Abstract: A structured light sensor system for measuring contour of a surface includes an imaging lens system, an image capturing device, a first set of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, and a control module. The imaging lens system focuses light reflected from the surface, wherein the imaging lens system has a corresponding lens plane. The image capturing device captures the focused light and generates data corresponding to the captured light, wherein the image capturing device has a corresponding image plane that is not parallel to the lens plane. The first set of MEMS mirrors direct the focused light to the image capturing device. The control module receives the data, determines a quality of focus of the captured light based on the received data, and controls the first set of MEMS mirrors based on the quality of focus to maintain a Scheimpflug tilt condition between the lens plane and the image plane.

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 apparatus has an active display unit receiving image data in digital form and graphically rendering the image data on an active display. A communication medium connects devices to the active display unit, such as an imager head capturing the image data. A computer readable medium records one or more instances of software for operating the one or more devices. A computer processor located in the active display unit that operates a boot loader program to detects and sequentially interrogate the devices by different protocols in order to determine appropriate software to load and operate the devices.

Abstract: A remote inspection device imager assembly includes an imager body having a male threaded portion. An accessory assembly includes: a tubular body portion having first internal female threads engaged with the male threaded portion such that tubular body portion rotation axially translates the tubular body portion with respect to the imager body; and a mirror obliquely angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of both the imager assembly. A threaded coupler positioned between the imager body and tubular body portion has second internal female threads engaged with the male threaded portion. The threaded coupler is selectively axially translated by rotation to a first contact position with the imager body or a second contact position with the tubular body portion. The second contact position binds the first and second internal female threads with the male threaded portion to prevent tubular body portion axial rotation and fix a mirror orientation.

Abstract: A borescope includes a flexible cable having a signal carrier disposed throughout a length of the flexible cable. An imager head illuminates an object proximate to the imager head. An articulating member is disposed between the flexible cable and the imager head. The articulating member includes a spring having a coiled wire defining a central cavity, and an axially incompressible member positioned in a spring central cavity extending from a connector attached to an end of the flexible cable to the imager head. The incompressible member permits angular deflection of the imager head with respect to the flexible cable while precluding axial compression of the coiled wire and individual coil-to-coil contact.

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 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: An integrated solid state device for viewing and manipulating objects located in remote sites and locations which includes a flexible cable having a camera on one end and a viewer on an opposite end. The camera captures images near the end of the flexible cable and converts the images into a video signal that is transferred through wires that extend through the length of the flexible cable. The video signals are received by the viewer and converted into a displayed image. A variety of removable article manipulators can be attached to the distal end of the flexible cable and used to manipulate, capture and retrieve articles and objects near the distal end of the flexible cable.

Abstract: A light dispersal unit or light pipe for a video imaging device includes a transparent body. The body includes a tubular ring having an outer diameter and a through bore defining an inner diameter. Four equidistantly spaced raised portions are homogenously joined to the tubular ring. The ring has a semi-circular shape corresponding to the outer and inner diameters of the tubular ring. The raised portions each include a slot created between opposed first and second extending portions, the slot having an end wall and opposed first and second slot walls. A rounded end face defines a free end of each of the first and second extending portions facing away from the tubular ring. The rounded end face includes at least two curved portions each having a different radius of curvature.

Abstract: A light dispersal unit or light pipe for a video imaging device includes a transparent body. The body includes a tubular ring having an outer diameter and a through bore defining an inner diameter. Four equidistantly spaced raised portions are homogenously joined to the tubular ring. The ring has a semi-circular shape corresponding to the outer and inner diameters of the tubular ring. The raised portions each include a slot created between opposed first and second extending portions, the slot having an end wall and opposed first and second slot walls. A rounded end face defines a free end of each of the first and second extending portions facing away from the tubular ring. The rounded end face includes at least two curved portions each having a different radius of curvature. The light pipe can be a tapered light pipe having a flange portion for mounting the tapered light pipe.

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 structured light sensor system for measuring contour of a surface includes an imaging lens system, an image capturing device, a first set of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, and a control module. The imaging lens system focuses light reflected from the surface, wherein the imaging lens system has a corresponding lens plane. The image capturing device captures the focused light and generates data corresponding to the captured light, wherein the image capturing device has a corresponding image plane that is not parallel to the lens plane. The first set of MEMS mirrors direct the focused light to the image capturing device. The control module receives the data, determines a quality of focus of the captured light based on the received data, and controls the first set of MEMS mirrors based on the quality of focus to maintain a Scheimpflug tilt condition between the lens plane and the image plane.

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 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 and one or more light sources are embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing. 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. The flexible cable can be removably attached to other components with a detachable coupling.