Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for determining a material type and/or a surface condition of a workpiece. A surface of the workpiece is illuminated with illuminating radiation. At least one image of the illuminated surface is recorded. The material type and/or the surface condition of the workpiece is determined on the basis of a statistical analysis of the at least one image converted into a spatial frequency domain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for documenting and analyzing a tire tread using a guidance dolly for use in creating a three-dimensional image file of a target object from a plurality of two-dimensional image files including: a first dolly surface adapted to enable placement of the guidance dolly into physical contact with the target object; a second dolly surface generally conforming to the shape of the first dolly surface; and a guide channel for guiding a digital imaging device along a specified path so as to acquire the plurality of two-dimensional image files of the target object.

Abstract: Provided is a vision system for detecting a defect, including a conveyer belt configured to move at least one bottle through the vision system; a light emitting diode (LED) backlight configured to silhouette any dark contamination on a surface or inside the at least one bottle; a robot with a bottle gripper tooling, the robot configured to pick up the at least one bottle and rotate the at least one bottle; at least one camera configured to take pictures of the at least one bottle while the at least one bottle is being rotated; and a flipper arm configured to stop or allow the at least one bottle to move to a position where the robot picks up the at least one bottle.

Abstract: Various embodiments train a prediction model for predicting a label to be allocated to a prediction target explanatory variable set. In one embodiment, one or more sets of training data are acquired. Each of the one or more sets of training data includes at least one set of explanatory variables and a label allocated to the at least one explanatory variable set. A plurality of explanatory variable subsets is extracted from the at least one set of explanatory variables. A prediction model is trained utilizing the training data. The plurality of explanatory variable subsets is reflected on a label predicted by the prediction model to be allocated to a prediction target explanatory variable set with each of the plurality of explanatory variable subsets weighted respectively.

Abstract: A user can capture an image of an object, using a computing device, to obtain information about that object. If a specular highlight (or other saturated region) is detected, the device can attempt to determine a location of a light source associated with the highlight. The device can then provide instructions as to a direction to move in order to reduce the presence of the specular highlight in subsequent images. Multiple images of the object can be captured and analyzed to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of the environment, whereby a position of the light source can be determined. In other embodiments, movement of the specular reflections in response to movement of the device is used to determine a direction of the light source. In other embodiments, an image of the user is captured to determine the position of the light source based on shadows or reflections on the user.

Abstract: A surveillance system 1, which is an example of a surveillance system to which the present invention is applied, includes a surveillance region storage means 2 and an image analyzing means 3. Also, the surveillance system 1 includes an effective area information storage means 4 and an object criterion information storage means 5. A detection subject can be detected efficiently by setting a first step criterion of whether or not a portion of an object in an image is included in a range of a surveillance region and a predetermined second step criterion and determining whether or not these criteria are met.

Abstract: A feature image generation apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry generates, on the basis of a processing target image in which an object appears, a first image showing the object, and generates, as a feature image showing a feature of the object, at least a part of a rotational composite image obtained by composition of a plurality of rotated images obtained by rotating the first image.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling projection of a wearable apparatus, and a wearable apparatus are provided. With the projection method, a 3D profile of the object as projection screen is acquired by a 3D acquisition device disposed on the wearable apparatus; coordinates of vertices of the projection area on the object as projection screen are determined according to the acquired 3D profile of the object as projection screen; a projection plane is determined according to the determined coordinates of vertices; and the projection is controlled according to the angle between the projection plane and the center line of the projection view angle of the projection component, the distance between the geometrical center of the projection plane and the projection component and the 3D profile of the object as projection screen such that the projection picture projected by the projection component is clearly and steadily projection displayed in the projection area on the object as projection screen.

Abstract: A method for providing target object surface information to a mobile device user is presented. The method includes receiving a request for target object surface information from a mobile device, determining the pose of the mobile interface device relative to the target object, and obtaining target object surface information for one or more measurable target object surface parameters. The target object data is used to assemble augmented reality surface information configured for viewing in conjunction with a real-time view of the target object captured by the mobile interface device. The target object augmented reality surface information is then transmitted to the mobile device for display to the user.

Abstract: A method and a measuring machine for determining dimensional properties of a measurement object each use a workpiece table and a camera having an image sensor and an imaging optics. The imaging optics exhibits aberrations and is configured to be focused on a plurality of different working positions relative to the workpiece table. The aberrations are minimized by using first calibration values provided for a defined working position. A first working distance of the camera relative to a region of interest is determined. Subsequently, the imaging optics is focused, using the first working distance and using second calibration values that represent an image field curvature of the camera, such that the region of interest is substantially brought into a defined working position. Subsequently, the image recording and image evaluation take place to determine measurement values that represent the dimensional properties of the measurement object in the region of interest.

