Method of and apparatus for inspecting a workpiece

An apparatus for inspecting workpieces, comprising:

• program storing means for storing therein previously created base measurement programs for each of a plurality of test items for producing a quality inspection program for workpieces to be inspected;
• measuring means including at least one sensor attached to a standard reference object;
• CRT display means for displaying thereon measuring conditions and methods upon measurement of data by said at least one sensor;
• measuring condition selecting means for selecting from among said measuring conditions and methods displayed on said CRT display means;
• determining method producing means for analyzing data, obtained by measuring said standard reference object using said measuring means, based on said selected measuring conditions and methods and for producing a method of determining whether said workpieces to be inspected are defective based on the analyzed data;
• conditions storing means for storing therein said measuring conditions and methods selected by said measuring condition selecting means and said determining method produced by said determining method producing means;
• quality inspection program producing means for creating a quality inspection program for each of said workpieces to be inspected and conveyed in a lot, based on said measuring conditions, said measuring method and said determining method being stored in said conditions storing means, said workpieces being substantially uniform with respect to said standard reference object;
• and
• inspecting means for inspecting, based on said quality inspection program, each of subsequent workpieces to be inspected and conveyed in said lot.