Optical checking apparatus and method of using same
US4541721A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1983 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B11/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for optically checking both the gap between two adjacent parts such as the hood-to-fender fit of a vehicle and the surface flushness of the parts employs a hand-held fixture which is adapted to engage edges of the part in order to orient the fixture in a preselected position relative to the gap. A laser and related optical system mounted on the fixture directs a line of collimated light onto the parts and across the gap. The optical system and a television camera on the fixture pick up light reflected from the parts surfaces and generate an image using the triangulation technique which contains measurement information relating to the size of the gap and the degree of surface flushness. A computerized controller converts the image to measurement data that is displayed on a CRT. The control system is used in a part fitting method to select and display the identity of any of a plurality of shims which on an assembly person may employ to create proper fit between the parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.