Laon People registers patent on AI vision inspection, methods in China

Laon People, South Korea's Kosdaq-listed company specializing in AI-based vision inspection solutions, said Monday that it has registered a patent in China for a "defect detection device and methods" in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) vision inspection.

The main focus of this patent is AI machine vision inspection technology that improves defect detection performance based on images. It is mainly used to detect defects in mass-produced items. By detecting defects in intermediate or final products in the electronic production process, such as printed circuit boards or fully assembled circuits, it is possible to reduce the defect ratios.

As it can be applied to printed materials such as wrapping paper or labels or to various mass-produced items, it is expected to be highly sought after among manufacturers and distributors in China.

Although Laon People's financial performance suffered due to COVID-19 and the US-China trade conflict due to its high reliance on Chinese customers, earnings have largely rebounded, with sales continuing in the black until the third quarter of this year as sales of its flagship businesses in the domestic market showed signs of fast recovery.

"We expect that the Chinese market will have a re-opening effect due to its policy to lift the quarantine lockdown and stimulate consumer spending. Our patent targeting the Chinese market will play an important role in the AI vision inspection business," said an official of Laon People.

Write to Seung-Woo Lee at leeswoo@hankyung.com