Patent ID: 6959108
Filing Date: 2005-10-25
Classification: G01N,G06T

Abstract:
1. A workpiece inspection system for consecutively inspecting a plurality of workpieces, each workpiece including at least a first opening and said system being adapted to determine a presence of additional openings in said workpiece, said system comprising: a) a camera positioned to capture an image of a workpiece in an inspection zone; b) a launching device from which the workpieces may be consecutively launched to pass unsupported through said inspection zone; c) a sensor positioned to sense when a workpiece has entered said inspection zone; d) a light positioned to direct light into a workpiece when the workpiece is located in said inspection zone; and e) a controller communicating with said sensor and said camera and programmed to cause said camera to capture an image of the workpiece when said sensor senses the workpiece has entered said inspection zone; said controller programmed to analyze said image of the workpiece captured by the camera to identify any defects in the workpiece, including the presence of additional openings in the workpiece.