Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ - 2090936
VISUAL INSPECTION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR
PRINTED-CIRCUIT BOARD
~ACKGROUNn OF 'I H~: TNV~NTTON
The present invention relates to visual
inspection support system which is used upon visual
inspection of a printed-circuit board having minute
parts mounted thereon, etc.
As to a conventional method of visual inspection
of a printed-circuit board, etc., an operator checks
predetermined inspection spots in the predetermined
order through a magnifying glass. In this case, an
enlarged drawing of an inspection target object and a
predetermined recording sheet are prepared at hand for
recording inspection results, which are entered
thereon one by one. Moreover, to sum up the
inspection results, it is necessary to register
separately a record entered on the drawing or sheet in
a database of a computer as soon as the inspection
results amount to a certain quantity.
Further, there is a system for carrying out data
input through an input device by displaying an image
of the inspection target obJect on a display through
CAD (computer-aided design), and pointing out a
position of a defective spot detected based on the
above inspection method, but not a system for
recording one by one single inspection result data
which are obtained by making the real-time image
itself shown on the display visual inspection target,
and pointing out a defective spot on the image and
inspection information shown on the display
simultaneously with the image, respectively, through
the input device to combine information on the spot as
previously registered with inspection information
thereon.
Such conventional method has the following
problems:
By way of example, when detecting a defective
spot on a printed-clrcuit board and entering
inspection information on the enlarged drawing, the
operator should surely confirm a position of the
defective spot on the drawing. Thus, if the defective
spot is found in an area having very numerous parts as
massed or an area having similar shape parts as
centralized, considerable attention or concentration
is required of the operator with an enormous increase
in the number of work process. Further, the method of
using the recording sheet has similar problems since,
for entering inspection information on a detected
defective spot on the recording sheet, a circuit
symbol, etc. of the defective spot should be read from
the enlarged drawing.
~ urthermore, during a work of inputting in the
database of the computer the inspection resu]ts as
entered on the enlarged drawing or recording sheet,
there is a high probability that the operator makes an
error in reading or inputting the record, decreasing
the reliabilitY of a total result, resu]ting in a
possible erroneous result of analysis.
On the other hand, as to a method of pointing out
a defective spot by using an image of the inspection
target object through CAD, the operator should a]ways
verify whether or not a defective spot corresponds to
an image shown on the display, and confirm the
detected defective spot on the display, so that
~ considerable attention and experience are required of
the operator.
It is, therefore, an obJect of the present
invention is to provide visual inspection support
system which contributes to an improvement of the
efficiency of inspection work and the reliability of
inspection results.
.~rMM~Y n~ TT~ TNV~NTT~N
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According to the present invention, there is provided
a system for supporting visual inspection of an objet,
comprising:
a movably arranged XY table on which the object is to
be placed:
a first drive arranged to drive the XY table;
a camera, disposed above the XY table, for capturing
an image of the object placed on the XY table;
a second drive arranged to drive the camera with
respect to the XY table:
a lens, disposed between the XY table and the camera,
for magnifying the object;
a third drive arranged to drive the lens with respect
to the XY table;
a display, connected to the camera, for showing a
real-time image captured by the camera: and
a microcomputer based control unit connected to the
first, second and third drives and the display, the control
unit controlling the first, second and third drives.
According to the present invention, there is also
provided a system for supporting visual inspection of an
object, comprising:
a movably arranged XY table on which the object is to
be placed:
a first drive arranged to drive the XY table:
a camera, disposed above the XY table, for capturing
an image of the object placed on the XY table;
a second drive arranged to drive the camera with
respect to the XY table,
a lens, disposed between the XY table and the camera,
for magnifying the object:
a third drive arranged to drive the lens with respect
to the XY table;
a display, connected to the camera, for showing a
real-time image captured by the camera:
an input device, arranged on the display, for pointing
out a spot on the real-time image shown on the display: and
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4 7 ~ 3 ~
a microcomputer based control unit connected to the
first, second and third drives, and the display, the
controlling unit controlling the first second and third
drives and storing first data relative to the spot pointed
out by the input device.
