TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to inspection of workpieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

There are various reasons which may cause a production tool to stop producing workpieces that are conform to defined tolerances. For this reason, the inspection of workpieces forms an integral part of the fabrication process.

Therefore, improvements are needed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a broad aspect, there is provided a method for inspecting workpieces. The method comprises acquiring partial measurement data from a plurality of workpieces associated with a batch of workpieces; composing an inspection data set from the partial measurement data; comparing the inspection data set to a reference data set defining tolerances for the workpieces; and accepting and rejecting the batch of workpieces based on the comparing of the inspection data set to the reference data set.

In accordance with another broad aspect, there is provided an inspection management device. The device comprises a processing unit and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program code. The program code is executable by the processing unit for receiving partial measurement data acquired from a plurality of workpieces associated with a batch of workpieces; composing an inspection data set from the partial measurement data; comparing the inspection data set to a reference data set defining tolerances for the workpieces; and accepting and rejecting the batch of workpieces based on the comparing of the inspection data set to the reference data set.

In accordance with yet another broad aspect, there is provided an inspection station for inspecting workpieces. The inspection station comprises a data acquisition system for acquiring partial measurement data acquired from a plurality of workpieces associated with a batch of workpieces and an inspection management device. The inspection management device is configured for receiving partial measurement data acquired from a plurality of workpieces associated with a batch of workpieces; composing an inspection data set from the partial measurement data; comparing the inspection data set to a reference data set defining tolerances for the workpieces; and accepting and rejecting the batch of workpieces based on the comparing of the inspection data set to the reference data set.

Features of the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be used in various combinations, in accordance with the embodiments described herein. More particularly, any of the above features may be used together, in any combination.

