Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for detecting potential defects in a part are disclosed. A potential defect may be automatically detected in a part, and may be reported to an operator in various ways so that the operator may review the defect and take appropriate action.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for detecting potential defects in a part are disclosed. A potential defect may be automatically detected in a part, and may be reported to an operator in various ways so that the operator may review the defect and take appropriate action.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for detecting potential defects in a part are disclosed. A potential defect may be automatically detected in a part, and may be reported to an operator in various ways so that the operator may review the defect and take appropriate action.

Abstract: A device for identifying an end of a fiber tape rolling over a composite structure is presented. The device includes a light source disposed proximate to the composite structure and configured to project a line of light at a first angle on the fiber tape rolling over the composite structure. Also, the device includes an image capturing unit disposed proximate to the composite structure and configured to capture an image of the line of light on the fiber tape at a second angle. Further, the device includes a controller coupled to the image capturing unit and configured to process the captured image to detect a discontinuity in the line of light on the fiber tape and identify the end of the fiber tape based on the detected discontinuity in the line of light on the fiber tape.

Abstract: A method for assessment of operational performance of a 3D manufacturing apparatus is provided. Images are obtained, in real-time during a 3D polymer printing build process in which at least one structure is built by the 3D manufacturing apparatus, the images being of an area of a build platform on which the at least one structure is built. The obtained images are evaluating, and it is determined, based on the evaluating, whether an operational flaw with the 3D manufacturing apparatus has occurred. Operational flaws include errors in the operation of the 3D manufacturing apparatus and/or component thereof, as evidenced by, for instance, distortions or other errors in the structure(s) being built and/or materials being used.

Abstract: Systems for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of molds and crucibles used in investment casting processes include a support, a 3D scanning device, and a computer component. Methods for non-destructive evaluation include providing a system for non-destructive evaluation of a mold or crucible; securing a mold or crucible to the support of the system; and operating the 3D scanning device of the system in conjunction with the computer component in order to create a 3D structure difference map that indicates whether the mold or crucible falls within or outside a desired structural integrity parameter range.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for detecting potential defects in a part are disclosed. A potential defect may be automatically detected in a part, and may be reported to an operator in various ways so that the operator may review the defect and take appropriate action.

Abstract: A device for identifying an end of a fiber tape rolling over a composite structure is presented. The device includes a light source disposed proximate to the composite structure and configured to project a line of light at a first angle on the fiber tape rolling over the composite structure. Also, the device includes an image capturing unit disposed proximate to the composite structure and configured to capture an image of the line of light on the fiber tape at a second angle. Further, the device includes a controller coupled to the image capturing unit and configured to process the captured image to detect a discontinuity in the line of light on the fiber tape and identify the end of the fiber tape based on the detected discontinuity in the line of light on the fiber tape.

Abstract: A hybrid tracking system utilizing at least one combined light emitting diode (LED) and magnetoresistance sensor. The hybrid tracking system includes optical tracking technology and electromagnetic (EM) tracking technology with at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor attached to a fixed object, at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor attached to an object being tracked, and a processor coupled to the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor for processing signals from the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor. The combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor includes at least one magnetoresistance sensor and at least one LED that are integrated into a single package.

Abstract: A system and method for contactless multi-fingerprint collection is disclosed. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system includes an imaging volume, a user interface configured to provide feedback to the subject regarding a proximity of a hand to a desired imaging location within the imaging volume, and at least one image capture device to capture images of each of the plurality of fingerprints at each of at least two different depths from the fingerprints. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system also includes a processor coupled to the at least one image capture device that is programmed to generate a composite image and a contour map of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the images captured at the at least two different depths and generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the composite image and the contour map.

Abstract: A bucket tip shroud measurement fixture includes a frame extending from a first end to a second end through an intermediate portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the first end, and a second tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the second end. The first and second tip shroud fixing members are configured and disposed to retain and establish an orientation of a bucket tip shroud relative the frame. A plurality of reference points are provided on the frame. The plurality of reference points are configured and disposed to receive a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe.

