Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high resolution structured light system that is also capable of maintaining high throughput. The high resolution structured light system includes one or more image capture devices, such as a camera and/or an image sensor, a projector, and a blurring element. The projector is configured to project a binary pattern so that the projector can operate at high throughput. The binary projection pattern is subsequently filtered by the blurring element to remove high frequency components of the binary projection pattern. This filtering smoothes out sharp edges of the binary projection pattern, thereby creating a blurred projection pattern that changes gradually from the low value to the high value. This gradual change can be used by the structured light system to resolve spatial changes in the 3D profile that could not otherwise be resolved using a binary pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high resolution structured light system that is also capable of maintaining high throughput. The high resolution structured light system includes one or more image capture devices, such as a camera and/or an image sensor, a projector, and a blurring element. The projector is configured to project a binary pattern so that the projector can operate at high throughput. The binary projection pattern is subsequently filtered by the blurring element to remove high frequency components of the binary projection pattern. This filtering smoothes out sharp edges of the binary projection pattern, thereby creating a blurred projection pattern that changes gradually from the low value to the high value. This gradual change can be used by the structured light system to resolve spatial changes in the 3D profile that could not otherwise be resolved using a binary pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high resolution structured light system that is also capable of maintaining high throughput. The high resolution structured light system includes one or more image capture devices, such as a camera and/or an image sensor, a projector, and a blurring element. The projector is configured to project a binary pattern so that the projector can operate at high throughput. The binary projection pattern is subsequently filtered by the blurring element to remove high frequency components of the binary projection pattern. This filtering smoothes out sharp edges of the binary projection pattern, thereby creating a blurred projection pattern that changes gradually from the low value to the high value. This gradual change can be used by the structured light system to resolve spatial changes in the 3D profile that could not otherwise be resolved using a binary pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high resolution structured light system that is also capable of maintaining high throughput. The high resolution structured light system includes one or more image capture devices, such as a camera and/or an image sensor, a projector, and a blurring element. The projector is configured to project a binary pattern so that the projector can operate at high throughput. The binary projection pattern is subsequently filtered by the blurring element to remove high frequency components of the binary projection pattern. This filtering smoothes out sharp edges of the binary projection pattern, thereby creating a blurred projection pattern that changes gradually from the low value to the high value. This gradual change can be used by the structured light system to resolve spatial changes in the 3D profile that could not otherwise be resolved using a binary pattern.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a displacement sensor with a multi-position image sensor. The displacement sensor includes an optical lens. The displacement sensor includes an image sensor configured to view an object through the lens along a plane of focus that is not parallel to an image plane of the image sensor. The displacement sensor includes a laser for illuminating the object by the displacement sensor, wherein the laser is: spaced from the lens at a fixed distance, and configured to project a line of light along the plane of focus of the image sensor. The displacement sensor comprises a first configuration wherein the image sensor is at a first location along an image plane with a first field of view along the plane of focus, and a second configuration at a second location with a different field of view.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a displacement sensor with a multi-position image sensor. The displacement sensor includes an optical lens. The displacement sensor includes an image sensor configured to view an object through the lens along a plane of focus that is not parallel to an image plane of the image sensor. The displacement sensor includes a laser for illuminating the object by the displacement sensor, wherein the laser is: spaced from the lens at a fixed distance, and configured to project a line of light along the plane of focus of the image sensor. The displacement sensor comprises a first configuration wherein the image sensor is at a first location along an image plane with a first field of view along the plane of focus, and a second configuration at a second location with a different field of view.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, devices for image acquisition that use seals between concentrically disposed portions of an enclosure and an optics assembly in order to protect image acquisition components from the surrounding environment while providing adequate friction for both adjusting and locking focus. Such devices can include an image capture medium that is disposed within an enclosure and an optics assembly that is also disposed within that enclosure. The optics assembly, which includes at least a lens, can have a cylindrical outer diameter along at least a portion of its length that is received within the enclosure along a length that has a corresponding cylindrical inner diameter. A first seal is disposed between, and in contact with, the optics assembly and the enclosure. That seal permits rotation of the optics assembly for purposes of focusing the lens, while preventing contamination from the environment from entering into the enclosure.

