Video comparator system

A comparator is disclosed for examining, inspecting and/or calibrating component parts. The comparator includes a frame, a component supporting system releasably attached to the frame for supporting a component part to be inspected and/or calibrated, a video imaging system attached to the frame for generating a video image of the component part on a video display, a graphic line image generator for superimposing on a video display graphic images arranged to display and represent predetermined dimensional ranges related to the component part, whereby the component part may be compared to the predetermined images of the graphic images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting and adjusting a 
manufactured or component part. More particularly, the invention relates 
to a video comparator system which facilitates such inspection and/or 
adjustment of components. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
In many intricate devices which are fabricated by assembling a plurality of 
components together, there is generally a requirement that the dimensions 
of the component parts be within certain tolerances in order to assemble 
the overall device for proper operation. 
Up to the present examination or inspection and calibration of component 
parts have been accomplished with optical comparators. Generally, these 
comparators impinge a beam of light on a component part to be inspected. A 
projecting and magnifying lens system then provides a magnified image of 
the component part on a viewing screen. The master outline is positioned 
on the viewing screen or within the focal plane of the lens system, so 
that the component part image can be measured against the master outline. 
The component part either satisfies the inspection requirements or is 
recalibrated by visually measuring the magnified image of the component 
part against a master outline of the component part. 
Fundamentally, these types of comparator systems are based on measuring the 
dimensions of the component part against those of the master outline. The 
result is that the operator must make one or more measurements for each 
component part being examined, inspected and/or calibrated thereby causing 
or enhancing the operator's fatigue and increasing inspection or 
calibration time. Further, current comparator systems have optical systems 
which are not firmly secured to the structure which holds the component 
part. Thus present comparator systems must be realigned each time the 
operator leaves the work station for a period of time, or each time the 
system is moved either intentionally or accidentally. Failure to do so may 
result in inaccurate measurements and ultimately in increased failure 
rates for the device in which the component part is installed. 
It can be seen, that current comparator technology is mechanically 
unstable, thereby, requiring the operator to realign the system 
periodically. In addition, current comparator systems are ergonomically 
inefficient causing operator fatigue by requiring the operator to make 
dimensional measurements for each component part and if necessary to 
re-calibrate the component part being inspected. 
Therefore, there exists a need for a new comparator system which overcomes 
the drawbacks of existing comparators by requiring the operator to merely 
compare the dimensions of the component part to a reference pattern, 
thereby relieving the operator from making any measurements. Further, the 
need for a stable comparator system which eliminates the need for periodic 
realignment after initial set-up is demonstrated. Lastly, a need exists 
for a comparator which allows the operator to adjust the component part to 
predetermined dimensions to coincide with the reference pattern. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a video comparator system for inspecting 
and calibrating a component part, which comprises frame means, means 
releasably attached to the frame means for supporting a component part, 
video imaging means attached to the frame means for generating a video 
image of the component part on video display means, and means for 
generating graphic images having at least one horizontal line or bar and 
at least one vertical line or bar, to be superimposed on the video display 
means. The graphic images are arranged to display and represent 
predetermined dimensional ranges related to the component part, whereby 
the component part may be compared to the predetermined images of the 
graphic images. 
In the preferred embodiment, the video imaging means includes a video 
camera, a lens assembly having magnification means for focusing said video 
image and illumination means for illuminating the focal plane of the lens 
assembly. 
Preferably, the frame means is of unitary construction and significantly 
rigid to maintain the component securing means and the video imaging means 
in continuous fixed relationship. For example, the frame means may 
comprise a base member having at least two upright side walls spatially 
secured thereto and an upper platform secured to said side walls. 
It is also preferred that the component supporting means comprise a first 
member, component holding means secured to the first member for receiving 
at least a part of the component part, adjusting means secured to the 
first member for adjusting the dimensions of the component part to 
coincide with the predetermined dimensional ranges. An intermediate member 
is positioned between the lower member and the component holding means and 
is also positioned between the lower member and the adjusting means, and 
positioning means is secured to the first member for positioning the 
component part within the focal plane of the imaging means. 
