Abstract: A high speed image capture apparatus includes a camera with an integration period between consecutive flashes of an illuminating light pulse, where the camera has an image read out period and an image output. A timer for provides a strobe output representative of the start of a flash. An image capture apparatus captures a first image during the integration period and a second image within a predetermined time after capturing the first image but before the image read out period has elapsed so as to substantially increase a rate of producing usable image outputs. The image capture apparatus is coupled to the strobe output and the image output.

Abstract: An automated laboratory process monitoring method for a computer controlled automated cytology system initializes lab process assessment slide data so as to produce an initial batch of qualified slides. Monitor parameters are extracted from the initial batch of qualified slides so as to determine control limits. Field data is monitored by comparing the field data to the control limits.

Abstract: Accurately measuring and controlling the system transfer function of an imaging system, by eliminating interference from aliases. An image is captured of an image primitive with a uniaxial pattern, oriented at an angle to the primary axes of a sampling array. In order to accurately measure the system transfer function, a two-dimensional frequency representation is computed. The aliased components of the representation are separated from the unaliased components by translation in frequency along the axis perpendicular to the axis of the image primitive. Accurate measurement of the system transfer function makes it possible to accurately control the system transfer function.

Abstract: An automated biological screening system obtains biological and procedural data from a slide set of a selected clinical laboratory. The integration system tests the data on standardized criteria and passes and fails the data in selected categories. The results of the assessment are used to make process adjustment recommendations based on the results of a laboratory process adjustment procedure. Assessment and adjustment may continue until data from a slide set from the selected clinical laboratory passes in each category. The integration system then sets up, calibrates and installs the automated biological screening system. During operation, the integration system continuously monitors biological data generated by the automated biological screening system. The biological data may also be stored in a central product/service database for additional monitoring. The integration system also serves as an objective standard for reviewing and improving laboratory practices.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for checking cytological system image collection integrity in an automated cytological system including an imaging apparatus controlled by a digital processor. The automated apparatus includes linearity checking apparatus, coupled to the imaging apparatus and the digital processor. System frequency response is checked using a modulation transfer function, where the sampling frequency may be determined by pixel size so as to allow the MTF to be determined beyond the sampling frequency of a system detector. A system signal to noise ratio is also checked for specific regions of the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: An array of touch sensors are brought in contact with a ball grid array. A linear actuator moves the array of touch sensors. The position of the linear actuator is known very precisely. As the touch sensors encounter the ball grid array, they provide a signal to a computer system that an element on the ball grid array has been encountered. The computer notes the position of the linear actuator and the particular sensor in the touch sensor array that is providing the signal. Initially, each touch sensor rests against a printed circuit board circuit with a conductive disk connecting the circuit in an unactuated position. In an actuated position, the circuit is broken by the touch sensor being forced away from the printed circuit board by the object encountered. Positive air pressure is provided against one side of the disk to press it against the contact points on the printed circuit board. An alignment plate helps prevent tilting of a touch sensor.

Abstract: The detection of bubbles in coverslip adhesive. Bubbles in coverslip adhesive may span large areas of the coverslip. An automated cytology system acquires 4 x gray scale images of the slide. Image conditioning is then performed. The conditioned gray scale image is binomially filtered providing a binomial filtered image. The gray scale image is subtracted from the binomial filtered image to produce a high pass enhanced image. An object mask detection is then performed on the high pass enhanced image. Objects are classified to identify bubble edgest. Multiple detections of bubble edges are pieced together to detect bubbles much larger than the area covered by a single image from the detector and the microscope lens. Bubbles are located even if low level image analysis shows gaps in the edges. The cytological system fills in significant gaps in the detected bubble edges. The result is then used for further processing by the automated cytology system.

Abstract: An automated method for checking cytological system autofocus integrity. The automated method includes the steps of checking focus illumination integrity, checking focus camera Modulation Transfer Function, checking focus camera position integrity, and checking closed loop accuracy. Checking focus illumination integrity includes checking focus illumination system integrity, and checking a focus noise floor level. Checking focus camera position integrity includes checking focus camera longitudinal separation, and checking focus camera lateral separation. Checking focus camera position integrity includes checking focus filter frequency response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying the size, shape, and location of objects in a specimen wherein the image of the specimen is represented by image data and wherein the image data is processed to provide mask data representing a mask wherein the mask identifies the size, shape, and location of the object. Generally, the method includes the step of enhancing the image and creating a threshold image wherein the threshold image includes a threshold intensity value associated with each pixel of the image. The threshold image is combined with the original image to provide a mask image that identifies the size, shape, and location of the objects. The mask image may be further refined to ensure accurate identification of the object. Various other techniques are disclosed within the general method for processing image data.

Abstract: A process for producing high density refractory metal warhead liners from near net shape blanks. A shaped mold is filled with pure or solid solution molybdenum or tungsten powders. The powders may be isostatically pressed and sintered to form a near net shape blank. A hot isostatic press may be used in combination with these steps or by itself to form the near net shape blank. The hot isostatic press densifies the near net shape blank to at least 90% of theoretical density. Where wrought properties are desired, a final forging step is performed. Alternatively, a process such as vacuum plasma spraying may be used to form the near net shape blank. A hot isostatic press densifies the near net shape blank. A final machining step achieves a finished refractory metal warhead liner.

