Inventors:
Carl E. Haugan - Saint Paul MN
Bruce Peterson - Plymouth MN
Jan T. A. van de Ven - Einhover, NL
Assignee:
CyberOptics Corp. - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
G01B 1114
US Classification:
356614, 356638, 356625, 356613, 356400, 356138
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for improving the efficiency of using optical sensors with component placement machines for the placement of components onto a circuit board. One of the improved methods involves the placement of a projection or notch at a selected position on the quill. The projection or notch is detected by the light based component sensor system on the placement head to indicate that it is safe to begin moving the placement head. A second improved method uses a constant, high angular velocity to rotate the component when the sensor is using the shadow cast by the body of the component to align the component. The use of a constant angular velocity allows for the correction for the rotation in determining the orientation to give very accurate results even though the velocity is relatively high. In a further improvement, the information used to determine the position of the component on the quill is used to calculate the dimensions of the component for comparison with expected dimensions of the component. Also, measurements taken without a component in the light path can be used to monitor the condition of the sensor to determine if maintenance is required or recommended.