Device and method for detecting change in position of at least one component mounted in assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for acquiring a change in position of at least one component mounted in an assembly. The component is placed in the device and the camera is calibrated. An image of the component is recorded before the component is subjected to vibration. The component is exposed to vibrations having a specified time and intensity. After the component is subjected to the vibration, an image of the component is recorded. The two images are superimposed on one another by means of an image processing device and differences are identified. The result is displayed on a display in which components that may have a change in position (or components that may not change) are visually highlighted. The user examines the results, and further action can then be taken according to the detected change in position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for detecting a change in position of at least one component installed in an assembly. Background Art

[0002] Assemblies consisting of several individual components mounted in a fixed positional relationship to each other play a vital role in many industrial sectors. Ensuring that the fixed positional relationship and stability of the individual components in the assembly are maintained has several important functions.

[0003] On the one hand, the correct positioning of components is essential for the proper functioning of the entire installation. For example, in the automotive industry, engine parts must be assembled with the highest precision to ensure that the engine runs efficiently and has the maximum possible power. In the electronics industry, printed circuit boards and components must be correctly positioned to ensure electrical connections.

[0004] On the other hand, in many cases, especially in the consumer goods industry or public applications, the aesthetic quality of the position and secure connection of the components in the assembly is also very important. Precise installation and positional relationship make its appearance more attractive and leave a professional impression.

[0005] To this end, the orientation and position of the components in the assembly are fixed by suitable connection methods (form fit, press fit and / or bonding). However, despite careful manufacturing and quality monitoring, inherent imperfections in the manufacturing process can lead to variations in the strength of the connections between the individual components of the assembly. During the service life of the assembly, these variations can lead to undesirable changes in the position of the individual components and ultimately even to the complete detachment of individual components from the assembly.

[0006] The impact of these defects can manifest in many forms. When components move or fall out due to loose connections, it can cause failure or even complete destruction of the finished product. In critical applications such as medical or aerospace engineering, such failures can have serious consequences. In assemblies where appearance is important, such as consumer goods or construction, loose or shifted components can compromise aesthetic quality and affect the overall appearance.

[0007] The above-mentioned issue of ensuring a consistently high level of aesthetic quality is of vital importance, especially in the jewelry and watchmaking industries, and especially for expensive luxury watches. After all, luxury watchmakers often use their brand and reputation as their main selling point, and the aesthetic quality of a watch is closely linked to its brand image.

[0008] Diamonds and other gemstones are often used in the watchmaking industry, especially in luxury watches, to enhance their appearance, prestige and value. Processed gemstones can add a unique aesthetic to a watch's dial, crown or case, setting it apart from other watches. The challenge is to ensure that these gemstones are securely set in the case, crown and dial, and do not loosen or shift over time.

[0009] To securely hold gemstones in a watch, various techniques are used, one of which is the use of claws. The four-claw setting is a common method used in jewelry and watchmaking to secure single gemstones. So, for example, four claws are attached around each hole in the crown of a watch to hold the gemstone securely in place while enabling it to refract light in a way that maximizes its brilliance.

[0010] The use of small diamonds of varying sizes or with small facets, which are irregularly cut, presents further challenges. The irregular shape of the diamond requires precise adjustment of the prongs to ensure that the gemstone is held securely and does not come loose. Watchmakers and jewelry designers must take care that the prongs bend evenly and securely around the gemstone, but without damaging it. They must also ensure that the gemstones are evenly positioned on the dial or crown to ensure a balanced, attractive overall appearance.

[0011] In the jewellery and watchmaking industries, gemstone setting is still usually done by hand by many specialist craftsmen in large factories. Gem setting requires a high degree of manual precision and care, working under microscopes with high magnification, which enables the specialist craftsmen to see the subtleties and set the gemstones in the jewellery in a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0012] When high-value luxury watches are manufactured, gemstones are first set in metal settings, which are then held firmly in place from different sides using small, malleable metal claws or prongs. After the gemstones are set in their settings, the part of the watch where the gemstones are located (e.g. the crown mechanism) is viewed under a microscope. This enables the position of each gemstone to be checked with great precision. To test the strength of the setting, the gemstones are sprayed with compressed air. This jet of air is blown in different directions to test the stability of the gemstone in the claws. If a gemstone appears to move easily or is loose, it is marked. When a gemstone is determined to be loose or not secure, the entire watch part (e.g. the crown mechanism) must be returned to the production line, where the problematic gemstone is re-set. The setting is opened by carefully loosening the claws, the loose gemstone is removed, the setting is remade, and the gemstone is then securely re-set into the setting.

