Abstract: The photogrammetric measurement system is positioned at a vantage point to detect and calibrate its reference frame to the external reference frame demarcated by light-reflecting retroreflective target dot on a spherical target. A tetrahedron framework with the spherical target mounted on one of the vertices serves as a reference target that is placed in front of the non-contact sensor to be calibrated. The photogrammetric measurement system reads and calibrates the position of the retroreflective target dot (and thus the tetrahedron) while the structured light of the sensor is projected onto the framework of the reference target. The structured light intersects with and reflects from the reference target, providing the non-contact sensor with positional and orientation data. This data is correlated to map the coordinate system of the non-contact sensor to the coordinate system of the external reference frame.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting anomalies and/or grain variations in a wooden member. At least one ultrasonic transmitter applies an ultrasound waveform into a surface of a wooden member so as to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves including, e.g., longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves are measured after propagation through the wooden member by at least one ultrasonic receiver disposed on the same surface of the wooden member. At least one ultrasonic receiver may also be placed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter so as to detect radial transmission of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave at a point across from the wooden member. The received ultrasonic waves are processed to determine anomalies and/or grain variations in the wooden member at positions of the wooden member between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver(s). The ultrasonic transmitters and receivers may be placed in rollers to facilitate high-speed, in-line processing of wooden members.

Abstract: A surface inspection system is provided for detecting defects on a surface of a workpiece. The surface inspection system includes a diffused light source for emitting an elongated line of light onto the surface of the workpiece, a movable member for translating the workpiece in relation to the light source, an imaging device positioned at a vantage point such that the line of light is within its field of observation for capturing two or more sets of image data representative of a portion of the surface of the workpiece, and a data structure for storing model data, where the model data is indicative of the spatial relationship between the surface of the workpiece and the observation plane of the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a low gloss surface (12) of an object (14) at a vision station utilizing a regular, extended pattern of infrared radiation. The system includes an infrared radiation source (10) and an infrared image converter and/or infrared cameras (16) to automatically locate a surface defect in the object. A signal processor processes a first set of electrical signals from the infrared cameras to obtain a second set of electrical signals which represent pattern distortions in the reflected infrared radiation signal caused by the surface defect in order to locate the surface defect in the object. The second set of electrical signals may be processed to classify the surface defect in the object as being an “in-dent” or an “out-dent”.

Abstract: A temperature compensation system (300) is provided for compensating measurements from a sensor (240). A temperature transducer (310) is placed in close proximity to a manufacturing workstation as a means of measuring the ambient temperature associated with the workstation (200). A reference workpiece (100) is placed within a sensing zone of the sensor (240). The system (300) includes a temperature compensating module (320) that is connected to the sensor (240) and to the temperature transducer (310) for determining a baseline measurement of the reference workpiece at a reference temperature. The temperature compensating module (320) is further adapted for collecting a plurality of measurements of the reference workpiece over a plurality of temperatures for establishing a relationship between these measurements and their corresponding temperature values.

Abstract: A robot-based gauging system is provided for determining three-dimensional measurement data of the surface of an object. The robot-based gauging system includes a robot having at least one movable member and a robot controller for controlling the movement of the movable member in relation to the surface of an object. A non-contact sensor is coupled to the movable member of the robot for capturing image data representative of the surface of the object. A position reporting device reports position data representative of the position of the non-contact sensor. A synch signal generator for generating and transmitting a synch signal is electrically connected to each of the non-contact sensor and the position reporting device, such that the non-contact sensor reports image data in response to the synch signal and the position reporting device reports position data in response to the synch signal.

Abstract: The laser tracker is positioned at a vantage point to detect and calibrate its reference frame to the external reference frame demarcated by light-reflecting retro reflector. A tetrahedron framework with retro reflector mounted on one of the vertices serves as a reference target that is placed in front of the non-contact sensor to be calibrated. The laser tracker reads and calibrates the position of the retro reflector (and thus the tetrahedron) while the structured light of the non-contact sensor is projected onto the framework of the reference target. The structured light intersects with and reflects from the reference target, providing the non-contact sensor with positional and orientation data. These data are correlated to map the coordinate system of the non-contact sensor to the coordinate system of the external reference frame.

Abstract: The sensor array is positioned at a vantage point to detect and calibrate its reference frame to the external reference frame demarcated by light-emitting reference indicia. The sensor array encompasses a wide view calibration field and provides data indicating the spatial position of light sources placed within the calibration field. A tetrahedron framework with light-emitting diodes at the vertices serves as a portable reference target that is placed in front of the feature sensor to be calibrated. The sensor array reads and calibrates the position of the light-emitting diodes at the vertices while the structured light of the feature sensor is projected onto the framework of the reference target. The structured light intersects with and reflects from the reference target, providing the feature sensor with positional and orientation data. These data are correlated to map the coordinate system of the feature sensor to the coordinate system of the external reference frame.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to measure a physical parameter of a film such as film thickness or build, in both the wet and dry states of the film, on an article in a production environment without any contact or damage to the film or the rest of the article. The system includes two laser light sources, one pulsed and the other substantially continuous (i.e. long pulses), an interferometer, fiber optic cables, and appropriate optics including multiplexers and demultiplexers to: 1) image and transmit light from both sources to the film on the article; and 2) transmit the light from the continuous source reflected off the film surface back to the interferometer, and a computer containing a data acquisition card to record the data after signal processing and appropriate software to process the data. Light from both light sources are imaged on and over the same spot on the surface of the film. The pulsed light source is used to generate ultrasound in the film.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to identify splits in wooden members. Multiple angularly displaced measurements allow detection of splits at arbitrary angles.

