US4629319A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Panel surface flaw inspection
Assignee: Diffracto Ltd Canada
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Filing: 1984-02-14
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Granted: 1986-12-16
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Expires: 2004-02-14
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to electro-optical sensing of form type and other defects on surfaces such as sheet metal or plastic panels. Method and apparatus are disclosed for detection and quantification of defects such as dents, creases, low spots, flat spots, etc. which are a result of the manufacturing, material handling and assembly process. Surfaces of interest are generally those of automobile body panels, (e.g. hoods, fenders), refrigerator panels, furniture panels, and aircraft panels. Similar applications exist to dies and other formed metallic or plastic parts. Both automatic and human visual methods and apparatus are disclosed. The disclosed invention is also effective on paint defects such as orange peel encountered in automotive and other applications. Assemblies of panels, such as car bodies may also be inspected using the invention, and both fixed and moving (e.g. robotic) sensor versions are disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald A. Clarke
- 👤 Rodger L. Reynolds
- 👤 Timothy R. Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 07:25
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/8806; G01N21/95; G01N21/9515
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of inspecting a surface comprising the steps of: illuminating an extensive area of the surface by directing light onto the surface area in such a manner that light is reflected therefrom; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area impinges thereon, is then returned to the illuminated surface area, and is re-reflected therefrom; imaging light re-reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area; and detecting dark or bright areas in the imaged light, the dark or bright areas being indicative of a characteristic of the extensive illuminated surface area.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of inspecting a surface comprising the steps of: illuminating an extensive area of the surface by directing light onto the surface area in such a manner that light is reflected therefrom; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area impinges thereon, is then returned to the illuminated surface area, and is re-reflected therefrom; imaging light re-reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area; and detecting dark or bright areas in the imaged light, the dark or bright areas being indicative of a characteristic of the extensive illuminated surface area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said illuminating is effected with light from a divergent light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said imaging and detecting are effected by visual observation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising recording said imaged light.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein said detecting comprises detecting said dark or bright areas in said recorded imaged light.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein said illuminating is effected from a location displaced from the axis of light detection.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus for inspecting a surface comprising; illuminating means for illuminating an extensive area of a surface by directing light onto the surface area in such a manner that light is reflected therefrom; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements positioned relative to the surface such that light reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area impinges thereon, is then returned to the illuminated surface area, and is re-reflected therefrom; imaging means for imaging light re-reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area; and detecting means for detecting dark or bright areas in the imaged light, the dark or bright areas being indicative of a characteristic of the extensive illuminated surface area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus for inspecting a surface comprising; illuminating means for illuminating an extensive area of a surface by directing light onto the surface area in such a manner that light is reflected therefrom; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements positioned relative to the surface such that light reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area impinges thereon, is then returned to the illuminated surface area, and is re-reflected therefrom; imaging means for imaging light re-reflected from the extensive illuminated surface area; and detecting means for detecting dark or bright areas in the imaged light, the dark or bright areas being indicative of a characteristic of the extensive illuminated surface area.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said illuminating means comprises a divergent light source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising means for recording said imaged light.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said detecting means comprises means for detecting said dark or bright areas in said recorded imaged light.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said illuminating means is positioned in a location displaced from the axis of light detection.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of inspecting a surface comprising: illuminating an extensive area of a surface of an object with light from a divergent light source; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and imaging said re-reflected light.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of inspecting a surface comprising: illuminating an extensive area of a surface of an object with light from a divergent light source; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and imaging said re-reflected light.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 14 wherein said imaging is effected by visual observation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said visual observation is effected from a vantage point which is substantially on the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said visual observation is effected from a vantage point which is displaced from the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 14 further comprising recording the imaged light.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 14 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus for inspecting a surface comprising: light source means for illuminating an extensive area of a surface of an object with divergent light; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements, said member being positionable such that light reflected from a surface illuminated with divergent light from said light source means is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and means for imaging said re-reflected light.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus for inspecting a surface comprising: light source means for illuminating an extensive area of a surface of an object with divergent light; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements, said member being positionable such that light reflected from a surface illuminated with divergent light from said light source means is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and means for imaging said re-reflected light.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said imaging means is positioned at a vantage point substantially on the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said imaging means is positioned at a vantage point displaced from the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising means for recording the imaged light.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of visually observing a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: illumiating an extensive area of a surface of an object; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom, said re-reflected light comprising bright or dark areas indicative of a geometric distortion in said surface; and visually observing light re-reflected from the illuminated surface to observe the surface and a geometric distortion therein.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of visually observing a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: illumiating an extensive area of a surface of an object; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom, said re-reflected light comprising bright or dark areas indicative of a geometric distortion in said surface; and visually observing light re-reflected from the illuminated surface to observe the surface and a geometric distortion therein.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the step of visually observing said surface is effected from a vantage point which is substantially on the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein the step of visually observing said surface is effected from a vantage point which is displaced from the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 25 wherein said illuminating if effected with light from a divergent light source.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 28 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus for rendering visible a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: means for illuminating an extensive area of a surface of an object; and a retroflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements; said retroreflective member being positioned in a location such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom, said re-reflected light comprising visible bright or dark areas indicative, under visual observation, of a geometric distortion in said surface.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