In an alternative embodiment, the video comparator system includes a frame, 
imaging means secured to the frame for generating a video image, line 
generating means connected to the imaging means for superimposing a 
graphic line image on the video image thereby generating a composite 
image, data entry means connected to the line generating means for 
altering the graphic line image, video display means connected to the line 
generating means for receiving the composite image. Component support 
means is releasably secured to the frame for releasably supporting a 
component part and for positioning the component part within the focal 
plane of the imaging means such that the video display means displays the 
component part. 
Preferably, the imaging means includes a video camera, a lens assembly 
attached to the video camera having a magnification means for focusing the 
video image, and illumination means for illuminating the focal plane of 
the lens assembly to facilitate image reception by the imaging means and 
display of the image on the video display means. 
The data entry means is preferably in the form of a keypad, and includes 
keys adapted for controlling the up and down movement of at least one 
horizontal line image, and keys adapted for controlling the left and right 
movement of at least one vertical line image, and menu select means. Also, 
the images may be in the form of lines and bars. 
The magnification means of the present invention includes a magnification 
lens of approximately at least 0.5, 0.67 or 6.5 magnification or any 
combination thereof, while the illumination means which is preferably 
connected to the lens assembly includes a light source, a ring light for 
dispersing light generated by the light source and an optical cable for 
transmitting light from the light source to the ring light. 
In another embodiment, the video comparator system of the present invention 
includes a frame, imaging means secured to the frame for generating a 
video image, enhanced line generating means secured to the frame for 
superimposing graphic line and bar images on the video image thereby 
generating a composite image. Data entry means is connected to the 
enhanced line generating means for altering the graphic line and bar 
images, and display means is secured to the frame for receiving the 
composite image and component support means releasably secured to the 
frame for releasably supporting a component part and for positioning the 
component part within the focal plane of the imaging means such that the 
display means displays the component part. Preferably, the graphic line 
and bar images include at least one vertical bar, at least one vertical 
line, at least one horizontal bar and at least one horizontal line. 
The invention also relates to a method of displaying component parts for 
examination, inspection and/or calibration purposes, comprising generating 
a reference pattern from a setting master, releasably securing a component 
part to component support means, comparing the dimensions of the component 
part with the reference pattern, and adjusting the dimensions of the 
component part to coincide with the reference pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
In general, the present invention is directed to a video comparator system 
for examining or inspecting and/or calibrating component parts prior to 
assembly into the final manufactured device for which they were intended. 
However, it is also contemplated that the video comparator system of the 
present invention may be used to examine, inspect and/or calibrate the 
device after manufacture. Such calibration provides visual comparison to a 
standard device or part while facilitating in-situ adjustment of the 
device or component part prior to removal from the component support 
fixture which forms part of the component support system. 
In the description which follows, straight line images are disclosed to 
represent relevant dimensions of component parts to be examined, 
calibrated and/or adjusted. It is however, contemplated within the scope 
of the invention to utilize images which, for example, are non-linear or 
compound or even curved or other images which depend upon the specific 
component part being examined, calibrated and/or adjusted. 
Referring to the Figs., in particular FIG. 1, the video comparator system 
of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10. 
Generally, the comparator system includes: 1) a frame, 2) an imaging 
system secured to the frame for generating video images, 3) a line 
generating system secured to the frame for superimposing graphic line 
and/or bar images on the video images thereby generating a composite 
image, 4) a data entry device connected to the line generating system for 
altering the graphic line image; 5) a display monitor connected to the 
line generating system for receiving the composite image; and 6) a 
component support system releasably secured to the frame for receiving 
component parts or setting masters and for positioning the component parts 
or setting masters within the focal plane of the imaging system so that 
the display monitor displays the component parts or setting masters. 
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the frame 11 is of two tier 
unitary construction which is of sufficient rigidity to support the 
various components and subsystems in predetermined fixed relationship with 
each other as will be explained in further detail. 
