Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing a medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The system includes a console containing a plurality of virtual controls, such as knobs, for simulating a real-life examination of a patient. The images created by the system change dynamically as the different virtual knobs on the console are adjusted. The console provides a certification examination for a medical ultrasound imaging operator. The console also includes a process to assess the medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The process determines a plurality of scores in order to assess the competency of the medical ultrasound imaging operator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing a medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The system includes a console containing a plurality of virtual controls, such as knobs, for simulating a real-life examination of a patient. The images created by the system change dynamically as the different virtual knobs on the console are adjusted. The console provides a certification examination for a medical ultrasound imaging operator. The console also includes a process to assess the medical ultrasound imaging operator's competency. The process determines a plurality of scores in order to assess the competency of the medical ultrasound imaging operator.

Abstract: A controller for motor activation providing accurate and repeatable position changes by pressing and releasing a push button switch. Repeatable position changes are made in an advance direction by triggering a digital counter for a predetermined number of cycles of a reference clock signal. Backlash in retard motion of the motor is reduced by similarly asserting a retard motor input for an amount of time determined by another digital counter with a following advance correction made automatically after the retard signal is applied, by applying a predetermined retard-advance movement amount, as again counted by a digital counter. The advance binary amount, the retard binary amount and the retard-advance binary amount of set through binary switch inputs to respective counters to count the respective time periods (TG3, TG1, and TG2).

Abstract: A visual indication for a motor controlled shaft, especially useful for retrofitting hand controlled printing presses.

Abstract: A visual indication for a motor controlled shaft, especially useful for retrofitting hand controlled printing presses.

Abstract: A quick disconnect motor mount for use with hand operated adjustment wheels, such as used in a printing press.

Abstract: A controller for motor activation providing accurate and repeatable position changes by pressing and releasing a push button switch. Repeatable position changes are made in an advance direction by triggering a digital counter for a predetermined number of cycles of a reference clock signal. Backlash in retard motion of the motor is reduced by similarly asserting a retard motor input for an amount of time determined by another digital counter with a following advance correction made automatically after the retard signal is applied, by applying a predetermined retard-advance movement amount, as again counted by a digital counter. The advance binary amount, the retard binary amount and the retard-advance binary amount of set through binary switch inputs to respective counters to count the respective time periods (TG3, TG1, and TG2).

Abstract: A controller for motor activation providing accurate and repeatable position changes by pressing and releasing a push button switch. Repeatable position changes are made in an advance direction by triggering a digital counter for a predetermined number of cycles of a reference clock signal. Backlash in retard motion of the motor is reduced by similarly asserting a retard motor input for an amount of time determined by another digital counter with a following advance correction made automatically after the retard signal is applied, by applying a predetermined retard-advance movement amount, as again counted by a digital counter. The advance binary amount, the retard binary amount and the retard-advance binary amount of set through binary switch inputs to respective counters to count the respective time periods (TG3, TG1, and TG2).

Abstract: A controller for motor activation providing accurate and repeatable position changes by pressing and releasing a push button switch. Repeatable position changes are made in an advance direction by triggering a digital counter for a predetermined number of cycles of a reference clock signal. Backlash in retard motion of the motor is reduced by similarly asserting a retard motor input for an amount of time determined by another digital counter with a following advance correction made automatically after the retard signal is applied, by applying a predetermined retard-advance movement amount, as again counted by a digital counter. The advance binary amount, the retard binary amount and the retard-advance binary amount of set through binary switch inputs to respective counters to count the respective time periods (TG3, TG1, and TG2).

Abstract: A system, method, and process that determine and automatically correct registration errors between printed objects and mechanically produced objects using advanced image processing techniques is disclosed. Means are also presented for maintaining all registered functions to within very close tolerances during normal running, with other means for rapidly obtaining initial registration with substantial savings in material waste. The disclosed system and method/process are compatible with the printing and converting industry in which rolls of material are processed by printing a number of colors that require close registration especially in pictorial representation. These roll-fed printing machines are quite versatile and in addition to the printing of any number of colors on both front and back can perform any number of additional operations on the printed web at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and controlling the position of an adjustable position motor for later recall and use. The system includes a mechanism for causing an adjustable position motor to be adjusted to least a first preset position. Subsequently, the system electronically determines the first preset position by setting a first counter value while the motor is in the first preset position and subsequently causes the motor to move to a zero or null position wherein a second counter value is established. By subtracting or comparing the first counter value with the second counter value, a positional value for the motor in the first preset position can be established. The positional value is stored, for later recall, and associated with a label such as a job name or number. The system also includes a mechanism by which the motor position information may be recalled, using the associated label.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting distortions that occur in image capture systems is disclosed. The present invention in some preferred embodiments includes provisions to correct or change magnification differences for all causes including position errors in zoom lens positioning mechanisms as well as those caused by chromatic aberration, CCD alignment errors, lens distortion off center variations, pincushion/barrel lens distortion, magnification distortions, camera and lens misalignment errors, and lighting variations (including flash-to-flash illumination variations). A significant feature of the present invention in contrast with the prior art is that with the use of a movable calibration plate in the present invention it is possible to image capture both the calibration plate and the input object image in a single image capture, thus permitting simultaneous compensation for a variety of lighting and illumination variations not possible with the prior art.

