Abstract: In a system, a first closed region specifying unit specifies a first closed region on a screen for enclosing an imaged obstacle in a first image, and a first projection area determining unit determines a first virtual projection area by extending a first closed region in a first orientation. A second closed region specifying unit specifies a second closed region on the screen. The second closed region encloses the imaged obstacle in the second image. A second projection area determining unit determines a second virtual projection area by extending the second closed region in a second orientation. An establishing unit establishes an overlap region between the first and second projection areas as the no-entry zone for the robot.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus and method for accurately detecting a movable object in a region around a vehicle from a time series of images obtained through a camera mounted on the vehicle by eliminating the influence of the movement of the camera through simple processing, and a program for making a computer execute processing in the apparatus.

Abstract: In an electronic device test apparatus using image processing technology to position an IC device relative to a socket, a calibration method of an electronic device test apparatus of calibrating a relative position of a device camera with respect to a socket, the method comprising: calculating an offset amount of a socket guide with respect to the socket on the basis of a relative position of the socket camera with respect to the socket guide and a relative position of a socket camera with respect to the socket; and adding this offset amount to the relative position of the device camera with respect to the socket guide so as to calculate the relative position of the device camera with respect to the socket.

Abstract: A wafer handler including, a wafer loading station (3) for loading a wafer (1) mounted on a tack film (2); a tensioner (30) for tensioning the tacky film; a picking module (66) for successively picking a plurality of devices from the wafer; a vision system (5, 50) with one or several cameras (50) for capturing a first image of the wafer or of portions of the wafer, the first image showing a plurality of devices, wherein the vision system is arranged for determining from the first image the individual position of a plurality of devices. The wafer handler further includes an additional camera (63) positioned proximate to the picking module (66) and arranged for capturing an second image of a device to be picked, wherein the second image is used for fine adjustment of the wafer so that the device to be picked is centered under the picking module.

Abstract: A component mounting device includes a transport unit which transports a substrate, a mounting unit which mounts a component on the substrate, a detection unit which is able to detect a first detection target which is provided on the substrate and a second detection target which is provided to be separated by a predetermined distance from the first detection target on the substrate at least in the transportation direction and is a reference position of a mounting action by the mounting unit, and a control unit which outputs a stop signal for stopping the transport of the substrate to the transport unit and detects the second detection target of the substrate which has been stopped using the detection unit based on the detection of the first detection target by the detection unit.

Abstract: An user support apparatus includes a display unit configured to display an image obtained by image capturing with the image capturing unit, an input unit configured to receive a designation of a region of a workpiece to be detected in the image displayed on the display unit, and a determining unit configured to determine an image capturing start condition for the image capturing unit that is defined in terms of the amount of movement of a conveying apparatus, based on the size of the region indicating the workpiece to be detected by using a relationship between the image capturing range of the image capturing unit and the physical length of the conveying apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a management unit to manage position information of a workpiece on the conveying apparatus, an obtaining unit to perform measurement processing on an image obtained by image capturing with an image capturing unit and thereby obtaining position information of a region corresponding to a pre-registered workpiece in the image, an update unit to update the position information of the workpiece managed by the management unit to values corresponding to a time when the image capturing unit performed image capturing, an identifying unit to identify a workpiece newly conveyed into the image capturing range of the image capturing unit by comparing the position information that has been updated by the update unit and the position information of the workpiece obtained by the measurement processing, and a transmitting unit to transmit position information of the workpiece identified by the identifying unit to the control apparatus.

Abstract: Manufacturing lines include inspection systems for monitoring the quality of parts produced. Manufacturing lines for making semiconductor devices generally inspect each fabricated part. The information obtained is used to fix manufacturing problems in the semiconductor fab plant. A machine-vision system for inspecting devices includes a flipper mechanism. After being inspected at a first station, a tray-transfer device moves the tray from the first inspection station to a flipper mechanism. The flipper mechanism includes two jaws, a mover, and a rotator. The flipper mechanism turns the devices over and places the devices in a second tray so that another surface of the device can be inspected. A second tray-transfer device moves the second tray from the flipper to a second inspection station. The mover of the flipper mechanism removes the tray from the first inspection surface and places a tray at the second inspection surface.

Abstract: Features such as holes in a component which may be an aerofoil component of a gas turbine engine are re-drilled after initial formation, for example to remove blockages created in a coating process. In order to ensure that re-drilling occurs at the precise location of the initial holes, a selected number of the holes are selected, and their exact positions identified, for example by camera imaging and image processing. The actual positions of the selected features are compared with the nominal positions, and an algorithm is generated and then used to calculate the actual positions of the non-selected holes of the array.

Abstract: A jewelry fixture having a mounting pedestal cooperatively engaged with the top side of a base is disclosed. First and second angled surface are cooperatively positioned on the top side of the base. The angled surfaces have a reflective or mirrored surface. The angled surfaces are positioned adjacent and perpendicular to each other. A jewelry holder allowing cooperative engagement with an item of jewelry is positioned between the angled surfaces and cooperatively engaged with the mounting pedestal on the top side of the base. The base has reference and prime positioning guides. The full-image jewelry positioner (fixture) improves the development of images for duplication or replication of jewelry or other items having detailed structures. When combined with a camera or a camera and a computer system, the images developed may be captured and manipulated for auto-tracing and duplication or replication of the item of jewelry.

Abstract: A substrate inspection method capable of accurately inspecting a substrate is provided. A jig having reference points represented by known coordinates in a three-dimensional world coordinate system is photographed by a camera and coordinates of the reference points in a pixel image coordinate system defined by pixels of an image forming device is determined. The coordinates in the pixel image coordinate system are transformed into those in a camera coordinate system set on the camera, and world-camera coordinate system transformation parameters are calculated. Image data in the pixel image coordinate system obtained by photographing a substrate to be inspected is transformed into image data in a world coordinate system for inspection. The accurate inspection of the substrate to be inspected can be achieved because distortion in the image of the substrate to be inspected in the world coordinate system attributable to the position and attitude of the camera is reduced.

Abstract: A machine vision inspection system (MVIS) and a related light stripe edge feature location method are disclosed. The MVIS comprises a control system, a light stripe projection system, an imaging system, and a user interface. In a region of interest including the edge feature, the light stripe projection system focuses a light stripe transverse to the edge direction and across the edge feature, such that the light stripe has a changing stripe intensity profile along the light stripe. The imaging system acquires an image of the light stripe and the control system analyzes the image to determine the location of the edge feature based on a changing light intensity profile along the stripe. The method may be implemented in an edge detection video tool. The method may be advantageous for inspecting highly textured, beveled, chamfered, rounded or damaged edges, for example.

Abstract: A calibration plate is configured for revising an image capture apparatus of a vision measuring system. The vision measuring system includes a worktable which is configured for supporting the calibration plate. The calibration plate includes a quadrate portion. A calibration area and a zero marker are formed on the quadrate portion. The calibration area includes a plurality of regions having the same shape.

