Automatic inspection system for misaligned magnetron components

This paper describes an automatic inspection system which detects misalignment between two components of the magnetron on an automated assembly line for microwave oven manufacturing. On inspecting misaligned components, their relative position should be determined even though the components are being rotated. For this operation, a special purpose algorithm has been designed. This algorithm uses the local features of components and detects the part's boundary with a /spl theta/-projection method. Using this system two magnetrons can be inspected simultaneously with a detection speed of 1.5 seconds. Operation of the system shows consistent quality inspection with an accuracy of 1 pixel.