Integrated machine vision inspection and rework system -- CIP
AssigneeChrysler Corporation
InventorsRobert G. Burt, Andrejs K. Kalnajs
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integrated machine vision inspection and rework system is provided for inspecting and reworking printed circuit boards. The system includes an inspection unit that acquires image data of printed circuit boards mounted on a machine framework and a vision computer that processes the image data contained within a chamber in the framework. Also mounted on the framework is a three stage asynchronous conveyor with sensors, and drive and stepping motors that communicate with I/O boards connected to the vision computer. A rework station also mounted on the framework provides a dual reporting scheme, which includes both a laser indicator and a fault display monitor.
Claims13
An integrated machine vision inspection and rework system for inspecting and reworking a printed circuit board populated with at least one component, comprising:
- a machine base;
- an inspection unit, attached to said base, for acquiring image data of the printed circuit board and component;
- processing means, contained within said base, for processing image data acquired by said inspection unit;
- and
- an asynchronous conveyor, in communication with said processing means, for transporting the printed circuit board to predetermined locations under said inspection unit, said asynchronous conveyor comprising:
- conveyor means;
- asynchronous drive means, coupled to said conveyor means, for moving asynchronously said conveyor means;
- first control means, coupled to said drive means and in communication with said processing means, for controlling a position of said conveyor means;
- a plurality of sensing means, in communication with said control means, for communicating a location of the printed circuit board to said first control means;
- said system further comprising:
- first and second buffer conveyor means for transporting and holding the printed circuit board;
- first and second variable drive means coupled to said first and second buffer conveyor means, respectively, for synchronously moving said first and second buffer conveyor means, respectively;
- first adjustment means in communication with said first buffer conveyor means and at least one of said plurality of sensing means for controlling a speed of said first buffer conveyor means;
- and
- second adjustment means in communication with said second buffer conveyor means and at least one of said plurality of sensing means for controlling a speed of said second buffer conveyor means.
An inspection and rework apparatus for inspecting and reworking a circuit board, comprising:
- a base structure;
- inspection means, mounted on said structure, for inspecting the circuit board;
- a rework station, mounted on said structure, for indicating faults on the circuit board and displaying inspection results;
- asynchronous conveyor means, in communication with said inspection means, for conveying said circuit board to predetermined locations, said synchronous conveyor means comprising:
- conveyor means;
- asynchronous drive means coupled to said conveyor means for asynchronously moving said conveyor means;
- first control means coupled to said drive means and in communication with said inspection means for controlling a position of said conveyor means;
- and
- a plurality of sensing means in communication with said first control means for communicating a location of the printed circuit board to said first control means;
- the apparatus further comprising:
- first and second buffer conveyor means for transporting and holding the printed circuit board;
- first and second variable drive means coupled respectively to said first and second buffer conveyor means for synchronously moving said first and second conveyor means, respectively;
- first adjustment means in communication with said first buffer conveyor means and at least one of said plurality of sensing means for controlling a speed of said first buffer conveyor means;
- and
- second adjustment means in communication with said second buffer conveyor means and at least one of said plurality of sensing means for controlling a speed of said second buffer conveyor means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.