A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part by a split belt conveyor so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the part.
In an alternative embodiment the method and system for optically inspecting headed manufactured parts employ an inclined split track to cause the part to traverse an inspection station by gravity feed. The part is inspected for conformity to dimensional and visual standards and sorted under control of a processor based on images of the part obtained from occluded light and reflected light while the part is within the inspection station.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 21/89 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures dans un matériau mobile, p.ex. du papier, des textiles
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
G01N 21/84 - Systèmes spécialement adaptés à des applications particulières
2.
Method and system for optically inspecting headed manufactured parts
A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part by a split belt conveyor so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the part.
In an alternative embodiment the method and system for optically inspecting headed manufactured parts employ an inclined split track to cause the part to traverse an inspection station by gravity feed. The part is inspected for conformity to dimensional and visual standards and sorted under control of a processor based on images of the part obtained from occluded light and reflected light while the part is within the inspection station.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part by a split belt conveyor so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the part.
A method and system for optically inspecting the ends of a manufactured part at a single inspection station having a measurement axis are provided. The system includes a fixture assembly having a rotatable first fixturing component and a rotatable second fixturing component mating with and removably connected to the first fixturing component to transmit torque from the first fixturing component to the second fixturing component. The second fixturing component has a device for holding the part in a generally horizontal orientation and permit rotation of the horizontally held part between first and second angular positions about the measurement axis. The system also includes an actuator assembly, an illumination device, a lens and detector assembly and at least one processor to process electrical signals generated by the lens and detector assembly to determine at least one geometric dimension or any visual defects at the ends of the part.
A method and system for optically inspecting a manufactured part at a single inspection station having a measurement axis are provided. The system comprises a fixture assembly which includes a rotatable first fixturing component to support a part in a generally vertical orientation and a rotatable second fixturing component mating with and removably connected to the first fixturing component to transmit torque from the first fixturing component to the second fixturing component. The second fixturing component includes a device for holding the part in a generally horizontal orientation and to permit rotation of the horizontally held part about the measurement axis between first and second predetermined angular positions about the axis. The system also comprises an actuator assembly, a backside illumination assembly, a frontside illumination device, a lens and detector assembly and at least one processor to process electrical signals generated by the lens and detector assembly.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01B 11/24 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des contours ou des courbes
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
A high-speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts at a pair of inspection stations and sorting the inspected parts is provided. The method includes directing a first array of angularly-spaced beams of collimated radiation at an outer peripheral surface of the part from a first side of a travel path when the part is located at a first inspection station to create a corresponding first array of unobstructed portions of the beams passing by and not blocked by the part. The method also includes directing a second array of angularly-spaced beams of collimated radiation at the outer peripheral surface of the part from a second side of the path when the part is located at a second inspection station to create a corresponding second array of unobstructed portions of the beams passing by and not blocked by the part.
A system for inspecting a component includes a fixture for holding the component, a light source disposed on one side of the component, and an optical detector disposed on the other side of the component. The detector images a portion of the outer edges of the component. A translation stage is operative to move the light source and detector in unison along the length of the component. The component is rotated through a predetermined angle about its axis.
A method and system for inspecting a manufactured part at an inspection station are provided. A supported part is rotated about a measurement axis so that the part moves at predetermined angular increments during at least one rotational scan. A backside beam of collimated radiation is directed at and is occluded by the supported part at each of a first plurality of consecutive increments of movement to create a stream of unobstructed portions of the backside beam in rapid succession passing by and not blocked by the supported part. A frontside beam of radiation is directed at and is reflected by the supported part at each of a second plurality of consecutive increments of movement to create a stream of reflected portions of the frontside beam in rapid succession. The streams of reflected and unobstructed portions are detected at the inspection station to obtain electrical signals which are processed.
A high-resolution imaging and processing method and system for determining a geometric dimension of a part is provided. The method includes directing at least one plane of collimated radiation at a surface of a supported part. Each of the planes is occluded by the part to create unobstructed first and second planar portions of the plane of radiation passing by and not blocked by the supported part and to cast a radiation shadow of the supported part. Each of the first and second planar portions has a width and contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part to be determined. The method includes increasing the width and decreasing the intensity of the first and second planar portions imaged on first and second predetermined measuring areas, respectively.
