Apparatus and method of inspection of specular and semi-specular surfaces
First Claim
1. A method of inspecting a specular or semi-specular surface of any object by a viewer comprising:
- illuminating a pattern having at least one defined generally edge characteristic and a reference line which is generally perpendicular to the edge characteristic;
positioning the pattern relative to the object and the viewer so that the illuminated pattern is reflected in the surface of the object at an angle or angles incident to the viewer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inspection apparatus and method for specular and semi-specular surfaces include a supporting floor and surrounding background which is non-reflective and light absorbing, such as flat black. Portions of the background and/or floor are illuminated either by allowing translucent passage of light from behind or by illuminating a somewhat reflective but light diffusing surface. The reflected images of the illuminated portions can be viewed in the object being inspected, such as a painted car body in an automobile manufacturing line. Ambient light and direct light to the car body is kept to a minimum. Therefore, a high amount of contrast exists between the reflected images of the illuminated portions and those portions of the car body which reflect the dark background. Geometrical shapes can be used for the illuminated portions to assist in an inspection of the auto body.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method of inspecting a specular or semi-specular surface of any object by a viewer comprising:
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illuminating a pattern having at least one defined generally edge characteristic and a reference line which is generally perpendicular to the edge characteristic; positioning the pattern relative to the object and the viewer so that the illuminated pattern is reflected in the surface of the object at an angle or angles incident to the viewer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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13. An apparatus for inspecting a specular or semi-specular surface on an object comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33)
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34. A paint inspection station comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification