Optical part inspection system

An inspection system for evaluating workpieces for conformance to configuration criteria, comprising:

• track means for causing said workpieces to translate through a test section,
• said test section including a first light source for producing a first sheet of light having a length greater than its thickness, said first light source oriented with respect to said track means such that said workpieces pass through first said sheet of light upon passing through said test section, said first sheet of light oriented such that said length is parallel to the direction of translation of said workpieces through said test section, said test section further having a first photodetector for receiving said first sheet of light and providing an output signal related to the intensity of said first sheet of light incident on said first photodetector, whereby said intensity is related to the degree to which said first sheet of light is occluded by said workpieces as said workpieces translate through said test section, said test section including a second light source for producing a second sheet of light having a length greater than its thickness, said second light source oriented with respect to said track means such that said workpieces pass through said second sheet of light upon passing through said test section, said second sheet of light oriented such that said length is perpendicular to the direction of translation of said workpieces through said test section, said test section further having a second photodetector for receiving said second sheet of light and providing an output signal related to the intensity of said second sheet of light incident on said second photodetector, whereby said intensity is related to the degree to which said second sheet of light is occluded by said workpieces as said workpieces translate through said test section, and
• signal processing means for receiving said first and second photodetector output signals and for producing values related to the length of said workpieces as measure in the direction of said translation and the cross-sectional configuration of said workpieces as measure perpendicular to said direction of translation.