Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.

Abstract: A computerized system and a method for acquisition, storage, and retrieval of a plurality of image datas corresponding to a plurality of physical inspection areas of a physical surface is disclosed. A graphical interface graphically draws a virtual diagram of the physical surface and a plurality of virtual inspection areas on the virtual diagram. A sensor connected to the interface senses a plurality of image datas of the plurality of physical inspection areas. A display connected to the interface is also provided for selectively displaying the virtual diagram and the image data. An image storage connected to the interface collects the plurality of image datas and names an image file of each image data according to a graphical position of the corresponding virtual inspection area on the virtual diagram.

Abstract: A method for creating a retroreflective image of a surface (or transparent medium) is provided where the retroreflective image is produced by illuminating an area of the surface with light which is reflected therefrom to a retroreflector which returns this light to the surface area. At the surface area, the retroreflected light is then reflected again and imaged to thus form the retroreflected image. In one embodiment, a broad light source is used to image a secondary image of the surface. In another embodiment, the light field produced by the surface is larger than the retroreflective element or group of elements which are then moved. In still another embodiment, a single retroreflective element is used together with a divergent light source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring cylinder head combustion chambers and provide inputs to machines which can perform operations to assure that all combustion chambers are at a correct volume.Also disclosed are means for matching volumes of engine assemblies as well as precise machining of gears, turbine blades and other parts.Measurements are ideally made via electro-optical sensors, particularly triangulating types.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in foundry procedures, particularly in-process and post process inspection with electro-optical sensor units. Principally addressed are: inspection of molds and cores to assure correctness and control procedures to abort pouring if the molds are not correct, inspection of cores on the core line, inspection of patterns for sticking sand, inspection of finished castings for extraneous material in passages, excessive or inadequate stock, correct locator relationships, etc., and control of robotic flash grinders.Both fixed and programmably moveable sensors are shown in the context of these embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a computer guided robotic apparatus. At least one camera mounted on the robot arm or fixed at the work station views a target comprising a pattern of at least three dots fixed to the other of the robot arm or work station, such viewing taking place as the robot arm approaches the work station to carry out the intended operation. The sensing of any deviation relative to a predetermined target pattern is transmitted to the computer to reset the robot's computerized guidance system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a detector array based optical system using reflected or transmitted light for machine vision is disclosed. The light characteristic such as power (intensity) or distribution of power received by the optical system is detected and an electrical signal indicative of said characteristic is transmitted to a remote control system. The control system then adjusts a light power related variable of the optical system when the received light characteristic signal is deficient. A method and apparatus for linearizing the output of a diode array is also disclosed. An element correction array is set up in a microprocessor and an encoding device providing precise edge movement data is moved past the elements of the diode array so that the data from the encoder and from the diode array can be compared and the difference inputted as offset values for the corresponding positions of the elements in the correction array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.

Abstract: This invention relates to new and useful electro-optical methods and apparatus using photodetector arrays for measurement of parts and other objects in industrial environments. Several particularly useful optical embodiments are illustrated together with desirable electronic circuitry for improving the accuracy of practical systems of this type.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in foundry procedures, particularly in-process and post process inspection with electro-optical sensor units. Principally addressed are: inspection of molds and cores to assure correctness and control procedures to abort pouring if the molds are not correct, inspection of cores on the core line, inspection of patterns for sticking sand, inspection of finished castings for extraneous material in passages, excessive or inadequate stock, correct locator relationships, etc., and control of robotic flash grinders.Both fixed and programmably moveable sensors are shown in the context of these embodiments.

Abstract: A method of determining physical characteristics of a surface. Light or other electromagnetic radiation is directed onto a first portion of a surface and the reflected radiation is received such as by a photodiode. The radiation is also directed onto at least two further portions of the surface and located on either side of and proximate to the first portion. The radiation reflected by the further portions is also received. The radiation reflected from the first portion is compared with the radiation reflected from the two further portions. The radiation and comparison steps are repeated and the comparisons are used to determine a physical characteristic of the surface, such as the presence of one or more flaws. In another embodiment, light or other electromagnetic radiation is used to determine object dimension, such as bore dimension.

Abstract: A method and devices for sensing changes in separation of a first member relative to a second member, as well as variables causing such changes is disclosed. Electromagnetic waves diffracted by means included in said first member interact with waves from means included in said second member to form a characteristic interference pattern. Measured changes in this pattern allow determination of changes in separation.