Abstract: A ball grid array inspection and location method and apparatus includes a raw feature finding processor which uses a feature finding algorithm to find ball features (irrespective of number) and generate a list of raw features as an X and Y location for each feature located. An angle estimation processor receives the list of raw features, a user estimated orientation angle, and ball-to-ball pitch information and determines an estimated grid angle. An on-grid check processor receives the estimated grid angle, the list of raw features and the ball-to-ball pitch information and produces a set or list of on-grid features in the form of a list X and Y translation parameters for each feature/ball found on-grid.

Abstract: A ball grid array inspection and location method and apparatus includes a raw feature finding processor which uses a feature finding algorithm to find ball features (irrespective of number) and generate a list of raw features as an X and Y location for each feature located. An angle estimation processor receives the list of raw features, a user estimated orientation angle, and ball-to-ball pitch information and determines an estimated grid angle. An on-grid check processor receives the estimated grid angle, the list of raw features and the ball-to-ball pitch information and produces a set or list of on-grid features in the form of a list X and Y translation parameters for each feature/ball found on-grid.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-phase method for identifying sets of collinear points in data points, e.g., derived from an image. During a first phase, the "angle-finding" phase, the angular orientation of the lines defined by the sets of points is estimated. During a second phase, the "line-finding" phase, sets of collinear points aligned at that angle are identified. The invention has application, for example, in finding parallel and perpendicular point sets in an image.