Patent · US Active

Method and apparatus for parts manipulation, inspection, and replacement

US7773209B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
70References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 3, 2009
Grant dateAug 10, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06T7/521
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Improved method and apparatus for machine vision. One embodiment provides automated imaging and analysis, optionally including Scheimpflug's condition on the pattern projector, telecentric imaging and projecting, an IR filter, a mask to constrain observed illumination, and/or a sine-wave projection pattern for more accurate results. Another embodiment provides circuitry for a machine-vision system. Another embodiment provides a machine-vision system, optionally including accommodation of random orientation of parts in trays, irregular location of features being inspected, crossed pattern projectors and detectors for shadow reduction, detection of substrate warpage as well as ball-top coplanarity, two discrete shutters (or flash brightnesses) interleaved (long shutter for dark features, short shutter for bright features). Another embodiment provides parts inspection, optionally including a tray elevator that lifts trays to an inspection surface, moves trays in short tray dimension, provides first tray inspection at a major surface of the elevator, and/or provides a tray flipper.

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