Abstract: This invention provides a trigger for a vision system that can be set using a user interface that allows the straightforward variation of a plurality of exposed trigger parameters. Illustratively, the vision system includes a triggering mode in which the system keeps acquiring an image of a field of view with respect to objects in relative motion. The system runs user-configurable “trigger logic”. When the trigger logic succeeds/passes, the current image or a newly acquired image is then transmitted to the main inspection logic for processing. The trigger logic can be readily configured by a user operating an interface, which can also be used to configure the main inspection process, to trigger the vision system by tools such as presence-absence, edge finding, barcode finding, pattern matching, image thresholding, or any arbitrary combination of tools exposed by the vision system in the interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.

Abstract: A method and system for probe-based pattern matching including an apparatus for synthetic training of a model of a pattern. The apparatus comprises a sensor for obtaining an image of the pattern and a processor for receiving the image of the pattern from the sensor and running a program. In the steps performed by the program a boundary of the pattern in the image is identified. A plurality of positive probes are placed at selected points along the boundary of the pattern and at least one straight segment of the boundary of the pattern is identified. The at least one straight segment of the boundary is extended to provide an imaginary straight segment and a plurality of negative probes are placed at selected points along the imaginary straight segment, where each negative probe has a negative weight.

Abstract: This invention provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in connection with a machine vision detector or other machine vision system, which provides a highly intuitive and industrial machine-like appearance and layout. The GUI includes a centralized image frame window surrounded by panes having buttons and specific interface components that the user employs in each step of a machine vision system set up and run procedure. One pane allows the user to view and manipulate a recorded filmstrip of image thumbnails taken in a sequence, and provides the filmstrip with specialized highlighting (colors or patterns) that indicate useful information about the underlying images. The programming of logic is performed using a programming window that includes a ladder logic arrangement.

Abstract: A method for training a pattern recognition algorithm for a machine vision system that uses models of a pattern to be located, the method comprising the steps of training each of a plurality of models using a different training image wherein each of the training images is a version of a single image of the pattern at a unique coarse image resolution, using the models to identify at least one robust image resolution where the image resolution is suitable for locating the pattern within an accuracy limit of the actual location of the pattern in the image and storing the at least one robust image resolution for use in subsequent pattern recognition processes.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for enabling control of an illuminator having predetermined operating parameters by a vision system processor/core based upon stored information regarding parameters that are integrated with the illuminator. The parameters are retrieved by the processor, and are used to control the operation of the illuminator and/or the camera during image acquisition. In an embodiment, the stored parameters are a discrete numerical or other value that corresponds to the illuminator type. The discrete value maps to a corresponding value in look-up table/database associated with the camera that contains parameter sets associated with each of a plurality of values in the database. The data associated with the discrete value in the camera contains the necessary parameters or settings for that illuminator type. In other embodiments, some or all of the actual parameter information can be stored with the illuminator and retrieved by the camera processor.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system housing having a front plate assembly that accommodates a plurality of lens mount types. The front plate includes a central aperture that is located at a predetermined axial (camera axis) distance from a plane of an image sensor. The aperture is stepped from a wider diameter adjacent to the front to a narrower diameter more adjacent to the sensor. This arrangement enables threaded mounting of a plurality of lens mount types, for example M12 and C-Mount. The exterior (front) surface of the front plate includes threaded holes and a removable spring clip arrangement constructed to accommodate a liquid lens positioned over the aperture with an associated lens assembly mounted within the aperture and in optical communication with the liquid lens. The lens is operated using an electrical connection provided by a cable that interconnects with a multi-pin socket positioned on the front plate.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system with an exchangeable illumination assembly that allows for increased versatility in the type and configuration of illumination supplied to the system without altering the underlying optics, sensor, vision processor, or the associated housing. The vision system housing includes a front plate that optionally includes a plurality of mounting bases for accepting different types of lenses, and a connector that allows removable interconnection with the illustrative illumination assembly. The illumination assembly includes a cover that is light transmissive. The cover encloses an illumination component that can include a plurality of lighting elements that surround an aperture through which received light rays from the imaged scene pass through to the lens. The arrangement of lighting elements is highly variable and the user can be supplied with an illumination assembly that best suits its needs without need to change the vision system processor, sensor or housing.

Abstract: This invention provides an electro-mechanical auto-focus function for a smaller-diameter lens type that nests, and is removably mounted, within the mounting space and thread arrangement of a larger-diameter lens base of a vision camera assembly housing. In an illustrative embodiment, the camera assembly includes a threaded base having a first diameter, which illustratively defines a C-mount base. A motor-driven gear-reduction drive assembly is mounted internally, and includes teeth that engage corresponding teeth on the outer diameter of a cylindrical focus gear, which has an internal lead screw. The focus gear is freely rotatable, and removably captured, within the threaded C-mount base in a nested, coaxial relationship. The internal lead screw of the focus gear threadingly engages the external threads of a coaxial lens holder. This converts the drive gear rotation into linear/axial lens holder motion.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for determining the three-dimensional alignment of a modeled object or scene. A 3D (stereo) sensor system views the object to derive a runtime 3D representation of the scene containing the object. Rectified images from each stereo head are preprocessed to enhance their edge features. 3D points are computed for each pair of cameras to derive a 3D point cloud. The amount of 3D data from the point cloud is reduced by extracting higher-level geometric shapes (HLGS), such as line segments. Found HLGS from runtime are corresponded to HLGS on the model to produce candidate 3D poses. A coarse scoring process prunes the number of poses. The remaining candidate poses are then subjected to a further more-refined scoring process. These surviving candidate poses are then verified whereby the closest match is the best refined three-dimensional pose.