According to the present invention, there is also
provided a system for supporting visual inspection of an
object, comprising:
a movably arranged XY table on which the object is to
be placed;
a first drive arranged to drive the XY table;
a camera, disposed above the XY table, for capturing
an image of the object placed on the XY table;
a second drive arranged to drive the camera with
respect to the XY table;
a lens, disposed between the XY table and the camera,
for magnifying the object;
a third drive arranged to drive the lens with respect
to the XY table;
a display, connected to the camera, for showing a
real-time image captured by the camera:
a microcomputer based control unit connected to the
first, second and third drives, and the display, the
controlling unit controlling the first, second and third
drives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front view showing a display with touch
panel;
Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the
display having a defective factor display area and image
display area;
Fig 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the display
with touch panel removed;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the touch
panel with dots;
Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing showing a first
preferred embodiment of visual inspection support system;
4a
Fig. 6 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment
of visual inspection support system:
Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing guide
rails with rotation shafts and movable unlts:
/
2090936
rotation shafts and movable units;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the guide
rail;
Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the movable unit
and guide rail;
Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 5, showing a
third preferred embodiment of visual inspection
support system;
Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 10, showing an
XY table and horizontal drive;
Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12, showing the
XY table and horizontal drive with printed-circuit
board moved;
Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing a
part of the visual inspection support system;
Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14, showing a
part of the visual inspection support system with
camera and magnifying lens moved downward;
Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing the
guide rails with rotation shafts and movable units;
Fig. 17 ls a view similar to Fig. 16, showing the
guide rails with rotation shafts and movable units
moved downward;
Fig. 18 is view similar to Fig. 11, showing a
fourth preferred embodiment of visual inspection
support system;
Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 13, showing the
XY table and horizontal drive;
Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 19, showing the
XY table and horizontal drive with printed-cireuit
board moved downward;
Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 15, showing a
part of the visual inspection support system;
Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 21, showing a
part of the visual inspection support system with
camera and magnifying lens moved downward;
Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 17, showing the
. 2090936
guide rails with rotation shafts and movable units;
Fig. 24 is a view similar to Fig. 23, showing the
guide rails with rotation shafts and movable units
moved downward;
Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 24, showing the
display with touch panel;
Fig. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 25, showing the
display having the defective factor display area and
image display area;
Fig. 27 is a view similar to Fig. 18, showing
fifth preferred embodiment of visual inspection
support system;
Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig. 26,
illustrating a picture of the display with recognition
mark;
Fig. 29 is a view similar to Fig. 28,
illustrating a picture of the display with reference
portion;
Fig. 30 is a view similar to Fig. 29, showing a
picture of the display with message;
Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. 27, showing a
sixth preferred embodiment of visual inspection
support system;
Fig. 32 is a view similar to Fig. 30,
illustrating a picture of the display with recognition
mark;
Fig. 33 is a view similar to Fig. 32,
illustrating a picture of the display with reference
portion; and
Fig. 34 is a view similar to Fig. 33, showing a
picture of the display with message;
nF.TATr.F.~ n~CRTPTTON OF TIIF TNV~NTTON
Referring first to Figs. 1-5, there is shown a
first preferred embodiment of visual inspection
support system embodying the present invention.
As best seen in Fig. 2, a picture of a display 1
has an upper portion for a defective factor display
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area 4, and a lower portion for an image display area
5 which are separately controlled by a controller 8.
Referring to Fig. 5, when a camera 12 shoots a
printed-circuit board 11 on an XY table 10 which is at
a standstill, its image is displayed in the image
display area 5 as a real-time image as shown in Fig.
3.
Referring to Fig. 4, when a dot touch panel 2 as
an input device is disposed on the picture of the
display 1, a number of dots 3 as arranged in a matrix
inside the touch panel 2 are located on an image of a
part 6 displayed in the image display area 5, or a
figure of a defective factor number 7 displayed in the
defective factor display area 4 as shown in Fig. 1.
When applying a system according to the present
invention, a drive condition of the XY table 10 and
master data relative to parts and defective factors
should previously be registered in view of a
relationship between the picture of the display 1 and
the dots 3 of the touch panel 2.