Referring to FIG. 1, frame 11 includes base 16 which forms the lower tier 
and has two side walls 12 and 14 spatially secured thereto. Upper plate 18 
is secured to the top of side walls 12 and 14 which forms the upper tier. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, base 16 supports line generator system 60, 
component support system 49 and light source 32. The upper plate 18 
supports imaging system 35 and side wall 14 supports the display monitor 
38 as shown. It should be understood that the configuration of the 
embodiment in FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of numerous ways which 
can be utilized to support the various elements of the present invention. 
For example, only the imaging system 35 and the component support system 
49 may be supported by the frame while the remaining elements or 
sub-systems may be supported by other than the frame. A significant 
feature in such instance is that the component support system 49 and 
imaging system 35 are secured to the same rigid structure. This feature 
facilitates positioning of a component part which is releasably secured to 
the component support system 49 within the focal plane of the imaging 
system 35 and causes the component part to remain within that focal plane 
thereby obviating the need for periodic realignment. 
The imaging system 35 generally includes video camera 22, lens assembly 24 
and illumination system 27. Video camera 22 is attached to lens assembly 
24 and illumination system 27 and the entire assembly is secured to upper 
plate 18 of the frame so that the focal plane of imaging system 35 is in 
the direction of base 16 and parallel thereto. Preferably, bracket 20 is 
affixed perpendicularly to upper plate 18 and to video camera 22 so as to 
secure camera 22 to the upper plate, while support flange 26 firmly 
secures lens assembly 24 to the upper plate, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
The video camera 22 may be any suitable type of video camera known in the 
art, for example, the Javelin Chromachip Camera manufactured by Javelin 
Electronics. 
The lens assembly 24, shown in FIG. 1, includes adapter 24a which connects 
camera 22 to lens assembly 24, a lens or fixed magnification adapter 24b 
or adapters and a zoom lens 24c, to clearly display the component part or 
setting master. Alternatively, lens assembly 24 may be an automatic 
magnification adjustment lens, or lens assembly 24 may be a manual 
magnification adjustment lens. An example of a suitable lens assembly 24, 
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes the following elements: 1) adapter 24a 
(model 6010 manufactured by D.O. Industries) connected to video camera 22; 
2) 0.67 times magnification lens 24b (model 6020 manufactured by D.O. 
Industries) secured within adapter 24a; 3) zoom lens 24c (6.5 zoom, series 
6000 manufactured by D.O. Industries) connected to 0.67 times 
magnification lens 24b at hub 25; and 4) 0.5 times magnification lens (not 
shown) (model SLAO manufactured by D.O. Industries) secured within zoom 
lens 24c. It should be understood, however, that if a fixed magnification 
adapter or adapters are utilized to display a component part, proper 
focusing of the component part requires that the component part be 
positioned from the imaging system a fixed distance. For example, if the 
combination lens assembly described above is utilized, the distance 
required between hub 25 and the component part to properly focus the 
component part is 10.75 inches. 
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, illumination system 27 may be any known 
source of light which sufficiently illuminates the focal plane of the lens 
assembly 24. Preferably, the illumination system includes light source 32, 
ring light 28 for dispersing the light generated by light source 32 and 
optical cable 30 for distributing or transmitting the light generated by 
light source 32 to ring light 28. Illustrative of a satisfactory 
illumination system is the model FO-150 manufactured by Fostic 
Corporation. 
As noted above, preferably video camera 22 and lens assembly 24 are 
positioned on upper plate 18 of frame 11, so that lens assembly 24 is 
directed toward base 16 of the frame, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As a 
result, the focal plane of the imaging system is in the direction of and 
parallel to base 16. The imaging system 35 generates a video signal of any 
object within the focal plane of lens assembly 24. The video signal is 
then transferred to line generating system 60 via cable assembly 36. 
Preferably, the cable assembly is a 75 ohm coaxial cable having BNC 
connectors on each end thereof. However, any type of cabling or electrical 
transmission devices known in the art may be used to transfer the video 
signal to the line generating system. 
The line generating system 60, shown in FIG. 1, superimposes vertical lines 
and/or horizontal lines onto the video signal. Preferably, four vertical 
lines and/or horizontal lines are superimposed on the video signal. Line 
generating systems that superimpose vertical and horizontal lines are 
known in the art, one such example is the Oracle JV3400 manufactured by 
Javelin Electronics. In a preferred embodiment enhanced line generating 
system 60a is utilized, as shown in FIG. 2. The enhanced line generating 
system 60a is one capable of generating vertical lines and bars, and 
horizontal lines and bars. These vertical and horizontal lines may be 
rotated a maximum of 180 degrees around the horizontal or vertical axis 
depending upon the original orientation of the lines. Enhanced line 
generating systems of the type described above include video graphic 
printed circuit boards in conjunction with a microprocessor and memory, 
and programmed with conventional programming techniques, all of which are 
within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It should be noted that 
any discussion about the line generating system includes the 
interchangability with the enhanced line generating system. 
Referring once again to FIGS. 1 and 2, data entry device 64 is connected to 
either line generating system 60 or enhanced line generating system 60a 
via data link 62. The data entry device may be any form of keyboard or 
other user interface which is known in the art. For example, the data 
entry device may be a keypad having five keys thereon, one menu and four 
arrow keys (left, right, up and down), similar to the JV HAND model 
manufactured by Javelin Electronics. 
Generally, data entry device 64 allows the operator to move the vertical 
and horizontal lines and/or bars, or to rotate the lines, in order to 
create an image of preapproved structural characteristics. These 
characteristics are based on a setting master and are utilized for later 
comparison with component parts. For example, data link 62 may be a six 
wire cable with jack assemblies at each end allowing easy disconnection of 
the data link 62 from either line generating system 60 or 60a or the data 
entry device. 
Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, line generating system 60 receives 
the video signal and superimposes graphic lines onto the video signal so 
as to create a composite image. The composite image is then transmitted 
via any cable assembly or electrical transmission device known in the art 
to display monitor 38 which displays the composite image. Preferably, the 
cable assembly is a 75 ohm coaxial cable having BNC connectors on each end 
thereof. However, any type of cabling or electrical transmission devices 
known in the art may be used to transfer the composite image to the 
display monitor. The display monitor 38 may be any suitable medium to 
display the composite image, such as the Javelin CVM9 monitor. 
Component support system or jig 49 provides an adjustable system which 
facilitates positioning of the setting master or the component part within 
the focal plane of imaging system 35. In addition to facilitating the 
positioning of the component part, the component support system 49 may 
also be configured to provide the necessary height differential required 
by fixed magnification lenses, as noted above. Component support system 49 
generally includes support fixture 50 and adjustable positioning system 
40, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a support fixture 50 for 
supporting a component part or setting master and utilized for examining, 
inspecting and/or calibrating component parts. Generally, the support 
fixture may be a universal holder for numerous types of component parts 
which releasably secures the component parts thereto and is capable of 
being positioned within the focal plane of the imaging system. Preferably, 
the support fixture 50 is configured to house a single type of component 
part and its associated setting master 52, as shown in FIG. 3. It is also 
preferred that support fixture 50 have at least one adjusting system 78 
secured thereto which facilitates adjusting of the component part to fall 
within the predetermined dimensions of the setting master. Ultimately, the 
dimensions of the support fixture are dependent on the dimensions of the 
type of component parts being examined, inspected and/or calibrated and 
the type of lens assembly being utilized. In the preferred embodiment, 
support fixture 50 includes lower member 72, intermediate member 74 
secured at least partially to lower member 72, component holding member 76 
secured to intermediate member 74, and adjusting system 78 also secured to 
the intermediate member 74. 
As shown in FIG. 3, the support fixture 50 includes lower member 72 which 
is a square plate-like member positioned horizontally and having upper 
surface 72a, intermediate member 74 which is a rectangular plate-like 
member having a width which is less than the width of the lower member 72. 
The intermediate member 74 is positioned so that its lower surface 74a is 
adjacent to upper surface 72a of lower member 72 and is partially secured 
thereto. Component holding member 76 is secured to upper surface 74b of 
intermediate member 74 and is configured to at least partially retain the 
component part or setting master 52. Further, the component holding member 
76 includes a retaining device 80 which releasably secures the component 
part or setting master to the component holding member 76. Retaining 
device 80 may be a slidable pin or bar which firmly positions the 
component part or setting master 52 between component holding member 76 
and the pin or bar. As other examples, the retaining device may be any 
other releasable form of clamp, clasp, grip, vice, clip, or the like which 
will releasably secure a component part or setting master to the component 
holding member 76. 
Referring once again to FIG. 3, adjusting system 78 may be slidably secured 
to upper surface 74b of intermediate member 74. Adjusting system 78 
reciprocates in a direction which cause the dimensions of the component 
part to be permanently altered, as indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 3. The 
adjusting system 78 includes guide member 88 secured to upper surface 74b 
of intermediate member 74, and slide arm 87 which is slidably secured to 
guide member 88. Adjusting system 78 also includes first lever arm 86 
secured thereto which facilitates the reciprocating motion of the 
adjusting system 78. Additionally, the adjusting system 78 may further 
include reciprocating flange 82 which is operatively connected to second 
lever arm 84 and utilized to permanently alter the dimensions of the 
component part. 
Adjusting system 78 and component holding member 76 are positioned on 
intermediate member 74 and secured thereto so that either the component 
part or setting master is coincident with the adjusting system 78. 
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the component holding member 76 has an upper 
surface 76a which is generally shaped as an inclined plane. The upper-most 
end of the upper surface 76a is positioned adjacent to recess 83 of the 
adjusting system 78 so that one end of the component part (not shown) can 
extend beyond the component holding member 76 into recess 83. However, 
this configuration of the component holding member is only exemplary, 
generally, the construction of the component holding member is dependent 
on the component part to be examined, inspected and/or calibrated. 
Turning to FIG. 4, adjustable positioning system 40 may be a single 
structure which is slidably secured to the base 16, or it may be made of 
more than one structure which facilitates positioning of the component 
support fixture 50. In particular, adjustable positioning system 40 has 
two rectangular plate-like structures positioned in adjacency. Upper plate 
46 has a length which is less than the length of the lower plate 42. Lower 
plate 42 includes an elongated aperture 43 at each corner as shown to 
allow lower plate 42 to be secured to base 16 by set screws 44. Elongated 
apertures 43 are arranged to allow longitudinal movement of lower plate 42 
along the base 16, as indicated by arrow "B" in FIG. 4. Elongated 
apertures 43 in lower plate 42 extend through the thickness of the plate 
to permit the head of each set screw 44 to engage the upper surface of 
plate 42 as shown. Upper plate 46 also includes an elongated aperture 43a 
at each corner to allow upper plate 46 to be secured to lower plate 42 by 
set screws 44. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, elongated 
apertures 43a in upper plate 46 extend partially into the plate and 
further include a second aperture 43b of width less than aperture 43a so 
as to define a shelf for engagement by set screw 44. Elongated apertures 
43a and 43b in upper plate 46 are arranged to allow movement of upper 
plate 46 transverse to the movement of lower plate 42 as indicated by 
arrow "C" in FIG. 4. Guide key 45 is positioned within channels 47 formed 
in each plate to assist in fixing the positioning of the plates with 
respect to each other by aligning the half portions with each other. 
The support fixture 50 is releasably secured to the base 16 at a location 
whereby the component part is within the focal plane of the imaging system 
35. In the preferred embodiment component support system 49 is utilized, 
wherein support fixture 50 is releasably secured to adjustable positioning 
system 40 which facilitates positioning of the support fixture 50 within 
the focal plane of the imaging system 35, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
In operation, a reference pattern is generated by releasably securing a 
setting master to the component support system, positioning the setting 
master within the focal plane of the imaging system, and superimposing 
line and/or bar images to outline the specific dimensional characteristics 
of the setting master. 