Abstract: A system, method, and process that determine and automatically correct registration errors between printed objects and mechanically produced objects using advanced image processing techniques is disclosed. Means are also presented for maintaining all registered functions to within very close tolerances during normal running, with other means for rapidly obtaining initial registration with substantial savings in material waste. The disclosed system and method/process are compatible with the printing and converting industry in which rolls of material are processed by printing a number of colors that require close registration especially in pictorial representation. These roll-fed printing machines are quite versatile and in addition to the printing of any number of colors on both front and back can perform any number of additional operations on the printed web at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting distortions that occur in image capture systems is disclosed. The present invention in some preferred embodiments includes provisions to correct or change magnification differences for all causes including position errors in zoom lens positioning mechanisms as well as those caused by chromatic aberration, CCD alignment errors, lens distortion off center variations, pincushion/barrel lens distortion, magnification distortions, camera and lens misalignment errors, and lighting variations (including flash-to-flash illumination variations). A significant feature of the present invention in contrast with the prior art is that with the use of a movable calibration plate in the present invention it is possible to image capture both the calibration plate and the input object image in a single image capture, thus permitting simultaneous compensation for a variety of lighting and illumination variations not possible with the prior art.

Abstract: Utilizing optical and signal processing techniques a system permitting the continuous monitoring and quality control of pattern and overall coatings applied to web materials is disclosed. Rather than using manual feedback control means to accomplish a uniform and consistent application of pattern or overall material to roll web material, the disclosed system incorporates optical sensing means along with software methodologies that enable the web material to be sampled and characterized over a number of different points. This characterization of the manufacturing process can be used with the disclosed algorithms to implement a quality control feedback mechanism which in turn can automatically correct for changes in manufacturing conditions in realtime. This permits patterns and coatings to be applied consistently without the use of human intervention and with a great reduction in overall material waste and a corresponding increase in overall coating reliability.

Abstract: Using marks of known dimensions and size, and spacing, a zoom lens may be calibrated in either or both the X and Y spatial directions. A system comprising an image capture device, positioning means, position encoder means, operator interface, and processing unit permits this method to be advantageously applied to a wide variety of web inspection/control functions, including but not limited to initial web registration, multiple color ink registration, lateral web positioning, repeat length calculations, image capture synchronization, thermal/mechanical differential compensation, and accurate registration of objects within an image to other objects within an image or to a mechanical reference on a machine.

Abstract: An improved data sampling system for sampling data transmission in a computer system includes a reference clock, a delay locked loop circuit, a packet enable circuit, a delayed selector control circuit, a sample selector, and a sample circuit. The devices may be constructed on a single semiconductor substrate and may be connected to a bus structure having a microcomputer and a plurality of boards coupled to it. The delay locked loop circuit generates accurate delayed clock signals based on the reference clock. A positive edge synchronizer circuit, within the delay locked loop, serves as a programmable phase adjust for the sampling system. The positive edge synchronizer ensures proper phase relationship between the chosen delayed clock signal and the incoming data across semiconductor process variations. Packet enable circuit informs the delayed control circuit and the sample circuit when a start bit or stop bit is initiated in a data packet and enables those circuit blocks accordingly.

Abstract: A support apparatus for use during disassembly and reassembly of a vehicular radiator is provided. The support apparatus includes vertically adjustable and rotatable generally horizontal supports and rotatable supports. Adjustable heating elements provide for use of the support apparatus with various size radiators.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing distance between a pair of indicia on a surface moving relative to the apparatus has an interval detector, a sensor and a scale device. The interval detector can respond to movement of the surface. The detector can produce an interval signal signifying the time elapsing during the passage of an interval on the surface of a predetermined length. The sensor is positioned alongside the surface for sensing the arrival times of the pair of indicia at the sensor. The scale device responds to the interval detector and sensor device for producing a distance signal signifying the ratio of the time difference in arrival of the pair to the interval signal.

Abstract: A web is conducted through various equipments for printing, cutting, creasing etc. It is important to make certain positional adjustments of the web as it travels through such equipment. For example, a web supplied from a roll has a natural but deleterious tendency to curl. A web decurler cancels this tendency by inducing a reverse curl. A web decurler or other such web handling equipment is adjusted through a control signal from a control signal generator. The control signal generator includes a metering device for producing a web signal signifying the longitudinal displacement of the web. Also included is a sensor for producing an adjust signal, signifying the extent of adjustment of the web. A manually operable device can vary the control signal and thus adjust the decurler or other such web handling equipment. A memory is used to store at least one contemporaneous pair of values of the web and adjust signals during an initial interindex interval.