System and method for 360 degree inspection of an object

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object includes a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object can be placed on a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first camera and the second camera.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 970,904, filed February 6, 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Three-Hundred Sixty Degree Inspection of an Object," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] This embodiment generally relates to a system and method for inspecting objects such as tire bead apex from at least 360 degrees.

[0004] Several factors can affect the quality of the finished bead tip during the process of applying the rubber tip profile to the tire bead. Both tire and auto manufacturers are committed to ensuring high-quality products, preferably without requiring manual inspection of each bead tip.

[0005] In the latest production environments of automated machinery, spanning the transition from bead-making machines to tire-building machines, most bead tips are not handled or monitored by humans. In such environments, defective bead tips go undetected until they reach the final tire-building machine. This results in not only lost production time but also costly scrap.

[0006] Some systems utilize a camera positioned above the bead tip to inspect a portion of the bead tip. In such cases, the bead tip is typically positioned on a flat conveyor, and the camera is positioned above the bead tip, facing downwards towards the conveyor. This allows the camera to detect certain parameters, such as splicing, from a single advantageous location above the conveyor when facing downwards.

[0007] Such systems have several drawbacks. As an example, the inspection is limited by the machine's cycle time and must be positioned in the middle of the conveyor during the stepping motion. The inspection is also limited by the camera's viewport and therefore can only inspect the splice area. The camera viewport may also not include the splice area because the bead tip is not properly positioned on the conveyor belt, which can give a false positive on the integrity of the splice.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for improving the inspection of objects such as bead tips. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object includes a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object can be placed on a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first and second cameras. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when it is placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

[0010] In one example, the at least one roller rotates the object 360 degrees relative to the position of the first camera and the second camera, such that the first camera and the second camera each inspect different 360-degree surfaces of the object.

[0011] In some examples, the system may include at least one gripper having retracted and extended states, wherein the at least one gripper is configured to engage the inner surface of the object during rotation of the at least one roller. In one embodiment, at least three grippers are configured to engage the inner surface of the object at circumferentially spaced positions during rotation of the at least one roller.

[0012] The support structure may include a platform, wherein a first camera and a second camera inspect the object on opposite sides of the platform. The platform may include at least one opening, wherein the first camera and the second camera inspect the object on opposite sides of the opening. In one embodiment, the at least one roller is positioned within the opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, the platform may include a first inspection station and a second inspection station spaced apart from each other along the platform, wherein a first camera and a second camera inspect a first object at the first inspection station and are then adapted to move to the second inspection station to inspect a second object. The first camera and the second camera may move along a guide rail as they move between the first inspection station and the second inspection station.

[0014] In some examples, the robotic device may be adapted to place an object at a predetermined location on a support structure for inspection by a first camera and a second camera, and further adapted to remove the object from the support structure after inspection. While the first object is inspected at a first inspection station by the first and second cameras, the robotic device may be adapted to place a second object at a second inspection station on the support structure, and while the second object is inspected at the second inspection station, the robotic device may subsequently place a third object at the first inspection station. In some non-limiting examples, the object is a tire bead tip.

[0015] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are within the scope of the present invention and are covered by the following claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The following figures and description can be used to better understand the invention. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the invention. Furthermore, similar reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the different views in the figures.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top-view perspective view of a first embodiment of a system for inspecting objects, wherein a first camera and a second camera are placed at a first inspection station.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the system.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The end view of the system.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the system.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 The system is shown in an overhead perspective view, in which the first and second cameras are depicted with solid lines at the first inspection system and with dashed lines at the second inspection station.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 5 The system is shown in an overhead perspective view, depicting additional robotic equipment suitable for object movement. Detailed Implementation