Referring once again to FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, the 
setting master 52 is configured to conform to the dimensions of the 
specific component part which will be examined, inspected and/or 
calibrated. As an example, the setting master 52 is configured to have a 
distal end 52a to represent the spacing between the jaws 102 of the 
component part, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The setting master 52 is 
fabricated from a metallic, plastic or any other rigid material sufficient 
to retain the desired shape. For convenience and availability, the setting 
master 52 is preferably attached to the component support fixture 50 by a 
cable, wire, string or any other suitable device. 
Once the setting master 52 is secured to the component support system 49 by 
retaining device 80, as shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal and vertical 
graphic lines superimposed onto the video signal are positioned to 
represent the image of the setting master. If the enhanced line generating 
system is utilized, the horizontal and vertical graphic lines and bars may 
be superimposed onto the video signal which represents the image of the 
setting master. Data entry device 64, shown in FIG. 1, facilitates the 
generation of either the vertical or horizontal graphic lines or both and 
enables the operator to move the graphic lines in the horizontal or 
vertical direction depending on the orientation of the original line. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, depressing the menu key 64a on the data entry 
device 64 will visually display the menu for the graphic line generating 
system on display monitor 38. The menu may list the different selections 
for controlling the graphic lines. For example, the Javelin Electronics 
Oracle JV3400 menu may indicate the following functions: 
Vertical 
Horizontal 
Vertical:Horizontal 
Datum 
Span 1 
Span 2 
Span 3 
Move all 
Line type 
Matt, Blk-Wht 
Blank 
Moving the cursor with the up-arrow and down-arrow keys, 64b and 64d 
respectively, to a particular function and depressing the menu key will 
allow selection of that particular function. Selection of the "vertical" 
or "horizontal" functions will either add vertical or horizontal lines to 
the displayed image or delete the vertical or horizontal lines already 
being displayed. Similarly, selection of the "vertical:horizontal" 
function will add both vertical and horizontal lines to the image. 
Selection of the "datum", "span 1", "span 2" or "span 3" functions enables 
the operator to move one of four vertical lines or one of four horizontal 
lines where each function represents one line. Similarly, selection of the 
"move all" function enables the operator to move all the vertical lines or 
all the horizontal lines. The horizontal lines are moved by depressing the 
up-arrow or down-arrow keys 64b and 64d, while the vertical lines are 
moved by depressing the left-arrow key or right-arrow key 64c and 64e 
respectively. 
Utilizing line generating system 60, there are four vertical and four 
horizontal lines, two of the four lines are solid lines and the remaining 
two lines are dashed. Selection of the "line type" function switches the 
original dashed lines to solid lines and the original solid lines to 
dashed lines. Selection of the "matt, blk-wht" function allows the 
operator to lighten or darken the color of the horizontal and vertical 
lines. Finally, selection of the "blank" function deletes all graphic 
lines from view. As an operational example, FIG. 7 illustrates a composite 
image 100, without a component part, wherein horizontal lines 116 and 120 
and vertical lines 114 and 118 lines are superimposed onto the video image 
104. These horizontal and vertical lines may be moved using the above 
described functions. 
If on the other hand, the preferred enhanced line generating system is 
utilized the menu may indicate, for example, the following functions: 
______________________________________ 
Group 1 Group 2 
______________________________________ 
Bar Direction Bar Direction 
Line Type Line Type 
Color Color 
Flip Flip 
Line Size Line Size 
Move Bar Move Bar 
Line 3 Line 3 
Line 2 Line 2 
Line 1 Line 1 
Datum Datum 
Rotate Line 3 Rotate Line 3 
Rotate Line 2 Rotate Line 2 
Rotate Line 1 Rotate Line 1 
Rotate Line Datum Rotate Line Datum 
Rotate Line Reset Rotate Line Reset 
______________________________________ 
Group 1 represents functions which control a first group of four lines and 
a bar, while Group 2 represents functions which control a second group of 
four lines and a bar. The functions are the same for each group with the 
only difference being the lines or bars being manipulated. Therefore, 
references made to the functions associated with "group 1" will include 
the equivalent function in "group 2" with the understanding that different 
lines and/or bars will be affected. 