First, data proper to each part as an inspection
target on the printed-circuit board 11 such as a part
number, design number, etc. are registered in the
controller 8.
Next, information on the number of divided images
of one piece of printed-circuit board upon inspection,
a length of a display time of each image, and an order
of forward feed of images are registered in the
controller 8.
Then, as shown in Fig. 1, the dots 3 of the touch
panel 2 as located on an image of each part and data
proper to each part are paired, and registered in the
controller 8.
Additionally, with regard to each defective
factor number displayed in the defective factor
display area 4, the dots 3 as located thereon and the
defective factor number are paired, and registered in
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the controller 8.
Registration of a drive condition of the XY table
10 and master data relative to parts and defective
factors is carried out by execution of a master data
registration program stored in the controller 8.
After registration and drive condition setting,
an control program as stored in the controller 8 is
executed to carry out visual inspection.
~ ith execution of the inspection program, real-
time images of the printed-circuit board 11 are fed
forward in sequence on the display 1 by driving of the
XY table 10 produced by a drive 9. The operator
carries out inspection using the real-time images
themselves as a visual target.
As best seen in Fig. 1, when detecting a
defective spot during inspection, the operator puts
his finger on an image of the part 6 as a defective
factor on the touch panel 2 to point out its position.
Then, the operator selects the defective factor number
7 of the defective spot from the defective factor
display area 4, and puts his finger on its figure on
the touch panel 2. Thus, the control program
combines master data relative to the defective spot or
part 6 with the defective factor number 7 of the
defective spot so as to create single inspection data
which are instantaneously registered in a database of
the controller 8.
Referring to Figs. 6-10, there is shown a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, guide rails 116, 117 are
fixed to a back plate 118 on its one face to be
parallel in the vertical direction. The back plate
118 has another face fixed to a support 123.
Additionally, a magnifying lens movement portion
comprises movable units 113, 115, and stationary
plates 104, 105, whereas a camera movement portion
comprises movable units 112, 114, and stationary
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plates 106, 107.
Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a rotation shaft 119,
120 has a peripheral face formed with a thread as cut
at a fixed pitch except both ends, and is fitted into
through holes formed in the movable units 112,
113;114, 115. Additionally, since the through hole of
the movable unit 113, 114 has a peripheral face formed
with a thread at the same pitch as that of the above
thread, the rotation shaft 119, 120 is fitted into the
movable unit 113, 114 in engaging with the through
hole. Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the guide rail
116, 117 has two protrusions which are engaged with
two grooves formed on both side faces of the movable
units 112, 113;114, 115. As best seen in Fig. 7, the
rotation shaft 119, 120 has one end engaged with a
through hole of a stopper 109, 111, and another end
engaged with a through hole of a stopper 108, 110.
Further, outer peripheries of the stoppers 108,
109;110, 111 are engaged with both ends of the guide
rail 116, 117, so that the rotation shaft 119, 120 and
the movable units 11~, 113;114, 115 are in a supported
state on a center line of the guide rail 116, 117.
Additionally, as best seen in Figs. 6 and 10, an
upper face of the movable unit 112, 113, 114, 115 is
formed with a protrusion engaged with a through hole
of the stationary plate 104, 105, 106, 107, the camera
101 being fixed to the stationary plate 107, the
bellows 102 being fixed to the stationary plates 105,
106, the magnifying lens 103 being fixed to the
stationary plate 104, respectively.
Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, in the above state,
in case that magnification is increased when shooting
a subject 124, for example, the following operation is
carried out: The rotation shaft 119 is rotated by
rotating counterclockwise a knob 121 fixed to the
another end of the rotation shaft 119. This
rotational motion is transmitted to the movable unit
209~936
113 which is urged to move downward on the guide rail
116. At the same time, the movable unit 115 as
connected with the movable unit 113 through the
stationary plates 104, 105 is also moved together, so
that the magnifying lens 103 as fixed to the
stationary plate 104 is urged to move toward the
subject 124, and the bellows 102 having one end
connected with the stationary plate 105 extend in
interlock with movement of the stationary plate 105.
