TWI440846B - An apparatus and method for inspecting an object - Google Patents

Description

Object inspection device and method

More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for viewing an object by capturing images of a plurality of surfaces of the article.

In the prior art, there is known a device in which an object to be viewed is held in place by its top surface and transferred to an inspection station. On this viewing station, multiple cameras are used to capture images of the bottom and side surfaces of the object for viewing. In a conventional device for capturing images of multiple surfaces of an object, only one camera is used. In order for the camera to capture a clear image of all surfaces, the optical path of the different surface images in the conventional device is diverted to the camera. Only one image can be captured at a time. In addition, the optical path from the different surface images to the camera is different; it must be adjusted to compensate for the different paths, so that the captured image becomes clear.

To capture four different images of the side and bottom surfaces of the object, four mirrors or cymbals are provided to capture five images each time the object is in the viewing station. However, in this case, the object needs to be singulated, or only one object can be viewed at a time. Therefore, there is a need to improve the efficiency of the viewing process.

PCT Application No. PCT/CH2004/000074 discloses a device having a meandering for adjusting the optical path of the side image to be equal to the optical path of the bottom surface image. US Patent Publication No. US 2008/0246958 discloses a device having an optical path for adjusting a side image to be equal to a bottom surface The optical path of the image. However, since the optical paths of the side images of different sized objects are different, it is necessary to use 稜鏡 with different reflectances to capture images of objects of different sizes.

Therefore, there is a need to provide an effective method of viewing an object without having to change the flaw for different items.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is an apparatus for capturing a bottom surface image of an article and four different side images. The invention comprises: an inspection station; a picking and placing component for moving the object to the inspection station; a camera located at the inspection station to capture the bottom surface image of the object; and two cameras located at the inspection station to capture the object Different side images; two beamsplitters, each located at the inspection station, to divert the optical path of each side of the object to a separate camera; and, the light source.

Preferably, the pick and place assembly includes a picker for picking up the item, and an actuator coupled to the picker to laterally rotate the picker.

Preferably, the coupling of the picker to the actuator is a rack and pinion arrangement.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for capturing a bottom surface image of four objects and four different side images is presented. The device comprises: an inspection station; a picking and placing component for moving the object to the inspection station; a camera located at the inspection station to capture the bottom surface image of the object; and two cameras located at the inspection station to capture the object Different side images; two beamsplitters, each located at the inspection station, to steer the optical path of each side of the object to each Other cameras; and, light sources.

Preferably, the pick and place assembly includes a plurality of pickers each for picking up the item, and an actuator coupled to the pickers to laterally rotate the pickers.

Preferably, the coupling of the pickers to the actuator is a rack and pinion arrangement.

As a further alternative, the pick and place assembly includes a plurality of actuators, and each actuator is coupled to a respective picker to laterally rotate the pickers.

Preferably, the two cameras are positioned to capture two opposite side images.

As a further alternative, the two cameras are positioned to capture two adjacent side images.

Preferably, the light source is configurable.

A method for viewing an object by capturing a bottom surface image of the object at the inspection station and four different side images, comprising the steps of: loading the object at the input station; picking up the object from the input station; moving the object into the inspection station; capturing The first majority of the image of the object; rotating the object; capturing the second majority of the image; and forwarding the inspected object back to the input station.

A method for viewing an object by capturing a bottom surface image of a plurality of objects and four different side images, comprising the steps of: loading a plurality of objects at an input station; picking up a plurality of objects from the input station; moving the plurality of objects into the object View station; capture the first majority of each object; rotate multiple objects; capture the second most The number of images; and, the plurality of objects that have been inspected are forwarded back to the input station.

In order to more clearly understand the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example.

The present invention is a device for viewing an object 8 as shown in Figure 1 by capturing five images. The five image faces are four different lateral faces 10, 12, 14, 16 and a bottom surface 18. The four different lateral faces may be different portions of a continuous lateral face of an article having a rounded side. This item is held in place by its top surface 19 for inspection. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for viewing a plurality of items. The apparatus 20 includes a pick and place assembly 22 for moving a plurality of items 8 disposed in the tray 21 of the input station 23 to the inspection station 24; a camera assembly 26 having three cameras 40 as shown in FIG. 42, 42 to capture the bottom image of each object 8 and four different side images. The tray 21 has a plurality of articles arranged in a matrix and to be viewed, and the tray is moved along the rails 28.

