Non-contact capacitance based image sensing method and system

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:869691

Novak, James L ^[1]; Wiczer, James J ^[2]

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1. 11048 Malaguena Ln. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87111
2. 4915 Glenwood Hills Dr. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87111

A system and a method is provided for imaging desired surfaces of a workpiece. A sensor having first and second sensing electrodes which are electrically isolated from the workpiece is positioned above and in proximity to the desired surfaces of the workpiece. An electric field is developed between the first and second sensing electrodes of the sensor in response to input signals being applied thereto and capacitance signals are developed which are indicative of any disturbances in the electric field as a result of the workpiece. An image signal of the workpiece may be developed by processing the capacitance signals. The image signals may provide necessary control information to a machining device for machining the desired surfaces of the workpiece in processes such as deburring or chamfering. Also, the method and system may be used to image dimensions of weld pools on a workpiece and surfaces of glass vials. The sensor may include first and second preview sensors used to determine the feed rate of a workpiece with respect to the machining device.

• Research Organization: AT&T
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Novak, James L. (11048 Malaguena Ln. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87111);Wiczer, James J. (4915 Glenwood Hills Dr. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87111)
• Patent Number(s): US 5378994
• OSTI ID: 869691
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

non-contact
capacitance
based
image
sensing
method
provided
imaging
desired
surfaces
workpiece
sensor
electrodes
electrically
isolated
positioned
proximity
electric
field
developed
response
input
signals
applied
thereto
indicative
disturbances
result
signal
processing
provide
control
information
machining
device
processes
deburring
chamfering
dimensions
weld
pools
glass
vials
preview
sensors
determine
feed
rate
respect
desired surfaces
capacitance signals
image signal
applied thereto
electrically isolated
input signals
electric field
input signal
feed rate
sensing electrodes
weld pool
sensing electrode
sensing method
desired surface
image signals
electrically isolate
non-contact capacitance
image dimensions
imaging desired
image sensing
capacitance based
based image
/324/65/173/382/