A Machine Vision System for Inspecting Tape-Feeder Operation

A tape feeder of a SMD(Surface Mount Device) mounter is a device that sequentially feeds electronic components on a tape reel to the pick-up system of the mounter. As components are getting much smaller, feeding accuracy of a feeder becomes one of the most important factors for successful component pick-up. Therefore, it is critical to keep the feeding accuracy to a specified level in the assembly and production of tape feeders. This paper describes a tape feeder inspection system that was developed to automatically measure and to inspect feeding accuracy using machine vision. It consists of a feeder base, an image acquisition system, and a personal computer. The image acquisition system is composed of CCD cameras with lens, LED illumination systems, and a frame grabber inside the PC. This system loads up to six feeders at a time and inspects them automatically and sequentially. The inspection software was implemented using Visual C++ on Windows with easily usable GUI. Using this system, we can automatically measure and inspect the quality of all feeders in production process by analyzing the measurement results statistically.