FIG. 3 shows a pick and place assembly 22 that includes an actuator 30 for rotating a plurality of pickers 34. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator is a rotator 30 having a shaft 22a provided with a gear portion 32 and a plurality of pickers 34 having a plurality of gears 38. Each picker picks up an object at a time. The rotator and the plurality of pickers are coupled in a rack and pinion configuration. Gear portion 32 is a primary pinion and gear portion 38 has a secondary pinion and rack 36. The rack 36 extends from the primary pinion 32 to the secondary pinion 38. As the primary pinion 32 rotates, it causes the rack 36 to move, thereby rotating the secondary pinion 38 and the plurality of items carried by the plurality of pickers.

The action of the rotator can also be controlled by an electric motor (not shown) or pneumatically.

Preferably, the picker picks up the object by suction or vacuum. In the pick-up position, suction is applied to the picker to pick up the item to rotate the item to the inspection station 24. The attraction can maintain the position of the object while the image is being captured and when the pickup is rotated laterally at the inspection station.

Camera assembly 26 is shown in FIG. The camera assembly 26 includes a camera 40 for capturing images of the bottom surface and two cameras 42, 44 for capturing both side images of the object. The two side cameras can be positioned to capture opposite or adjacent sides each time. With the camera fixed in place, no adjustments are needed to accommodate different object sizes.

Two beamsplitters 46, 48 are provided, each of which is positioned to divert the optical path of each side image of the object to a respective camera. Each spectroscope can act as both a mirror and a flat glass by reflecting a certain ratio of incident light back and passing the remaining incident light through.

In the preferred embodiment, such a device includes a lighting assembly. Light from sources 4A and 4D penetrates the beam splitter to provide additional light to the side surfaces 10, 12, 14, 16 of the object while allowing images of the side surfaces to be reflected onto the cameras 42, 44.

Preferably, an indirect light source 4B is provided. The light is illuminated by the internal components of the component The face 4C is reflected onto the object. In addition, light sources 4E and 4F provide direct illumination to side surfaces 10, 12, 14, 16.

The light source can be configured to allow for all possible variations of the viewing object and viewing criteria.

The light source is a light emitting diode (LED) that uses a diffused light source.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart 500 of a method of an embodiment of the present invention. In step 502, the object is loaded on the input station. Preferably, a plurality of objects are arranged on a tray matrix on the track 28 of the input station. In step 504, the pick and place assembly 22 picks up a plurality of items, and in step 506, moves the items to the viewing station 24. In step 508, the first majority of images are captured. Preferably, in the first set of images, two side images and bottom surface images corresponding to the three cameras are captured for each object. Preferably, an image of several objects is captured, and then the pick and place assembly moves the picker to capture the next few objects until the image of all objects on the picker is captured.

In step 510, the object is rotated to capture the other two side images. In step 512, the images are captured in a manner similar to that in step 508. In step 514, the inspected object is forwarded back to the tray matrix on the track of the input station.

An advantage of the apparatus and method of the present invention over prior art is that there is no need to change the beamsplitters when viewing objects of different sizes (these beamsplitters are modified crucibles). This reduces the downtime required for the device to adjust the optical path after changing the beam splitter.

In addition, by using a plurality of pickups, the throughput of the apparatus can be increased. For an array of items arranged in columns, the number of pickers can be constructed to correspond to the number of items in a column. Each time an inspection cycle is performed back and forth between the inspection stations, a list of objects can be detected. The extra time caused by the rack and pinion configuration to rotate the picker can be neglected compared to the time saved by viewing multiple objects in each pick cycle.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention may be Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above description, but should be defined by the scope of the patent application.

