Component feeder exchange diagnostic tool

• US 20070150074A1
• Filed: 01/30/2007
• Published: 06/28/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation (Nordson Corporation)
• Original Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation (Nordson Corporation)
• Inventors: Case, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,346,419 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/13
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/02 Feeding of components
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/0413 with orientation of the component while holding it; Drive mechanisms for gripping tools, e.g. lifting, lowering or turning of gripping tools
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/043 Feeding one by one by other means than belts
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/0486 Replacement and removal of components
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/0813 Controlling of single components prior to mounting, e.g. orientation, component geometry H05K13/0812 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4913 Assembling to base an electrical component, e.g., capacitor, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49131 by utilizing optical sighting device
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53 Means to assemble or disassemble
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53009 with comparator
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53087 with signal, scale, illuminator, or optical viewer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53174 Means to fasten electrical component to wiring board, base, or substrate
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53178 Chip component

Abstract

A method and apparatus for facilitating validation of component feeder exchanges in pick and place machines are provided. A pre-exchange image of a component from a feeder is acquired and compared with an image a component from the exchanged feeder placed after the feeder exchange. A comparison of the pre-exchange image with the post-exchange image facilitates simple and quick feeder exchange validation. Aspects of the present invention are practicable with different types of pick and place machines, and are able to advantageously use sensors and/or technician supplied information to generate automatic indications of feeder exchange validity.

Claims

1. A method of verifying exchange at least one feeder in a pick and place machine, the method comprising:

acquiring and storing at least one pre-exchange component image with respect to a plurality of active feeders;

receiving an indication relative to at least one feeder exchange;

acquiring at least one post-exchange component image relative to the exchanged feeder(s);

generating at least one comparison of the post-exchange image(s) with the associated pre-exchange image; and

validating the exchange based on the comparison.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication relative to at least one feeder exchange is provided by a technician.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication relative to at least one feeder exchange is provided at least one sensor coupled to a feeder.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein validating the feeder exchange based on the comparison is performed by the pick and place machine.