Abstract: This invention provides a point-of-sale scanning device that employs vision sensors and vision processing to decode symbology and matrices of information of objects, documents and other substrates as such objects are moved (swiped) through the field-of-view of the scanning device's window. The scanning device defines a form factor that conforms to that of a conventional laser-based point-of-sale scanning device using a housing having a plurality of mirrors, oriented generally at 45-degree angles with respect to the window's plane so as to fold the optical path, thereby allowing for an extended depth of field. The path is divided laterally so as to reach opposing lenses and image sensors, which face each other and are oriented along a lateral optical axis between sidewalls of the device. The sensors and lenses can be adapted to perform different parts of the overall vision system and/or code recognition process. The housing also provides illumination that fills the volume space.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed alignment and inspection of components, such as BGA devices, having non-uniform features is provided. During training time of a machine vision system, a small subset of alignment significant blobs along with a quantum of geometric analysis for picking granularity is determined. Also, during training time, balls may be associated with groups, each of which may have its own set of parameters for inspection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatic optoelectronic detection and inspection of objects, based on capturing digital images of a two-dimensional field of view in which an object to be detected or inspected may be located, analyzing the images, and making and reporting decisions on the status of the object. Decisions are based on evidence obtained from a plurality of images for which the object is located in the field of view, generally corresponding to a plurality of viewing perspectives. Evidence that an object is located in the field of view is used for detection, and evidence that the object satisfies appropriate inspection criteria is used for inspection. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and analyzing images at high speed so that multiple viewing perspectives can be obtained for objects in continuous motion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for dynamic feature detection of physical features of objects in the field of view of a sensor. Dynamic feature detection substantially reduces the effects of accidental alignment of physical features with the pixel grid of a digital image by using the relative motion of objects or material in and/or through the field of view to capture and process a plurality of images that correspond to a plurality of alignments. Estimates of the position, weight, and other attributes of a feature are based on an analysis of the appearance of the feature as it moves in the field of view and appears at a plurality of pixel grid alignments. The resulting reliability and accuracy is superior to prior art static feature detection systems and methods.

Abstract: A system, method and GUI for displaying and controlling vision system operating parameters includes an automated region of interest (ROI) graphic image that is applied to a discrete region of a selected image in response to a single click by a user. At least one automated operating parameter is generated automatically in response to the single click by the user at the discrete region, so as to determine whether a feature of interest (such as a pattern, a blob or an edge) is in the automated ROI graphic image. Illustratively, the automated ROI graphic image (a pass/fail graphic image) is user-movable to allow the user to move the automated ROI graphic image from a first positioning to a second positioning, to thereby automatically reset the operating parameter to a predetermined value in accordance with the second positioning.

Abstract: The technology provides, in some aspects, methods and systems for triggering a master machine vision processor and a slave machine vision processor in a multi-camera machine vision system. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the technology provides a method that includes the steps of establishing a communications link between a slave machine vision processor and a master machine vision processor; receiving on the slave machine vision processor a data message from the master machine vision processor; and triggering the slave machine vision processor to perform a machine vision function, the triggering occurring at a frequency based upon the data message, wherein at least one triggering of the slave machine vision processor occurs independent of the master machine vision processor.

Abstract: The technology provides, in some aspects, methods and systems for securely transmitting data using a machine vision system (e.g., within a pharmaceutical facility). Thus, for example, in one aspect, the technology provides a method that includes the steps of establishing a communications link between a machine vision processor and a remote digital data processor (e.g., a database server, personal computer, etc.); encrypting, on the machine vision processor, (i) at least one network packet containing machine vision data, and (ii) at least one network packet containing non-machine vision data; and sending to the remote digital data processor the encrypted network packets from the machine vision processor.

Abstract: A method for scanning and decoding encoded symbols comprises processing low resolution image data from a full field of view and/or high resolution image data from one or more windowed segments of the field of view to provide imaging that is easily adaptable to different types of symbols and varying environmental conditions. The scanning method can be switched between the low resolution mode and the high resolution mode automatically based on whether the low resolution data is sufficiently accurate to decode the symbol.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for identifying defects in a material. A set of features is identified based on an image of a material, wherein each feature in the set of features is a candidate portion of a defect in the material. A set of chained features is selected based on the set of features, wherein each chained feature comprises one or more features that represent candidate portions of a same defect in the material. A defect in the material is identified based on the set of chained features and the image.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for aligning a wafer for fabrication. A first image of a first portion of a wafer is received from a first image capturing device. A second image of a second portion of the wafer is received from a second image capturing device, wherein an image capturing device transform defines a first relationship between the first image capturing device and the second image capturing device. A first fiducial pattern in the first image and a second fiducial pattern in the second image are identified, based on the image capturing device transform, a fiducial transform that defines, based on a specification for the wafer, a second relationship between the first fiducial pattern and the second fiducial pattern, and a threshold value configured to identify low contrast fiducial patterns on wafers. An alignment of the wafer is determined based on the identified first and second fiducial patterns.