Enhanced edge detection tool for edges of irregular surfaces

Abstract

A method is provided for enhancing edge detection for edges of irregular surfaces in a machine vision inspection system. The inspection system comprises an edge feature video tool configured to determine profile data for an edge feature based on a plurality of differently focused images. An edge-referenced alignment compensation is provided related to substantially minimizing a respective offset amount of the edge feature at respective locations along a directional filtering direction used for directionally filtering the plurality of differently focused images prior to determining the profile data for the edge feature. In some embodiments, the plurality of differently focused images may be directionally filtered using a directional filtering sub region (DFS) defined relative to a point corresponding to a PFF basis pixel location in each of the plurality of images, each DFS having a relatively longer dimension along the directional filtering direction.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an enhanced edge detection tool for irregular surface edges. Background technique [0002] Precision machine vision inspection systems (or simply "vision systems") can be used to obtain precise dimensional measurements of inspected objects, and to inspect a variety of other object characteristics. Such systems can include computers, cameras and optics, as well as precision tables that can move in multiple directions to allow workpiece inspection. An exemplary prior art system, which may be referred to as a general-purpose "offline" precision vision system, is the QUICK PC-based vision system available from Mitutoyo America Corporation (MAC), located in Aurora IL. series, and software. QUICK is generally described in, for example, the QVPAK3D CNC Vision Measuring Machine User Guide, published January 2003, and the QVPAK3D CNC Vision Measuring Machine Operating Guide, published September 1996. Vision System Series ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Typically, however, this distorts or "smooshes" the edge contours in the point cloud data, reducing the accuracy and resolution of the contours on the edges

As a result, for certain types of edges such as "noise edges", such as edges of irregular surfaces or irregular edges produced by sawing or laser cutting, it is difficult to determine the exact contour and / or position

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