At this time, the movable unit 112 is not moved since
it is out of engagement with the rotation shaft 119.
As soon as rotation of the knob 121 is stopped
after determining magnification by the above
operation, the movable unit 113 becomes in a
stationary state due to engagement relation with the
rotation shaft 119, and the stationary plate 104, 105,
the movable unit 115, and the magnifying lens 103 are
held in a stationary state.
After determining magnification, the following
operation is carried out to focusing the subject 124
at this magnification: ~eferring also to Figs. 6 and
7, the rotation shaft 120 is rotated by rotating
counterclockwise a knob 122 fixed to the another end
of the rotation shaft 120. This rotational motion is
transmitted to the movable unit 114 which is urged to
move downward on the guide rail 117. At the same
time, the movable unit 112 as connected with the
movable unit 114 through the stationary plates 106,
107 is also moved together, so that the camera 101 as
fixed to the stationary plate 107 is urged to move
toward the magnifying lens 103, and the bellows 102
having the one end fixed to the stationary plate 106
contract in interlock with movement of the stationary
plate 106. At this time, the movable unit 115 is not
moved since it is out of engagement with the rotation
shaft 120.
As soon as rotation of the knob 122 is stopped
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after focusing the subject 124 by the above operation,
the movable unit 114 becomes in a stationary state due
to engagement relation with the rotation shaft 120,
and the stationary plates 106, 107, the movable unit
112, and the camera 101 are held in a stationary
state.
When focusing is carried out by decreasing
magnification from one to another, clockwise rotation
of the knobs 121, 122 has only to carry out for the
above magnification change and subject focusing
operations.
Referring to Figs. 11-17, there is shown a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment, visual inspection is carried out by
using only a system according to the present
invention. Moreover, a printed-circuit board 228
serves as an inspection target object, and a computer
202 serves as a controller, and gears 210, 212 and
motors 208, 209 serve as a vertical drive for driving
a camera focusing mechanism.
As best seen in Figs. 11 and 16, the computer 202
stores a control program for controlling the system,
which has a function of optionally recording or
modifying information on the printed-circuit board 228
and parts mounted thereon which are an inspection
target, a function of optionally setting or modifying,
for each printed-circuit board, projection spots on
the printed-circuit board 228, magnification, order,
and time duration, and a function of generating a
signal for driving an XY table 204 and the camera
focusing mechanism by driving of a horizontal drive
203 and the motors 208, 209 based on the above data.
In order to carry out visual inspection by using
the system, the following registration or modification
work of basic data and drive data is performed prior
to inspection.
First, the control program is executed to
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register in the computer, as basic dada, information
such as size of the printed-circuit board 228 which is
an inspection target, etc., and data proper to each
part mounted on the printed-circuit board 228 such as
part number, coordinate data, and circuit symbol.
Next, on the control program, the XY table 204
and the camera focusing mechanism are actuated in the
manual mode to register or modify projection spots on
the printed-circuit board 228, and magnification,
order, and time duration thereof. Specifically,
referring to Fig. 11, the printed-circuit board 228 is
put on the XY table 204 which is optionally moved in
watching an image shown on a display 201 to determine
a projection spot. Subsequently, a magnifying lens
206 is moved to determine magnification, and a camera
205 is moved to a position where focusing of the image
is obtained at this magnification. Then, for each
projection spot as determined, projection order and
time duration are input through a keyboard, etc.
connected to the computer 202. These works are
repeatedly carried out by the required number of times
to prepare and register drive data for each printed-
circuit board.
The control program calculates in sequence a
relative displacement of the position of the XY table
204 for the proJection spot with regard to its
reference point or its position for the previous
projection spot in terms of projection order, and also
a relative displacement of the position of the camera
205 and magnifying lens 206 with regard to its
reference point or its position for the previous
projection spot in terms of projection order, thus
obtaining the above drive data.