Abstract: A method for assessment of operational performance of a 3D manufacturing apparatus is provided. Images are obtained, in real-time during a 3D polymer printing build process in which at least one structure is built by the 3D manufacturing apparatus, the images being of an area of a build platform on which the at least one structure is built. The obtained images are evaluating, and it is determined, based on the evaluating, whether an operational flaw with the 3D manufacturing apparatus has occurred. Operational flaws include errors in the operation of the 3D manufacturing apparatus and/or component thereof, as evidenced by, for instance, distortions or other errors in the structure(s) being built and/or materials being used.

Abstract: A bucket tip shroud measurement fixture includes a frame extending from a first end to a second end through an intermediate portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the first end, and a second tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the second end. The first and second tip shroud fixing members are configured and disposed to retain and establish an orientation of a bucket tip shroud relative the frame. A plurality of reference points are provided on the frame. The plurality of reference points are configured and disposed to receive a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods useful for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of molds and crucibles used in investment casting processes, including, without limitation, for producing aircraft engines, land-based turbine engines, and the like. According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for non-destructive evaluation that includes a support, a 3D scanning device, and a computer component. According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for non-destructive evaluation that includes the steps of: providing a system for non-destructive evaluation of a mold or crucible according to the present disclosure; securing a mold or crucible to the support of the system; and operating the 3D scanning device of the system in conjunction with the computer component in order to create a 3D structure difference map that indicates whether the mold or crucible falls within or outside a desired structural integrity parameter range.

Abstract: A method for implementing an imaging and navigation system to perform a medical procedure such as cardiac ablation is disclosed herein. The a method includes implementing an ultrasonic imaging device to provide a generally real time three-dimensional patient image, identifying a target site on the generally real time three-dimensional patient image, directing a medical instrument to the target site using a tracking system, and performing a medical procedure at the target site.

Abstract: A system and method for contactless multi-fingerprint collection is disclosed. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system includes an imaging volume, a user interface configured to provide feedback to the subject regarding a proximity of a hand to a desired imaging location within the imaging volume, and at least one image capture device to capture images of each of the plurality of fingerprints at each of at least two different depths from the fingerprints. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system also includes a processor coupled to the at least one image capture device that is programmed to generate a composite image and a contour map of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the images captured at the at least two different depths and generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the composite image and the contour map.

Abstract: A system and method for contactless multi-fingerprint collection is disclosed. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system includes an imaging volume, a user interface configured to provide feedback to the subject regarding a proximity of a hand to a desired imaging location within the imaging volume, and at least one image capture device to capture images of each of the plurality of fingerprints at each of at least two different depths from the fingerprints. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system also includes a processor coupled to the at least one image capture device that is programmed to generate a composite image and a contour map of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the images captured at the at least two different depths and generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the composite image and the contour map.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a blade component is provided, and includes a blade component having an outer surface, a rail, a cart, at least one optical metrology device, and a computing device. The cart is moveable in at least one direction along the rail. The cart includes a composite material that is laid on a mold to build the blade component. The optical metrology device is connected to the cart. The optical metrology device monitors application of the composite material to the outer surface of the blade component. The optical metrology device creates a set of measurements based on the outer surface of the blade component where the composite material is applied. The computing device is in communication with the optical metrology device and receives the set of measurements.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for contactless fingerprint detection and verification comprising illuminating a fingerprint and directing a reflected light through an imaging system using liquid crystal panels and birefringent elements to polarize the light. A plurality of polarized images are captured and used to calculate the depth of structural features on the fingertip. A means to generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of the fingerprint is also provided which may then be used for verification and authentication. The invention also provides an imaging system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for calibration of an imaging camera or other image acquisition device. Certain embodiments include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imager to a coordinate system of a first sensor positioned with respect to the imager using a first off-line calibration. Certain embodiments also include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imaging camera source to a coordinate system of a second sensor positioned with respect to the imaging camera source using a second off-line calibration. Additionally, certain embodiments include quantifying intrinsic parameters of the imaging camera source based on a transformation from the coordinate system of the imager to the coordinate system of the imaging camera source based on the first and second off-line calibrations and information from the first and second sensors and a transmitter positioned with respect to an object being imaged.