[0023] refer to Figures 1 to 6 An exemplary system 20 for inspecting an object 80, such as a bead tip, is shown. The system 20 typically includes a support structure 30, a first camera 60 for inspecting a first surface of the object 80, and a second camera 70 for inspecting a second surface of the object 80. The object 80 can be placed on the support structure 30 during simultaneous inspection by the first camera 60 and the second camera 70, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0024] In one embodiment, the support structure 30 includes a platform 31 having a plurality of legs 32 that raise the platform 31 from the ground to a predetermined height. The platform 31 may include a first surface 33 and a second surface 34, wherein a first camera 60 is positioned facing the first surface 33 of the platform 31, and a second camera 70 is positioned facing the second surface 34 of the platform 31. Thus, the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 examine the object 80 through a view from opposite sides of the support structure 30, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0025] The support structure 30 includes at least one inspection station at which the object 80 is placed during inspection by the first camera 60 and the second camera 70. Figures 1 to 6 In this embodiment, the first inspection station 40 is located at a first position on the tabletop 31, and the second inspection station 140 is located at a second position on the tabletop 31, wherein the second position is spaced apart from the first position, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As better illustrated in the diagram. It will be understood that although the two inspection stations 40 and 140 are shown in... Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiments described above, however, the objective of this embodiment can be achieved by a support structure 30 having only one inspection station or a support structure 30 having three or more inspection stations.

[0026] exist Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, with a first inspection station 40 and a second inspection station 140 spaced apart from each other along the platform 31, a first camera 60 and a second camera 70 are configured to inspect a first object 80 at the first inspection station 40 and then move to the second inspection station 140 for inspection of a second object 180. A guide rail 90 may be provided to allow the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 to have longitudinally oriented sliding movement from the first inspection station 40 to the second inspection station 140, as further explained below.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first inspection station 40 and the second inspection station 140 may include substantially the same components, identified by similar reference numerals. For example, the actuation system 42 of the first inspection station 40 may be the same as the actuation system 142 of the second inspection station 140, and the three grippers 47a to 47c of the first inspection station 40 may be the same as the three grippers 147a to 147c of the second inspection station 140, and so on. Similarly, the first object 80 and the second object 180 may include substantially the same components, identified by similar reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, a discussion of the features of the first inspection station 40 and the first object 80 is provided, while a discussion of the corresponding features of the second inspection station 140 and the second object 180 is omitted.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 2As better shown, the first station 40 includes an actuation system 42 that facilitates the rotation of the first object 80 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). In one embodiment, the actuation system 42 includes three gears 42a to 42c, wherein gear 42b is typically disposed between gears 42a and 42c, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As depicted. At least one of the gears 42a to 42c can be coupled to a drive such as a motor. In one embodiment, the motor is mounted below the platform 31, but it should be understood that the motor can be positioned in other locations. In one embodiment, the motor can drive the first gear 42a, which in turn causes rotation of the second gear 42b and the third gear 42c. Alternatively, the motor can drive the second gear 42b, which in turn causes rotation of the first gear 42a and the third gear 42c. In either case, the first gear 42a and the third gear 42c will rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), while the second gear 42b will rotate in an opposite second direction.

[0029] In this example, the first roller 43 and the second roller 44, associated with the first gear 42a and the third gear 42c respectively, are configured to selectively engage the first object 80, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As depicted. As explained above, the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 can each be driven in the same circumferential direction when their associated gears 42a and 42c are rotated. When the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 engage the first object 80, the first object 80 will then rotate in the same direction (e.g., clockwise). However, it will be understood that the gears 42a to 42c of the actuation system 42 can be adapted to cause counterclockwise rotation of the first roller 43 and the second roller 44, and subsequently the first object 80. Furthermore, it will be further understood that more or fewer rollers can engage the first object 80.

[0030] exist Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, the support structure 30 includes at least one opening 35 that allows the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 to inspect the object 80 from opposite sides of the support structure 30. In one example, the opening 35 is a cut in a tabletop 31 that extends integrally between a first surface 33 and a second surface 34 of the tabletop 31. The opening 35 may be positioned closer to the first side 38a of the support structure 30 than the opposite second side 38b, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As depicted. In some embodiments, the opening 35 may be cut into the first side 38a, while in other embodiments, the opening 35 may be spaced apart from the first side 38a by a certain distance.

[0031] In one embodiment, the actuation system 42 extends within a portion of the opening 35 in the support structure 30. For example, as Figures 1 to 2 As better shown, the gears 42a to 42c are generally aligned with the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 within the opening 35. The first roller 43 and the second roller 44 extend through the opening 35 and engage the first object 80 near the first surface 33 of the support structure 30, as... Figures 1 to 2 As depicted in the text.

[0032] In the example where the first object 80 is a bead tip, the first object 80 may include a generally cylindrical shape, having a first surface 82 facing the first camera 60 and a second surface 83 facing the second camera 70 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As better shown in the diagram). If the first object 80 is a bead tip, it also includes an inner circumferential region 85 and an outer circumferential region 86, as shown in the diagram. Figures 1 to 2 As depicted. During use, the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 engage the circumferential inner region 85 of the first object 80. As will be explained in further detail below, when the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure 30, this causes the first object 80 to rotate circumferentially relative to the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 respectively. The first roller 43 and the second roller 44 allow the first object to rotate at least 360 degrees in position relative to the first camera 60 and the second camera 70, such that the first camera 60 inspects the entire 360-degree length of the first surface 82 of the first object 80, while the second camera 70 inspects the entire 360-degree length of the second surface 83 of the first object 80.

[0033] The first inspection station 40 may also include at least one gripper 47 configured to engage the internal region 85 of the first object 80 during rotation by the actuation system 42. Figures 1 to 6 In the example, three grippers 47a to 47c are positioned at circumferentially spaced relative to the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 of the actuation system 42, as shown. Figures 1 to 2 As shown in the image.

[0034] The grippers 47a to 47c at the first inspection station 40 each include a radially retracted state, such as Figure 5 The dashed lines better depict the situation, and each also includes radially extending states, such as... Figure 5 The solid lines better depict and also show Figures 1 to 2In the radially retracted state, each of the grippers 47a to 47c is positioned in an inward position such that the first object 80 can be positioned such that its inner region 85 surrounds both the grippers 47a to 47c and the first roller 43 and the second roller 44, preferably without engaging the grippers 47a to 47c. Subsequently, the grippers 47a to 47c can be actuated to move from the radially retracted state to the radially extended state, wherein the grippers 47a to 47c frictionally engage the inner region 85 of the first object 80, as... Figure 5 The solid lines depict it, and it is also shown in Figures 1 to 2 In this context, when the actuation system 42 causes the first object 80 to rotate via the first roller 43 and the second roller 44, the grippers 47a to 47c act as outer boundaries that help guide the first object 80 in its circumferential path around the first inspection station 40.

[0035] The movement of the grippers 47a to 47c from the radially retracted state to the radially extended state can be guided by slots 48a to 48c in the support structure 30. In this embodiment, each of the grippers 47a to 47c is positioned within a corresponding slot 48a to 48c, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown. The slots 48a to 48c can extend from a common radially inward position toward the peripheral edge of the support structure 30 in different outward directions, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As depicted. Thus, each slot 48a to 48c guides the corresponding gripper 47a to 47c from the radially retracted state to the radially extended state.

[0036] In one example, the operation of clamps 47a to 47c is similar to that of a centrally extending chuck used to clamp a bead ring, as disclosed in Gorham’s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0265400 ('400 Publication), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figures 1 to 2 As depicted, and in a manner similar to that of the '400 disclosure, a plurality of chuck arms are adapted to move radially outward to clamp the inner surface of an annular object such as a bead ring, thereby engaging the first object 80 relative to the actuation system 42 and stabilizing the position of the first object 80 relative to the table 31.

[0037] It will be understood that although three grippers 47a to 47c are shown in this embodiment, more or fewer grippers may be used, provided that at least one gripper provides a suitable guide path during the circumferential movement of the first object 80 relative to the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 as the first object 80 is rotated by the actuation system 42. Furthermore, the precise circumferential spacing of the grippers relative to each other can be varied to achieve this purpose.

[0038] As described above, the first camera 60 is positioned on the side of the first surface 33 of the support structure 30 to inspect the overall 360-degree length of the first surface 82 of the first object 80, while the second camera 70 is positioned on the side of the second surface 34 of the support structure to inspect the overall 360-degree length of the second surface 83 of the first object 80. In one embodiment, a long support column 92 may be disposed between the first camera 60 and the second camera 70. The first camera 60 can be fixed to the first region 92a of the long support column 92 by a bracket 93, while the second camera 70 can be fixed to the opposite second region 92b of the long support column 92 by a bracket 94, as shown below. Figure 3 As better shown in the diagram. In this way, the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 can be oriented relative to each other in a fixed, spaced-out relationship suitable for observing the opposing surfaces of the first object 80.

[0039] According to one aspect, system 20 is operable to efficiently inspect multiple objects at different inspection stations on support structure 30. As described above, a first inspection station 40 may be located at a first position on platform 31, while a second inspection station 140 may be located at a second spaced-apart position on platform 31, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As better illustrated below. In this embodiment, when the first object 80 is inspected by the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 at the first inspection station 40, the second object 180 can be located at the second inspection station 140, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0040] When the first inspection station 40 and the second inspection station 140 are set up, cameras 60 and 70 are guided from a first position 49 adjacent to the first inspection station 40 to a second position 149 adjacent to the second inspection station 140, as shown below. Figure 5 The image depicts (note that the camera's first position 49 is in...) Figure 5 The first camera 60 and the second camera 70 are indicated by solid lines, while the second position 149 of the camera is indicated by dashed lines. In one example, the elongated support column 92 to which the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 are fixed can be moved along a corresponding guide rail 90 associated with the support structure 30 via one or more bearings 95, as shown in the example. Figure 3 As depicted. The guide rail 90 includes a first region adjacent to the first inspection station 40 and a second region adjacent to the second inspection station 140. Therefore, the elongated support column 92 can be guided along the rail 90 so that the cameras 60 and 70 can be laterally moved from a first position 49 adjacent to the first inspection station 40 to a second position 149 adjacent to the second inspection station 140. The movement of the elongated support column 92 along the rail 90 can be achieved by a motor that records the different axial positions of the cameras 60 and 70 at different stages of the process, as explained below.

[0041] In an exemplary usage method, after the first object 80 has been partially or completely manufactured at an upstream location, the first object 80 can be guided toward the support structure 30, for example, via a nearby conveyor system. Figure 6 The robot device 98 shown is adapted to place the first object 80 at a predetermined position on the support structure 30, the predetermined position corresponding to the position of the first inspection station 40 (e.g., Figures 1 to 2 Each of them) Figure 5 solid lines and Figure 6 The first object 80 has already been placed at the location. After the first object 80 is placed on the first surface 31 of the first inspection station 40, the robot device 98 can move away from the first inspection station 40, for example, it can move toward a certain location to receive the second object 180.

[0042] It is noteworthy that when each of the grippers 47a to 47c is in the radially retracted state, the first object 80 can be placed at the first inspection station 40 such that the first object 80 can be positioned such that its inner region 85 surrounds both the grippers 47a to 47c and the first roller 43 and the second roller 44. Subsequently, the grippers 47a to 47c can be actuated to move from the radially retracted state to the radially extended state, wherein the grippers 47a to 47c frictionally engage the inner region 85 of the first object 80, as... Figure 5 The solid lines depict it, and it is also shown in Figures 1 to 2 middle.

[0043] At this time, with the robot device 98 moving away from the first inspection system 40, the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 move adjacent to the first inspection station 40 in such a manner that the first camera 60 can simultaneously image the first surface 82 of the first object 80 while the second camera 70 can simultaneously image the second surface 83 of the first object 80. The first camera 60 and the second camera 70 can move into position as the elongated support column 92 to which the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 are fixed moves along the guide rail 90 towards a first region adjacent to the guide rail 90 positioned at the first inspection station 40 via one or more bearings 95. Notably, since the second camera 70 is aligned with the opening 35 in the support structure 30, this facilitates the observation of the second surface 83 by the second camera 70.

[0044] In the next step, the actuation system 42 can be actuated to cause rotational movement of the first object 80 via the first roller 43 and the second roller 44. During this process, the grippers 47a to 47c act as outer boundaries that help guide the first object 80 in its circumferential path around the first inspection station 40.

[0045] In the currently preferred embodiment, the first roller 43 and the second roller 44 can rotate the first object 80 at least 360 degrees relative to the position of the first camera 60 and the second camera 70, such that the first camera 60 inspects the overall 360-degree length of the first surface 82 of the first object 80, and the second camera 70 inspects the overall 360-degree length of the second surface 83 of the first object 80.

