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 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 presence of a polarization altering substance on a specular surface is detected by transmitting light from a single strobed light source to the surface over a transmitting path and receiving the transmitted light from the surface. An intensity of the light is measured in both an optical non-isolator state and an isolator state by a same detector by delaying the non-isolated return light for a definite period of time before measuring it with the detector. The measured isolated and non-isolated intensities are converted to logarithmic form, range corrected, and compared to reference data established for the specific specular surface being investigated to detect the presence or absence of the polarization altering substance. Attenuation and backscattering effects of scattering and/or absorbing interference in the transmitted light are compensated so that the reference table is entered at the correct point. Using different intensities of transmitted light increases the dynamic range of the system.

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 system and method for correcting a scan pattern of a moving optical scanning system. A gantry moves an optical system at a constant rate in a first direction. Using a light source and a first deflector, the optical scanning system quickly sweeps a light beam in a direction orthogonal to the motion of the gantry by changing the angle of deflection of the first deflector linearly with time. To compensate for the motion of the gantry, the optical system includes a second deflector which deflects the light, the deflection angle being determined as a function of the velocity of the gantry. The deflected light is focussed on the object (or pattern). Accordingly, the object is scanned along a corrected scan line orthogonal to the X-axis. The optical scanning system may optionally perform "selected" scanning. Also, the optical system optionally employs a "look-ahead/look-behind" scanning approach to further improve the rate at which portions of an object (or pattern) may be inspected.

Abstract: An imaging system for viewing indicia on an object to be observed in which the indicia comprises a plurality of either hard and/or soft marks. The light supplied by a light source is collimated by at least one lens and supplied toward an object to be observed and the reflected light is then focussed at a focal plane. The focal plane is located adjacent or coincident with a light receiving entrance of a camera or other imaging device. When a soft mark is imaged, the light is supplied at an angle to but not along the optical axis and is focussed by the lens to from an accurate image of the light source at the focal plane. Any light which contacts the unaltered specular reflective surface of the object to be observed as well as the central area of the soft mark facilitates a true and accurate reflection of the light source at the focal plane while the altered, non-flat areas of the object to be observed at least partially scatter or disperse the supplied light.

Abstract: An imaging system for viewing indicia on an object to be observed in which the indicia comprises a plurality of either hard and/or soft marks. The light supplied by a light source is focussed by at least one lens and supplied toward an object to be observed and the reflected light is then focussed at a focal plane. The focal plane is located adjacent or coincident with a light receiving entrance of a camera or other imaging device. When a soft mark is imaged, the light is supplied at an angle to but not along the optical axis and is focussed by the lens to from an accurate image of the light source at the focal plane. Any light which contacts the unaltered specular reflective surface of the object to be observed as well as the central area of the soft mark facilitates a true and accurate reflection of the light source at the focal plane while the altered, non-flat areas of the object to be observed at least partially scatter or disperse the supplied light.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a polarization altering substance, such as ice, on a surface includes a polarizing filter on the surface between the surface and the polarization altering substance. When the polarizing filter includes alternating regions having orthogonal polarizing properties, only one viewing of the surface through a blocking filter is required. When light, either polarized or unpolarized, reflects off the surface, it passes through the polarizing filter and becomes polarized. Reflected light that additionally passes through ice after leaving the polarizer becomes unpolarized. When viewed through a blocking polarizer filter, polarized light passing through ice appears bright due to the unpolarizing effect of ice. On the other hand, polarized light not passing through ice retains its polarization and appears dark when viewed through a blocking filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a polarization altering substance, such as ice, on a surface includes a polarizing filter on the surface between the surface and the polarization altering substance. When the polarizing filter includes alternating regions having orthogonal polarizing properties, only one viewing of the surface through a blocking filter is required. When light, either polarized or unpolarized, reflects off the surface, it passes through the polarizing filter and becomes polarized. Reflected light that additionally passes through ice after leaving the polarizer becomes unpolarized. When viewed through a blocking polarizer filter, polarized light passing through ice appears bright due to the unpolarizing effect of ice. On the other hand, polarized light not passing through ice retains its polarization and appears dark when viewed through a blocking filter.