G01B 11/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
G01B 11/24 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des contours ou des courbes
G01B 11/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
10.
High-resolution imaging and processing method and system for increasing the range of a geometric dimension of a part that can be determined
A high-resolution imaging and processing method and system for increasing the range of a geometric dimension of a part that can be determined are provided. The method includes directing at least one plane of collimated radiation at a surface of the part. Each of the planes is occluded by the part to create unobstructed first and second planar portions of the plane of radiation. Each of the first and second planar portions has a width and contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the supported part to be determined. The method includes increasing the width and decreasing the intensity of the first and second planar portions imaged on a plurality of predetermined measuring areas to obtain respective elongated planar portions and to produce respective electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed to determine the geometric dimension with enhanced accuracy.
G01B 11/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
G01B 11/24 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des contours ou des courbes
G01B 11/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
11.
High-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts
A high-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts are provided. The method includes consecutively transferring the parts so that the parts move along a path which extends from a supply of parts and through an imaging station. A triangulation-based sensor head is supported at the imaging station. The sensor head is configured to generate focused lines of radiation and to sense corresponding reflected lines of radiation. The focused lines are delivered onto an end surface of each part to obtain a corresponding array of reflected lines of radiation. The sensor head senses the array of reflected lines to obtain a corresponding set of 2-D profile signals. The set of profile signals represent a 3-D view of the end surface. The set of 2-D profile signals of each part is processed to identify parts having an unacceptable defect.
B07C 5/00 - Tri selon une caractéristique ou une particularité des objets ou du matériau à trier, p.ex. tri commandé par un dispositif qui détecte ou mesure cette caractéristique ou particularité; Tri à l'aide de dispositifs manœuvrés à la main, p.ex. d'aiguillages
B07C 5/34 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières
12.
High-speed, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts
High-speed, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspection parts are provided. A plurality of angularly-spaced, triangulation-based, sensor heads are located at an imaging station to simultaneously deliver focused lines of radiation onto a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part during motion of the part relative to the focused lines to obtain corresponding arrays of reflected lines of radiation. The sensor heads simultaneously sense their corresponding arrays of reflected lines to obtain corresponding sets of 2-D profile signals. Each set of profile signals represent a 3-D view of one of the exterior side surfaces and the sets of 2-D profile signals represent a 360° panoramic composite 3-D view of the outer peripheral surface of the part.
B07C 5/00 - Tri selon une caractéristique ou une particularité des objets ou du matériau à trier, p.ex. tri commandé par un dispositif qui détecte ou mesure cette caractéristique ou particularité; Tri à l'aide de dispositifs manœuvrés à la main, p.ex. d'aiguillages
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
G01N 21/952 - Inspection de la surface extérieure de corps cylindriques ou de fils
G01N 21/84 - Systèmes spécialement adaptés à des applications particulières
13.
High speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts
A high-speed method and system for inspecting a stream of parts using at least one transparent traveling carrier of a conveyor subsystem are provided. The subsystem has a forward reach and a return reach. The method includes controllably receiving a stream of parts in rapid succession on the at least one traveling carrier and utilizing the subsystem to transfer the stream of parts in rapid succession to a part inspection station. The bottom surface of each part is illuminated through its traveling carrier with radiant energy when the part is located at the inspection station to generate reflected radiation signals which travel through its traveling carrier. A bottom image of each illuminated bottom surface is formed from the reflected radiation signals at an imaging location between the forward and return reaches at the inspection station. The bottom images are detected at the imaging location.
B07C 5/00 - Tri selon une caractéristique ou une particularité des objets ou du matériau à trier, p.ex. tri commandé par un dispositif qui détecte ou mesure cette caractéristique ou particularité; Tri à l'aide de dispositifs manœuvrés à la main, p.ex. d'aiguillages
G01N 21/89 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures dans un matériau mobile, p.ex. du papier, des textiles
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
G01N 21/84 - Systèmes spécialement adaptés à des applications particulières
14.
