How to Inspect Moving Objects on a Production Line with a Moving Camera

This patent describes a method and apparatus for inspecting specific defect locations on objects moving along a production line by having an optical camera move alongside the object to take images without stopping the line.

What it covers

This patent details a system for checking objects for flaws while they are continuously moving on a conveyor belt. Instead of stopping the object, an optical inspection device, like a camera with a microscope (claim 3), is moved along with the object at the same speed (claim 1). This camera focuses on specific, pre-identified spots where defects might occur (claim 1). The system can take multiple images of each potential defect location (claim 4), even adjusting the camera's distance or angle slightly between images for better detail (claim 5). A robotic arm, such as a SCARA robot (claim 7), positions the camera precisely, and a sensor can measure the exact distance to the object's surface (claim 8).

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover inspection systems where the object or the optical inspection device must stop for images to be taken.
• —Does not cover non-optical inspection methods, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.
• —Does not cover systems that scan an entire object surface to discover new defect locations, only those inspecting *previously identified* potential defect spots.
• —Does not cover inspection where the camera is stationary and the object simply moves past it without the camera tracking its movement.
• —Does not cover general quality control that isn't specifically focused on "material testing" for "defects" at identified locations.

The clever bit

The core innovation is performing high-resolution optical inspection of specific defect locations on an object *while both the object and the camera are continuously moving*. This avoids the need to stop the production line, which is a significant bottleneck in traditional quality control processes.

Why it matters

In modern manufacturing, stopping a production line for quality checks can be very costly and reduce efficiency. This invention aims to solve that problem by allowing detailed inspection to happen without interrupting the flow of goods. This approach helps ensure high product quality and reduces waste, which is crucial for industries producing large volumes of items.

Real-world examples

• 1.Automotive component inspection on assembly lines
• 2.Semiconductor wafer inspection during fabrication
• 3.Pharmaceutical packaging quality checks for defects
• 4.Consumer electronics assembly inspection
• 5.Food and beverage container flaw detection