Abstract: Methods are described for controlling orientation of an aim point axis of a video camera having an instrument coordinate system to track a point of interest on a movable target object and calculating positions of the point of interest in a local coordinate system in which the target object is moving. The methods include measuring pan and tilt angles of the aim point axis and distance substantially along the aim point axis and calculating a calibration matrix which transforms a position defined in the instrument coordinate system to a position defined in the local coordinate system. A system is described including an instrument and at least one computer, wherein the instrument includes a video camera and a range finder, and wherein the video camera includes an aim point axis having an adjustable orientation. In one example, the target object is adapted to move on and inspect an airplane surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of a geometrical position of plastics material containers, for example, plastics material pre-forms, having a base member and a thread region may include an image-recording device, which records a locally resolved image of the plastics material container. The image-recording device is arranged in such a way that it observes the plastics material container substantially along its longitudinal direction. The apparatus includes an illumination device, which illuminates at least one region of the plastics material container observed by the image-recording device, and an evaluation device, which on the basis of an image recorded by the image-recording device determines a rotary setting of the plastics material container with respect to its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing and processing information of electronic parts includes a seating unit on which electronic parts are seated and aligned and a part information processing unit disposed adjacent to the seating unit. The part information processing unit is configured to align the electronic parts using the seating unit, recognize a recognition surface of the electronic parts, obtaining part information of the recognized surface, and store the obtained part information.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine is disclosed having an orientor automatically orienting a substrate associated therewith. A control and computing unit is further associated with the coordinate measuring machine, so that self-calibration may be performed on the basis of at least two different and automatically set orientations of the substrate.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for geolocalization of one or more stationary targets from an aircraft by means of a passive optronic sensor. The sensor acquires at least one image I1 containing the target P from a position C1 of the aircraft and an image I2 containing the target P from a position C2 of the aircraft. The images I1 and I2 have an area of overlap. The overlap area has at least one target P identified which is common to the two images I1 and I2. The position of each target P is determined in each of the two images. The distance d is calculated between each target P and a point C, situated for example in the vicinity of C1 and C2, as a function of the angle ?1 between a reference direction and the line of sight of the image I1, the angle ?2 between the same reference direction and the line of sight of the image I2, of the position of each target P in the image I1 and in the image I2.

Abstract: A method of CNC program file cutting manipulation. The CNC imaging system comprises a capture device and a bed located below the capture device, wherein the bed has at least two reference points affixed thereto. A cutting head is mounted above the bed, and a controller controls movement of the cutting head. An image processing device communicates with the capture device and with the controller.

Abstract: A surface mapping and generating device which has devices for the process and/or cost optimization, in particular raw material recovery devices, an automatic control of the intensity of a used laser light, devices for carrying out a calibrating procedure by evaluating overlap errors at matching points, devices for archiving especially three-dimensional data of the jaw and/or for modeling the bite position of the upper and the lower jaws, devices for the optimized preparation of at least one dental stump for the production and placement of a dental prosthesis thereon and/or devices for taking into consideration the bite position of the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing jitter during an optical navigation operation operates to automatically switch the current resolution based on jitter-resolution correlation data.

Abstract: An imaging unit captures images of the retroreflective sheets worn on both legs. A multimedia processor detects step and jump of a player on the basis of the pictures obtained by the image capturing to reflect to a video image and thereby the interactive system is constituted. It is possible to support a user so as to continuously perform a stepping exercise while reducing an economical burden of the user and realizing the space saving.

Abstract: A coplanarity inspection device for a printed circuit board includes a base, a supporting disk, a driver, a printed circuit board, a light source, an image acquisition means, and a controller. The supporting disk is arranged on the base, and the driver rotates the supporting disk. The printed circuit board is placed on the supporting disk, and includes a to-be measured side facing downward. The light source projects light beams on the to-be measured side of the printed circuit board. The image acquisition means aims at a specific area of the to-be measured side for image acquisition. The controller is to control the driver, and to store image taken by the image acquisition means. As such, the coplanarity inspection device for a printed circuit board can be employed to inspect whether the coplanarity of the printed circuit board satisfies the standard of setting values in a certain range.

Abstract: In-line metrology methods and systems for use with laser-scribing systems used in solar-cell fabrication are disclosed. Such methods and systems can involve a variety of components, for example, a device for measuring the amount of power input to a laser, a power meter for measuring laser output power, a beam viewer for measuring aspects of a laser beam, a height sensor for measuring a workpiece height, a microscope for measuring workpiece features formed by the laser-scribing system, and a system for monitoring a laser-scribing system and annunciating a warning(s) and/or an error message(s) when operational limits are exceeded. In-line metrology methods can also include the processing of output beam reflections so as to track beam drift over time and/or provide for focusing of an imaging device.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging a workpiece by capturing successive frames of an elongate stationary field of view transverse to a workpiece transit path of a robot, while the workpiece is transported by the robot. The robot transit path is illuminated with an elongate illumination pattern transverse to the transit path to obtain a workpiece image of successive frames. Motion-induced image distortion is prevented or reduced adjusting the camera frame rate in real time in proportion to changes in robot velocity profile of the workpiece along the transit path.

Abstract: Disclosed is directed to a moving object detection apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises an image capture module, an image alignment module, a temporal differencing module, a distance transform module, and a background subtraction module. The image capture module derives a plurality of images in a time series. The image alignment module aligns the images if the image capture module is situated on a movable platform. The temporal differencing module performs temporal differencing on the captured images or the aligned images, and generates a difference image. The distance transform module transforms the difference image into a distance map. The background subtraction module applies the distance map to background subtraction technology and compares the results with the current captured image, so as to obtain the information for moving objects.

Abstract: A projection optical system including a projection lens, a first mirror that reflects a light from the projection lens, and a second mirror that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror by reflecting the light projects a light modulated according to an image signal from an optical engine unit. A third mirror reflects a light from the projection optical system. A screen transmits a light from the third mirror. An optical axis of the projection lens substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror, and the light from the optical engine unit is shifted to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens.

Abstract: In an inspection of a substance in which a first region is made of black resin and a second region is made of a metal, a portion surrounding the first region is registered as a first imaging range, and a portion surrounding the second region is registered as a second imaging range. As an imaging condition for the first region, a relatively slow shutter speed is registered such that an image does not become dark. Further, as an imaging condition for the second region, a relatively fast shutter speed is registered such that an image does not have unduly high white levels. As such, the imaging range and condition set by a user are supplied to a CCD camera, and then image processing is performed on a captured image from the CCD camera by an image processing device main body.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image capture apparatus comprises a light emitter, a beam scanner aligned to receive emitted light and operable to scan the light in a two-dimensional pattern, imaging optics aligned to receive the scanned two-dimensional pattern and image the pattern onto an object, and to collect light scattered from the object, a detector to receive scattered light from the imaging optics, an electronic controller c operable to receive an electrical signal from the detector corresponding to the received scattered light, and an actuator operable to modify the relative alignment between the beam scanner and the imaging optics to change an imaged location on the object. According to an embodiment, a method for capturing an image comprises scanning a beam of light through imaging optics onto a location on a surface, detecting light scattered by the surface, and steering the beam scanner relative to the imaging optics to change the trajectory of the scanned pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the present position of a vehicle, by utilizing a visible-light communication system. The apparatus uses a visible-light communication beacon and video data representing an image photographed by one camera. The beacon emits a visible optical signal, thus transmitting position data. The visible-light communication beacon comprises a road-illuminating lamp and a visible-light communication apparatus, both secured to a lamp post. The vehicle has the camera and a vehicle position determination apparatus. The vehicle position determination apparatus demodulates the visible optical signal, there restoring the position data, and calculates the present position of the vehicle from the position data.

Abstract: There is provided a hierarchical shadow detection system for color aerial images. The system performs well with highly complex images as well as images having different brightness and illumination conditions. The system consists of two hierarchical levels of processing. The first level involves, pixel level classification, through modeling the image as a reliable lattice and then maximizing the lattice reliability using the EM algorithm. Next, region level verification, through further exploiting the domain knowledge is performed. Further analyses show that the MRF model based segmentation is a special case of the pixel level classification model. A quantitative comparison of the system and a state-of-the-art shadow detection algorithm clearly indicates that the new system is highly effective in detecting shadow regions in an image under different illumination and brightness conditions.

Abstract: In a web-forming machine, a threading tail is formed from the web. The threading tail is transferred to the production section (10, 12-14) of the web-forming machine including a draw section (21). Monitoring takes place of both the formation of the threading tail and its transfer to the draw point (21). The holding point (24) and its environment that terminates the tail threading of the production section (10, 12-14) in question are additionally monitored, in order to detect the threading tail at the holding point (24) and thus to determine the success of the tail threading.

Abstract: An image display apparatus 100 that displays an image using a light modulated according to an image signal includes a projection optical system 90 that includes a projection lens 20, a first mirror 30 that reflects a light from the projection lens 20, and a second mirror 40 that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror 30 by reflecting the light, and projects the light modulated according to the image signal from an optical engine unit 10; a third mirror 50 that reflects a light from the projection optical system 90; and a screen 50 that transmits a light from the third mirror 50. The projection lens 20 and the second mirror 40 are arranged in such a manner that an optical axis of the projection lens 20 substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror 40, and shift the light from the optical engine unit 10 to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens 20.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a dome camera assembly that is able to ensure repeatability. The dome camera assembly includes a nonvolatile storage mechanism including a stored video image and a corresponding stored camera position. The assembly may further include an image capturing device for capturing a current video image after the camera moves to the stored camera position. An image processing component compares the current video image with the stored video image and determines an offset amount between the current video image and the stored video image. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a current camera position in accordance with the determined offset amount to facilitate repeatability.

Abstract: There is provided a hierarchical shadow detection system for color aerial images. The system performs well with highly complex images as well as images having different brightness and illumination conditions. The system consists of two hierarchical levels of processing. The first level involves, pixel level classification, through modeling the image as a reliable lattice and then maximizing the lattice reliability using the EM algorithm. Next, region level verification, through further exploiting the domain knowledge is performed. Further analyses show that the MRF model based segmentation is a special case of the pixel level classification model. A quantitative comparison of the system and a state-of-the-art shadow detection algorithm clearly indicates that the new system is highly effective in detecting shadow regions in an image under different illumination and brightness conditions.

Abstract: Indices are detected from a pattern image including a plurality of indices, and first positions of the detected indices on the captured image are calculated. Using parameters associated with an image capturing apparatus, second positions indicating the positions of the indices on the captured image are calculated. While a parameter of a radial distortion of a lens of the image capturing apparatus is fixed, the parameters other than the parameter of the radial distortion of the lens of the image capturing apparatus are corrected using the differences between the first positions and the second positions. Using the corrected parameters, third positions indicating the positions of the indices on the captured image are calculated. Using the differences between the first positions and the third positions, the parameter of the radial distortion is corrected.

Abstract: An on-board object detector and on-board object detection method for detecting an object present in a pickup image at a high level of precision. A controller controls a projector to irradiate a line of light while shifting the irradiation angle, and images in the coverage area of the line of light are captured for multiple frames using a camera. Then, shifts in the moving speed of the line of light in the images across the frames are computed based on the images captured, and shifting points in the moving speed of the line of light are detected based on the computed shifts in the moving speed of the line of light in the images across the frames. The position and size of an object that is present in the images are specified based on said detected shifting points in the moving speed of the line of light.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for recognizing a defect image associated with a semiconductor substrate. In one example, the method includes collecting defect data of the defect image by testing and measuring the semiconductor substrate, extracting a pattern from the defect data, normalizing a location, orientation, and size of the pattern, and identifying the pattern after the pattern is normalized.

Abstract: A substrate inspection method capable of accurately inspecting a substrate is provided. A jig having reference points represented by known coordinates in a three-dimensional world coordinate system is photographed by a camera and coordinates of the reference points in a pixel image coordinate system defined by pixels of an image forming device is determined. The coordinates in the pixel image coordinate system are transformed into those in a camera coordinate system set on the camera, and world-camera coordinate system transformation parameters are calculated. Image data in the pixel image coordinate system obtained by photographing a substrate to be inspected is transformed into image data in a world coordinate system for inspection. The accurate inspection of the substrate to be inspected can be achieved because distortion in the image of the substrate to be inspected in the world coordinate system attributable to the position and attitude of the camera is reduced.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, a JPEG coding unit makes JPEG data by respectively compressing plural images obtained from an imaging device. A code retention unit retains each JPEG data. A thumbnail data creation unit creates a thumbnail from each of the images. A thumbnail retention unit retains the thumbnail. A feature point detection unit detects a feature point from the thumbnail. A partial image decode unit respectively decodes zones including the feature points from each JPEG data. A displacement amount calculation unit obtains positional information of feature points in the decoded individual zones and calculates a displacement amount of each JPEG data based on the positional information.

