EP0067438A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Automatic optical inspection apparatus
Assignee: OXBRIDGE Inc
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Filing: 1982-06-14
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2002-06-14
Abstract
Abstract An automatic optical inspection method apparatus wherein optical preprogramming means are utilized to designate the locations of reference features on a reference object, and to instruct the system regarding the reference feature characteristics, and of reference feature parameters, the automatic optical inspection apparatus is then utilizing information obtained from the optical pre-programming means to analyze image data obtained from objects under inspection, the apparatus initially obtaining a larger amount of optical imaging data and systematically thereafter reducing the quantity of such data by appropriate signal processing and gating, so that an accept or reject decision is based upon a small portion of the originally obtained data.
Inventors
- 👤 John R. Simms
- 👤 Jerry D. Haney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:51
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/50; B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
An automatic inspection apparatus for inspecting a series of illuminated objects comprising means for optically specifying selected portions of a properly configured object; means for deriving reference parameters from the specified, selected portions; and data processing means for evaluatig data in accordance with the reference parameters to derive an accept-or-reject decision, the data originating from portions of subsequent objects corresponding to the specified portions of the properly configured object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
An automatic inspection apparatus for inspecting a series of illuminated objects comprising means for optically specifying selected portions of a properly configured object; means for deriving reference parameters from the specified, selected portions; and data processing means for evaluatig data in accordance with the reference parameters to derive an accept-or-reject decision, the data originating from portions of subsequent objects corresponding to the specified portions of the properly configured object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The automatic inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 1, wherein the optical specifying means include a target which is capable of being affixed to the properly configured object, the target comprising a plurality of optically readable indicia, and a window through which the selected portions of the object can be optically scanned.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
95 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 2, wherein the means for deriving reference parameters comprise first imaging and video signal-generating means having a selected field of view for obtaining a full video image of an object within the field of view, and for converting the video image into equivalent electrical image signals; means responsive to the image signals for extracting the portions of the image signals which originate from targets; and processing means for analyzing the target image signals and deriving reference parameters for each specified portion of the properly configured object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
104 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 2, wherein the data processing means include second imaging and video signal-generating means, having a field of view for obtaining a full video image of an object within the field of view, and for converting the video image into equivalent electrical image signals; means responsive to the image signals for selecting the portions of the image signals which originate from those portions of the subsequent object and which correspond to the specified portion of the properly configured object; and means for comparing the selected image signals to the reference parameters to derive an accept-or-reject decision.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claims 3 or 4, wherein the first and the second imaging and video signal generating means are the same and include lens means for focusing an optical image; and optical sensor means responsive to the focused optical image for converting the optical image into an equivalent electrical image signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 5, wherein the optical sensor means comprise an array of optical sensors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 6, wherein the array of optical sensors has a plurality of rows and columns, and further including means for strobing the illumination of the object under inspection so that a full optical image of the object under inspection can be instantaneously obtained.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 6, wherein the array of optical sensors is arranged in a single vertical column so that a sequence of columnar image signals are produced as the object under inspection is scanned, the total sequence of columnar image signals providing a full image signal of the object under inspection.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 3, wherein the processing means comprise a first host processor which supplies reference extraction signals to the means for extracting target image signals, the first host processor thereafter analyzing the target image signals and, based upon the analysis, thereafter deriving reference parameters for use in subsequent object inspection, the reference parameters including a specific inspection control and processing sequence and a set of reference data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
68 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 9, wherein the means for extracting target image signals comprises a first slave processor responsive to the reference extraction signals from the first host processor, the first slave processor providing control signals to the imaging and signal processing means and analyzing the image signals received from the imaging and signal processing means in accordance with the reference extraction signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
107 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 4, wherein the reference parameters include an inspection control and processing sequence and a set of reference data, and further wherein the means for comparing the selected image signals to the reference parameters include comparator means for comparing the selected image signals against designated reference data; second slave processor means responsive to the inspection control and processing sequence for supplying the reference data and control signals to the comparator means; and second host processor means for receiving the results of the comparison and for evaluating the results in accordance with the reference parameters to obtain an accept-or-reject decision.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
102 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 11, wherein the means for selecting the image signal portions include analog processing means responsive to the equivalent electrical image signals for buffering and gain control of the image signals; and conversion means responsive to the processed image signal for converting the image signal into a digital image signal, the conversion means having variable operating speed, resolution, full scale, and zero offset capabilities of the conversion means being enabled by the second slave processor whenever the portions of the subsequent objects being scanned correspond to the specified portions of the properly configured object.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claims 10 or 11, wherein the first and the second host processors are the same host processor, and the first and the second slave processors are the same slave processor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
194 words