[0013] Although the method of using claws and compressed air testing is a widely used and proven practice for securing gemstones in jewelry (such as watches) and testing their positional stability, potential problems still exist.

[0014] While compressed air blasting is useful as a preliminary aid in testing the stability of a gemstone during the setting process, it cannot simulate all possible routine situations and stresses to which jewelry may be exposed. In practice, jewelry pieces may be subject to a variety of stresses that far exceed those presented by a simple blast with compressed air. In particular, repeated shocks or shocks (vibrations) may adversely affect the stability of a gemstone. A gemstone that initially appears stable under the force of an air blast may also become loose or move under such real-life conditions. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method for acquiring position changes of at least one component installed in an assembly, which enable the desired functional and aesthetic qualities of the assembly to be maintained simply by automated means (without mandatory manual intervention).

[0016] This object is achieved by a device for detecting a change in position of at least one component installed in an assembly having the features of independent claim 1 and by a method for detecting a change in position of at least one component installed in an assembly having the features of independent claim 9 .

[0017] Further advantageous variants of the device and the method according to the invention are described in the features of the dependent claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Specifically, the device for capturing the position change of at least one component installed in a component of the present invention includes: at least one vibration generator for subjecting the component to vibration motion; at least one image capturing device for capturing images of the same partial or entire view of the component in which at least one component is installed before and after the component is subjected to vibration motion; an image processing device for superimposing the images captured before and after the component is subjected to vibration motion; and an image reproducing device for reproducing the superimposed image, wherein one or more components that have undergone position change or have not undergone position change are intuitively highlighted.

[0019] The device of the present invention uses vibrations or vibratory motions to determine changes in the position of components in an assembly. Compared to firmly mounted components, loosely mounted or potentially damaged components will move due to the vibrations transmitted to the assembly and will therefore be in a different position after the vibration loading than before the vibration loading. In order to achieve the function of capturing said position changes, the device of the present invention consists of several components (vibration generator, image acquisition device, image processing device and image reproduction device) that cooperate with each other.

[0020] According to the invention, the superposition of images before and after exposure to vibrations can be implemented in measuring instruments and quality control to visualize and analyze possible displacements or movements of components in an assembly.

[0021] The apparatus of the present invention can be operated as follows: First, the component to be inspected is placed in the apparatus and the image acquisition device (e.g., a camera) is calibrated. Then, high-resolution images of the component are acquired before vibration is applied. These images serve as reference images, representing the starting position of the component. The component is subjected to a controlled vibration load (of a specified duration and intensity). This can be achieved by various methods, such as mechanical excitation, vibration, or similar processes. After the vibration loading, images of the component are acquired again. These images represent the current position of the component after loading. The images before and after the vibration loading are superimposed on each other. This can be performed manually using image processing software or automatically with the help of special image registration algorithms. The superposition makes it possible to see the position shift or change of the component. Components whose position has not changed remain completely congruent in the superposition and appear unchanged. On the other hand, components that have shifted or moved are highlighted in the superposition by deviation. Various techniques can be used to make the differences more clearly visible, such as using color or brightness changes in the superimposed image. The highlighted area shows the position of the component that has changed compared to the reference image.

[0022] This image overlay and visual highlighting makes it easier to identify potential problems or deviations in components. This technology enables fast and effective quality control, fault diagnosis or condition monitoring of components in various technical applications and helps the automotive industry, aerospace engineering, electronic manufacturing or other fields where component accuracy and stability are extremely important.

[0023] The use of image processing and visualization highlights offers many advantages for analyzing position changes in components. At the same time, the quality of the acquired images is also important for obtaining precise results. Clear, high-resolution images minimize possible errors during image processing and increase the accuracy of position determination.

[0024] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device of the invention also comprises a microscope, wherein the image acquisition device is used instead of the eyepiece of the microscope or is arranged immediately behind the eyepiece of the microscope to acquire the magnified image generated by the microscope.

[0025] Integrating a microscope into the device is a noteworthy addition, especially when detailed inspection of components or parts requiring high magnification is important. Providing an image acquisition device in place of the microscope eyepiece or immediately after the eyepiece allows the acquisition and further processing of the magnified image generated by the microscope.

[0026] Integrating a microscope into the device offers various advantages. The microscope thus enables the observation of components or structures at very high magnifications, which is often essential for analyzing tiny details or microstructures. The high magnification of the microscope enables the precise assessment of even the slightest position changes or shifts in the component. The magnification makes even small changes in the orientation of the component or microstructure visible, which are barely perceptible to the naked eye. Depending on the requirements of the specific component or part, the device can be used for both macroscopic and microscopic inspections. The recording of the magnified image means that the results can be documented and analyzed in detail later, which helps with troubleshooting and process optimization.

[0027] In a preferred further development of the above-mentioned embodiment, the microscope comprises a carrier unit for the component, wherein the carrier unit is mechanically, electrically or electromechanically connected to the vibration generator or the vibration generator is integrated in the carrier unit.

[0028] The microscope is therefore a special "vibration microscope" that is able to mechanically oscillate the component or sample to be examined before, during and after observation. This vibration excitation makes it easier to observe and analyze certain effects or behaviors of the component, especially when dynamic or resonant phenomena are of interest.

[0029] In the case of mechanical coupling, the carrier unit on which the component to be inspected is placed is connected to an external vibration generator via mechanical components. The vibration generator can be, for example, a vibration platform or an electromechanical exciter that is able to generate precise oscillations. In the case of electrical coupling, the vibrations are excited by electrical signals transmitted to the carrier unit. The carrier unit can be equipped with electromagnetic actuators or piezoelectric elements that generate vibrations when a voltage is applied. Electromechanical coupling is a combination of mechanical and electrical coupling. If the vibration generator is integrated directly in the microscope carrier unit, a compact, easily controllable technical solution for generating vibrations before, during and after observation is obtained.

[0030] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises at least one lighting device for illuminating the partial or complete view of the component reproduced by the image acquisition device.

[0031] Selective illumination can highlight certain features or structures in a component, making it easier to identify position changes. Selective illumination can also improve the quality and information value of the overlay image, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of position change analysis.

[0032] Integrating lighting into the device can therefore further improve the quality and precision of the results. This is particularly important when fine details or slight variations in components must be captured. The combination of vibration generator, image acquisition, image processing and lighting transforms the device into a powerful tool for analyzing and quality controlling position variations in components and parts.

[0033] In the above-described embodiment, the illumination of the lighting device can also be adjusted in such a way that, during the superposition of the image performed by the image processing device and reproduced by the image reproduction device, a black background is created, on which only image areas that have undergone a position change or have not undergone a position change are visually highlighted as bright image areas.

[0034] This lighting arrangement for creating a black background when the images are superimposed is very advantageous. In particular, it produces a sharp contrast, which makes the superimposed images more effective and intuitive, and clearly highlights the difference between image areas that have changed position and image areas that have remained stable.

[0035] If the lighting device has been adjusted in such a way that a black background is created, image areas that are created as bright image areas by superimposition by the image processing device are particularly clearly visible. Image areas that have changed position or remain stable in position thus stand out in sharp contrast to the black background.

[0036] For example, when two images are superimposed, a difference image is created. This means that for each pixel in the image, the difference between the brightness values ​​(or color values) of the two images is calculated. If the two images match perfectly (that is, they are superimposed), the difference between the two images at each pixel is zero. If this representation of "no difference" value is interpreted as black, then the perfectly superimposed images will appear completely black. However, if at any point a deviation is detected between the images (for example, due to a change in the position of a component), then that pixel will not be black, but will have a brightness and / or color value that reflects the degree of deviation.

[0037] This makes even small changes easy to identify visually. Brightly and / or colored displayed image areas make it easier to detect component shifts or movements and enable fast, efficient quality control. At the same time, the black background provides a clear, simple presentation, which aids understanding of the superimposed image.

[0038] Furthermore, a particularly practical embodiment of the invention provides that the vibration generator is realized as a mechanical oscillator, a magnetic induction oscillator, a pneumatic oscillator, a piezoelectric transducer or an electroacoustic transducer.

