Abstract: A method includes receiving a model of the material dispenser and, at a first characterization period of a material bead dispensing operation, communicating, to the material dispenser, a first characterization flow rate input. The method also includes, at a second characterization period of the material bead dispensing operation, communicating, to the material dispenser, a second characterization flow rate input. The method also includes generating, using at least one sensor, three-dimensional data associated with a material bead corresponding to the material bead dispensing operation. The method also includes characterizing at least one parameter of the model of the material dispenser using at least the first characterization flow rate input, the second characterization flow rate input, and the three-dimensional data associated with the material bead.

Abstract: The a surface of an object is illuminated in sequence with a number of light beams, each of which is nearly tangential to the surface. Images of the surface are recorded for each light beam, and the images are analyzed to identify features such as depressions in the surface.