurations.

This approach replaces conventional rules-based vision systems and static templates with a dynamic, trainable, and operator-friendly inspection architecture.

Industry Significance

This patented architecture addresses a longstanding challenge in machine vision: the limitations of traditional, fixed-rule inspection systems in variable or high-mix production environments. By integrating deep learning models into a deployment-ready industrial controller, LM3’s system enables real-time object detection and classification without the need for custom code or hardcoded positioning constraints.

The solution is especially valuable in industries where precision, traceability, and repeatability are critical—such as medical device manufacturing, additive manufacturing, automotive assembly, and high-volume plastics production.

Applications in Manufacturing

LM3’s patented technology is already being applied in a wide range of critical use cases, including:

• Coating inspection of 3D-printed medical implants, where even minor inconsistencies can impact patient safety.

• Plastic injection molding, where defects such as short shots, voids, and sink marks must be reliably detected in real time.

• Automotive sub-assembly verification, such as wrinkle inspection in headliners, fastener presence, and layered assembly validation.

The system supports multi-zone inspection, parallel camera input, and seamless communication with MES, PLC, and SCADA systems for end-to-end automation.

Integration with LM3’s Inspection Platform

This patent serves as the technical foundation for LM3’s complete AI vision platform:

• QC Hero: A cloud-based training engine where customers can annotate data, train AI models using Google TPUs, and manage model versions across production sites.

• PAQi Controller: A ruggedized deployment unit that executes trained AI models on the factory floor, performing high-speed inspection and syncing results with backend systems.

Together, these solutions offer manufacturers a scalable, secure, and highly adaptable approach to deploying AI at the edge.

A Milestone for LM3 Technologies

“This patent represents a major step forward in our mission to simplify and scale the adoption of AI in industrial inspection,” said Michael Walt III, Director of Business Development at LM3 Technologies. “Our platform enables manufacturers to move beyond legacy systems and adopt intelligent, automated quality control with minimal integration effort.”

The patent affirms LM3’s commitment to innovation in applied AI and strengthens the company’s intellectual property position as it continues to expand across high-performance manufacturing sectors.

About LM3 Technologies

LM3 Technologies develops scalable AI vision systems for industrial quality control. Through its proprietary platform—consisting of the QC Hero training environment and PAQi deployment hardware—LM3 enables manufacturers to automate complex inspection tasks using deep learning and real-time data processing. LM3 serves clients in the medical device, automotive, plastics, and electronics industries.