Patent · US Active

Auto focus function for vision inspection system

US11378520B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 20, 2020
Grant dateJul 5, 2022
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 20, 2040

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2021/8887
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A vision inspection system includes a platform supporting parts for inspection at an inspection zone, an inspection station positioned adjacent the platform at the inspection zone including an imaging device to image the parts in a field of view above the upper surface, and a vision inspection controller receiving images from the imaging device. The vision inspection controller includes an auto focus module for orienting the imaging device relative to the inspection zone. The auto focus module determines a working distance for the imaging device from the inspection zone. The auto focus module calculates an image contrast score of pixel values of the images at various working distances from the inspection zone. The vision inspection controller causes the inspection station to operate the imaging device at an imaging working distance corresponding to the working distance associated with the highest image contrast score.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.