[0039] Each of these variants has its own characteristics and mode of operation for transmitting the vibratory motion to the component. Mechanical oscillators produce oscillations by mechanical movement, for example by a crank or eccentric shaft. Magnetic induction oscillators produce oscillations by electromagnetic induction through the interaction of a magnetic field and an electric current. Pneumatic oscillators produce oscillations with the help of compressed air or other gases driven by a fan or pneumatic equipment. Piezoelectric transducers produce oscillations by the piezoelectric effect, in which a piezoelectric material undergoes mechanical deformation when a voltage is applied to it. Electroacoustic transducers produce oscillations by converting electrical signals into sound waves. Depending on the specific requirements and the component to be inspected, the appropriate variant of the vibration generator can be implemented in the device. Regardless of the type of vibration generator, the basic operating principle of the device remains the same.

[0040] According to another particularly practical embodiment, the image acquisition device is realized as a camera, in particular a high-resolution digital camera, wherein the camera is movable, in particular in order to set a desired view.

[0041] By using a movable high-resolution digital camera, the device is able to record the required images of the component before and after the vibration movement, thereby accurately detecting the position change of the component. The ability to move the camera provides flexibility to record images from different angles and enables closer inspection of specific areas of the component.

[0042] Then, the image processing device may superimpose the image recorded by the camera, and the image reproducing device may reproduce the superimposed image to visually highlight the components that have undergone positional change or have not undergone positional change.

[0043] This deformation therefore enables a more precise and comprehensive analysis of positional variations in a component, providing an effective technique for component monitoring and quality control in a variety of applications.

[0044] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the image reproduction device is realized as a screen, in particular a high-resolution display.

[0045] Using a high-resolution display allows for detailed, high-quality presentation of the superimposed images.

[0046] The image processing unit superimposes the images recorded before and after the vibration movement and reproduces these superimposed images on a high-resolution display. Visual highlighting of components that have or have not changed position is clearly visible on the display.

[0047] Using a high-resolution display as an image reproduction device allows the position changes to be presented clearly and precisely, making the analysis and evaluation of the results easier. This is particularly important in order to be able to carry out precise evaluations and detect possible problematic deviations in the connection of components.

[0048] Specifically, the method of the present invention for capturing the position change of at least one component installed in a component includes: subjecting the component to vibratory motion; recording images of the same partial or entire view of the component in which at least one component is installed before and after the component is subjected to the vibratory motion; superimposing the images recorded before and after the component is subjected to the vibratory motion; and reproducing the superimposed image by visually highlighting one or more components that have undergone position change or have not undergone position change.

[0049] The method steps in the above-described method of the invention substantially correspond to the functions of the device components of the previously described device of the invention. Therefore, the method of the invention has the same advantages as explained in detail previously in conjunction with the device of the invention.

[0050] Therefore, the method of the present invention relies on a differential image processing or image superposition to highlight changes in component position. This may be particularly helpful in showing movement or changes in components, especially when such movement is small or slight.

[0051] When the superimposed images are reproduced, visual highlighting shows which parts have or have not changed position. Visual highlighting makes it easier to identify the relevant parts and enables quick inspection of any problems or deviations in the assembly.

[0052] In particular, the method of the present invention can effectively and accurately collect position changes in components. It can be used in various applications such as quality control, manufacturing and engineering research to monitor and analyze the position stability and the impact of vibration on components.

[0053] Visual highlighting in the superimposed image reproduced in the image reproduction device enables simple and unambiguous identification of components that have undergone an undesired position change or have not undergone a position change. This component can then be marked in the assembly. The marked component can then be post-processed. The nature of the post-processing may vary depending on the application. For example, the component may be subjected to a more comprehensive inspection to determine whether the position change is indeed significant or whether it is within the permitted tolerance range. In some cases, post-processing may also include repairing or realigning the component to ensure correct positioning.

[0054] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention is that the component is a watchmaker's handicraft, in particular a watch, in particular a crown device of a watch, and the at least one component is a decorative element, in particular a jewel, in particular a gemstone, and that the decorative element is held in the watchmaker's handicraft by means of a plurality of, in particular four, claws.

