Abstract: A system and method for detecting multiple object conditions, such as side-by-side and overlapped objects, such as packages, on a conveyor. The system includes at least one machine vision system including at least one machine vision camera, at least one illumination subsystem and at least one machine vision computer. The illumination subsystem(s) is configured to illuminate a plurality of objects as they are conveyed past at least one field of view at an inspection station along a conveyor belt. Each machine vision camera is positioned to capture one or more images of the objects as the objects are conveyed past the field of view(s). Each machine vision computer is programmed to detect the presence of multiple object conditions by detecting and counting the number of edges appearing in an image of an object captured by one of the machine vision cameras. The method illuminates at least one object as it passes through the field of view, at which time at least one image of the object is captured.

Abstract: A vibrator module adapted for use in a taper apparatus for advancing carrier tape having a plurality of compartments and for placing parts in the compartments. The vibrator module includes a motor that includes an output shaft that rotates in response to operation of the motor. The vibrator module also includes an eccentric weight mounted to and rotatable with the output shaft. The eccentric weight causes the motor to vibrate in response to rotation of the output shaft and eccentric weight. The vibrator module further includes a vibration transferring member interconnected with the motor and operable to transfer vibrations from the motor to the carrier tape to cause the parts to settle into the bottoms of the compartments.

Abstract: An imager for illuminating and imaging encoded symbology to facilitate decoding of the symbology and which provides both “bright field” and “dark field” illumination patterns is provided with an illumination directing device to direct the “bright field” illumination pattern into an alternative “dark field” illumination pattern. In one embodiment the illumination directing device takes the configuration of a disc that is selectively positionable in front of the imager and removable therefrom depending upon whether or not the illumination pattern is to be changed. The disc snap fits into a position at the front of the imager housing and includes a fresnel configured outer ring, a light blocking inner ring, and a light transmissive center. The fresnel configuration receives light and redirects the light forward of the imager and towards a center line passing through the device to provide the alternative illumination pattern.

Abstract: An LCC inspecting device includes a mirror having non-parallel front and rear surfaces, and reflective coatings on the front and rear surfaces. The reflective coatings reflect light of frequencies different from each other such that light of a first frequency reflects off the front surface of the mirror and light of a second, different frequency reflects off the rear surface. The LCC device may therefore be inspected from different angles by selectively using light of the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: A system for imaging an object is described. The system includes a light source for illuminating the object with light, the light from the light source having a first wavelength. The system further includes an image capturing device and a filter device. The filter device is transmissive for light having a wavelength which different than the first wavelength, and reflective for light having the first wavelength, the image capturing device capturing an image of at least a portion of the object using light transmitted through the filter device. The system may further include a dark field illumination system for illuminating the object either simultaneously with the illumination by the first light source, or sequentially with respect to the illumination by the first light source.

Abstract: A power control system, which serves to protect a dissipative/resistive load from exceeding a predetermined temperature limit. The power control system accurately models the temperature of the load and enforces a cooling period to reduce the temperature of the load being protected to a base temperature level if the predetermined temperature limit is reached. Also provided is a method of selectively connecting and disconnecting a resistive load to and from a power source to prevent the resistive load from exceeding a predetermined high temperature limit. The method includes sensing a voltage proportional to the instantaneous power passing through the resistive load by wiring a current sensing resistor in series with the resistive load. Then, a load temperature is modeled using a load temperature modeling circuit to produce an output voltage proportional to a present temperature of the resistive load.

Abstract: A secure tracking system and method of tracking for articles which are secure and include authentication and verification of users and user devices for data and information access and input. Each article to be tracked is provided with a unique secure indicia applied to the article and through which chronological histories are generated and maintained from creation of each article until at least the time when article is scrapped or otherwise destroyed. The articles can include manufactured components, assemblies, device and equipment for aircraft, automotive, military and other users, as well as jewelry and works of art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a target within a field of view of an optical scanner is provided. In an optical scanner having a field of view, apparatus for indicating whether a target is aligned within said field of view includes a microprocessor and an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator is electrically connected to the microprocessor and includes, for example, a light emitting diode. The microprocessor defines a first zone and a second zone within the field of view and determines whether the target is within the field of view. If the target is within the field of view, the microprocessor identifies a target alignment point on the target. The microprocessor determines whether the target alignment point is within either the first zone or the second zone and sends a signal to the alignment indicator. In response, the alignment indicator provides an indication indicating whether the target alignment point is located within the first zone, the second zone, or neither.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing solder balls in a pattern on a substrate, e.g., to form a ball grid array, the apparatus comprising a template having a first plane, a second plane, and a plurality of holes passing substantially orthogonally through the first and second planes parallel to an axis and corresponding in location to the pattern. Each of the holes is slightly larger than a solder ball diameter. The apparatus also including a porous base having first and second planes, wherein the first plane of the base contacts the second plane of the template. The base is permeable to a fluid in a first direction from the first plane of the template toward the second plane of the base. The apparatus further includes a fluid controller in fluid communication with the base for selectively causing the fluid to pass through the holes and through the base in the first direction to force the solder balls into the holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a pick and place system having a taper module that determines both placement and direction of the carrier tape by optically counting sprocket holes as they move in either direction. Compartments in a carrier tape are serially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the tape. The tape also includes a plurality of sprocket holes serially spaced along a line that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tape. The distance between compartments corresponds to a predetermined number of sprocket holes. Two optical couplers are set at a predetermined distance smaller than the s pacing between consecutive sprocket holes. Signals from the couplers will have a unique sequence depending on the direction of the tape. By using direction and number of sprocket holes, the exact position of the tape can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing electronic circuit devices includes an infeed station, a first inspection station, an inverter station, a second inspection station, a sorting station, and an outfeed station. A linear transport mechanism having side edges transports a first work piece containing a plurality of electronic circuit devices through the stations along a linear path. The inverter station holds an empty second work piece above the transport mechanism in an inverted orientation. The inverter station also includes an elevator for lifting the first work piece vertically into an abutting relationship with the second work piece, and an inverting mechanism for inverting the first and second work pieces while maintaining them in the abutting relationship to position the electronic devices in the second work piece in the inverted orientation.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for highly efficient imaging of selected object features utilizing, in combination, a 2D imaging subsystem and a 3D imaging subsystem wherein data from the 2D imaging subsystem is used to predetermine areas containing 3D features of interest such that delay attributable to imaging of areas of non-interest for 3D features is minimized.

