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US 5,072,127 AGranted
Engineered video inspecting lighting array
AssigneePressco, Inc.
InventorsDon W. Cochran, James R. Austin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engineered video inspection lighting system includes a three-dimensional array of solid-state light emitting diodes focused to an inspection area. A single high-current, low-duration pulse is applied to selected elements of the array. Light thus generated is passed through a diffuser and to a specimen. Light reflected from the specimen is received by a lens of a video camera disposed in an interior of the three-dimensional array. Data thus obtained is used to determine acceptability of the specimen in accordance with preselected standards.
Claims18
An engineered lighting video inspection apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of directional light generating elements;
- mounting means for securing each light generating element of the plurality into a three-dimensional lighting array, the mounting means defining an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein each of the light generating elements is secured to the interior portion such that it is directed to an associated lighting area;
- the mounting means defining an aperture portion;
- video camera means for generating image data from light exposed the lens extending therefrom;
- and
- means for securing the lens in the interior portion of the three-dimensional lighting array such that it extends through the aperture portion;
- and
- means for concurrently supplying a current pulse of a selected value to each of selected light generating elements of the array to provide illumination to the associated lighting area for illumination of an associated specimen.
5 more elements
An engineered lighting video inspection apparatus comprising:
- lighting means for supplying a single high intensity, short duration light pulse to an associated specimen;
- video camera means, including a lens portion, for generating image data from received light of the light pulse into the lens portion after reflection thereof off the associated specimen;
- first and second signal processor means having uniquely defined first and second gain levels, respectively;
- means for communicating at least a portion of the image data to the first and second signal processors, whereby first and second processed signals are formed therefrom, respectively, from received image data;
- first and second data processing means for comparing received signal data with data representative of acceptable specimens to determine acceptability thereof;
- and
- means for communicating the first and second processed signals to the first and second data processors, respectively.
4 more elements
An engineered lighting video inspection apparatus comprising:
- a lighting array including,
- a plurality of directed light generating elements;
- mounting means for securing each element of the plurality into a three-dimensional lighting array, the mounting means defining an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein each of the lighting elements is secured to the interior portion such that it is directed to an associated lighting area, and
- the mounting means defining an aperture portion;
- video camera means including a lens portion;
- means for securing the video camera means in relation to the lighting array such that the lens portion extends through the aperture portion, terminating in the interior portion;
- means for conveying a series of associated specimens to the associated lighting area;
- means for determining a presence of each of the series of associated specimens within the lighting area;
- means for selectively supplying current to the plurality of lighting elements, whereby an associated specimen is illuminated by light resultant therefrom;
- means for communicating image data generated by the video camera means from light reflected from an illuminated associated specimen into the lens portion thereof;
- means for communicating the image data to first and second analog-to-digital conversion means, each having uniquely defined gain levels, whereby first and second digitized image data portions are formed;
- first comparing means for comparing the first digitized image data portion to data representative of acceptability of a specimen corresponding to digitized data processed at a first gain level;
- second comparing means for comparing the second digitized image data portion to data representative of acceptability of a specimen corresponding to digitized data processed at a second gain level.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.