Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an optical sensor apparatus (110) for determining at least one characteristic of a surface of an object (180) positioned within a measurement range is provided, the sensor apparatus (100) comprising: an illumination assembly (120) comprising one or more light sources (121, 121-k) arranged to emit light towards the measurement range through a light-collecting optical assembly, wherein the emitted light covers a predefined range of wavelengths and wherein the one or more light sources are arranged to form respective one or more light emitting area patterns of predefined lateral shape; a first optical assembly (140) arranged to longitudinally disperse the light emitted from the illumination assembly (120) such that light across the predefined range of wavelengths in each of the one or more light emitting area patterns is focused at a respective range of focus distances that constitutes a corresponding sub-range of candidate distances within the measurement range; a beam splitt

Abstract: The invention relates to a displacement sensor, for example as used in 3D sensors for measuring the three-dimensional shape of an object. A diffraction grating is used to reduce the angle of incidence of measurement light on a light sensor, such as an image sensor, thereby improving the performance of the light sensor. The displacement sensors of the present invention include sensors based on triangulation and coaxial sensors.

Abstract: A structured light pattern comprising at least two sub-patterns in the direction of motion are projected onto an object during in-line inspection. Images of the object are captured for each sub-pattern. The sub-patterns are used to establish correspondence and to construct a profile using dense per pixel camera-projection correspondence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based and other electro-optical sensors and systems, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Particular embodiments capable of fast and reliable acquisition of features of moving objects such as boards and wood products are disclosed. Preferred embodiments utilize laser triangulation range detection with at least two cameras viewing the same laser spot or line projected on the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling a molten metal pouring operation is disclosed which works in the presence of unusual pouring conditions such as typically encountered in aluminum casting and utilizes a laser type sensor, for example a triangulation based light section device, to monitor differences between a reference surface and the molten metal in a mold.

Abstract: This application is concerned with laser triangulation sensors for object dimension and position determination, and in particular, more effective measurement of object shapes and/or thickness using laser triangulation sensors having multiple projected laser beams and at least two linear or matrix array cameras to view the images of light reflected from the object due to the beams impinging on the object surface. Besides disclosure of the basic operation of “multi-point” sensors of this type, novel methods and apparatus are also disclosed to assure function of the device even with objects, such as lumber, having pronounced protrusions and depressions in their surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing production efficiency of mold lines where molten metal or other material requiring a cooling period is poured sequentially into moving molds. The invention particularly comprehends the tracking of individual molds and the individualized control of the cooling time of the molds from beginning to end of the line in the presence of random line stoppages and variant mold size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measures cylinder head combustion chambers and provides inputs to machines which can perform operations to assure that all combustion chambers are at a correct volume. Also disclosed are devices 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.