After registering basic data and drive data and
when starting visual inspection by actuating the
system in the automatic mode on the control program,
the XY table 204 and camera focusing mechanism carry
- 203093~
out the following action by a signal generated in
accordance with the control program based on drive
data.
Referring to Figs. 11-13, when receiving the
above signal, the horizontal drive 203 moves the XY
table 204 and the printed-circuit board 228 placed
thereon from a position as indicated in Fig. 12 to a
position as indicated in Fig. 13 so as to display an
image of a first projection spot on the display 201.
Referring to Figs. 14 and 16, when also receiving the
above signal, the motor 208 is rotated in the required
direction and by the required number of times to move
movable units 221, 223 in a position where projection
magnification as set for this projection spot is
obtained. The motor 209 is also rotated in the
required direction and by the required number of times
to move movable units 220, 222 in a position where
focusing at projection magnification for this
projection spot is obtained.
By way of example, referring also to Figs. 14 and
16, when feeding forward an image shown on the display
201 from an image of one projection spot to that of
another projection spot where magnification is set
higher than the one projection spot, the motors 208,
209 are rotated to rotate gears 211, 213 through the
gears 210, 212 counterclockwise as viewed from above
in Figs. 14 and 16. This rotation is transmitted to
the movable plates 224, 225, 226, 227 for vertical
movement through rotation shafts 218, 219 and the
movable units 220, 221, 222, 223, so that the camera
205 and magnifying lens 206 connected to the movable
plates 224, 225;226, 227 are urged to move downward,
coming to a stop to be held at a position as shown in
Figs. 15 and 17.
On the other hand, when feeding an image to that
of a projection spot where magnification is set lower,
the motors 208, 209 are rotated in a direction
2090936
14
opposite to the above one, so that the camera 205 and
magnifying lens 206 are urged to move upward.
During execution of the automatic mode on the
control program, the system carries out the
aforementioned action based on drive data to display
in sequence images of determined projection spots in
conditions set for each projection spot.
Finally, it is to be noted that in Figs. 11-17,
reference numeral 207 designates bellows, 214
designates a support, 215 designates a back plate,
216, 217 designate guide rails, and 229-232 designate
stoppers.
Referring to Figs. 18-26, there is shown a fourth
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to ~ig. 18, a computer 308 serves as a
controller, and a dot touch panel 302 serves as an
input device. As seen from Figs. 23 and 24, a
vertical drive for driving a camera focusing mechanism
comprises gears 317, 319 and motors 315, 316.
Referring to Figs. 18 and 26, the computer 308 stores
a control program for controlling the system, which
has a function of dividing a display 301 into an image
display area 305 and a defective factor display area
304 by displaying an image and a figure at the same
time, a function of optionally setting or modifying
projection conditions such as projection spot,
magnification, order, time duration, etc., a function
of generating a signal for actuating the horizontal
drive 309 and vertical drive in interlock with each
other in accordance with the projection conditions, a
function of optionally setting or modifying
corresponding data of the position of parts in the
projection spot and the position of dots 303 of the
touch panel 302 for each projection spot, a function
of optionally recording, modifying and processing
various informations on the printed-circuit board 311
and inspection information to be shown on the display
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301, and a funetion of recording and processing
inspection result data.
Referring to Figs. 25 and 26, the display 301 has
an upper portion for the defective factor display area
304 and a lower portion for the image display area 305
which are separately controlled by the computer 308.
The dot touch panel 302 is mounted on a surface of the
display 301. Additionally, each dot 303 as located in
the defective factor display area 304 corresponds to
each defective factor number 307, its relationship
being previously registered in the computer 308.
In order to carry out visual inspection by using
the system, the following registration or modification
work of basic data should be carried out prior to
inspection.
First, the control program is executed to
register in the computer 308, as basic data,
information such as size of the printed-circuit board
311 which is an inspection target, etc., and data
proper to each part mounted on the printed-circuit
board 311 such as part number, coordinate data, and
circuit symbol.
