Abstract:
An engineered video inspection lighting system includes a three-dimensional array of solid-state light emitting diodes focused to an inspection area. A single high-current, low-duration pulse is applied to selected elements of the array. Light thus generated is passed through a diffuser and to a specimen. Light reflected from the specimen is received by a lens of a video camera disposed in an interior of the three-dimensional array. Data thus obtained is used to determine acceptability of the specimen in accordance with preselected standards.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for detecting flaws in continuous web material illuminated by a light source and optically scanned to produce a digitalized electronic image of said material. The digitized image data representative of the continuous web material is stored in memory. The image data is also applied to a digital signal processor which identifies areas of the image which represent potential flawed areas of the continuous web material. A variety of spatial matched filters are employed to detect the flaws. Information concerning the locations of the potential flaws is transferred to a computer which analyzes in detail portions of the stored image in the vicinity of the identified areas. The processing performed in the computer verifies the presence of flaws in the material.
Abstract:
Inspection of solder joints utilizing ilumination, reflected light intensity measurements to determine surface heights and comparison with predetermined inspection criteria to determine the integrity of the solder joint. A solder fillet (16b) is sequentially illuminated from first and second angles and optically scanned and reflected light intensity values at incremental values of inclination are measured. The heights of the fillet wall (16d) at predetermined points and the integrity of the fillet (16b) are determined using the measured reflected light intensity values and either using real-time computation or accessing an array of predetermined incremental inclination values as a function of the reflected light intensity values. Alternatively, the ratio of the sensed reflected light intensity values at each point may be used as an input variable to a one dimensional look-up table or for real-time computation. The solder fillet may be coated with a matte coating.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for inspecting the filling with sealing compound of a gutter present in an object, e.g. a metal lid. Such a method can according to the invention take place by carrying out the following steps:(1) providing an object to be inspected;(2) directing a light beam on said gutter;(3) previously determining the shape of the reflection picture of at least said gutter of an object satisfying a predetermined standard;(4) determining the picture of said gutter;(5) comparing the results of steps (4) and generating a rejection signal in case of a detected deviation outside a chosen tolerance range. Should only e.g. a diverging beam be used, it can happen that a local lack of filling compound is not detected by a sensing device, since from the zone in question no reflection in the direction of the sensing device can take place as a result of shadow-effect. In view thereof according to the invention preference is given to a method which is characterized by(6) carrying out step (2) in such a way that the gutter is illuminated from two directions which are both substantially perpendicular on the axis of said gutter and forming an angle with the plain of the gutter between about 45.degree. and 90.degree., and 135.degree. and 90.degree., respectively. Here use is made of two beams, one divergent and one convergent, respectively.
Abstract:
In a process for monitoring a device for automatically detecting and evaluating surface cracks by means of magnetic powder or the dye penetration process comprising an image pick-up camera and a digital image processing and control unit, a typical defect pattern is projected by means of a projector onto the surface of the article to be examined in the pick-up region of the image pick-up camera and registered, and a defect indication is triggered if the device ceases to operate reliably.
Abstract:
An optical pick-up device for image processing systems has an objective for generating an optical image of a subject to be registered, an image-to-signal transducer, particularly a CCD camera that converts the optical image into a video signal and an illumination device for illumination of the subject to be registered in incident light. The rugged and high-performance illumination device, that yields an optimum light distribution in the plane of registration, has a plurality of infrared diodes that are arranged with equal spacing on at least one circle coaxial with the optical axis of the objective. It also has at least one annular deflection device that is similarly arranged coaxial with the optical axis. This deflection device concentrates the light emitted by the infrared diodes obliquely onto the subject from all sides.
Abstract:
The life expectancy of a mechanical structure that undergoes repeated loading is estimated by determining the maximum crack length on the surface of the structure. The maximum length of the cracks on the surface of the structure is related to the life ratio of the structure, wherein the life ratio is a ratio of the number of loads the structure has undergone to the number of loads the structure will undergo until failure. An optical system is used to measure the crack length of the cracks on the surface of the structure being inspected. A statistical distribution of greatest length cracks for a sampling of areas within a larger area can be made. Apparatus is provided to statistically process such distribution data to obtain a statistically estimated maximum length crack for the larger area. The maximum crack length determination can be used to estimate the life expectancy of the structure from the relationship between crack length and life ratio.
Abstract:
A method is presented for the comparison of a second surface with a normalized surface model generated by reference to a group of esthetically acceptable first surfaces. A light pattern is typically projected onto a plurality of first surfaces moving beneath a light projection apparatus such that the light reflected from the first surfaces is received by a light receiver apparatus, and thereafter evaluated by appropriate computer software to define a nominal surface for the first group of esthetically acceptable surfaces. Each additional second surface passed below the light projection and light receiver apparatus is then compared to the normalized model generated by the first articles, such that undesirable surface deformities in the second article become readily apparent.
Abstract:
A device for detecting any defects in single faced corrugated fiberboard while it is running. A light is irradiated to the corrugated surface of the fiberboard and the striped image is scanned by an image pick-up unit and the picture signal is converted to binary-coded signal to discriminate the number of stripes or corrugations. The number is counted by a counter and compared with a normal number by a microcoputer. If there is too large a difference between them, the scanned part is judged as defective. This device can detect any defects in a running web at a sufficiently high speed to follow the line speed of a corrugating machine.
Abstract:
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.