An automatic optical inspection apparatus for inspecting an illuminated, sequentially-presented series of visually similar objects, wherein the objects are compared against a number of reference features from a reference object and a decision is made to accept or reject the current object under test, the apparatus comprising optical pre-programming means for designating the reference features on the reference object, and for optically indicating a number of reference feature parameters; imaging and video signal-generating means, having a specified field of view for obtaining a complete video image of an object within the field of view, and for converting the video image into an equivalent electrical image signal; signal processing and gating means responsive to the image signal for processing the image signal and for selecting portions of the image signal for further processing; comparative evaluation means for comparing the selected portions of the image signal from the object under test against a corresponding reference signal to provide an indication of the similarity between the selected image signal and the corresponding reference signal; and control means for examining the indication of similarity provided by the comparative evaluation means to accept or reject the object under inspection.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
194 words
An automatic optical inspection apparatus for inspecting an illuminated, sequentially-presented series of visually similar objects, wherein the objects are compared against a number of reference features from a reference object and a decision is made to accept or reject the current object under test, the apparatus comprising optical pre-programming means for designating the reference features on the reference object, and for optically indicating a number of reference feature parameters; imaging and video signal-generating means, having a specified field of view for obtaining a complete video image of an object within the field of view, and for converting the video image into an equivalent electrical image signal; signal processing and gating means responsive to the image signal for processing the image signal and for selecting portions of the image signal for further processing; comparative evaluation means for comparing the selected portions of the image signal from the object under test against a corresponding reference signal to provide an indication of the similarity between the selected image signal and the corresponding reference signal; and control means for examining the indication of similarity provided by the comparative evaluation means to accept or reject the object under inspection.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, further including an image signal storage means for storing image signals from the signal processing and control means in real time so that the image signals can be recalled for analysis at a future time.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, wherein the optical pre-programming means includes a target which is capable of being affixed to the reference object, the target comprising a plurality of optically readable indicia for providing the reference feature parameters, and a window through which the reference feature can be optically scanned.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
53 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, wherein the reference feature parameters which are designated by the optical pre-programming means include a nominal location for each reference feature, a characterization of the optical nature of each feature, and information concerning the tolerance with which each feature is to be examined.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
63 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 16, wherein the target is rectangular in shape, and further wherein the optically readable indicia comprise a plurality of spaced-apart teeth positioned along the outer edge of the target, the teeth having different widths and spacings which are arranged in a predetermined pattern, and a combination of optical reflectance transitions upon the target surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 18, wherein the pattern of teeth on parallel edges of the target are identical.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 18, wherein the optical transitions upon the target surface include a tolerance band for providing reference feature tolerance information.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
105 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 18, wherein the optical transitions upon the target surface include a low reflectance area and a high reflectance area, the areas having a transition from low reflectance to high reflectance which lies along the width of the target, the transition being coincident with a hypothetical, horizontal bisector of the window; and a plurality of fiduciary segments which are centered along a hypothetical, vertical bisector of the window, the fiduciary segments which lie in the high reflectance area having a low reflectance, and the fiduciary segments which lie in the low reflectance area having a high reflectance.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 18, wherein the window has a rectangular shape.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
74 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 16, wherein the target is circular in shape and further wherein the optically readable indicia include a plurality of radially-extending spaced-apart bars located on the surface of the target, the bars extending from the outer edge toward the center of the target a predetermined first distance; and a plurality of concentric, spaced-apart rings extending outward from the center of the target a predetermined second distance.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 23, wherein the window has a circular shape and is positioned at the center of the target.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
70 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, wherein the imaging means include an imaging lens; and a plurality of optical to electronic sensors, wherein the imaging lens focuses the image one image on the sensors and the sensors convert the image into an equivalent electrical image signal; and further wherein sensors are controlled by a timing signal which is supplied by the intelligent processing and control means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 25, wherein the optical to electronic sensors comprise an array of optical sensors.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 25, wherein the optical to electronic sensors comprise a vertical column of optical sensors.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
113 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, wherein the signal processing and gating means include analog signal processing means for providing buffering and gain control of the electrical image signal; variable analog to digital conversion means for converting the electrical image signal into an equivalent digital image signal, the conversion means being responsive to an operating speed signal, a resolution signal, a full scale value signal, and a zero value signal which are supplied by the intelligent processing and control means; and signal selection means for selectively gating those portions of the equivalent digital image signal which correspond to the reference feature location on the reference object for further processing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
112 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, wherein the intelligent processing and control means comprise slave processing and control means for controlling the imaging and video signal-generating means, the reference signal storage means, the signal processing and gating means and the comparative evaluation means, and for processing the indication of similarity obtained from the comparative evaluation means; and host processor means for providing instructions to the slave processing and control means to direct the processing of reference feature and parameter data and the processing of data from the object under test, and for receiving the processed indication of similarity data, and for making an accept or reject decision thereon.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
54 words