Abstract: A chuck or spindle mountable wireless vision system and method for use in harsh environments. The vision system includes a sealed housing. The sealed housing includes a tool holder interface to couple to the chuck or spindle of a machine. An optical system to acquire an image is positioned within the sealed housing, the optical system including a processor, memory, and machine vision software to perform at least a portion of image processing. A wireless communication module is operatively coupled to the optical system to wirelessly communicate image data. And, a power source, the power source operatively coupled to the optical system and the wireless communication module.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, devices for image acquisition that use seals between concentrically disposed portions of an enclosure and an optics assembly in order to protect image acquisition components from the surrounding environment while providing adequate friction for both adjusting and locking focus. Such devices can include an image capture medium that is disposed within an enclosure and an optics assembly that is also disposed within that enclosure. The optics assembly, which includes at least a lens, can have a cylindrical outer diameter along at least a portion of its length that is received within the enclosure along a length that has a corresponding cylindrical inner diameter. A first seal is disposed between, and in contact with, the optics assembly and the enclosure. That seal permits rotation of the optics assembly for purposes of focusing the lens, while preventing contamination from the environment from entering into the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, devices for image acquisition that use seals (e.g., O-rings) between concentrically disposed portions of an enclosure and an optics assembly (or sub-assemblies thereof) in order to protect image acquisition components from the surrounding environment (and vice versa) while, at the same time, providing adequate friction for both adjusting and locking focus. Such devices include, in one aspect of the invention, an image capture medium (e.g., a CMOS sensor, CCD array, etc.) that is disposed within an enclosure and an optics assembly that is also disposed within that enclosure, rotatably. The optics assembly, which includes at least a lens, can have a cylindrical outer diameter along at least a portion of its length that is received within the enclosure along a length that has a corresponding cylindrical inner diameter. A first seal (e.g., an “O-ring”) is disposed between, and in contact with, the optics assembly and the enclosure, e.g., along these corresponding lengths.

Abstract: A method of distributing particles in a flow of gas and a needleless syringe for use in the needleless injection of particles into the skin or mucosa of a vertebrate subject are disclosed. The syringe includes a convergence which reduces pressure of the gas flowing in the gas flow path due to the Venturi effect such that particles initially located outside of the gas flow path are drawn into the gas flow path under the action of the reduced pressure and become entrained in the gas. An exit nozzle accelerates the particles so entrained. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a gas flow in a needleless syringe which comprises flowing gas through a first convergence into a chamber to form a transsonic gas jet in the chamber and passing the gas jet from the chamber into a second convergence and along the nozzle.

Abstract: A machine vision image acquisition system is provided with a housing or enclosure that protects the acquisition system components from an industrial environment. The machine vision image acquisition system has a focusing mechanism that can be actuated externally to the housing. The focusing mechanism uses a gear drive to transmit externally actuated focus adjustments to the optical components of the acquisition system.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, devices for image acquisition that use seals (e.g., O-rings) between concentrically disposed portions of an enclosure and an optics assembly (or sub-assemblies thereof) in order to protect image acquisition components from the surrounding environment (and vice versa) while, at the same time, providing adequate friction for both adjusting and locking focus. Such devices include, in one aspect of the invention, an image capture medium (e.g., a CMOS sensor, CCD array, etc.) that is disposed within an enclosure and an optics assembly that is also disposed within that enclosure, rotatably. The optics assembly, which includes at least a lens, can have a cylindrical outer diameter along at least a portion of its length that is received within the enclosure along a length that has a corresponding cylindrical inner diameter. A first seal (e.g., an “O-ring”) is disposed between, and in contact with, the optics assembly and the enclosure, e.g., along these corresponding lengths.

Abstract: A machine vision image acquisition system is provided with a housing or enclosure that protects the acquisition system components from an industrial environment. The machine vision image acquisition system has a focusing mechanism that can be actuated externally to the housing. The focusing mechanism uses a gear drive to transmit externally actuated focus adjustments to the optical components of the acquisition system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of distributing particles in a flow of gas and a needleless syringe for use in the needleless injection of particles into the skin or mucosa of a vertebrate subject. The syringe has the advantage that no bursting membranes are required, reducing noise, and that the particles are substantially uniformly distributed in the gas stream. This is achieved by providing a convergence which reduces pressure of the gas flowing in the gas flow path due to the Venturi effect such that particles initially located outside of the gas flow path are drawn into the gas flow path under the action of the reduced pressure and become entrained in the gas. An exit nozzle is provided to accelerate the particles so entrained.

Abstract: A filter comprising one or more substantially unobstructed ducts (11), each with a longitudinal axis. Each duct has a porous wall which defines a lumen (17) that is surrounded by a helical groove (18) in the respective wall. The ratio of the cross sectional areas, when taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of the totally unobstructed lumen of the duct to that of the open area of the duct, incorporating the helical groove and the lumen, governs the magnitude of the velocities of the fluid flow in the duct. The value of this ratio must allow these velocities to be sufficient to develop a level of interaction between the flow along the groove and the flow through the lumen that produces a flow pattern having a substantially continuous vortex (23), the axis of which is helical.

Abstract: A method of distributing particles in a flow of gas and a needleless syringe for use in the needleless injection of particles into the skin or mucosa of a vertebrate subject are disclosed. The syringe includes a convergence which reduces pressure of the gas flowing in the gas flow path due to the Venturi effect such that particles initially located outside of the gas flow path are drawn into the gas flow path under the action of the reduced pressure and become entrained in the gas. An exit nozzle accelerates the particles so entrained. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a gas flow in a needleless syringe which comprises flowing gas through a first convergence into a chamber to form a transsonic gas jet in the chamber and passing the gas jet from the chamber into a second convergence and along the nozzle.