Abstract: A non-contact sensing system is provided for acquiring three-dimensional contour information of an object. The system is comprised of: a light source subsystem operable to scan a point of light in an area of illumination; a first imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data; and a second imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data. A first control module is in data communication with the first imaging device to determine contour information for an object in the field of view of the first imaging device and report the contour information for the object in a common coordinate system. A second control module is in data communication with the second imaging device to determine contour information for the object in the field of view of the second imaging device and report the contour information for the object in the common coordinate system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for imaging an article within a field of view, projecting an illumination field onto the article within field of view, and selectively projecting illumination structures onto the article within the field of view. Then, image data corresponding to the illumination field and the illumination structures may be received and a feature of the article may be analyzed based on the illumination field and the illumination structures.

Abstract: A structured light sensor system for measuring contour of a surface includes a control module that coordinates control of both a projection system and an imaging system to operate the structured light sensor system in three different modes. The imaging system is configured to selectively capture an image of light reflected off of the surface. In point mode, the imaging system is on for a first period during which the projection system projects a point of light onto the surface. In line mode, the imaging system is on for a second period during which the projection system projects onto the surface a first plurality of points of light forming a line of light. In area mode, the imaging system is on for a third period during which the projection system projects onto the surface a second plurality of points of light forming a plurality of lines of light.

Abstract: A non-contact sensing system acquiring three-dimensional information includes a laser light source and fiber generating a Gaussian optical beam. A movable mirror is angularly adjusted to scan the beam to an area of illumination. A lens package between the light source and the movable mirror focuses the optical beam to under-fill a movable mirror optical surface and control an optical beam scanned volume. The optical beam reflected by the movable mirror is redirected using a fold mirror orthogonal to an optical beam orientation. The optical beam is maintained Gaussian by the mirrors and lenses. An imaging device having a field of view intersecting the area of illumination receives optical beam image data reflected from the area of illumination. A control module communicating with the imaging device receives an object location in the imaging device field of view from the image data and reports object location data to a coordinate system.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The system projecting a pattern onto the feature and imaging the pattern where the pattern intersects with the feature, where the pattern is a series of lines that are encoded to identify at least one line of the series of lines.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for imaging an article within a field of view, projecting an illumination field onto the article within field of view, and selectively projecting illumination structures onto the article within the field of view. Then, image data corresponding to the illumination field and the illumination structures may be received and a feature of the article may be analyzed based on the illumination field and the illumination structures.

Abstract: An imager assembly for a remote inspection device includes an imager body. A circuit board retainer is slidably received through an end of the imager body. The circuit board retainer has deflectable legs separated by a slot. A circuit board assembly has an imager device connected to a first circuit board. A second circuit board is electrically connected to the first circuit board. The second circuit board is received in the slot of the circuit board retainer and frictionally engaged by the deflectable legs. A flexible tube has a first end connected to an end of the imager body using a first ferrule. A male connector is connected to a second end of the flexible tube using a second ferrule. A wiring harness is disposed through a bore of the flexible tube.

Abstract: An imager head assembly for a remote inspection device includes an imager housing. A circuit board is positioned within the imager housing. The circuit board has a light emitting diode connected thereto. A thermally conductive material in contact with the circuit board and the imager housing creates a conductive heat transfer path to dissipate heat generated by the light emitting diode through the imager housing. A light transmissive light pipe unit can be positioned proximate the circuit board to permit light emitted by the light emitting diode to pass through the light pipe unit.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for a portable device is provided. The portable device may have details for engaging the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly may include a cradle body and a locking mechanism. The cradle body may support the portable device, while the locking mechanism may be configured to trap the details between the locking mechanism and the cradle body.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume is provided. The system receives image data from a sensor, where the image data including peaks corresponding to the intersection of laser lines with the feature. The system generates a dynamic window based on the entropy of the peaks.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The system imaging the feature with a first sensor and a second sensor that cooperate to form a contiguous sensing volume.

Abstract: A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.

Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging device is able to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the distal end of the flexible cable. One or more light sources also protrude from the outwardly facing end of the cylindrical imager housing along a perimeter of the imaging device such that the imaging device is recessed between the light sources. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image.

Abstract: A non-contact sensing system is provided for acquiring three-dimensional contour information of an object. The system is comprised of: a light source subsystem operable to scan a point of light in an area of illumination; a first imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data; and a second imaging device having a field of view arranged to intersect with the illumination area and operable to capture image data. A first control module is in data communication with the first imaging device to determine contour information for an object in the field of view of the first imaging device and report the contour information for the object in a common coordinate system. A second control module is in data communication with the second imaging device to determine contour information for the object in the field of view of the second imaging device and report the contour information for the object in the common coordinate system.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The system projecting a pattern onto the feature and imaging the pattern where the pattern intersects with the feature, where the pattern is a series of lines that are encoded to identify at least one line of the series of lines.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The system imaging the feature with a first sensor and a second sensor that cooperate to form a contiguous sensing volume.

Abstract: A structured light sensor system for measuring contour of a surface includes a control module that coordinates control of both a projection system and an imaging system to operate the structured light sensor system in three different modes. The imaging system is configured to selectively capture an image of light reflected off of the surface. In point mode, the imaging system is on for a first period during which the projection system projects a point of light onto the surface. In line mode, the imaging system is on for a second period during which the projection system projects onto the surface a first plurality of points of light forming a line of light. In area mode, the imaging system is on for a third period during which the projection system projects onto the surface a second plurality of points of light forming a plurality of lines of light.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a remote video inspection device. The method includes: applying an insulating coating to an exterior surface of a conduit; forming an imager housing on one end of the conduit using an overmolding process, the imager housing having a cavity configured to receive a circuit board assembly having an imaging device disposed thereon; feeding wires through the conduit and electrically coupling the wires to the circuit board assembly; inserting the circuit board assembly into the cavity of the imager housing; affixing a cap over the cavity of the imager housing; sliding an insulating finger guard over an opposing end of the conduit; affixing the finger guard along the conduit at a location proximate to the opposing end of the cable, such that the finger guard extends radially outward from the cable; and attaching a connector to the opposing end of the conduit. In this way, the remote inspection device has been designed to meet certain electrical safety standards.

Abstract: A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.

Abstract: A sensor system for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The sensor system includes a laser source and a sensor. The first laser source projects a laser line into the sensing volume and onto the feature forming a laser stripe on the feature. The sensor images the laser stripe where the laser line intersects with the feature. The relationship between the sensor and the first laser source is precalibrated. The sensor uses the laser stripe to determine the position and/or orientation of the feature.