High-speed, 3-D method and system for optically measuring a geometric dimension of manufactured parts
A high-speed, 3-D method and system for optically measuring a geometric dimension of manufactured parts such as cartridge cases are provided. The method includes consecutively transferring the parts so that the parts travel along a path which extends to a vision station at which each part has a predetermined position and orientation for optical measuring. A line of radiation having a predetermined orientation is projected onto spaced apart end surfaces of the part to obtain reflected line segments of radiation from the end surfaces of the part. The reflected line segments of radiation are detected at one or more image planes to obtain electrical signals and the electrical signals are processed to determine the geometric dimension such as primer pocket depth.
A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the axis of the part.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
A method and system for optically inspecting the entire outer peripheral surface of a part are provided. The system includes an enclosure which allows movement of a part relative to the enclosure both prior to and after inspection within the enclosure. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part which are annularly spaced about the axis of the part with radiation when the part is at a predetermined location within the enclosure to obtain corresponding reflected radiation signals. A plurality of lens and detector assemblies are provided. Each of the assemblies forms an optical image of one of the illuminated exterior side surfaces from the reflected radiation signals and detects the formed optical image within the enclosure. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a continuous, seamless, 360° panoramic composite image of the peripheral surface of the part.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
A high-speed, 3-D method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided. The system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to support a part at a loading station and transfer the supported part from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. The system also includes an illumination assembly to simultaneously illuminate an end surface of the part and a peripheral surface of the part. The system further includes a lens and detector assembly to form an optical image of the illuminated end surface and an optical image of the illuminated peripheral surface of the part and to detect the optical images. The system still further includes a processor to process the detected optical images to obtain an end view of the part and a 3-D panoramic view of the peripheral surface of the part.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
G01N 21/952 - Inspection de la surface extérieure de corps cylindriques ou de fils
G01N 21/95 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures caractérisée par le matériau ou la forme de l'objet à analyser
A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided wherein the system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to receive and support a part at a loading station and to transfer the supported part so that the part travels along a first path which extends from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. An illumination assembly simultaneously illuminates a plurality of exterior side surfaces of the part with a plurality of separate beams of radiation. A telecentric lens and detector assembly forms an optical image of at least a portion of each of the illuminated side surfaces of the part and detects the optical images. A processor processes the detected optical images to obtain a plurality of views of the part which are angularly spaced about the axis of the part.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
A method and apparatus that linearly scans at least one plane of radiation having a width wider than the diameter of the part onto an exterior side surface of the supported part so that the part occludes the at least one plane of radiation at a plurality of spaced apart locations. The invention includes forming a virtual representation of an outer profile of the part in a reference frame based on the input data and providing a virtual representation of an inner bore of a physical gauge in the reference frame. Then determining an interference position between the part and the gauge using the virtual representations wherein the interference position is a position along the axis where the bore diameter is substantially equal to the part diameter. Finally calculating a distance along the axis based on the interference position and storing the distance.
G01B 11/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
G01B 11/08 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des diamètres
20.
Method and system for high-speed, high-resolution 3-D imaging of manufactured parts of various sizes
A method and system for high-speed, high-resolution 3-D imaging of manufactured parts of various sizes at an imaging station having a measurement axis are provided. The part has a 3-D end surface and a length, a width and a part axis defined as being central to the part and parallel to its length. The system includes apparatus having a central axis substantially parallel to the measurement axis and a plurality of members having open and closed positions. The members have holding faces which are substantially equidistant from the central axis during movement between the positions to align a part disposed between the holding faces at the station so that the part axis is substantially parallel to the measurement and central axes. The holding faces releasably hold the aligned part in a holding position between the positions. The system further includes an actuator for moving the apparatus so that the end surface moves in a plane substantially perpendicular to the measurement axis. The system still further includes a controller for controlling the actuator to move the end surface along a 2-D trajectory within the plane. The system further includes at least one sensor for emitting a beam of energy along the measurement axis onto the end surface during movement of the end surface along the 2-D trajectory to obtain reflected energy and for sensing at least a portion of the reflected energy to obtain an output. The system still further includes a processor for processing the output to obtain information related to the end surface of the part.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
21.
Method and system for centering and aligning manufactured parts of various sizes at an optical measurement station
A method and system for centering and aligning manufactured parts of various sizes at an optical measurement station are provided. The system includes apparatus having a central axis substantially parallel to the measurement axis and including a plurality of members having open and closed positions. The members have holding faces which are substantially equidistant from the central axis during movement between the open and closed positions. At least one of the members applies a force on an exterior side surface of a part disposed between the holding faces during movement between the positions to reposition the part at the station. The repositioned part is centered and aligned with respect to the measurement axis at the station. The holding faces releasably hold the repositioned part in a holding position between the open and closed positions at the station. The system further includes a movable stage subsystem coupled to the apparatus for translating the apparatus relative to the repositioned part along the central axis in the open position of the members to allow the exterior side surface of the repositioned part to be measured.
B25B 5/16 - Presses ou serre-joints - Parties constitutives, p.ex. mâchoires, fixations des mâchoires
B23Q 3/00 - Dispositifs permettant de maintenir, supporter ou positionner les pièces ou les outils, ces dispositifs pouvant normalement être démontés de la machine
G01B 11/04 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur spécialement adaptés pour mesurer la longueur ou la largeur d'objets en mouvement
G01B 11/08 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des diamètres
22.
Optical method and system for generating calibration data for use in calibrating a part inspection system
An optical method and system for generating calibration data are provided. The calibration data is for use in calibrating a part inspection system. The method includes supporting a calibration device having a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The method further includes scanning the device with an array of spaced planes of radiation so that the device occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the central axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the device. The method still further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals. The method includes processing the measurement signals to obtain calibration data for calibrating the system. The calibration data is capable of converting raw data to calibrated data.
A calibration device for use in an optical, part measuring system is provided. The device has a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The device includes a series of step-shaped portions defining a multi-step region having a plurality of step edges. A profile of the multi-step region contains information for calibrating the system. The device further includes a plurality of cylindrically-shaped portions spaced apart along the axis and defining constant diameter regions containing information for calibrating the system. The device still further includes a frustum-shaped portion defining a pair of spaced, slope edge regions and a sloped region having boundaries marked by the pair of slope edge regions. The frustum-shaped portion has first and second diameters at its boundaries which define a range of diameters of parts capable of being measured in the system. A profile of the slope edge regions and the sloped region contains information for calibrating the system.
A method and system for automatically inspecting parts and for automatically generating calibration data for use in inspecting parts are provided. The system includes a support for supporting a part to be inspected and/or a calibration device along a measurement axis. The system further includes a head apparatus including a plurality of radiation plane generators for directing an array of planes of radiation at the part and/or device so that the part and/or device occludes each of the planes of radiation to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part and/or device. The head apparatus further includes a plurality of radiation plane receivers or cameras such as line scan cameras. Each of the cameras measures the amount of radiation present in an adjacent pair of unobstructed planar portions created from the same plane of radiation to obtain at least one measurement signal. The system still further includes a stage subsystem including a stage movable along a stage axis substantially parallel to the measurement axis and coupled to the head apparatus to move therewith for translating the head apparatus relative to the part and/or device along the stage axis so that the planes of radiation scan the part and/or device supported by the support substantially perpendicular to the stage and measurement axes. The system may further include one or more mechanisms for reducing radiation cross talk between neighboring cameras.
G01B 11/04 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur spécialement adaptés pour mesurer la longueur ou la largeur d'objets en mouvement
25.
Method for precisely measuring position of a part to be inspected at a part inspection station
A method for precisely measuring position of a part to be inspected at a part inspection station is provided. The method includes positioning a part having a part axis relative to a measurement axis at the part inspection station and scanning the positioned part with an array of planes of radiation so that the part occludes each of the planes of radiation over a measurement interval of the part to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part. The method also includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals and processing the measurement signals to obtain a geometric measurement between the axes at the measurement interval. The geometric measurement may be a distance between the axes or angle between the axes. If the geometric measurement is outside an acceptable range of geometric values, the method may further include repositioning the part until the geometric measurement between the axes at the measurement interval is within the acceptable range of geometric values.
G01B 11/04 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur spécialement adaptés pour mesurer la longueur ou la largeur d'objets en mouvement
G01B 11/08 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des diamètres
G01M 1/00 - Test d'équilibrage statique ou dynamique des machines, des structures ou des ouvrages
26.
Profile inspection system for threaded and axial components
A system and method are disclosed for inspecting a component having a length, a width, and an axis. The system includes a fixture for holding the component, a light source disposed on one side of the component, and an optical detector disposed on the other side of the component. In the preferred embodiment, the detector has a field of view wider than the width of the component, thereby enabling the detector to image a portion of the outer edges of the component. A translation stage is operative to move the light source and detector in unison along the length of the component and a processor, in communication with the detector and the translation stage, is operative to: a) receive electrical signals representative of the outer profile imaged by the detector; b) move the translation stage incrementally along the length of the component; and c) record the outer profile imaged by the detector at each increment and form a composite profile of the component. In the preferred embodiment, the processor is further operative to record the composite profile of the component at one or more angular orientations by rotating the component through a predetermined angle about its axis.
A method and inspection head apparatus for optically measuring geometric dimensions of a part are provided. The method optically measures the geometric dimensions of a part having a part axis at an inspection station. The method includes directing an array of spaced planes of radiation at the part so that the part occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the part axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part. The method further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions.
G01B 11/04 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur spécialement adaptés pour mesurer la longueur ou la largeur d'objets en mouvement
A method for estimating thread parameters of a part which moves relative to a stage and a plurality of sensors which measure the amount of radiation contained in directed planar portions of radiation unobstructed by the part is provided. The amount of radiation is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part. The method includes obtaining calibrated part data from an inspection region between position limits of the stage. The calibrated part data includes calibrated sensor data for each sensor of the system and its corresponding coordinate system. The method further includes processing the calibrated part data to obtain intermediate data. The method still further includes analyzing the intermediate data to produce estimates of the thread parameters of the part.
Optical modules and a method of precisely assembling the modules are provided. The method includes the step of providing a set of optical components including a plurality of beam shaping components for converting at least one initial shape in cross section of a laser beam to at least one desired shape in cross section and an optical mount for supporting the set of optical components. The method further includes holding and locating the optical mount relative to a reference axis. The method still further includes holding the optical components in position relative to the optical mount during the step of holding and locating wherein the positions of the beam shaping components are initial positions. The method includes directing a laser beam having the at least one initial shape at the set of optical components during the step of holding the optical components. The method further includes adjusting the initial positions of the beam shaping components to obtain final positions of the beam shaping components relative to the optical mount during the step of directing until the laser beam has the at least one desired shape.
A calibration device for use in an optical, part measuring system is provided. The device has a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The device includes a series of step-shaped portions defining a multi-step region having a plurality of step edges. A profile of the multi-step region contains information for calibrating the system. The device further includes a plurality of cylindrically-shaped portions spaced apart along the axis and defining constant diameter regions containing information for calibrating the system. The device still further includes a frustum-shaped portion defining a pair of spaced, slope edge regions and a sloped region having boundaries marked by the pair of slope edge regions. The frustum-shaped portion has first and second diameters at its boundaries which define a range of diameters of parts capable of being measured in the system. A profile of the slope edge regions and the sloped region contains information for calibrating the system.
A method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided. The method includes the step of supporting a part along a measurement axis. The method includes scanning the part with an array of spaced planes of radiation so that the part occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part. The method still further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals. The method includes processing the measurement signals to obtain raw data. The method further includes providing calibration data and processing the calibration data and the raw data to obtain measurements of the part.
An optical method and system for generating calibration data are provided. The calibration data is for use in calibrating a part inspection system. The method includes supporting a calibration device having a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The method further includes scanning the device with an array of spaced planes of radiation so that the device occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the central axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the device. The method still further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals. The method includes processing the measurement signals to obtain calibration data for calibrating the system. The calibration data is capable of converting raw data to calibrated data.
An apparatus for quickly retaining and releasing parts having a wide range of sizes and designs at an optical measurement station is provided. The apparatus includes a rod having proximal and distal ends. The apparatus further includes a part-engaging first tip attached to the distal end of the rod to move therewith. The apparatus still further includes a part-engaging second tip. The apparatus includes a support structure for supporting the second tip and the rod. The apparatus further includes a quick-release, clamping mechanism for adjustably and releasably clamping the rod to the support structure so that the rod can move the first tip between a part-release position in which a part held between the tips is released for removal from the station and a part-retaining position in which a part is firmly held between the tips. Held parts having a wide range of sizes and designs can be optically measured at the station.
