High-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method and system for inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A high-speed, high-resolution, triangulation-based, 3-D method of inspecting manufactured parts and sorting the inspected parts, the method comprising;
receiving a supply of parts; consecutively transferring the parts so that the parts move along a path which extends from the supply of parts and through an imaging station; supporting a triangulation-based sensor head at the imaging station, the sensor head being configured to generate focused lines of radiation and to sense corresponding reflected lines of radiation; delivering the focused lines onto an end surface of each part during motion of the parts relative to the focused lines to obtain a corresponding array of reflected lines of radiation, the sensor head sensing the array of reflected lines to obtain a corresponding set of 2-D profile signals, the set of profile signals representing a 3-D view of the end surface; processing the set of 2-D profile signals of each part to identify parts having an unacceptable defect; 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.