4A‧‧‧Light source

4B‧‧‧Indirect light source

4C‧‧‧ inner surface

4D‧‧‧Light source

4E‧‧‧Light source

4F‧‧‧Light source

8‧‧‧ objects

10‧‧‧ lateral surface; side surface

12‧‧‧ lateral side; side surface

14‧‧‧ lateral side; side surface

16‧‧‧ lateral side; side surface

18‧‧‧ bottom surface

19‧‧‧ top surface

20‧‧‧ (viewing) device

21‧‧‧Tray

22‧‧‧ Pick and place components

22a‧‧‧ reel

23‧‧‧ Input station

24‧‧‧ inspection station

26‧‧‧ camera components

28‧‧‧ Track

30‧‧‧Actuator; rotator

32‧‧‧ Gears; (mainly) pinion

34‧‧‧ Picker

36‧‧‧Racks

38‧‧‧ Gears (parts); (minor) pinions

40‧‧‧ camera

42‧‧‧ camera

44‧‧‧ camera

46‧‧‧ Spectroscope

48‧‧‧ Spectroscope

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an object to be inspected.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the pick and place assembly.

Figure 3a is a bottom plan view of the pick and place assembly.

Figure 3b is an enlarged view of a portion A in Figure 3a.

4 is a side elevational view of the combination of the pick and place assembly and the camera assembly.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

8‧‧‧ objects

20‧‧‧ (viewing) device

21‧‧‧Tray

22‧‧‧ Pick and place components

22a‧‧‧ reel

23‧‧‧ Input station

24‧‧‧ inspection station

26‧‧‧ camera components

28‧‧‧ Track

Claims (15)

An apparatus for capturing a bottom surface image of at least one object and four different side images, comprising: (a) a viewing station; (b) a pick and place assembly configured to move at least one object to the viewing station And for reorienting the at least one object on the viewing station; (c) a first camera located at the viewing station for capturing a bottom surface image of the at least one object; (d) a second camera and a third camera a camera, located at the viewing station, each of the cameras for capturing a side image of the at least one object prior to being reoriented by the pick and place assembly, and capturing a side of the at least one object after being reoriented by the pick and place assembly (e) two beamsplitters located at the viewing station, each of which directs an optical path of each of the at least one object to a respective camera; and (f) a light source. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pick and place assembly comprises: a picker for picking up one of the at least one object, and an actuation coupled to the picker to laterally redirect the picker Device. The device of claim 2, wherein the attachment of the pickup to the actuator is in a rack and pinion configuration. Such as the device of claim 1, wherein the second camera and The third camera system is positioned to capture two adjacent sides. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second camera and the third camera are positioned to capture two opposite sides. The device of claim 1, wherein the light source is configurable. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to capture a bottom surface image of the plurality of objects and four different side images. The device of claim 7, wherein the pick and place assembly comprises: a plurality of pickers for picking up objects respectively; and an actuator coupled to the plurality of pickers to laterally reorient the Multiple pickers. The device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of pickers and the actuator are coupled in a rack and pinion configuration. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pick and place assembly includes a plurality of actuators each coupled to each of the plurality of pickers to reorient the plurality of pickers. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second camera and the third camera are positioned to capture two adjacent sides. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second camera and the third camera are positioned to capture two opposite sides. The device of claim 7, wherein the light source is constructable Shaped. A method for viewing a bottom surface image and four different side images of at least one object at a viewing station, comprising the steps of: (a) loading at least one object to a station; (b) utilizing pick and place components, from The station picks up the at least one object; (c) using the pick and place assembly to move the at least one object into the inspection station; (d) capturing the bottom surface image of the at least one object using the first camera located at the viewing station (e) capturing the side images of the at least one object using the second camera and the third camera located at the viewing station; (f) using the two beamsplitters located at the viewing station, each of the at least one object The optical path of the side images is diverted to the respective cameras; (g) the at least one object is reoriented using the pick and place assembly located at the viewing station; (h) the second camera and the third located at the viewing station are utilized a camera capturing a plurality of side images of the at least one object being reoriented; (i) utilizing the two beamsplitters located at the viewing station, the at least one object being reoriented Optical path of the image side surface of the steering to the respective cameras; and (j) the at least one object through the viewing relayed back to the original station. The method of claim 14, wherein the method is applied to View the bottom surface image of multiple objects and four different side images.