Machine vision system with objective lens and collision protection

A method for operating a machine vision inspection system,

• the machine vision inspection system including:
• a movement portion comprising one or more movement mechanisms configured to adjust a relative position between an optical assembly portion and a workpiece;
• and
• the optical assembly portion, wherein the optical assembly portion comprises:
• a camera that receives imaging light transmitted along an imaging optical path and provides images of a surface of the workpiece;
• and
• an objective lens that inputs the imaging light arising from the surface of the workpiece and transmits the imaging light along the imaging optical path to the camera;
• the method comprising:
• utilizing the movement portion to adjust a relative position between the optical assembly portion and the workpiece;
• determining that the objective lens has been moved from a rest position as resulting from a corresponding force as applied by a contact with a workpiece or other object, wherein the optical assembly portion further comprises a lens motion mechanism that includes a motion portion that enables the motion of the objective lens from the rest position;
• and
• in response to the determination that the objective lens has been moved from the rest position, utilizing the movement portion to stop the movement of the machine vision inspection system.

A lens motion mechanism for utilization in a machine vision inspection system,

• the machine vision inspection system including:
• a movement portion comprising one or more movement mechanisms configured to adjust a relative position between an optical assembly portion and a workpiece;
• and
• the optical assembly portion, wherein the optical assembly portion comprises:
• a camera that receives imaging light transmitted along an imaging optical path and provides images of a surface of the workpiece;
• and
• an objective lens that inputs the imaging light arising from the surface of the workpiece and transmits the imaging light along the imaging optical path to the camera;
• the lens motion mechanism comprising:
• a motion portion configured to enable motion of the objective lens from a rest position when a corresponding force is applied by a contact with a workpiece or other object.