[0055] The method is carried out as described above, wherein the watch, in particular its crown arrangement, is exposed to a vibrating movement, wherein images of a partial or complete view of the watch, in particular of the crown arrangement, are recorded before and after the application of the vibrations, wherein the images recorded before and after the vibrating movement are superimposed so as to make visible a change in the position of one or more decorative elements (gems), and wherein the superimposed images are reproduced on a high-resolution display visually highlighting one or more decorative elements (gems) whose position has undergone an undesirable change.

[0056] The corresponding decorative elements (gems) in the watch, in particular in the crown mechanism, are then marked and post-processed. Post-processing may include a more thorough inspection of one or more decorative elements (gems) to determine whether the position change is significant or whether it is within the permitted tolerances. Appropriate measures may be implemented if necessary to correctly reposition one or more decorative elements (gems) again, or alternatively to repair or replace them, thus ensuring that the quality and aesthetic appearance of the watch are maintained.

[0057] In an alternative variant of the inventive method and the inventive device, the assembly is provided as an electrical or electronic assembly, in particular as an assembled printed circuit board, and the at least one component is an electrical or electronic component, in particular as a component mounted on a surface of the printed circuit board.

[0058] Therefore, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be applied to this alternative to detect and monitor undesired changes in the position of electrical or electronic components on an assembled printed circuit board. Depending on the requirements and functions of the printed circuit board, the surface of the printed circuit board can be equipped with a variety of electrical or electronic components. For exemplary purposes, these electrical or electronic components may include: resistors; capacitors; diodes; transistors; integrated circuits; LEDs; crystals and oscillators; and plug-in connectors.

[0059] In this case, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention provide an efficient method for quality control and position stability testing of electrical or electronic components. This is particularly important for ensuring reliable and trouble-free functioning of electrical or electronic equipment. Visual highlighting allows simple identification of the relevant components and facilitates targeted analysis and post-processing.

[0060] Finally, in another alternative variation, the assembly is an antifriction bearing and the at least one component is a rolling element of the antifriction bearing.

[0061] Antifriction bearings are mechanical components used in many machines and mechanisms to reduce friction between moving parts and achieve low-friction motion. The rolling elements that move between the inner and outer rings of the bearing are the central elements of the bearing and enable low-friction motion. Depending on the bearing type, the rolling elements can be balls, rollers, cylinders or needle rollers.

[0062] In this context, the device and the method are intended to identify "blocked" rolling elements which erroneously do not change position. Due to dirt, damage or other factors, the movement of such "blocked" rolling elements may be restricted, thereby impairing the function and service life of the antifriction bearing.

[0063] With appropriate lighting, the "jammed" rolling elements are visually highlighted in the superimposed images. By superimposing the images recorded of the antifriction bearing before and after being subjected to vibration, the "jammed" rolling elements can be identified because they do not change position due to the vibration loading.

[0064] By visually highlighting "blocked" rolling elements, possible damage or problems in the antifriction bearing can be detected early. As a result, targeted repair measures can be taken or the relevant rolling elements can be replaced to increase the reliability and service life of the antifriction bearing and avoid machine failures.

[0065] The device of the invention and the method of the invention provide particularly advantageous applications for the crown devices of luxury watches, wherein the outer end face of the crown is set with gemstones. In high-value watches, gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires or rubies are often set into the crown devices as decorative elements to achieve a refined and luxurious aesthetic. The device of the invention and the method of the invention enable accurate and effective monitoring of the position stability of gemstones in the crown devices of watches.

[0066] In this context, a clear image of the crown with gemstones is first recorded using a "vibration microscope" equipped with a vibration generator, a camera, a processor for image processing and a display. The crown is then strongly vibrated (caused to vibrate) for a few seconds by a mechanical device. After the vibration, another image of the crown is recorded in order to record the change in the position of the gemstone caused by the vibration. The two images recorded (before and after the vibration) are appropriately superimposed. The superimposed image is the view on the "vibration microscope" screen. If the superimposed images are completely superimposed, the screen will be completely black. However, if the processed gemstone moves due to the vibration, this gemstone will light up in the superimposed image and can be identified as a moving part. Therefore, the gemstone that has moved can be visually highlighted using the "vibration microscope" and then manually marked by the user in the crown device. In this way, the relevant gemstone can be selectively post-processed, for example by repositioning or further inspection for damage.