[0046] During the inspection process, the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 can acquire an array of data about the first object 80. In an exemplary and non-limiting manner, when the first object 80 is a bead tip, the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 can acquire data regarding bare bead, poor bead integrity, loose bead wire, foreign object, dogear, apex curl, tip height, splice overlap, splice angle, open splice, splice protrusion, heavystitch, and open stitch. This data can be analyzed by software communicating with the cameras, which will then determine whether to approve or reject the first object 80. In one example, a line-scan camera can map the surface of the bead tip and then analyze these images in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats for such defects.

[0047] While the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 are imaging the first object, the robotic device 98 can pick up the second object 180 and then place the second object 180 at the second inspection station 140, such as Figure 6 The grippers 147a to 147c of the second inspection station 140 can be actuated to move from a radially retracted state to a radially extended state, wherein the grippers 147a to 147c frictionally engage the inner region 185 of the second object 80 to prepare it for observation by the first camera 60 and the second camera 70.

[0048] During the placement of the second object 180, the inspection process of the first object 80 should be completed partially or completely. Based on the disposal determined by software analysis, the software will decide whether to approve or reject the first object 80, and the robotic device 98 can then pass the first object 80 to a downstream location, for example, as a defective or approved product.

[0049] In the next step, the first camera 60 and the second camera 70 move adjacent to the second inspection station 140 in such a manner that the first camera 60 can simultaneously image the first surface 182 of the second object 180 while the second camera 70 can simultaneously image the second surface 183 of the second object 180. The first camera 60 and the second camera 70 can move into that position as the elongated support column 92 moves along the guide rail 90 toward a second region adjacent to the guide rail 90 positioned near the second inspection station 140.

[0050] The steps for rotating, imaging, and analyzing the second object 180 are then largely the same as those described above for the first object 80. It is noteworthy that during the imaging of the second object 180, a third object may be placed at the first inspection station 40. This sequence of alternation between the first and second inspection stations 40 and 140 can be repeated regardless of the number of objects being imaged.

[0051] Advantageously, using system 20 of this embodiment, there is the ability to observe an object from a full 360-degree angle from a first surface and simultaneously from a second surface directly relative to the first surface. Thus, the inspection of the object is not limited to the viewport of a single camera, which typically only inspects the stitched area. In such past designs, there was a possibility that the camera viewport might not include the stitched area because the bead tip was not properly positioned on the conveyor belt, which could give false alarms regarding the integrity of the stitch. This embodiment overcomes the limitations of previous designs by providing a larger viewport that includes the full circumference of both sides of the object.

[0052] As a further advantage, the inspection of objects 80 and 180 is not limited by the cycle time of any machine. This inspection can occur in a separate, independent system 20. This contrasts with imaging equipment previously positioned in the middle of a conveyor and imaging the objects during the stepping motion.

[0053] As a further advantage, when the first inspection station 40 and the second inspection station 140 are provided, inspection can be performed in parallel, allowing independent locations to alternate between loading, unloading, and inspection actions. This coordinated repetition provides efficiency, enabling a larger number of objects to be inspected in a shorter time.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, it will be understood that although the object has been referred to as a bead tip, system 20 can inspect different objects without departing from the spirit of this embodiment. Furthermore, although support structure 30 is shown as a horizontal platform, it will be understood that support structure 30 may alternatively take shapes other than a horizontal platform, as long as it can hold and rotate the object in the manner described above. Further, it will be understood that inspection can be performed on objects located in horizontal or vertical planes. Moreover, system 20 can be integrated into existing manufacturing systems, such as bead tip manufacturing systems, or can be located anywhere outside the system for offline inspection.

[0055] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention, and it is not necessary to expect that every embodiment of the invention will achieve all the described advantages.