Abstract: In a measurement system wherein time-varying physical signals containing frequency information related to a physical parameter of an object are measured to obtain corresponding time-varying measurement signals, a method and system are disclosed for processing the measurement signals to obtain a value for the physical parameter by first extracting the frequency information from the measurement signals. The frequency information includes at least one desired frequency and its amplitude and decay rate. Then, the frequency information is converted to a value for the physical parameter. The measurement signals are discrete time ultrasonic signals. Extraction is performed by transforming the ultrasonic signals to a Z-domain and converting at least one zero or pole in the Z-domain to the at least one frequency and its decay rate. The physical signals may be coherent light signals which are modulated based on the frequency information which is related to propagation of longitudinal ultrasonic waves in the object.

Abstract: The non-contact sensor employs a structured light source that emits light in a predefined planar configuration and an optical receiver for reading reflected light produced by the structured light source within a predefined field of view. A tetrahedron target structure includes a three-dimensional framework that defines at least three non-collinear, non-coplanar structural lines each simultaneously visible to the sensor. A calibration system is coupled to the gauging system and the non-contact sensor for calibrating the gauging system by evaluating the geometric relationship of the structured light reflected from the structural lines of the target structure to determine the position and orientation of the target structure and then correlating the structural lines to the gauging system.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to identify localized anomalies internal to the wooden members substantially smaller than the full width of the ultrasonic beam. Multiple spatially displaced measurements allow generation of comprehensive maps of the wooden members to aid in computer cutting and grading of the wooden members.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring apparatus (FIG. 2) and method (FIG. 5) to accurately determine the depth of an overlaying backfat (14-20) on an animal (8) without incurring any damage to the animal. The apparatus employs a reverse time analysis approach in which a pulse generator (28) sends a preselected ultrasonic input signal by way of a piezoelectric transducer (16) through the outer skin (12) and successively through each one of the animal's fat layer interfaces (15, 17, 20) to a preselected distance within the loin portion (22) of the animal. This reverse time approach then analyzes the resulting echo signal produced by the input signal sequentially in a direction from this loin portion toward the outer fat layers (14, 16, 18). The first strong signal within a specified range, which depends on the species, breed, age or weight of the animal to be measured, is taken as the bottom-most fat/loin transition.

Abstract: The sensor array is positioned at a vantage point to detect and calibrate its reference frame to the external reference frame demarcated by light-emitting reference indicia. The sensor array encompasses a wide view calibration field and provides data indicating the spatial position of light sources placed within the calibration field. A tetrahedron framework with light-emitting diodes at the vertices serves as a portable reference target that is placed in front of the feature sensor to be calibrated. The sensor array reads and calibrates the position of the light-emitting diodes at the vertices while the structured light of the feature sensor is projected onto the framework of the reference target. The structured light intersects with and reflects from the reference target, providing the feature sensor with positional and orientation data. These data are correlated to map the coordinate system of the feature sensor to the coordinate system of the external reference frame.

Abstract: A LIDAR scanning system having a rotating multifaceted polygon mirror for transmitting modulated light from one of its facets to a surface. Diffuse light reflected off said surface is received by another facet of the polygon mirror and reflected to a photo detector. The phase difference between the transmitted and received light is then used to compute the range of the surface from the scanning system. The intensity of the returned light is used to create a gray scale image of the surface. The use of separate optical paths for the transmitted and returned light, and a small scanned field of view results in an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: Noncontact sensors project fanned or structured light onto the tire, while the wheel is rotated, to illuminate at least two contour lines on the surface of the tire. the contour lines are read by video cameras, positioned offset from the optical plane of the structured light, to allow triangulation in determining the spatial position of the contour lines. Radially equivalent points are selected from each contour line by an algorithm which ignores the effects of any raised lettering on the tire sidewalls. Control of the video cameras and processing of the video data is performed by parallel processor-based computer system coordinated by sequencer circuit.

Abstract: A quick release mounting arrangement for a portable gauging sensor utilizes three locating surfaces to establish a positive, repeatable mounting for the releasable sensor at any desired number of locations on a gauging fixture. A landing pad at each mounting location provides a depressed cavity in a first face for receipt of a first locating surface carried by the sensor housing, and the landing pad further provides a grooved surface in a second face for receipt of the second and third locating surfaces carried by the sensor body. At least one of the three locating surfaces is movable under spring tension to provide a quick connect/disconnect feature to the sensor mounting arrangement.

Abstract: One or more non-contacting gauging sensors are calibrated to a common external coordinate system by providing each sensor to be calibrated with a target which can be simultaneously viewed by the sensor and an external measuring system for determining coordinates of the target in terms of the external coordinate system and in terms of the sensor coordinate system. With the resulting spatial coordinates of the target expressed in both frames of reference, transform matrix coefficients can be calculated, for example with a programmable computer, to calibrate each sensor to the preselected common external coordinate system.

Abstract: Noncontact sensors project fanned or structured light onto the tire, while the wheel is rotated, to illuminate at least two contour lines on the surface of the tire. The contour lines are read by video cameras, positioned offset from the optical plane of the structured light, to allow triangulation in determining the spatial position of the contour lines. Radially equivalent points are selected from each contour line by an algorithm which ignores the effects of any raised lettering on the tire sidewalls. Control of the video cameras and processing of the video data is performed by parallel processor-based computer system coordinated by sequencer circuit.