A multipurpose digital rapid profile projector [0001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an optical metrology measuring instrument. More particularly, the invention relates to a non-contact optical inspection for quality and dimension control of the manufactured parts. [0004] Background of the invention

[0005] A profile projector is an optical instrument which is used to measure the dimension and inspect the quality of parts of a machine during their manufacturing. The projector enlarges the shape of the parts and displays it on the display screen. The parts of the machine are measured by placing the parts to be inspected on the workstage. A very accurate magnified image of the part is displayed on the screen. The magnified image of the part is measured by the machine. Since the magnified part is measured (instead of the actual small part), very accurate measurements of upto one thousandth of a millimeter cam be done.

[0006] Today, large numbers of optical instruments are used for measuring and inspecting the dimension and accuracy of the manufactured parts such as profile projectors, video measuring machines, field of view inspection system, etc.

[0007] Various types of conventional profile projectors are known in the prior art, wherein most of the profile projectors have poor quality of the image when subjected to surface illumination. The measurement process involved in these types of projectors is very slow and the color image obtained is of very low quality. The accuracy of results totally depends on the operator's skill and consistency. [0008] Further, in the existing systems, such as video measuring machines, the field of view is very small wherein only a small portion of the part or component can be projected during inspection. These machines may not be able to measure or inspect the dimension and quality of heavy, bulky and large parts.

[0009] Hence, looking at the problems in the prior art, there is a need of a multipurpose digital rapid profile projector which provides a large field of view and a high quality color image. The device should also allow to measure and inspect the dimension and quality of large and heavy parts quickly.

[0010] Summary of the invention:

[0011] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art and provides a multipurpose digital rapid profile projector for measuring the dimensions and inspecting the quality of parts of a machine. The multipurpose digital rapid profile projector comprises of a work stage which is supported by a sheet metal housing and is used for focusing the part in front of the lens. The workstage moves in X, Y and Z axis, or may also be a fixed stage for placing the part. A telecentric lens used in the present invention is a fixed magnification or zoom magnification lens with a larger field of view which is accurately fitted and aligned in the housing. A high resolution digital camera is mounted on the lens and the output signals from the camera are fed to a computer system containing vision metrology application software. A display is being used in the present invention which may be a touch screen or a normal monitor. The projector enlarges the shape and displays the shape of the parts on the display screen. The parts of the machine are measured by placing the parts to be inspected on the workstage. A very accurate magnified image of the part is displayed on the screen. The magnified image of the part is measured by the machine. The magnified view of a particular part of the machine displayed on the screen calculates the linear measurements, radii, angles, curves, etc.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following details description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. [0013] Brief description of the drawings:

[0014] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. [0015] FIGURE 1 illustrates the perspective view of a multipurpose digital rapid profile projector, in accordance to one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0016] FIGURE 2 illustrates the orthogonal front view of the multipurpose digital profile projector, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Detailed description of the invention: [0018] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.

[0019] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the technology models available in the state of the art by providing a multipurpose digital rapid profile projector, wherein the digital rapid profile projector comprises a sheet metal housing which supports a work stage, wherein the work stage moves in X, Y, Z axis or may be fixed. A telecentric lens is accurately fitted and aligned in the housing, wherein telecentric lens is a fixed magnification lens or zoom magnification lens with large field of view. A high resolution digital camera is mounted on the lens. The output signals from the camera are fed to the computer system containing vision metrology application software, wherein the computer system may be a touch screen or a normal monitor. The software will recognize the part. By adding a CNC (Computer Numeric Controller Unit), the workstage can be automated to move in a pre-programmed mode; thereby automating the scanning of parts larger than the field of view. In addition to a horizontal lens axis as shown in Figure 1 the multipurpose digital rapid profile projector is also available with a vertical lens axis.

[0020] The present invention provides an excellent quality of color image with a large field of view. The size of the parts bigger than the field of view of the lens can also be inspected by mounting them on the workstage and moving the work stage to scan the entire part. The present invention can be adapted to inspect the heavy, bulky and large parts as well. The measurement process involved in the present invention is very fast and independent of operator's skill.

[0021] FIGURE 1 illustrates the perspective view of a multipurpose digital rapid profile projector, in accordance to one or more embodiments of the invention. The present invention provides a multipurpose digital rapid profile projector, wherein the digital rapid profile projector comprises a sheet metal housing which supports a work stage, wherein the work stage (106) moves in X, Y, Z axis. A telecentric lens (102) is accurately fitted and aligned in the housing, wherein the telecentric lens (102) is a fixed magnification or zoom magnification lens with large field of view. A high resolution digital camera (103) is mounted on the lens. The output signals from the camera (103) are fed to a computer system (104) containing vision metrology application software, wherein the display (101) of the computer system may be a touch screen or a normal monitor.

[0022] The image of the part is captured by the lens and camera. The captured image is fed to the computer system, which displays the image on a monitor and carries out the data processing to produce drawings, tolerance of the parts, generation of Pass/Fail Reports and Statistical Process Control (SPC) reports. These reports help in monitoring and controlling the process and ensure that the process operates at its full potential. [0023] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device covers a large field of view of the part, which provides the complete view of the part for measuring accurate dimensions and inspecting the quality of the part.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital rapid profile projector (100) comprises the monitor fixed directly in front of the operators face and the workstage controls are directly in line with the user's hands. Hence the present invention is a very ergonomic design and ensures the ease of use and comfort to the user, accomplishing high productivity.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color image provides excellent clarity even in low lighting conditions and high magnifications. [0026] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the work stage (106) moves in X, Y, Z direction, which allows the inspection of long or large parts that are bigger than the field of view of lens.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital rapid profile projector (100) provides rapid inspection of the parts by capturing and processing the entire field of view in one shot, in a few seconds.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital rapid profile projector (100) provides sound activated signals to alert the operator on the completion of process.

[0029] The present invention is a multi-purpose machine which may achieve various operations such as those of a profile projector, video measuring machine, a field of view inspection system, a shaft inspection system, a gear inspection system, etc.

[0030] FIGURE 2 illustrates the orthogonal front view of the multipurpose digital rapid profile projector, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The present invention provides an excellent quality of color image and enables large field of view. Parts bigger than the field of view of the lens can also be inspected by mounting the parts on the X,Y, Z workstage and moving the work stage to measure the entire part. The present invention can be used to inspect the heavy, bulky and large parts as well. The measurement process involved in the present invention is very fast and independent of operator's skill.

[0031] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.