80 words
Apparatus for rendering visible a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: means for illuminating an extensive area of a surface of an object; and a retroflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements; said retroreflective member being positioned in a location such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom, said re-reflected light comprising visible bright or dark areas indicative, under visual observation, of a geometric distortion in said surface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 30 further comprising means for recording an image of said re-reflected light comprising said bright or dark areas.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said image recording means is positioned at a vantage point which is substantially on the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said image recording means is positioned at a vantage point which is displaced from the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 30 wherein said illuminating means comprises a divergent light source.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of detecting a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: illuminating a surface of an object with light such that an area of such surface is illuminated, said area being substantially larger than a geometric distortion to be detected; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface, said re-reflected light comprising detectable dark or bright areas indicative of a geometric distortion present in the illuminated surface.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of detecting a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: illuminating a surface of an object with light such that an area of such surface is illuminated, said area being substantially larger than a geometric distortion to be detected; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface, said re-reflected light comprising detectable dark or bright areas indicative of a geometric distortion present in the illuminated surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein said object comprises an automotive body panel and wherein substantially the entire area of said body panel is illuminated.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein said illuminating is effected with a divergent light source.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 38 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein said detecting comprises visually observing said re-reflected light.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein said detecting is effected from a vantage point displaced from the axis of illumination of said surface area.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein said detecting comprises recording an image of said re-reflected light.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus for detecting a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: means for illuminating a surface of an object with light such that an area of said surface is illuminated, said area being substantially larger than the area of a geometric distortion to be detected; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements; said retroreflective member being positioned such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and means for detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface, said re-reflected light comprising detectable dark or bright areas indicative of a geometric distortion present in the illuminated surface.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus for detecting a geometric distortion in a surface comprising: means for illuminating a surface of an object with light such that an area of said surface is illuminated, said area being substantially larger than the area of a geometric distortion to be detected; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements; said retroreflective member being positioned such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and means for detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface, said re-reflected light comprising detectable dark or bright areas indicative of a geometric distortion present in the illuminated surface.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein said illuminating means comprises a divergent light source.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 44 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein said detecting means is positioned at a location displaced from the axis of illumination of said surface.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein said detecting means comprises means for recording an image of said re-reflected light.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of inspecting a surface comprising: illuminating a surface of an object with light; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface, said illumination being effected from a location displaced from the axis of light detection.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of inspecting a surface comprising: illuminating a surface of an object with light; providing a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements in a position such that light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface, said illumination being effected from a location displaced from the axis of light detection.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 48 wherein said detecting comprises visually observing said re-reflected light.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 48 wherein said illuminating is effected with a divergent light source.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 50 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 48 wherein said detecting comprises imaging said re-reflected light and detecting dark or bright areas in the imaged light.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 52 further comprising recording the imaged light.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for inspecting a surface comprising: means for illuminating a surface of an object with light; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements; that said retroreflective member being positioned such light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and means for detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface; a location said illuminating means being positioned at displaced from the axis of light detection.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for inspecting a surface comprising: means for illuminating a surface of an object with light; a retroreflective member comprising a large number of small retroreflective elements; that said retroreflective member being positioned such light reflected from said illuminated surface is returned to the illuminated surface and re-reflected therefrom; and means for detecting light re-reflected from the illuminated surface; a location said illuminating means being positioned at displaced from the axis of light detection.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said illuminating means comprises a divergent light source.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 55 wherein said divergent light source comprises a point light source.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said detecting means comprises means for imaging said re-reflected light and for detecting dark or bright areas in the imaged light.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 57 further comprising means for recording the imaged light.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-15 | 1990-06-16 | 1990-12-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-15 | 1994-06-16 | 1994-12-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-15 | 1998-06-16 | 1998-12-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |