Galvanometer Scanned Camera With Variable Focus And Method

Abstract

The invention relates to a galvanometer scanned camera with variable focus and a method. A camera assembly for generating a high resolution image of an area of interest on a workpiece includes a sensor array and an optical lens that focuses light reflected from the workpiece onto the sensor array. The sensor array is inclined relative to an optical axis defined by the optical lens disposed in a fixed position relative to the optical lens. A galvanometer driven minor assembly directs a field of view of the optical lens toward the area of interest on the workpiece translating light reflected from the area of interest of the workpiece onto the sensor array. The inclination of the sensor array provides varying degrees of resolution relative to a distance of the workpiece area of interest from the camera assembly enabling the camera assembly to generate high resolution images at varying distances from the camera assembly without adjusting the optical lens relative to the sensor array.

Description

[0001] First application [0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 774,656 filed on March 8, 2013. Technical field [0003] The application generally relates to a method for inspecting a workpiece. More specifically, this application relates to generating high-resolution images of the region of interest of the workpiece. Background technique [0004] Vision systems for checking the quality of manufactured components are becoming more and more common in industrial environments to ensure the quality of manufactured products. For example, composite materials used to reduce aircraft weight in the aerospace industry require a high degree of integrity. There is an unfulfilled need to use a vision system to inspect the fiber direction and position of the carbon fiber materials used in the structure of these aerospace components from a distance. In addition, welding quality, dimensional stability, and other areas that require quality inspection ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the translation mechanism 30 used to move the lens 28 to improve the image sharpness along the Z-axis of the three-dimensional plane is very expensive and too slow to meet the requirements of modern manufacturing systems

Furthermore, the lens translation mechanism 30 is bulky and cannot be packed into a small area

In addition, any deviation in position of the lens from the axis of translation, even by a distance of microns, will produce an offset in the imaging position generated by the camera 12, making accurate measurements impossible

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