Guided inspection of an installed component using a handheld inspection device

A handheld inspection device comprising:

• a digital camera;
• a display screen;
• and
• a controller having a processor and image processing instructions, wherein the controller is programmed to execute the image processing instructions and thereby:
• receive an identity and a selected location of an installed component as an input signal, the installed component including first and second mated pieces;
• collect a dynamic pixel image of the selected location in real-time using the digital camera;
• display the collected dynamic pixel image in real-time via the display screen;
• determining, via the controller from the identity and selected location, a set of acquisition guidance lines calibrated to align with designated edges of the installed component in the displayed dynamic pixel image;
• superimposing the acquisition guidance lines onto the displayed dynamic pixel image via the display screen such that the virtual acquisition guidance lines correspond to the designated edges of the installed component within the selected location;
• activate a first indicator in response to the edges of the installed component within the displayed dynamic pixel image aligning with the projected acquisition lines;
• activate a second indicator in response to a predetermined area of the installed component being identified;
• measure, via the processor, a predetermined feature dimension between the first and second mated pieces of the installed component within the identified predetermined area;
• and
• activate a third indicator and generate an output signal via the processor, wherein the third indicator has a status indicative of the first and second pieces being properly mated responsive to the measured feature dimension falling within a calibrated range.

An electronic inspection system for inspecting installed components of a motor vehicle, the electronic inspection system comprising:

• a digital camera configured to capture dynamic pixel images;
• a user interface with an electronic display screen and an input device;
• and
• a controller communicatively connected to the digital camera and the user interface, the controller being programmed to:
• receive, from the input device of the user interface, a user input signal indicative of a component identity and location within the motor vehicle of an installed component, the installed component including first and second mated pieces;
• receive, from the digital camera, signals of real-time dynamic pixel images of the installed component and the selected location within the motor vehicle;
• direct the display screen to display in real-time the dynamic pixel images;
• determine, from the received component identity and location, a set of acquisition guidance lines calibrated to align with designated edges of the installed component;
• direct the display screen to display the acquisition guidance lines superimposed onto the installed component displayed in the dynamic pixel images;
• responsive to the superimposed acquisition guidance lines aligning with the corresponding designated edges of the installed component within the selected location, confirm the component identity of the installed component;
• determine, from the confirmed component identity, a target inspection area corresponding to the installed component;
• measure a feature dimension between the first and second mated pieces of the installed component within the target inspection area;
• and
• responsive to the measured feature dimension falling within a calibrated range, output a status indicator indicating that the first and second pieces are properly mated and the installed component is properly installed in the motor vehicle.