[0067] The inventive device and the inventive method provide an extremely precise method for checking positional variations in crown arrangements in which gemstones are set. They allow for a quick and accurate assessment of the positional stability of gemstones and make it easier to take targeted measures to preserve the aesthetic and functional quality of luxury watches. The high resolution and sensitive imaging of the "vibration microscope" enables detailed quality control and inspection to ensure perfection and excellence in these high-value products.

[0068] This "vibration microscope" that generates vibrational motion and is equipped with an image overlay function has a wide range of potential applications and can be used in many fields to detect small changes in the position of components or blockages. In addition to the watchmaking and jewelry manufacturing industries mentioned above, other industries can also benefit from this innovative technology.

[0069] For example, a "vibration microscope" with image overlay can be used in the electronics industry on assembled printed circuit boards and other electronic products to determine whether electrical or electronic components have been properly affixed and whether the gluing or soldering operation has been completed satisfactorily and reliably. By identifying loose components or insufficiently glued or soldered components, possible failures and defects can be avoided.

[0070] In bearing technology, for antifriction bearings, especially ball bearings, a "vibration microscope" with image overlay can be used to determine if certain rolling elements (balls) are "blocked" or not moving freely. Blockage of rolling elements (balls) can lead to friction, wear and impairment of bearing performance. Early detection of such problems allows timely repair or replacement of the relevant rolling elements to ensure that the function of the antifriction bearing (ball bearing) is maintained.

[0071] The wide range of application areas shows that "vibration microscopy" with image overlay is an extremely versatile and useful technology. In various industrial applications, identifying position changes or blockages of components can improve quality control, increase product reliability and extend the service life of components in a variety of industries.

Claims

1. A device for acquiring a position change of at least one component installed in an assembly, wherein: The device comprises: at least one vibration generator for subjecting the assembly to vibratory motion; at least one image acquisition device for recording images of a same partial or full view of said assembly in which said at least one component is mounted, before and after said assembly is subjected to a vibratory motion; image processing means for superimposing images recorded before and after the component has been subjected to a vibratory motion; and The image reproducing device is used to reproduce the superimposed image, wherein one or more components whose positions have been changed or not changed are visually highlighted.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a microscope, wherein the image acquisition device is arranged instead of an eyepiece of the microscope or is arranged immediately behind the eyepiece of the microscope to record a magnified image generated by the microscope.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The microscope has a carrier unit for the component, and the carrier unit is mechanically, electrically or electromechanically connected to the vibration generator, or the vibration generator is integrated in the carrier unit.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Also included is at least one lighting device for illuminating a portion or all of the view of the component displayed by the image acquisition device.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The lighting performed by the lighting device is adjusted in such a way that, during the image superposition performed by the image processing device and reproduced by the image reproduction device, a black background is created, on which only image areas whose position has changed or has not changed are visually highlighted as bright image areas.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The vibration generator is a mechanical oscillator, a magnetic induction oscillator, a pneumatic oscillator, a piezoelectric transducer or an electroacoustic transducer.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The image acquisition device is a camera, in particular a high-resolution digital camera, and the camera is movable, in particular for adjusting a desired view.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The image reproduction device is a screen, in particular a high-resolution display.

9. A method for acquiring a position change of at least one component installed in an assembly, wherein: The method comprises: subjecting the assembly to a vibratory motion; recording images of a same partial or full view of the assembly in which the at least one component is mounted before and after the assembly is subjected to a vibratory motion; superimposing images recorded before and after the component has been subjected to vibratory motion; and The superimposed images are reproduced to visually highlight one or more components that have undergone a positional change or have not undergone a positional change.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: In the reproduced superimposed image, at least one component visually highlighted is marked in the assembly, and the at least one marked component subsequently undergoes a post-processing step.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The component is a watchmaker's handicraft, in particular a watch, in particular a crown arrangement of a watch, and the at least one component is a decorative element, in particular a jewel, in particular a gemstone, wherein the decorative element is held in the watchmaker's handicraft by means of a plurality of, in particular four, claws.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The assembly is an electrical or electronic assembly, in particular an assembled printed circuit board, and the at least one component is an electrical or electrical component, in particular a component mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The assembly is an antifriction bearing and the at least one component is a rolling element of the antifriction bearing.