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US 5,051,825 AGranted
Dual image video inspection apparatus
AssigneePressco, Inc.
InventorsDon W. Cochran, James R. Austin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A video inspection system includes first and second video cameras mounted along parallel axes. A lighting array is pulsed, and resultant light is reflected from a specimen to both cameras. Orientation of the specimen is determined in accordance with an image generated from a first camera. This data is used to isolate a selected portion of the specimen for analysis by an image generated from the second camera.
Claims17
A video inspection apparatus comprising:
- means for receiving light from an associated specimen;
- first and second video camera means for generating image data from light directed thereto;
- apportioning means for providing a first portion of the light to the first video camera means;
- the apportioning means including means for providing a second portion of the light to the second video camera means;
- data processor means for generating alignment data from image data input thereto;
- means for communicating first image data from the first video camera means to the data processor means;
- the processor means including means for isolating a selected portion of image data of the second video camera means in accordance with alignment data generated from the first image data, whereby an isolated image data portion is formed;
- and
- means for generating second image data from the selected portion of image data of the second video camera means.
6 more elements
A video inspection method comprising the steps of:
- receiving light reflected from an associated specimen;
- providing a first portion of the light to a first video camera;
- generating, in the first video camera, first image data from light received from the associated specimen;
- providing a second portion of the light to a second video camera;
- communicating the first image data from the first video camera to a data processor;
- generating alignment data in the data processor from image data input thereto;
- generating second image data from a selected portion of image data of the second video camera means;
- and
- isolating a selected portion of the second image data in accordance with alignment data generated from the first image data, whereby an isolated image data portion is formed.
6 more elements
A video inspection apparatus comprising:
- means for transporting a series of specimens to a inspection field;
- means for determining a presence of a specimen in the inspection field;
- energizing means for energizing elements of a lighting array in accordance with a determined presence of the specimen in the inspection field;
- means for capturing light of the array after reflection thereof from the specimen;
- means for apportioning captured light into first and second light portions;
- means for communicating the first light portion to a first video unit, the first video unit including means for generating first image data representative of the first light portion;
- means for communicating at least a portion of the first image data to a data processor, the data processor including means for generating alignment data from the first image data;
- means for communicating the second light portion to a second video unit, the second video camera including means for generating second image data representative of the second light portion;
- and
- means for isolating a selected portion of the second image data in accordance with the alignment data.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.