Next, on the control program, an XY table 310 and
a camera focusing mechanism are actuated in the manual
mode to register or modify projection spots on the
printed-circuit board 311, and magnification, order,
and time duration thereof. Specifically, referring to
Figs. 18 and 25, the printed-circuit board 311 is put
on the XY table 310 which is optionally moved in
watching an image shown on a display 301 to determine
a projection spot. Subsequently, a magnifying lens
313 is moved to determine magnification, and a camera
312 is moved to a position where focusing of the image
is obtained at this magnification. Then, for each
projection spot as determined, projection order and
time duration are input through a keyboard, etc.
connected to the computer 308. These works are
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16
repeatedly carried out by the required number of times
to prepare and register drive data for each printed-
circuit board.
Since the control program calculates in sequence
a relative displacement of the position of the XY
table 310 for the projection spot with regard to its
reference point or its position for the previous
projection spot in terms of projection order, and also
a relative displacement of the position of the camera
312 and magnifying lens 313 with regard to its
reference point or its position for the previous
projection spot in terms of projection order, it is
possible to have a record in making each dot of the
touch panel 302 correspond automatically to an image
of a part in each projection spot, and to prepare
drive data.
After registering basic data and drive data and
when starting visual inspection by actuating the
system in the automatic mode on the control program,
the XY table 310 and camera focusing mechanism carry
out the following action by a signal generated in
accordance with the control program based on drive
data.
Referring to Figs. 18-20, when receiving the
above signal, the horizontal drive 309 is urged to
move the XY table 310 and the printed-circuit board
311 placed thereon from a position as indicated in
Fig. 19 to a position as indicated in Fig. 20 so as to
display an image of a first projection spot on the
display 301. Referring to Figs. 21 and 23, when also
receiving the above signal, the motor 315 is rotated
in the required direction and by the required number
of times to move movable units 328, 330 to a position
where projection magnification as set for this
projection spot is obtained. The motor 316 is also
rotated in the required direction and by the required
number of times to move movable units 327, 329 to a
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position where focusing at projection magnification
for this projection spot is obtained.
By way of example, when feeding forward an image
shown on the display 301 from an image of one
5projection spot to that of another projection spot
where magnification is set higher than that of the one
projection spot, the motors 315, 316 are rotated to
rotate the gears 318, 320 through gears 317, 319
counterclockwise as viewed from above in Figs. 21 and
1023. This rotation is transmitted to movable plates
331, 332, 333, 334 through rotation shafts 325, 326
and the movable units 327, 328, 329, 330, so that the
camera 312 and magnifying lens 313 connected to the
movable plates 331, 332;333, 334 are urged to move
15downward, coming to a stop to be held at a position as
shown in Figs. 22 and 24.
On the other hand, when feeding an image to that
of a projection spot where projection magnification is
set lower, the motors 315, 316 are rotated in a
20direction opposite to the above one, so that the
camera 312 and magnifying lens 313 are urged to move
upward.
During execution of the automatic mode on the
control program, the system carries out the
25aforementioned action based on drive data to display
in sequence images of determined projection spots in
conditions set for each projection spot.
It is to be noted that in Figs. 18-26, reference
numeral 314 designates bellows, 321 designates a
30support, 322 designates a back plate, 323, 324
designate guide rails, and 335-338 designate stoppers.
Next, an explanation will be made with regard to
a procedure of preparing and recording inspection
result data in the system.
35Referring to Figs. 18 and 25, when the operator
finds a defective part on an image during operation of
the system in the automatic mode, he presses lightly
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18
by finger any position in the area of the defective
part on the touch panel 302. Then, the dots 303 as
located in a portion as pressed sense this action to
generate a signal to the computer 308. When receiving
the signal, the control program determines dots of the
image from which the signal is derived so as to
retrieve basic data of the corresponding part.
Subsequently, the defective factor number 307 of the
defective part is pointed out by also pressing the
touch panel 302, which is combined with basic data to
thereby prepare and record single inspection result
data.
Referring to Figs. 27-30, there is shown a fifth
preferred embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment is substantially the same as the third
preferred embodiment except an automatic inspection
function which will be described hereinafter.
