Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a wafer alignment system comprising an image acquisition device, an illumination source, a rotatable wafer platform, and an image processor that includes functionality for mapping coordinates in an image of an article (such as a wafer) on the platform to a “world” frame of reference at each of a plurality of angles of rotation of the platform.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining machine vision tool parameters is presented, including: marking to indicate a desired image result for each image of a plurality of images; selecting a combination of machine vision tool parameters, and running the machine vision tool on the plurality of images using the combination of parameters to provide a computed image result for each image of the plurality of images, each computed image result including a plurality of computed measures; comparing each desired image result with a corresponding computed image result to provide a comparison result vector associated with the combination of machine vision tool parameters, then comparing the comparison result vector associated with the combination of machine vision tool parameters to a previously computed comparison result vector associated with a previous combination of machine vision tool parameters using a result comparison heuristic to determine which combination of machine vision tool parameters is best overall.

Abstract: The invention provides inter alia methods and apparatus for determining the pose, e.g., position along x-, y- and z-axes, pitch, roll and yaw (or one or more characteristics of that pose) of an object in three dimensions by triangulation of data gleaned from multiple images of the object. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the invention provides a method for 3D machine vision in which, during a calibration step, multiple cameras disposed to acquire images of the object from different respective viewpoints are calibrated to discern a mapping function that identifies rays in 3D space emanating from each respective camera's lens that correspond to pixel locations in that camera's field of view. In a training step, functionality associated with the cameras is trained to recognize expected patterns in images to be acquired of the object.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and appartaus for analysis of images of two-dimensional (2D) bar codes in which a model that has proven successful in decoding of a prior 2D image of a 2D bar code is utilized to speed analysis of images of subsequent 2D bar codes. In its various aspects, the invention can be used in analyzing conventional 2D bar codes, e.g., those complying with Maxicode and DataMatrix standards, as well as stacked linear bar codes, e.g., those utilizing the Codablock symbology. Bar code readers, digital data processing apparatus and other devices according to the invention be used, by way of non-limiting example, to decode bar codes on damaged labels, as well as those screened, etched, peened or otherwise formed on manufactured articles (e.g., from semiconductors to airplane wings).

Abstract: An improved network device that controls throughput of packets received thereby, e.g., to downstream devices or to downstream logic contained within the same network device. The network device comprises a scheduler that schedules one or more packets of a selected class for throughput as a function of a weight of that class and weights of one or more other classes. The weight of at least the selected class is dynamic and is a function of a history of volume of packets received by the network device in the selected class. An apparatus for protecting against overload conditions on a network, e.g., of the type caused by DDoS attacks, has a scheduler and a token bucket mechanism, e.g., as described above. Such apparatus can also include a plurality of queues into which packets of the respective classes are placed on receipt by the apparatus. Those packets are dequeued by the scheduler, e.g., in the manner described above, for transmittal to downstream devices (e.g., potential victim nodes) on the network.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and appartaus for analysis of images of two-dimensional (2D) bar codes in which a model that has proven successful in decoding of a prior 2D image of a 2D bar code is utilized to speed analysis of images of subsequent 2D bar codes. In its various aspects, the invention can be used in analyzing conventional 2D bar codes, e.g., those complying with Maxicode and DataMatrix standards, as well as stacked linear bar codes, e.g., those utilizing the Codablock symbology. Bar code readers, digital data processing apparatus and other devices according to the invention be used, by way of non-limiting example, to decode bar codes on damaged labels, as well as those screened, etched, peened or otherwise formed on manufactured articles (e.g., from semiconductors to airplane wings).

Abstract: Machine vision inspection methods and systems according to the invention take an average (or other statistical measure) of pixel values within neighborhoods or groups of pixels within an image. The averages are compared with one or more thresholds and a result generated for each neighborhood. The results generated for all such neighborhoods can, for example, be used to identify defective regions in the acquired image, notwithstanding a high degree of intensity, brightness, color or contrast variation at the pixel level—e.g., of the type commonly occurring when imaging non-woven materials. Such methods and systems are advantageous because an originally acquired, high-resolution (non-defocused) image can be preserved and processed in parallel with a neighborhood-based defocused and thresholded image. Systems employing these methods achieve the thresholding capability of traditional defocused systems, while providing clear, detailed, high-resolution images for display or other analysis.

Abstract: A set of data is received containing values associated with respective data points, the values associated with each of the data points being characterized by a distribution. The values for each of the data points are expressed in a form that includes information about a distribution of the values for each of the data points. The distribution information is used in clustering the set of data with at least one other set of data containing values associated with data points.

Abstract: A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: An improved circuit board assembly includes a cover or other member disposed adjacent to the substrate and, for example, spaced therefrom so as to define a plenum. Self-aligning heat sinks (or other heat dissipative elements) are spring-mounted (or otherwise resiliently mounted) to the cover and, thereby, placed in thermal contact with one or more of the circuit components. Flow-diverting elements are provided, e.g., so that the overall impedance of the board substantially matches that of one or more of the other circuit boards in a common chassis. The circuit board cover can be adapted to provide thermal and/or electromagnetic emission control, as well as shock and vibration. A connector arrangement provides electrical, mechanical and/or other operational coupling between the circuit board and a chassis regardless of whether the board is disposed in a slot on a first (e.g., upper) side of a source of cooling air for the chassis or on a second (e.g., lower) opposite side of that source.

Abstract: A pathway-based method, apparatus and system for tracking, sensing and communicating with an object, such as a carriage or vehicle moving on a pathway. The system includes a transmitter winding along the pathway that is energized by a transmitter and one or more sensing windings in which a signal is induced. The vehicle contains a transducer that creates a position-indicating coupling of the transmitted signal into the sensing windings. The transducer may be a passive ferromagnetic or conductive body that locally alters coupling between the windings, or a tuned coil carried on the vehicle that couples energy received from the transmitter into a sensing winding. Absolute position may be established at regular intervals using a discrete position sensor, such as a Hall Effect magnetic field sensor, and, the signal derived from the sensing windings can be monitored, by counting cycles or determining phase, to determine a precise vehicle position.

Abstract: A control system has a first module that includes a memory and diagnostic logic. The diagnostic logic periodically tests at least selected locations in the memory and, in connection with such testing, reads data from those locations and writes that data back to the locations. A second module is coupled to the first module such that the written back data is transferred to the second module, as well as to the memory of the first. Mapping or other conversion logic can translate addresses or other data identifiers, as necessary, to insure that the transferred data is properly identified upon its receipt by the second module.

Abstract: An improved circuit board assembly includes a cover or other member disposed adjacent to the substrate and, for example, spaced therefrom so as to define a plenum. Self-aligning heat sinks (or other heat dissipative elements) are spring-mounted (or otherwise resiliently mounted) to the cover and, thereby, placed in thermal contact with one or more of the circuit components. Flow-diverting elements are provided, e.g., so that the overall impedance of the board substantially matches that of one or more of the other circuit boards in a common chassis. The circuit board cover can be adapted to provide thermal and/or electromagnetic emission control, as well as shock and vibration. A connector arrangement provides electrical, mechanical and/or other operational coupling between the circuit board and a chassis regardless of whether the board is disposed in a slot on a first (e.g., upper) side of a source of cooling air for the chassis or on a second (e.g., lower) opposite side of that source.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and systems for rapidly performing a median filter calculation for a value at a predetermined position in a matrix of values representing a neighborhood about the predetermined position. The method includes ordering the values in each column of the matrix to create an ordered matrix having rows; determining a maximum value for a row of the ordered matrix having the lowest values; determining a median value for a row of the ordered matrix having middle values; and determining a minimum value for a row of the ordered matrix having the highest values. Based on these determinations, the median filter value for the neighborhood can be calculated as a second median value of the maximum value for a row of the ordered matrix having the lowest values, median value for a row of the ordered matrix having middle values, and minimum value for a row of the ordered matrix having the highest values. The calculated median filter value can then be output as necessary.

Abstract: The invention provides improved apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems. Such apparatus employs “appearance” objects (or other data and/or programming constructs) defining the appearance of configurable system components in graphical editors or other views in which the components may be depicted. “Placeholder” objects (or other constructs) persist the location, size, color, or other aspects of appearance defined by an appearance object for a configurable component in views in which it is actually depicted. By way of example, a process control configuration apparatus according to this aspect of the invention uses “configurable” objects to define blocks, loops and other components of a process control system. Appearance objects provide (or reference) icons or representations indicating how the configurable objects are to be depicted, e.g., in a configuration editor.

Abstract: A riser card, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card, attaches to a circuit board such as a mother board in a transverse orientation and has a first connector and a second connector attached to opposing sides of the card for receiving expansion cards. In one embodiment, the first connector is offset from the second connector with respect to an axis in the plane of the riser card. In another embodiment, the first and second connectors each have a first and last pin, and the first pin of the first card is opposite the first pin of the second connector. The riser card may mount one expansion board right side up, and the second board upside down. The first and second connectors can be female connectors which are each matable with a male connector on the corresponding expansion board, or can be card edge connectors. The expansion boards, when mated with the connectors, are substantially parallel to, but offset from the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for rapid determination of the position and/or orientation of a semiconductor device, electronic component or other object includes performing multiple times an operation of matching a pattern against an image. The matching operation finds the location, if any, of a respective pattern in the image and determines the degree of match. The position and orientation of the object is determined from the results of one of the matching operations, for example, from the operation that revealed the highest degree of match.

Abstract: A digital data processing device, e.g., a web server, having a power supply and at least one component such as a motherboard or a disk drive powered by the power supply and interconnected therewith by a power transfer element which is separate from the power supply and the component. The power transfer element is adapted to physically mate with the power supply and the powered component and to provide electrical coupling between them along a non-obstructing path of defined geometry. It includes a substantially rigid card, e.g. a circuit card, with at least one conductive pathway, and further aspects of the invention provide mechanisms for coupling the power transfer element to the supply and to the other component while orienting the card within the chassis. The power transfer card may carry an edge connector into which the edge of a power supply card fits, or vice-versa, so power enters conductors on the card at a proximal edge or end of the card.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ventilating or cooling element for airflow cooling in a digital data processing apparatus, and it is particularly suited to such apparatus having a high circuit density, or mounted within a restricted chassis or housing, such as the housing of a web server, or of a storage array device for a network server or web server. The cooling element includes a fan that is disposed at an angle to integrate its cooling air with general circulation or air flow through the chassis. The element may mount on a plate, such as the thermally conductive plate of a heat sink, that is adapted for coupling to the chassis and/or contacting a microprocessor chip, and a fan is disposed on the mounting plate at an angle to cool the plate or chip without creating obstructive cross wind. The mounting plate can be disposed within the middle portion of the chassis. The fan or cooling element can be angled so as to direct airflow towards at least a selected portion of the chassis, e.g.