Machine Vision Inspection System

Abstract

A machine vision system program editing environment includes near real-time context generation. Instead of executing all previous instructions of a part program to generate a real context for subsequent editing, substitute data manipulation of previously saved data is used instead of executing certain instruction sets. Substitute data can be saved during the actual execution of the operations recorded in the part program. An edit mode of execution replaces the data as a substitute for performing an operation that would otherwise result in the data. Significant context generation time savings are achieved, so editing occurs within an operational context that is constantly refreshed for accuracy in near real-time. This supports relatively unskilled users to use the machine vision system's native user interface for simple program modifications, rather than difficult to use text or graphical object editing environments.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to machine vision inspection systems, and in particular to methods for creating and editing part programs in these systems. Background technique [0002] Accurate machine vision inspection systems (or "vision systems" for short) can be used to obtain precise size measurements of the inspection objects and detect various other object features. Such a system may include a computer, camera, and optical system, and a precision platform that can move in multiple directions to allow the camera to scan features of the workpiece being inspected. A commercially available exemplary prior art system is the QUICK of the computer vision system Series and sold by Mitutoyo America (MAC) in Aurora, Illinois software. For example, QVPAK3D CNC Vision Measuring Machine User's Guide published in January 2003 and QVPAK3D CNC Vision Measuring Machine Operation Guide published in September 1996 generally describe the QUICK of the vision ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Also, if the user saves a partially complete part program and later recalls the part program to change or complete the programming, it may not be known if certain types of changes occurred in the intervening period that could adversely affect continuing to edit the part program (e.g. , changes in environmental conditions, unfavorable moving parts of the platform, etc.)

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