Abstract: A double direct injection dual band focal plane array input circuit provides simultaneous and separate integration of the current from two sensors which share a common node. The sensors are constant voltage and variable current sensors such as HgCdTe infrared photodiodes. The sensor voltage biases are independently adjustable. Multiple integration of the signal from one sensor may be performed within one integration time of the other sensor. The circuit is used in staring infrared dual band focal plane arrays and may be used process information from more than two sensors.

Abstract: A non-contact laser-based sensor guided by a precision mechanical system scans a thread form producing a set of digitized images of the thread form. The digitized images are analyzed to derive quantitative information about thread characteristics such as pitch, lead, root radius, flank angle, surface roughness, helix variation, and pitch diameter. Thread form data may be stored and later retrieved in order to provide traceability and verification of thread form measurements to a predetermined thread form specification. The apparatus and method of the invention can measure characteristics for shapes similar to threads, such as gears and dies used for cold forming processes. The thread measurement system can be mounted on thread making machines and used for on-line monitoring and control of the thread forming process.

Abstract: A security system for detecting and reporting gunshot events for control of urban environment security which includes a communication link coupled to a plurality of pole units arranged in a dense grid. Each of the plurality of pole units includes a microphone, a data acquisition unit coupled to said microphone, a signal processor for discriminating gunshot events, and a communication interface apparatus coupled at an input to the signal processor. The communication interface also has an output coupled to the communication link, where the communication interface transmits and receives data on the communication link. A central processor is coupled to the communication link so as to receive data from and transmit data to the plurality of pole units. The central processor and the plurality of pole units operate so as to detect and locate gunshot events sensed by one or more of the plurality of pole units.

Abstract: An extreme wide angle, very large aperture, very compact, solar blind, UV imaging lens system. The lens system has a fused silica polyvinyl alcohol glass color filter, a lens made of fused silica, a lens made of nickel sulfate, a layer of coupling fluid and another lens made of fused silica. Alternatively, sapphire can be used after the color filter instead of the fused silica. An alternative lens is composed of two layers of fused silica, a layer of nickel sulfate, another layer of fused silica, coupling fluid followed by polyvinyl alcohol, a color glass filter and coupling fluid followed by fused silica. In a fourth embodiment, the two layers of fused silica are followed by polyvinyl alcohol, a layer of colored glass filter, fused silica, nickel sulfate, coupling fluid, and fused silica.

Abstract: A test checks for appropriate positioning of priority fields for image collection and evaluation. The tests characterize lateral repeatability of stage movement in an X-Y plane, the longitudinal repeatability of the stage along a Z axis, cross coupling of motion in the Z direction from the X-Y stage movement, repeatability of the microscope objective turret positioning, mechanical centration of optical paths and the parfocality of optical paths. The process includes moving to a rough location, performing focus pans to determine the best focus and searching for a known object to register coordinate locations, processing those locations to determine the repeatability and accuracy of the motion system. Further, a means of evaluating these parameters is disclosed by which an automated cytology instrument will validate or invalidate data taken since the last position integrity check.

Abstract: A data acquisition and display apparatus for an ultrasonic camera includes an ultrasonic scanning head for scanning an ultrasonic field of view in two dimensions. A timing and digitizing apparatus for digitizing ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic scan head has a digitized output. An interface is coupled between the timing and digitizing apparatus and a graphics engine and first and second digital signal processors. A graphics processor is coupled to the graphics data line. The system also includes an image processor and computer controller which controls the graphics and digital signal processors.

Abstract: A directional earth boring drill bit blade includes an earth boring drill bit blade body having a cutting edge and having at least one fluid conduit through said earth boring drill bit blade body. A fluid nozzle is affixed to said at least one fluid conduit at the cutting edge. The earth boring drill bit blade body is adapted to be mounted to a boring tool body. The at least one conduit and nozzle cooperate to channel fluid so as to cool the directional boring drill bit blade and control steering while boring.

Abstract: An integrated optical system illuminates an ultraviolet spatial detector with an image from a field of interest. The ultraviolet spatial detector is comprised of an electron multiplying microchannel plate and a 100 pixel discrete anode array using a high strip current microchannel plate. The discrete anode array preserves the spatial distribution of the image. The ultraviolet spatial sensor has a wide field of view. The ultraviolet spatial detector has a photon counting sensor capable of detecting ultraviolet sources to determine their position to within plus or minus 4.5 degrees.

Abstract: An analog signal processing circuit used to suppress unipolar transient effects and signal averaging. Two transistors and one capacitor are provided in series to sample and condition an input signal. An additional transistor is provided in parallel to the capacitor to provide further signal processing capabilities. The circuit can function as an analog signal average, suppressing unipolar transient effects and as a peak detector while using a conservative amount of fabrication material and can be operated with low power.

Abstract: A monolithic detector array apparatus for sensing infrared radiation. An array of semiconductor diode bolometers are fabricated on micromachined thermal isolation structures called microbridges. The detectors are configured in an array and addressed by row and column. Readout circuitry may be optionally incorporated onto a common substrate. The monolithic detector array may be highly integrated, resulting in a low cost and a high performance focal plane array.