B23Q 3/00 - Dispositifs permettant de maintenir, supporter ou positionner les pièces ou les outils, ces dispositifs pouvant normalement être démontés de la machine
G01N 21/88 - Recherche de la présence de criques, de défauts ou de souillures
G01B 11/08 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des diamètres
G01B 11/10 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des diamètres d'objets en mouvement
34.
Non-contact method and system for inspecting parts
A non-contact method and system for inspecting parts using two different types of machine vision methodologies are provided. The system has enhanced versatility and includes a triangulation-based subsystem to obtain triangulation-based sensor data, a radiation plane-based profile inspection subsystem to obtain shadowed radiation plane-based sensor data and a data processor for processing or fusing the triangulation-based sensor data and the shadowed radiation plane-based sensor data to obtain dimensional information related to the part.
G01B 11/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
G01B 11/04 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur spécialement adaptés pour mesurer la longueur ou la largeur d'objets en mouvement
G01B 11/08 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des diamètres
35.
Method and system for inspecting parts utilizing triangulation
A method and system for inspecting parts utilizing triangulation are provided. The system includes a part support subsystem including a fixture for supporting a part to be inspected and a head apparatus. The head apparatus includes at least one radiation source for directing a plane of radiation at the part so that the part occludes the plane of radiation to create unobstructed planar portions of the plane of radiation wherein each of the unobstructed planar portions of the plane of radiation contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part. The head apparatus also includes at least one receiver module for measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions and a triangulation-based sensor to illuminate the part with a beam of electromagnetic energy to obtain a reflected beam of electromagnetic energy and to sense at least one portion of the reflected beam of electromagnetic energy. The system further includes a movable stage subsystem coupled to the head apparatus for translating the head apparatus relative to the part so that the plane of radiation and the beam of electromagnetic energy linearly scan the part supported by the fixture and a controller for generating control signals to control linear movement of the stage subsystem during the linear scan.
G01B 11/30 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la rugosité ou l'irrégularité des surfaces
36.
Method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts
A method and system are provided for inspecting manufactured parts such as cartridges and cartridge cases and sorting the inspected parts. The system includes an illumination assembly for evenly illuminating a plurality of annular, exterior side surfaces of a part when the part is located in a circumference vision station with rings of strobed radiation to generate corresponding reflected radiation signals. A plurality of imaging detectors in the form of CCD cameras are located at the vision station to generate a plurality of side images. The system further includes at least one side image processor for processing the side images of each part to identify parts having an unacceptable defect. The system further includes a mechanism for directing parts identified as having an unacceptable defect to a defective part area and directing parts not identified as having an unacceptable defect to an acceptable part area.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
37.
Profile inspection system for threaded and axial components
A system and method are disclosed for inspecting a component having a length, a width, and an axis. The system includes a fixture for holding the component, a light source disposed on one side of the component, and an optical detector disposed on the other side of the component. In the preferred embodiment, the detector has a field of view wider than the width of the component, thereby enabling the detector to image a portion of the outer edges of the component. A translation stage is operative to move the light source and detector in unison along the length of the component and a processor, in communication with the detector and the translation stage, is operative to: a) receive electrical signals representative of the outer profile imaged by the detector; b) move the translation stage incrementally along the length of the component; and c) record the outer profile imaged by the detector at each increment and form a composite profile of the component. In the preferred embodiment, the processor is further operative to record the composite profile of the component at one or more angular orientations by rotating the component through a predetermined angle about its axis.
A method and system are provided for automatically identifying non-labeled, manufactured parts. The system includes an electronic storage device to store templates of a plurality of known good, manufactured parts. Each of the templates includes a part profile and a set of features. Each of the features includes a range of acceptable values. Each of the templates has a part identification code associated therewith. A first subsystem optically measures a profile and features of a part to be purchased. The system further includes a processor operable to compare the profile and the features of the part to be purchased with the profile and corresponding features of each of the stored templates to identify a template which most closely matches the profile and features of the part to be purchased and to generate and transmit an identification signal representing the part identification code for the part associated with the most closely matched template.
G01B 11/04 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur spécialement adaptés pour mesurer la longueur ou la largeur d'objets en mouvement
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