Abstract: Diffuse “dark field” illumination and “bright field” illumination are each provided for a hand-held encoded symbology imager/reader; to be projected therefrom upon symbology disposed on a target (component part, goods, package, etc.). The imager/reader is encased in a housing ergonomically configured to be griped in more then one manner and to thus facilitate holding the imager/reader steady. The symbology to be imaged is targeted by a line that not only spots the symbology, but by extending a length commensurate with that of the symbology, indicates that the symbology is in the field of view of the imager/reader. A CCD, disposed to receive light reflected from the symbology, has its readout controlled so that only selected portions of the CCD need be analyzed for illumination and focusing purposes.

Abstract: A method of operating a charge coupled device in an accelerated mode is provided, and in particular in connection with an optical symbology imager, so as to minimize variations in the position of the imager relative to the code. The CCD has two horizontal shift registers, each receiving every other scan line so that the output of each horizontal shift register equals the number of scan lines for normal television signals 262. The method skips through multiple lines of image data, then provides a black reference signal then images a series of lines at a slower speed, these lines being the lines of interest for focusing and illumination operations in the optical symbology imager. Finally, the remaining lines are passed through quickly. The imager goes back into reset mode after either normal or fast mode operation, and is thereby immediately ready to perform another scan. The fast mode operation enables the imager to obtain the approximately ten lines of image data of concern in only approximately 5.

Abstract: A method of verifying data matrix print quality utilizing center offset for dot peen or inkjet marks, and size offset for laser etched or printed marks. The method of the present invention builds on the AIM specification and provides additional measures to determine the quality of the data matrix marks. Center offset and size offset measurements are employed to determine the data matrix quality.

Abstract: A diffracting beam splitter splits an optical beam. The resulting beams are swept over an object by a beam deflector. The beams are mechanically scanned transverse to the beam deflection direction. A position sensitive device receives light reflected from the incident beams and a three dimensional profile of the object is produced.

Abstract: A hand held, omnidirectional symbology or bar code reader for imaging linear and two dimensional (matrix, maxi-code) bar codes over relatively long working distances. The reader includes an imaging system including a focusing objective taking lens and a two-dimensional photodetector that operate to form an image of a bar code in X and Y directions simultaneously and generate an electrical signal representative of the code for subsequent downstream processing which extracts information embedded in a bar code. Focusing is achieved via a rotating disk that carries a plurality of optical shims for different focus zones. A through-the-lens (TTL) targeting system is provided to visually assist the user in positioning the reader for a variety of code modalities to assure that a bar code will be captured within the field of view and be sharply imaged on the photodetector when the lens is focused.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously obtaining a plurality of images of an object or pattern from a plurality of different viewpoints is provided. Proper image contrast is obtained by replacing the light sources of earlier systems with equivalent light sensitive devices and replacing the cameras of earlier systems with equivalent light sources. Bright-field and dark-field images may be simultaneously obtained. In another aspect, a light source is positioned to illuminate at least some of an object. A plurality of light guides are positioned to simultaneously receive light reflected from the object and transmit it to a plurality of photodetectors. The light guides are arranged so their respective input ends are spaced substantially equally along at least a portion of a surface of an imaginary hemisphere surrounding the object. The signals from the photodetectors are processed and a plurality of images are formed. Another aspect provides generating composite images from simultaneously obtained images.

Abstract: A focusable imaging system particularly suitable for use in acquiring digital images for subsequent processing such as in a hand held, omnidirectional symbology or bar code reader by which linear and two dimensional (matrix, maxi-code) bar codes may be imaged over relatively long working distances. The imaging system includes an focusing objective taking lens and a two-dimensional photodetector that operate to form an image of an object such as a bar code in X and Y directions simultaneously and generate an electrical signal representative of the object or code for subsequent downstream processing by which information embedded in the object or bar code may be extracted. Focusing is achieved via a rotating disk that carries a plurality of optical shims or other light controlling surfaces to provide for different focus zones.

Abstract: A multi-modally grippable housing construction of improved ergonomic efficiency is disclosed, the construction including a head and a generally elongated handle assembly having a proximal portion coupled to a rear wall of the head to define a neck grippable by thumb and index fingers of an operator, the head having an exterior configuration extending rearwardly from the front end and being sized and shaped for facilitation of the cupping and holding of the head by an operator. Gripping of the housing about the neck, according to one preferred manner of gripping the housing, or cupping of the head according to another mode of grasping the housing construction, permits the operator, in the case of a symbology reader or imager, to address with ergonomic efficiency symbologies positioned, respectively, in vertical or horizontal orientation with respect to the operator.