Abstract: A presence of a polarization altering substance on a specular surface is detected by transmitting light from a single strobed light source to the surface over a transmitting path and receiving the transmitted light from the surface. An intensity of the light is measured in both an optical non-isolator state and an isolator state by a same detector by delaying the non-isolated return light for a definite period of time before measuring it with the detector. The measured isolated and non-isolated intensities are converted to logarithmic form, range corrected, and compared to reference data established for the specific specular surface being investigated to detect the presence or absence of the polarization altering substance. Attenuation and backscattering effects of scattering and/or absorbing interference in the transmitted light are compensated so that the reference table is entered at the correct point. Using different intensities of transmitted light increases the dynamic range of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for efficiently using 3-D vision systems to measure selected structural features of objects that have a uniform geometric arrangement. The method and apparatus are particularly well suited for optimizing the 3-D measurement of a multiple lead frame, leads of integrated circuit devices mounted on the multiple lead frame, and ball grid array integrated circuit devices on a wafer. For obtaining the three-dimensional data, corresponding sides of the multiple lead frames or devices are scanned sequentially in a row or column with at least one three dimensional sensor. This scanning procedure is repeated for all rows and columns containing structural features of the devices for which data are to be obtained. The acquired three-dimensional device geometry data are compared with the intended predetermined geometry to produce a signal indicative of a deviation of an actual device geometry from the intended predetermined geometry that exceeds a specified tolerance.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to efficiently use 3-D vision systems to measure selected features, of objects that are semi-constrained in compartmented trays having a uniform geometric arrangement. The methods are particularly well suited for optimizing the 3-D measurement of leads on integrated circuit devices which are packaged in trays. For obtaining the three-dimensional data, a multi-pocketed tray can be provided with tray pockets arranged in rows and columns, and corresponding sides of the multiple parts or devices in a row or column are scanned sequentially with at least one three dimensional sensor. This scanning procedure is repeated for all rows and columns containing sides of the devices from which data is to be obtained. The devices can be first aligned by applying directional vibration to the tray to drive all the parts or devices to the same corner or side of the respective pockets.

Abstract: A three dimensional sensor includes an illumination source that produces broadband, high intensity optical energy. This optical energy includes a number of individual wavelength components. The individual wavelength components are impinged in a spot on a target. Dispersion is applied to the light reflected from the spot, either before target impingement, after target impingement, or both, whereby light of different colors is focused at different distances from the target. A maximum reflected wavelength, dependent on target range, is detected to determine the target range. In one embodiment, temporal modulation is applied to the light before target impingement. A stationary detector determines the target range by relating the maximum light received to the time it is received in order to determine the color received at that time. In another embodiment, all colors are reflected from the target simultaneously, and the reflected beam is chromatically dispersed in the transverse direction.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to efficiently use 3-D vision systems to measure selected features, of objects that are semi-constrained in compartmented trays having a uniform geometric arrangement. The methods are particularly well suited for optimizing the 3-D measurement of leads on integrated circuit devices which are packaged in trays. For obtaining the three-dimensional data, a multi-pocketed tray can be provided with tray pockets arranged in rows and columns, and corresponding sides of the multiple parts or devices in a row or column are scanned sequentially with at least one three dimensional sensor. This scanning procedure is repeated for all rows and columns containing sides of the devices from which data is to be obtained. The devices can be first aligned by applying directional vibration to the tray to drive all the parts or devices to the same corner or side of the respective pockets.

Abstract: An arrangement for inspecting straightness of an array of pins in which the array is illuminated by a thin beam of light. Images of surfaces of the array of pins that are illuminated are projected on a photo-sensitive device. The array of pins is movable relative to the beam of light and the imaging device. The imaging device and photo-sensitive device are also movable relative to the array of pins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a presence of a polarization altering substance on a specular surface includes transmitting light to the surface over a transmitting path and receiving the transmitted light from the surface and from the polarization altering substance. An intensity of the light is measured in an optical non-isolator state and in an isolator state. The isolator and non-isolator state measurements are performed either sequentially or simultaneously. A difference in intensity between isolator and non-isolator states indicates an absence of the substance. A sameness in intensity between isolator and non-isolator states indicates a presence of the substance.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to efficiently use 3-D vision systems to measure selected features, of objects that are semi-constrained in compartmented trays having a uniform geometric arrangement. The methods are particularly well suited for optimizing the 3-D measurement of leads on integrated circuit devices which are packaged in trays. For obtaining the three-dimensional data, a multi-pocketed tray can be provided with tray pockets arranged in rows and columns, and corresponding sides of the multiple parts or devices in a row or column are scanned sequentially with at least one three dimensional sensor. This scanning procedure is repeated for all rows and columns containing sides of the devices from which data is to be obtained. The devices can be first aligned by applying directional vibration to the tray to drive all the parts or devices to the same corner or side of the respective pockets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a presence of a polarization altering substance on a specular surface includes transmitting light to the surface over a transmitting path and receiving the transmitted light from the surface and from the polarization altering substance. An intensity of the light is measured in an optical non-isolator state and in an isolator state before being compared to reference data established for various specular surfaces. The reference data are preferably established by measuring an intensity of the light in both an optical non-isolator state and in an isolator state for a known surface when the polarization altering substance is absent from the known surface.