Abstract: This invention provides a vehicle-borne system and method for traffic sign recognition that provides greater accuracy and efficiency in the location and classification of various types of traffic signs by employing rotation and scale-invariant (RSI)-based geometric pattern-matching on candidate traffic signs acquired by a vehicle-mounted forward-looking camera and applying one or more discrimination processes to the recognized sign candidates from the pattern-matching process to increase or decrease the confidence of the recognition. These discrimination processes include discrimination based upon sign color versus model sign color arrangements, discrimination based upon the pose of the sign candidate versus vehicle location and/or changes in the pose between image frames, and/or discrimination of the sign candidate versus stored models of fascia characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for object detection and collision avoidance for objects and vehicles located behind the cab or front section of an elongated, and possibly tandem, vehicle. Through the use of narrow-baseline stereo vision that can be vertically oriented relative to the ground/road surface, the system and method can employ relatively inexpensive cameras, in a stereo relationship, on a low-profile mounting, to perform reliable detection with good range discrimination. The field of detection is sufficiently behind and aside the rear area to assure an adequate safety zone in most instances. Moreover, this system and method allows all equipment to be maintained on the cab of a tandem vehicle, rather than the interchangeable, and more-prone-to-damage cargo section and/or trailer. One or more cameras can be mounted on, or within, the mirror on each side, on aerodynamic fairings or other exposed locations of the vehicle.

Abstract: Digital image processing methods are applied to an image of a semiconductor interconnection pad to preprocess the image prior to an inspection or registration. An image of a semiconductor pads exhibiting spatial patterns from structure, texture or features are filtered without affecting features in the image not associated with structure or texture. The filtered image is inspected in a probe mark inspection operation.

Abstract: This invention provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in connection with a machine vision detector or other machine vision system, which provides a highly intuitive and industrial machine-like appearance and layout. The GUI includes a centralized image frame window surrounded by panes having buttons and specific interface components that the user employs in each step of a machine vision system set up and run procedure. One pane allows the user to view and manipulate a recorded filmstrip of image thumbnails taken in a sequence, and provides the filmstrip with specialized highlighting (colors or patterns) that indicate useful information about the underlying images. The programming of logic is performed using a programming window that includes a ladder logic arrangement.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for determining position of a viewed object in three dimensions by employing 2D machine vision processes on each of a plurality of planar faces of the object, and thereby refining the location of the object. First a rough pose estimate of the object is derived. This rough pose estimate can be based upon predetermined pose data, or can be derived by acquiring a plurality of planar face poses of the object (using, for example multiple cameras) and correlating the corners of the trained image pattern, which have known coordinates relative to the origin, to the acquired patterns. Once the rough pose is achieved, this is refined by defining the pose as a quaternion (a, b, c and d) for rotation and a three variables (x, y, z) for translation and employing an iterative weighted, least squares error calculation to minimize the error between the edgelets of trained model image and the acquired runtime edgelets.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for flexibly detecting flaws in the acquired runtime/live images of objects based upon an inspection process that employs a training or model image of the object. This system and method enables predetermined flaws, and other predetermined features, within predetermined tolerances, to be disregarded as a flaw at inspection time. Typically, flexible flaw detection and repositioning of the model image occurs locally with respect to predetermined flaws and imperfections, and is undertaken after the image is acquired and the model image has undergone a global affine transformation/positioning with respect to the runtime image. Subsequent inspection then occurs with a locally repositioned model image that subsumes any imperfection or variation that is to be disregarded.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for use in a handheld symbology reader that employs a grid of reflecting elements applied to a transparent plate adapted to project a highly diffuse and uniform illumination on a subject. The grid defines a geometry with a large number of transparent spaces between grid elements through which an image of the subject can be acquired. A light source array is configured to project light into the grid at a right angle via a light pipe having a distal beveled edge or side projecting light sources. Another light source may be employed to illuminate second light pipe with a chamfered edge to create low-angle illumination.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a human/machine interface (HMI) for use with machine vision systems (MVSs) that provides the machine vision system processing functionality at the sensor end of the system, and uses a communication interface to exchange control, image and analysis information with a standardized, preferably portable device that can be removed from the MVS during runtime. In an illustrative embodiment, this portable device can be a web-browser equipped computer (handheld, laptop or fixed PC) or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The communication interface on the sensor-end of the system is adapted to communicate over a cable or wireless communication link (for example infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF)), with a corresponding communication interface in the portable device.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge is provided. The tire pressure gauge is mounted on a rim of a wheel or on a hub of the wheel. An interconnection is made to the valve stem of the wheel. The interconnection includes a tap that directs pressure from the interconnection via a tube or conduit to the gauge. The interconnection can provide continuous pressure to the gauge or can be actuated by the movement of an operator at a predetermined inspection time. The gauge can be mechanical or electronic.

Abstract: A case for a personal digital assistant (PDA) that allows the PDA to be elevated in an angled standing position when the case is opened is provided. In this manner, the PDA is presented to the user in an easily accessed orientation without the need to remove the personal digital system from the case or to attach any separate stand or bracket. In an illustrative embodiment, the case includes a base section and a cover that is attached in a hinged manner to the base section. The cover can be folded back to reveal the enclosed PDA screen and buttons. When the cover is rotated back to a predetermined position, at which the base and cover form an acute angle, a securing strap is attached between the base and the cover preventing the base and cover from spreading apart beyond the pre-determined acute angle.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a search tool that registers transformation of a trained pattern by at least four degrees of freedom to register the instance of a pattern in an arbitrary six-degree-of-freedom pose is provided. The search tool is first trained to recognize a plurality of versions of a trained pattern/fiducial that are incrementally transposed to induce differing levels of known aspect and shear. An object having several instances of the trained pattern located at known spacings and orientations therebetween is imaged by the trained search tool, and the located instances of the trained pattern are compared to expected instances of the trained pattern to measure relative six-degree-of-freedom orientation for the underlying object.

Abstract: A system and method for using a machine vision system to locate and register patterns in an object using range data is provided. The machine vision system includes an acquisition system for acquiring a range image of an object. The system also includes a machine vision search tool coupled to the acquisition system for locating an instance of a trained pattern in the image. The tool registering the trained pattern transformed by at least two translational degrees of freedom and at least one non-translational degree of freedom with respect to an image plane. The acquisition system preferably includes a three-dimensional camera.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the position of an object in three dimensions uses two cameras interconnected with a machine vision search tool. The search tool is capable of registering transformation of a pattern in at least two translational degrees of freedom, along the image plane, and at least one non-translational degree of freedom along a camera axis perpendicular to the image plane. The tool can be a rotation/scale-invariant (RSIS) search tool. A nominal position for each camera's acquired image of the object is determined and a set of uncertainty vectors along each of the degrees of freedom is generated. The vectors are weighted, with the respective vectors along the camera axis being weighted more-highly than orthonormal vectors within the image plane. The weighted vectors are combined to define an error.

Abstract: A headed multi-lobed blank, method of manufacturing a self-tapping screw from the blank, and resulting multi-lobed self-tapping screw for joining thin workpieces provides desirable thread-forming characteristics at the conical tip and body portions, and improved resistance to vibrational loosening near the head. The resulting screw, obtained from the blank and method, incorporates a threaded tapered root portion between the screw head and body portion having a cross section that varies from nearly circular in the area adjacent to the underside of the head to a maximum out-of-round (or lobular) cross section at the intersection of the tapered root portion and the screw body.