Abstract: A feature image generation apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry generates, on the basis of a processing target image in which an object appears, a first image showing the object, and generates, as a feature image showing a feature of the object, at least a part of a rotational composite image obtained by composition of a plurality of rotated images obtained by rotating the first image.

Abstract: An integrated imaging system is invented for creating an optimal imaging session by importing information in real time from several sources and using that information to automatically and continuously adjust the parameters of the imaging session so as to create the optimal session for the prescribed testing session

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting foreign objects in or on a subject of interest. A first set of images is captured of a sample subject known to be free of foreign objects. A plurality of colors from a defined color palette are classified according to a color content of the first set of images into at least first and second classes. A second set of images of the subject of interest are captured. It is determined that a foreign object is present in or on the subject of interest if a color from the first class is present in the second set of images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a damaged region on an object. An exemplary system captures an image of the damaged region with a camera, selects target points around a boundary of the damaged region on the image, and determines 2D image coordinates for the target points on the image. The system further determines angles for aiming a laser ranging device at each of the target points based on the image coordinates, and measures a distance to each of the target points with the laser ranging device based on the aiming angles. The system then calculates 3D coordinates for each of the target points in the coordinate system of the object based on the distance measurement and the 2D image coordinates for each of the target points.

Abstract: A device for measuring the deflection of pavement under an applied load includes a longitudinally extending member mounted on a mobile carriage. A load wheel is mounted near the first end of the longitudinally extending member below a load platform. A first distance sensor is mounted near the load wheel to measure the depth of a deflection basin created by the wheel at a target location disposed on the pavement. A second distance sensor mounted at a predetermined distance from the first sensor to measure distance to the target location when the second distance sensor is positioned proximate to the target location. The device further includes a target designator for designating the target location and a target detector for detecting a position of the target location.

Abstract: An image obtaining apparatus includes: a light source configured to irradiate a biological sample having a fluorescent label with an excitation light, the excitation light exciting the fluorescent label; a focus moving unit configured to move a focus position of an optical system in the thickness direction of the biological sample; and a data processing unit configured to expose an image sensor to light while moving the focus position of the optical system in each of a plurality of preset scanning ranges to thereby obtain fluorescent images of the biological sample, each of the plurality of scanning ranges having a predetermined scanning length, the predetermined scanning length being smaller than the length of a bright-point detection range of the biological sample in the thickness direction, the center positions of the scanning ranges being different from each other in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A light section sensor for providing an output of a digital output coordinate has an illuminating device for projecting a light line onto a measured object and an electronic camera for detecting the projected light line on the measured object. A processing device determines at least one measured coordinate in a measured coordinate system on the basis of the light line detected. A coordinate transformation device transforms the measured coordinates from the measured coordinate system into the output coordinates in an output coordinate system by a coordinate transformation. A slope angle determination device determines the slope angle of the light section sensor in relation to a flat surface of the measured object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for documenting and analyzing a tire tread using a guidance dolly for use in creating a three-dimensional image file of a target object from a plurality of two-dimensional image files including: a first dolly surface adapted to enable placement of the guidance dolly into physical contact with the target object; a second dolly surface generally conforming to the shape of the first dolly surface; and a guide channel for guiding a digital imaging device along a specified path so as to acquire the plurality of two-dimensional image files of the target object.

Abstract: An integrated imaging system is invented for creating an optimal imaging session by importing information in real time from several sources and using that information to automatically and continuously adjust the parameters of the imaging session so as to create the optimal session for the prescribed testing session.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring painting quality of components, for example of motor-vehicle bodies, comprises a robot which moves a monitoring head to follow the components to be monitored while they move along a production line. The monitoring head moves with respect to the surface to be monitored and comprises both a source of light and a camera which receives the light emitted by the source of light which is reflected by the monitored surface. An electronic processing unit receives the signals coming from the camera and processes them according to different processing algorithms for detecting various categories of defects, specifically small defects, medium defects, and large defects.

Abstract: An integrated image sensor capable of determining the distance to objects contained in a scene including at least a set of first pixels and a set of second pixels, the first and second pixels being alternately distributed in an array, the first pixels having a different angular aperture than the second pixels.

Abstract: A method of calculating an amount of visible damage on a component includes capturing an image of the component, identifying an area of visible damage, calculating a size of the area, and communicating the size of visible damage to a storage device. A system for evaluating coating loss is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for the inspection of surfaces of an examined object includes illuminating a the surface using an illumination unit and capturing an image of the surface using an area image sensor. The captured images are forwarded to an image analysis unit configured to ascertain surface anomalies as defect areas and delimit, if required, the defect areas in a segmentation relative to one another or against the image background, to summarize defect areas belonging together in a regional analysis, to derive characteristic defects from defect areas or defect regions in a feature extraction or both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for analyzing a surface. An image capturing device (ICD) and a light source may be supported on a frame-like structure fixedly relative to each other. The light source may direct substantially parallel light rays at the surface at an angle ? relative to the surface, which are reflected off of the surface as reflected light rays as the light source and the ICD are moved relative to the surface. The ICD has a view axis disposed at an angle a relative to the surface, and operates to capture only light rays that are reflected along angle ?, which form an image. The image provides an indication of a characteristic of the surface.

Abstract: High definition media content processing techniques are described in which enhanced media content rendering techniques may be performed to output high definition media content. In an implementation, luma keying may be provided to define clear pixels in a composite output using an optimum set of graphics processing instructions. In another implementation, techniques are described which may provide clear rectangles in a composite output of one or more video streams. Clear rectangles to appear in the composite output are configured by a media playback application. A texture is arrived at to represent a union of each of the clear rectangles and is applied to form the clear rectangles in the composite output. In another implementation, capture techniques are described in which an image to capture is resolved as strips to an intermediate texture and then from the texture to a capture buffer in system memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a damaged region on an object. An exemplary system captures an image of the damaged region with a camera, selects target points around a boundary of the damaged region on the image, and determines 2D image coordinates for the target points on the image. The system further determines angles for aiming a laser ranging device at each of the target points based on the image coordinates, and measures a distance to each of the target points with the laser ranging device based on the aiming angles. The system then calculates 3D coordinates for each of the target points in the coordinate system of the object based on the distance measurement and the 2D image coordinates for each of the target points.

Abstract: There is described a method and 3D image acquisition system for addressing the specular nature of metallic surfaces in general, and ballistic pieces of evidence in particular, using photometric stereo by identifying and solving a plurality of sets of non-linear equations comprising a diffusive term and a specular term to determine a surface normal vector field N(x,y), and using N(x,y) to determine a 3D topography Z(x,y).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the quality of the primer layer applied to the body of a motor vehicle prior to painting (enamelling) envisages provision of at least one manipulator robot carrying a monitoring head. The monitoring head includes a light source constituted by an array of LED sources and a videocamera that are held in a position fixed with respect to one another while they are displaced with respect to the surface to be monitored following the profile of said surface. The signals at output from the videocamera are processed by dividing the area monitored into an array of sub-areas and executing the same processing procedure simultaneously on all the sub-areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. In response to a presence of the object in an inspection area, a volume containing the object is identified. The volume has a plurality of portions. A number of sensor systems is assigned to the plurality of portions of the volume. Each sensor system in the number of sensors systems is assigned to a number of portions in the plurality of portions of the volume based on whether each sensor system is able to generate data with a desired level of quality about a surface of the object in a particular portion in the plurality of portions. Data about the surface of the object is generated using the number of sensor systems assigned to the plurality of portions of the volume. A determination is made as to whether a number of inconsistencies is present on the surface of the object using data.

Abstract: A surface inspection device includes an image generator for generating a digital image achieved by imaging an inner surface of a bore which is subjected to a boring work, a line extraction processor for extracting a line along a horizontal direction set to a line extraction direction from the digital image, for determining the state of the inner surface of the bore based on the line extracted by the line extraction processor. The line extraction processor extracts lines along the line detection direction from respective digital images before and after rotation which are achieved by rotating the digital image once or over plural times every predetermined angle while the line extraction direction is fixed, and the estimating unit determines the state of the inner surface of the bore based on the lines extracted from the respective digital images before and after the rotation.

Abstract: A method for determining the profile depth of a tread of a pneumatic vehicle tire wherein the tread has a wear indicator. The wear indicator has an incision extending in the radial direction of the tire. The incision has a length visible on the tread and the length becomes shorter as wear increases. The wear indicator has two reference marks at a distance from each other. The distance is configured to remain constant and visible throughout the tread wear. A photo of the incision and the reference marks is generated via an application program of a mobile phone having a camera and an image screen. A current profile depth is calculated from the distance of the reference marks and the length of the incision via the application program. The current profile depth and/or a remaining profile depth are displayed until a minimal profile depth is reached on the screen.

Abstract: A system for detecting stress in rails includes a railcar, having a rail temperature detector, and a rail imaging device oriented to produce images of rail joints and rail anchors. The imaging device and temperature detector are connected to a computer controller, which is programmed to provide an output signal indicative of estimated axial stress in the rail based upon rail temperature and the images of at least one of the rail joints and rail anchors.

Abstract: A visual inspection system (100, 200) for optical fibers (150) includes at least a pattern source (120, 220A, 220B, 220C, 520); at least a first illumination source (130, 230A, 230B, 230C, 510, 522) to direct light towards an optical fiber (150); and at least a first camera (140, 240A, 240B, 240C, 540) positioned at an opposite side of the fiber (150) from the pattern source (120, 220A, 220B, 220C, 520). At least one image (170, 180, 190) of the optical fiber (150) is taken and a pattern visible through the optical fiber (150) in the image (170, 180, 190) may be analyzed to detect distortions in the pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus monitoring test media used in or applicable to magnetic testing, said apparatus comprising a test element fitted with an artificial defect and a test medium feed and a test return as well as a magnetic field generator, further a magnetic field adjustment unit to adjust the magnetic field strength acting on the test element and/or the artificial defect, being adjustable at different magnetic field intensities to check the test medium, and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A method for detecting motion in video fields of video data, comprises the steps of: calculating texture information for a pixel in the video fields; determining a threshold value as a function of the calculated texture information; calculating a differential value for the pixel; and detecting motion in the video fields as a function of the determined threshold value and the calculated differential value.

Abstract: A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing having an opening for accepting the power line conductor and configured to be grounded to the electric power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. At least one camera assembly is connected to the housing and configured to capture fault and lightning stroke images along the electric power line conductor.

Abstract: A detection method and a detection system for detecting surface abnormalities of a first lens and a second lens of an optical-electrical lens unit are provided. The first lens and the second lens are respectively protruded from two adjacent surfaces of the optical-electrical lens unit. The detection system includes a first detecting element configured to capture the image of the first lens, a second detecting element configured to capture the image of the second lens, a processing device configured to calculate whether the second lens is not oriented toward the second detecting element, and send moving instructions to a control device to control the optical-electrical lens unit to move to a predetermined position, and detect the surface abnormalities of the optical-electrical lens unit based on the captured images.

Abstract: Methods and systems detect markings or flaws on the backs of playing cards. The method includes: providing ambient radiation at a gaming table and reflecting some of that radiation off a back surface of a playing card; capturing reflected radiation with a radiation sensor; the radiation sensor transmitting signals based on the reflected radiation captured by the radiation sensor; the transmitted signals providing data that contains image data of the back of the playing card; and displaying an image of the back of the playing card based on the image data. The transmitted signals provide image data of the back of the playing card and are also received by a processor that evaluates or compares that data. The system may be an installed casino system (with eye-in-the-sky technology), a portable box, or a component within a shuffling device or dealer shoe.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A described system includes a receiver circuit that receives at least two reference images that each includes a respective landmark subsurface feature of a mammalian body part; and that receives data indicative of a respective spatial relationship among each respective landmark subsurface feature. The system includes a coordinate analysis circuit that determines a common frame of reference at least partially based on a landmark subsurface feature included in a reference image. The system includes a registration circuit that registers the respective landmark subsurface feature of the mammalian body part included in each reference image. The registration is based on the determined common frame of reference and on the data indicative of a respective spatial relationship.

Abstract: A method for detecting surface flaws of a sample under test requires a detection device with a motorized horizontal rotating platform. The rotating platform is set to an initial position, and a camera unit of the detection device captures images of the sample. The method adjusts a position of an optical filter of the detection device according to the captured image until intensities of the light source projected on different positions of the sample are uniform. The horizontal rotation platform is further rotated to obtain images of the testing sample at different angles from the camera unit. The method converts colors of specified pixels of the obtained image into a specified color, to obtain processed images. Surface flaws of the processed images are detected, and a result is outputted to a display device.

Abstract: A ground based wind turbine blade inspection system and method consists of a thermal imaging camera configured to detect propagating defects by acquiring thermal imaging data from a wind turbine blade when it is substantially at thermal equilibrium with respect to surrounding air and analyzing the thermal imaging data with a processor to identify thermal effects associated with latent defects caused by internal friction due to cyclic gravitational stresses and wind loads during normal turbine operation. The system permits latent defects to be identified using a ground-based in situ inspection before they become visually apparent, which allows repairs to be made economically while the blade is in place.

