Rotating beam method and system for measuring part edges and openings

A system for optically measuring and inspecting parts, comprising:

• means for supporting a part on a surface having a transparent portion;
• an optical beam generator for generating a rotating optical beam along a perimeter side edge of the part, the rotating optical beam being substantially perpendicular to the part;
• a detector for receiving a portion of the rotating optical beam;
• means for moving the optical beam generator and the detector in unison about the perimeter edges of the part;
• and
• means for providing x and y coordinates of the perimeter edges of the part;
• means for scanning a surface portion of the part with the rotating optical beam and the detector moving in unison, wherein the provided means locates x and y coordinates for openings in the part;
• and
• means for moving the rotating optical beam and the detector in unison about perimeter edges of the openings in the part, wherein the provided means locates x and y coordinates of the perimeter edges of the opening in the part.

A method of measuring parts with a rotating optical signal, comprising the steps of

• (a) supporting a part in a non specific position on a surface;
• (b) tracing along perimeter edges of the part with a rotating optical beam being substantially perpendicular to the part, and with a detector that together move in unison about the part;
• and
• (c) providing x and y coordinate measurements of the perimeter edges of the part;
• (d) scanning over a surface of the part to locate openings in the part with the rotating optical beam and the detector moving in unison;
• (e) tracing perimeter edges of the openings with the rotating optical beam and the detector moving in unison;
• and
• (f) providing x and y coordinate measurements of the locations and the perimeter edges of the openings in the part.