Abstract:
A method an apparatus are provided for inspecting the surface of objects such as panels for automobile vehicles wherein the surface of the object is sprayed with an oil mist or the like to increase the reflectivity thereof. The surface is then illuminated with light so that the light image reflected therefrom is formed on a light detector such as a photodiode array. The output of the light detector is analyzed to determine surface features of the object such as "dings" and dents therein.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
Abstract:
This invention relates to improvements in foundry procedures, particularly in-process and post process inspection with electro-optical sensor units. Principally addressed are: inspection of molds and cores to assure correctness and control procedures to abort pouring if the molds are not correct, inspection of cores on the core line, inspection of patterns for sticking sand, inspection of finished castings for extraneous material in passages, excessive or inadequate stock, correct locator relationships, etc., and control of robotic flash grinders.Both fixed and programmably moveable sensors are shown in the context of these embodiments.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus are provided for correcting positional data produced by a machine including a member moveable in at least two co-ordinate axes. The machine includes an encoder for providing rough position data indicating the coarse position of the member in each of the axes and provision is made for moving the moveable member to a position data correction location wherein the actual position of the member is determined electro-optically in the two coordinate axes relative to a reference point external to the machine. A signal representative of the actual position is generated and used to correct the rough position data provided by the encoder.
Abstract:
An electro-optical sensor probe is removably mounted on a conventional machine tool, for example, at a location whereat a tool would normally be mounted, for sensing the condition of a workpiece. Signals received by the sensor probe can be conveyed to a control location either by radio telemetry or across electrical and/or fiber optic lines operationally coupled to the sensor probe. Alternatively, robot based positioning of said probes is disclosed.
Abstract:
This invention describes novel method and apparatus for inspecting gear geometry via optical triangulation. Preferred machine construction uses specialized geometrical relationships of sensor to gear, and specialized high accuracy photodetector array based laser triangulation sensor units of large range and high response speed.
Abstract:
A method of determining physical characteristics of a surface. Light or other electromagnetic radiation is directed onto a first portion of a surface and the reflected radiation is received such as by a photodiode. The radiation is also directed onto at least two further portions of the surface and located on either side of and proximate to the first portion. The radiation reflected by the further portions is also received. The radiation reflected from the first portion is compared with the radiation reflected from the two further portions. The radiation and comparison steps are repeated and the comparisons are used to determine a physical characteristic of the surface, such as the presence of one or more flaws. In another embodiment, light or other electromagnetic radiation is used to determine object dimension, such as bore dimension.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an electro-optical and microcomputer based method and apparatus for automatically guiding tractors and other farm machinery for the purpose of automatic crop planting, tending and harvesting. Also disclosed are means for automatic picking, excavating and other off-road uses in relatively confined areas.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for determining dimensional information concerning an object. A ring of light is directed onto an object surface such that at least a portion of the ring of light is incident upon the object surface. An image is formed of the incident light reflected from the surface. The width or position of the image is determined. The location of the surface is determined from the image width or position, and dimensional information about the object is determined from the surface location.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for accurate positioning of a moveable member such as a robot arm or the like. An encoder or other position sensing means on the robot is used to control positioning of the robot into a desired position. However, because of inaccuracies such as those built up by utilizing a plurality of position sensors or those occasioned by bending, etc., the robot arm, gripper or the like may be substantially out of position. In the present invention, an electro-optical system, having a reference point external of the robot, is used to determine if the arm, gripper or the like is actually in its desired position. If it is determined to be out of its desired position, a control signal is generated to effect movement of the arm or gripper or the like so that it is actually in its desired position.