A control program has a function of preparing and
recording for each picture reference data of which
parts to be mounted on a printed-circuit board 408 as
an inspection target are normally mounted in their
mounting positions by combining various informations
on the printed-circuit board 408 such as size,
coordinates, shape, circuit symbol, and image
processing data of each part with projection
conditions, and a function of carrying out automatic
inspection of the printed-circuit board 408 using
reference data in parallel with or independent of an
inspection work of an operator.
Moreover, for further improvement in a function
of carrying out the automatic inspection, the control
program has a function of preparing data by supposing
a dislocation of a position of the printed-circuit
board 408 placed on an XY table 407 with regard to the
origin, and by recognizing the magnitude of this
dislocation for each printed-circuit board or each
picture or the two so as to reflect this data on
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19
reference data.
Next, an explanation will be made with regard to
an example of carrying out visual inspection by the
operator and peculiar automatic inspection by the
control program in parallel in a method of recognizing
a dislocation for each printed-circuit board and
recognizing also a dislocation for each picture.
Referring to Figs. 27 and 28, a picture including
a recognition mark 409 indicative of a reference
position of the printed-circuit board 408 as placed on
the XY table 407 is shown on the display 401. When
the operator commands an action, the control program
calculates a difference between positional information
on the recognition mark 409 in reference data
corresponding to the picture and positional
information on the picture. The difference as
calculated is reflected on reference data for each
picture which will be displayed in sequence after
this.
Referring to Fig. 29, when the picture as a first
inspection target is displayed subsequent to the above
work, the control program carries out the following
processing: It calculates a difference between
positional information on a specific reference portion
410 other than parts in reference data corresponding
to the picture on which the above difference is
previously reflected and positional information on the
picture. Then, it carries out correction by
reflecting the difference on each positional
information on the inspection target part in the
picture. The control program carries out calculation
or processing for each image of the inspection target
part by using positional information as corrected, and
it judges whether it is good or bad on this result.
Referring to Fig. 30, if the control program
judges that the part 412 is bad (Fig. 30 shows a lack
of the part), the control program displays a message
209093G
411 with a striking color or shape on the image of the
part on the display 401. Even if after finishing his
visual inspection the operator wishes to display a
next picture without being aware of this message 411,
the control program disobeys the command, and
generates a warning sound. Thus, it is possible to
surely call an operator's attention to the part 412
which is judged bad by the control program. The
operator carries out again inspection of the part 412,
and if it is bad after all in accordance with the
result of inspection, a next picture cannot be
displayed without carrying out input of inspection
result data by using an input device. On the other
hand, even if it is judged not bad in accordance with
the result of inspection, a command should be given
from the input device to cancel lock of the control
program.
Next, an explanation will be made with regard to
an example of carrying out only an automatic
inspection function of the control program of the
system.
A correction method of a dislocation of the
recognition mark 409 of the printed-circuit board 408,
and that of a dislocation of the specific reference
portion other than parts in each picture are the same
as the above example.
The difference is calculation or processing for
discriminating a content of the defective, and a
processing method after judging that it is bad. By
way of example, the following processing is carried
out:
For discriminating a content of the defective, a
plurality of calculations or processings are carried
out based on an automatic inspection function of the
control program, and their results are combined to
point out a content of the defective which is
registered in the database. Subsequently, inspection
203~936
of a next picture can be carried out.
Finally, it is to be noted that in Figs. 27-30,
reference numeral 402 designates a touch panel, 403
designates a computer, 404 designates a camera, 405
designates a magnifying lens, and 406 designates a
horizontal drive.
Referring to Figs. 31-34, there is shown a sixth
preferred embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment is substantially the same as the fifth
preferred embodiment except that the system fails to
provide the magnifying lens 405 of the fifth preferred
embodiment. In view of a function, this embodiment is
identical to the fifth preferred embodiment.
Having described the present invention in
connection with the embodiments, it is to be noted
that the present invention is not limited thereto, and
various changes and modifications are possible without
depart from the spirit of the present invention.
By way of example, the input device may be an
ultrasonic touch panel or mouse in place of the dot
touch panel.
