Apparatus and method of inspection of specular and semi-specular surfaces

An apparatus for inspecting a specular or semi-specular surface on an object comprising:

• a generally non-reflective, light absorbing supporting surface for the object;
• a generally non-reflective, light absorbing backdrop positioned adjacent to the supporting surface;
• a light source;
• and
• the backdrop including at least one portion that can be illuminated by the light source;
• the portion of the backdrop including a pattern having at least one defined generally edge characteristic and a reference line which is generally perpendicular to the edge characteristic;
• so that the pattern can be reflected onto the surface of the object to assist in inspection of the surface.

A paint inspection station comprising:

• a floor supporting a painted object to be inspected;
• a canopy including at least opposite sides surrounding at least a substantial portion of opposite sides and top of the floor;
• the floor and canopy having a generally non-reflective, light absorbing surface;
• at least one of an illuminated portion and a light reflecting portion positioned on at least one of the floor and canopy, the said one of an illuminated portion and a light reflecting portion including a pattern having at least one defined generally edge characteristic and a reference line which is generally perpendicular to the edge characteristic;
• so that a paint inspector can view a reflected image of the pattern in the object while standing on the floor under the canopy.