Abstract: A sequence of images depicts a foreground object in motion. A base image is selected, and the other images in the sequence are co-registered with the base image in order to align the images to a common coordinate system. A background image and a binary foreground mask are generated from the sequence of aligned images. By applying the foreground mask to a chosen one of the aligned images, a representation of the moving object is extracted. After blurring the background image, the extracted representation may be superimposed onto the blurred background image to produce a new image.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a feeder for a surface mounting device (SMD) includes the steps of: reading a standard coordinate value; setting controlling parameters including a predefined amount of materials to be delivered and a predefined range of a coordinate deviation; booting the feeder (22) to deliver materials via an operation controller (20); capturing delivered material images of the materials and gear images of the feeder via an image controller (24); calculating coordinate deviations of the captured images; analyzing whether a total delivered amount of the materials is equal to the predefined amount; and calibrating the feeder according to the calculated coordinate deviations if the total delivered amount of the materials is equal to the predefined amount. A system for calibrating a feeder for a surface mounting device (SMD) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vision system and method for calibrating motion of a robot disposed in a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, a vision system for a processing system includes a camera and a calibration wafer that are positioned in a processing system. The camera is positioned on the robot and is adapted to obtain image data of the calibration wafer disposed in a predefined location within the processing system. The image data is utilized to calibrate the robots motion.

Abstract: The method uses a location device and a timing element to determine the location of a protection device at various periods of time. During these periods of time, the human may be participating in a variety of activities and positions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mapping substrates in a substrate carrier. The invention includes a substrate carrier including one or more windows; and an imaging system coupled to a substrate carrier handling robot and adapted to determine or image substrate positions in the substrate carrier via the one or more windows. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method of setting-up machine vision equipment is disclosed. The equipment includes a camera defining a field of view, processing means for determining physical properties of a test object, and first supporting means for supporting a test object at a predetermined distance from the camera within the field of view. The method is characterised by providing second supporting means for supporting a reference object, placing a reference object having at least one known dimension on the second supporting means, moving one or more of the cameras, the first supporting means and the second supporting means to bring the reference object within the field of view at the predetermined distance from the camera, imaging the reference object to obtain an image, and processing the image to determine the optimum configuration of the imaging means, and adjusting the imaging means configuration to the optimum configuration.

Abstract: An inspection system for locating multiple features on an exterior of an object includes a fixture, a camera, a computer and software. The fixture secures the object and includes a plurality of nest points for mating with specific positions on the exterior of the object, and a reference point located at a specific position relative to the nest points and within a best-plane of the object. The camera is positioned normal to the best-plane of the object and obtains video imaging of a plurality of the features and the reference point. The computer communicates with the camera and collects the video imaging. The software determines the actual parameters of the features relative to the reference point based on the video imaging.

Abstract: A central location of a face detecting device comprises an image input means for inputting a captured face image, a horizontal edge detecting means for detecting a horizontal edge having a predetermined vertical length based on the face image inputted by the image input means; and a central location of a face detecting means for calculating an average value of a horizontal location data of the horizontal edge detected by the horizontal edge detecting means, and determining the average value as a central location of the face.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a detector for detecting optical density levels recorded on a film, each optical density level representing a symbol from a constellation of symbols, wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data; and a demapper, for receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels, and for providing data associated therewith. A method for recovering data stored on film by detecting optical density levels recorded on the film; and recovering the data from the detected optical density levels by receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels; and demapping said received data for providing the recovered data associated therewith; wherein each detected optical density level is associated with a symbol from a constellation of symbols for use in demapping the data, and wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device having an image change detection circuit which receives image data acquired by imaging means in time series, detects a change in an image, and generates a change detection signal. The image change detection circuit includes: an integration circuit which divides an image into one or more areas, integrates pixel values of pixels of image data of a first image and a second image received in time series, in units of the areas, and stores the integrated values in an integration register; and a change detection signal generation circuit which compares the integrated values of corresponding areas of the first image and the second image stored in the integration registers to detect the presence or absence of change, and generates a change detection signal when the change detection signal generation circuit determines that a change has occurred.