The automatic optical inspection apparatus, as recited in Claim 14, further including digital processing means for enhancing the quality of the gated digital image signal, the digital processing means receiving the gated digital image signal from the signal processing and gating means, and supplying the enhanced digital image signal to the comparative evaluation means.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of automatic optical inspectionn wherein a series of illuminated, visually similar objects are inspected and accepted or rejected, the method comprising the steps of specifying selected portions of a properly configured object; analyzing data from the selected portions of the properly configured object to derive reference parameters for each selected portion; comparing selected data from subsequent objects to the reference parameters, the selected data originating from those portions of each subsequent object which correspond to the specified, selected portions of the properly configured object; and evaluating the comparison results to derive an accept-or-reject decision.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of automatic optical inspectionn wherein a series of illuminated, visually similar objects are inspected and accepted or rejected, the method comprising the steps of specifying selected portions of a properly configured object; analyzing data from the selected portions of the properly configured object to derive reference parameters for each selected portion; comparing selected data from subsequent objects to the reference parameters, the selected data originating from those portions of each subsequent object which correspond to the specified, selected portions of the properly configured object; and evaluating the comparison results to derive an accept-or-reject decision.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of automatic optical inspection, as recited in Claim 31, wherein the step of specifying portions on a properly configured object includes the step of f placing a target over each object portion which is to be inspected, the target having optically readable indicia and a window through which the object portion can be optically scanned.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of automatic optical inspection, as recited in Claim 31, wherein the data analyzing step includes the step of designating a set of instructions for control of data acquisition from the subsequent objects.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
199 words
A method of automatic optical inspection, wherein a series of illuminated, sequentially presented, visually similar objects are compared against a reference object, and a decision is made to accept or reject the current object under inspection, the method comprising the steps of optically designating a number of reference features and corresponding reference feature specifications and locations from the reference object; converting the designated optical reference features and parameters into an equivalent electrical digital reference signal; processing the digital reference signal in an intelligent processing and control means to obtain location, tolerance and optically descriptive information about the reference features; obtaining an equivalent electrical image signal from a complete video image of the object under inspection; processing and gating the image signal ` so that the image signal is converted to digital form and so that the portions of the image signal which correspond to the locations of the reference features are selected for further processing; comparing the selected digitized image signals to the corresponding digital reference signal so that an indication of similarity between the two signals is obtained; and analyzing the indication of similarity in accordance with the reference feature parameters to obtain an accept or reject determination.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
199 words
A method of automatic optical inspection, wherein a series of illuminated, sequentially presented, visually similar objects are compared against a reference object, and a decision is made to accept or reject the current object under inspection, the method comprising the steps of optically designating a number of reference features and corresponding reference feature specifications and locations from the reference object; converting the designated optical reference features and parameters into an equivalent electrical digital reference signal; processing the digital reference signal in an intelligent processing and control means to obtain location, tolerance and optically descriptive information about the reference features; obtaining an equivalent electrical image signal from a complete video image of the object under inspection; processing and gating the image signal ` so that the image signal is converted to digital form and so that the portions of the image signal which correspond to the locations of the reference features are selected for further processing; comparing the selected digitized image signals to the corresponding digital reference signal so that an indication of similarity between the two signals is obtained; and analyzing the indication of similarity in accordance with the reference feature parameters to obtain an accept or reject determination.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
226 words
A method of automatic optical inspection, wherein a series of illuminated, visually similar objects are inspected, and accepted or rejected, the method comprising the steps of selecting an object as a reference object against which all other objects are compared; optically specifying particular features on the reference object for examination by placing a target over each reference feature, the target having a window through which the particular feature can be optically scanned, the target further having optically coded information; scanning the reference object to obtain information from each target and the reference feature within each target window; analyzing the target and reference feature information; designating a set of timing, control, and processing instructions and a set of reference data for use in evaluating the objects to be inspected; scanning the objects to be inspected according to the instruction set so that an equivalent electrical image signal of the video image of each object is obtained; processing the electrical image signals according to the instruction set so that portions of the image signal are selected which originate from the locations on the inspected object corresponding to the locations on the reference object which were designated by each target window; comparing the selected portions of the object image with the reference data set; and evaluating the comparison results according to the instruction set to obtain an accept-or-reject decision.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
226 words
A method of automatic optical inspection, wherein a series of illuminated, visually similar objects are inspected, and accepted or rejected, the method comprising the steps of selecting an object as a reference object against which all other objects are compared; optically specifying particular features on the reference object for examination by placing a target over each reference feature, the target having a window through which the particular feature can be optically scanned, the target further having optically coded information; scanning the reference object to obtain information from each target and the reference feature within each target window; analyzing the target and reference feature information; designating a set of timing, control, and processing instructions and a set of reference data for use in evaluating the objects to be inspected; scanning the objects to be inspected according to the instruction set so that an equivalent electrical image signal of the video image of each object is obtained; processing the electrical image signals according to the instruction set so that portions of the image signal are selected which originate from the locations on the inspected object corresponding to the locations on the reference object which were designated by each target window; comparing the selected portions of the object image with the reference data set; and evaluating the comparison results according to the instruction set to obtain an accept-or-reject decision.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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