Non-contact gaging system and method for contoured panels having specular surfaces

摘要

A system and method for gaging the shape of a curved panel includes, as components, (1) a system and method for acquiring three-dimensional surface data corresponding to the panel, and (2) a system and method for receiving the acquired surface data, comparing the acquired surface to a pre-defined surface description, and developing indicia of the level of conformance of the contoured panel to the pre-defined specification. The surface data acquisition system includes a conveyor for conveying the panel, at least one display projecting a preselected contrasting pattern, and at least one camera. The camera(s) and display(s) are uniquely paired and are mounted in a spaced-apart relationship a known distance and angle from the surface of the panel such that the camera detects the reflected image of the pattern projected on the surface of the panel from its associated display.