Abstract: A method for tire inspection which includes taking at least one image of at least one first area of a tread of a tire that is to be inspected; determining the profile depth of a second area of the tread of the tire, the second area being included in the first area; and displaying the profile depth of the at least one image of the at least one first area and the position of the second area in the first area. The method may additionally include automatically analyzing the images taken of the tread, so as to arrive at statements on the condition of the tread.

Abstract: A system for automated inspection of a surface; the system may include a self-propelled, steerable carriage capable of traversing the surface, the carriage having a camera positioned to view an object on the surface, and at least of one of a sensor capable of detecting a defect in the surface, a tool for treating the defect, and a sensor for inspecting a repair of the defect; and a computer controller connected to receive image data from the camera, communicate with and selectively actuate the at least of one of a sensor capable of detecting a defect in the surface, a tool for treating the defect, and a sensor for inspecting a repair of the defect, and control the carriage to move on the surface along one or more of a pre-set path and a path to one or more pre-set locations.

Abstract: An imaging system, and method of its use, for viewing a sample surface at an inclined angle, preferably in functional combination with a sample investigating reflectometer, spectrophotometer, ellipsometer or polarimeter system; wherein the imaging system provides that a sample surface and multi-element imaging detector surface are oriented with respect to one another to meet the Scheimpflug condition, and wherein a telecentric lens system is simultaneously positioned between the sample surface and the input surface of the multi-element imaging detector such that an image of the sample surface produced by said multi-element imaging detector is both substantially in focus over the extent thereof, and such that substantially no keystone error is demonstrated in said image.

Abstract: Provided is an asperity detection device for a can which does not need an additional conveyance device for inspection, reduces increased inspection costs, and allows for quick detection of defective merchandise while conveying the can.

Abstract: A system for stand-off inspection comprising local positioning system hardware and a nondestructive evaluation instrument supported by a pan-tilt mechanism. The system further comprises a computer system that is programmed to perform the following operations: (a) directing the local positioning system hardware toward an area of a surface on a target object by control of the pan-tilt mechanism; (b) activating the local positioning system hardware to acquire an image; (c) processing the image to determine whether an anomaly is present in the area; (d) if an anomaly is present, determining coordinates of a position of the anomaly in a coordinate system of the target object; and (e) directing the nondestructive evaluation instrument toward a position corresponding to the coordinates. Optionally, the computer system is further programmed to measure one or more characteristics of the anomaly.

Abstract: A device is used for determining whether or not a product has any surface defects. The device includes a platform, a mirror, an image capturing unit, and a processing unit. The mirror and the image capturing unit are respectively adjacent to a first side and second side of the platform. The mirror forms an image of a product on the platform. The image capturing unit simultaneously captures both an image of the actual product placed on the platform and an image of the image of the product in the mirror. The captured images of the product are analyzed and matched against similar views of a blemish-free model product, any discrepancies leading to a determination that the product has any surface defects.

Abstract: A method of determining the profile of a surface of an object is disclosed that does not require that the video inspection device be at a certain angle relative to the surface when an image of the surface is obtained (e.g., allows non-perpendicular captures of the image 30). The method determines a reference surface and a reference surface line. The reference surface line is then used to determine a surface contour line on the surface of the object. The profile is then determined by determining the distances between the reference surface and the surface contour line.

Abstract: A camera assembly arranged on an unmanned and autonomously navigating aerial vehicle is employed to inspect a surface area of for material defects. The vehicle is automatically flown to the surface area from a launch site, wherein it can fly around obstacles using automatic obstacle detection and avoidance methods. A relative position of the aerial vehicle with respect to the surface area with the aid of a position sensor is continuously measured and a sequence of images of the surface area is recorded. Between the individual images, the aerial vehicle is moved along a flight path overlapping image details of the surface area. The images of the sequence are composed into an overall image of the surface area to allow for the surface area to be inspected for defects and the location of defects to be ascertained on the basis of the overall image.

Abstract: A sample and hold circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, a network of switches and a control circuit. The control circuit is operable to control the network of switches so as to sample an incoming signal onto at least some of the plurality of capacitors. In such an operation, each capacitor takes a sample of the incoming signal at a different time. The sample and hold circuit outputs a signal corresponding to an average of the samples.