Abstract: A system and method for detecting defects in a material in a liquid bath, the system including a light that illuminates the material through the liquid bath, at least one camera with a view of the material through the liquid bath, and a digital processor in communication with the at least one camera. The at least one camera transmits image data to the digital processor and the digital processor analyzes the image data to identify defects in the material. In an embodiment of the invention, the system includes an anti-turbulence interface through which the at least one camera views the material.

Abstract: The night vision goggle training apparatus simulates the size, feel and handling of actual night vision goggles. A narrow band-width green filter is positioned over the viewing port, to simulate nighttime viewing conditions. The image intensification system used in night vision goggles is eliminated; limiting use of the training goggles to daytime use. The out of balance weight of the night vision goggles is identical to actual night vision goggles. Brightness control is simulated by attenuation filters that fit over the objective lens. The blooming effect of lights is simulated with a star filter. A thin, fine mesh screen is used to simulate reduced acuity, scintillation and ghosting effects during low light or rapid motion, which occur during use of actual night vision goggles. The objective focus and diopter adjustment are identical to night vision goggles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically inspecting transparent or translucent materials, especially plastic materials, the apparatus including a light container, at least one camera, a digital processor, and a reject mechanism, the method comprising conveying a particle of the material through the light container, capturing an image of the particle with the camera, identifying defects in the image with the digital processor, and separating out defective material by communication between the digital processor and the reject mechanism. The light container is an illumination device, preferably an integrating sphere, that has two opposing openings through which a particle can pass and one or more other openings or windows through which one or more cameras view the particle.

Abstract: The present invention is a holographic structured light generator (HSLG) for generating an array of an arbitrary number of laser beamlets from a single laser beam using a point laser light source and a hologram. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hologram having an image of four point sources in a common plane is fabricated using four point sources as the object beam, and a reference beam. A reconstruction beam, aligned identically with respect to the hologram as was the reference beam during fabrication of the hologram, is then directed at the hologram, generating the array of laser beamlets from the four point sources in the hologram. In a primary application of the HSLG, it is used to map the surface of an object in three dimensions. The HSLG is used with video cameras, computer image processing equipment and an optical spatial light modulator to yield 3-D data for use with CAD systems.