Selection of the "Bar Direction" function will change the orientation of 
the bar from either vertical or horizontal to either horizontal or 
vertical respectively. 
The "Line Type" function may allow the operator to display the lines and 
bar, the lines only, the bar only or to blank the lines and bar from the 
display means. 
The "Color" function allows selection of a color for the lines and bar from 
an assortment of colors. 
Selection of the "Flip" function causes the bar to rotate 180 degrees on 
the common axis. The "Line Size" function increases or decreases the width 
of the line. 
The "Move Bar" function allows the operator to move the bar in either the 
vertical or horizontal direction respective to the original orientation of 
the bar. Similarly, selection of the "Line 1", "Line 2", "Line 3" or 
"Datum" functions allows the operator to move the respective line in 
either the vertical or horizontal direction depending on the original 
orientation of the lines. 
Selection of the "Rotate Line 1", "Rotate Line 2," "Rotate Line 3" or 
"Rotate Line Datum" allows the operator to rotate the respective line a 
maximum of 180 degrees from its original axis. Finally, selection of the 
"Rotate Line Reset" will cause any line which has been rotated to reset to 
its original orientation. As an example, FIG. 8 illustrates a composite 
image 100, without a component part, wherein horizontal lines 110 combined 
with vertical bar 108, and horizontal bar 106 combined with vertical lines 
112, are superimposed onto the video image 104. These horizontal lines and 
vertical bar and vertical lines and horizontal bar may be manipulated 
using the above described functions. 
After a reference pattern is set using the line generating system or the 
enhanced line generating system it remains fixed unless altered by the 
operator, even if power is removed from the video comparator system. 
Referring again to FIG. 6, once the reference pattern is generated, a 
component part is releasably secured to the component support system 49. 
Because the setting master has been positioned within the focal plane of 
the imaging system, it is axiomatic that the now installed component part 
will be positioned within the focal plane of the imaging system 35. A 
visual comparison is made of the video image of the component part and 
superimposed reference pattern. If the operator is simply inspecting the 
component part, coincidence of the component part image with the reference 
pattern may satisfy the inspection requirements. However, if the operator 
is calibrating the component part, failure of the component part image to 
coincide with the reference pattern requires the operator to adjust the 
dimensions of the component part to coincide with the reference pattern. 
Adjusting the dimensions of the component part may be accomplished by 
actuation of the adjustment system as described above. 
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 9 for illustration purposes, the spacing 
between jaw 102 of a component part of a surgical device may require 
calibration and adjustment. To widen the spacing between the jaw 102 the 
reciprocating flange 82 is utilized. The reciprocating flange 82 is 
manually inserted into the jaw opening by applying a force to second lever 
arm 84 in a direction toward the component part. A force is then applied 
to first lever arm 86 of the adjusting system 78 in an appropriate 
transverse direction illustrated by arrow "A" in FIG. 6. The applied force 
is sufficient to cause one member 102a or 102b of the jaw to permanently 
widen the jaw opening. This procedure is repeated for the other jaw 
member, if necessary. To close the jaw opening, reciprocating flange 82 is 
withdrawn from the jaw opening and adjustment system 78 is simply moved in 
a transverse direction so as to cause either of plates 78a or 78b to 
engage the outer side surface of either member 102a or member 102b in a 
direction which causes one of the members (or both) to move inwardly so as 
to reduce the jaw opening with sufficient force to permanently alter the 
dimension of the jaw opening. 
Once the component part is examined, inspected and/or calibrated or 
adjusted, it is released from the component support system by releasing 
the retaining device and extracting the component part. 
It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the 
embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed without departing 
from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, various sizes of the frame 
and support means are contemplated, as well as various types of 
construction materials. Also, various modifications may be made in the 
configuration of the parts. Additionally, various types of imaging means, 
display means and line generating means are contemplated. Therefore, the 
above description should not be construed as limiting the invention, but 
merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled 
in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit 
of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.