Claims

1. A system for inspecting an object, the system comprising: a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object; a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object; a support structure on which the object is placed during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera; and at least one roller arranged to selectively engage the object as it is placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure; wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first camera and the second camera; wherein the support structure comprises a table, the first camera and the second camera inspecting the object on opposite sides of the table; wherein the table comprises at least one opening, the first camera and the second camera inspecting the object on opposite sides of the opening; wherein the at least one roller is positioned within the opening; wherein the system further comprises at least three grippers having retracted and extended states, wherein the at least three grippers are configured to engage an inner surface of the object at locations circumferentially spaced apart from one another during rotation by the at least one roller; wherein the system comprises a first inspection station and a second inspection station, the first camera and the second camera being movable between the first inspection station and the second inspection station; and wherein the system further comprises a guide rail along which the first camera and the second camera move when moving between the first inspection station and the second inspection station.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one roller rotates the position of the object relative to the first camera and the second camera by at least 360 degrees, such that the first camera and the second camera each inspect a different 360-degree surface of the object.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a robotic device adapted to place the object at a predetermined location on the support structure for inspection by the first camera and the second camera, and further adapted to remove the object from the support structure after inspection is complete.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the robotic device is adapted to place a second object at a second inspection station on the support structure while a first object is being inspected at a first inspection station by the first camera and the second camera, and wherein the robotic device is adapted to subsequently place a third object at the first inspection station while the second object is being inspected at the second inspection station.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the object is a bead tip.

6. A system for inspecting an object, the system comprising: a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object; a second camera, each of the first camera and the second camera simultaneously inspecting a different 360-degree surface of the object; a support structure on which the object is placed during inspection by the first camera; and at least one roller arranged to selectively engage the object as it is placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure; ​ at least one roller arranged to selectively engage the object when placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure; wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first camera; wherein the at least one roller rotates the position of the object relative to the first camera at least 360 degrees such that the first camera inspects a 360 degree surface of the object; wherein the support structure comprises a table, the first camera and the second camera inspecting the object on opposite sides of the table; wherein the table comprises first and second inspection stations spaced apart relative to each other along the table, the first camera and the second camera inspecting a first object at the first inspection station and then adapted to move to the second inspection station to inspect a second object; wherein the system further comprises at least three grippers having retracted and extended states, wherein the at least three grippers are configured to engage an inner surface of the object at positions circumferentially spaced apart from each other during rotation by the at least one roller; and wherein the system further comprises a guide rail along which the first camera and the second camera move between the first and second inspection stations.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a robotic device adapted to place the object at a predetermined position on the support structure for inspection by the first camera and the second camera, and further adapted to remove the object from the support structure after inspection is complete.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the robotic device is adapted to place a second object at a second inspection station on the support structure while a first object is being inspected at a first inspection station by the first camera and the second camera, and wherein the robotic device is adapted to subsequently place a third object at the first inspection station while the second object is being inspected at the second inspection station.

9. A system for inspecting an object, the system comprising: a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object; a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object; a support structure on which the object is placed during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera; and at least one roller arranged to selectively engage the object when placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure; wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first camera and the second camera; wherein the support structure comprises a table, the first camera and the second camera inspecting the object on opposite sides of the table; wherein the table includes a first inspection station and a second inspection station spaced apart relative to each other along the table, the first camera and the second camera adapted to inspect a first object at the first inspection station and then move to the second inspection station to inspect a second object; wherein the system further includes at least three grippers having retracted and extended states, wherein the at least three grippers are configured to engage an inner surface of the object at positions spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction during rotation by the at least one roller; and wherein the system further includes a guide rail along which the first camera and the second camera move when moving between the first inspection station and the second inspection station.

10. A system for inspecting an object, the system comprising: a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object; a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object; a support structure on which the object is placed during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera; and at least one roller arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed on the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to rotate circumferentially relative to the support structure; wherein rotation of the at least one roller causes corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first camera and the second camera; wherein the system includes a first inspection station and a second inspection station between which the first camera and the second camera are movable; wherein the system further includes at least three grippers having retracted and extended states, wherein the at least three grippers are configured to engage an inner surface of the object at positions spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction during rotation by the at least one roller; and wherein the system further includes a guide rail along which the first camera and the second camera move when moving between the first inspection station and the second inspection station.

11. A method for inspecting an object, the method using the system of any one of claims 1-10, the method comprising: placing a first object on a support structure at a first inspection station for simultaneous inspection by a first camera and a second camera; rotating the first object circumferentially relative to the support structure and the first camera and the second camera; inspecting a first surface of the first object using the first camera during circumferential rotation of the first object; and inspecting a second surface of the first object using the second camera during circumferential rotation of the first object; wherein, while the first object is being inspected by the first camera and the second camera at the first inspection station, a second object is placed at a second inspection station on the support structure; after completion of inspection of the first object, moving the first camera and the second camera to the second inspection station to inspect the second object.

Images