Abstract: Apparatus for applying a product to a plurality of workpieces having a variety of sizes and shapes. An imager captures an image of each workpiece and develops image signals which a systems controller and a processor use to regulate delivery of a product to each workpiece. The apparatus reduces overspray and waste while providing coverage of each workpiece by the product.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which operates to collect high resolution three-dimensional surface mesh data from mechanical components which are used for component evaluation. The system includes a multidimensionally movable fixture mount for holding the mechanical components. A structured light pattern emitting projector is provided together with an image sensing camera for detecting impingement of the light pattern on the mechanical component and for generating the surface data. A set of software tools analyzes the data to provide numerical or quantitative component analysis and further presents the data in display form to allow intuitive or qualitative analysis for product and process improvement.

Abstract: A wheel alignment system is disclosed which measures the angles between the planes of the wheels on the same side, at the front and diagonally opposite on a four wheel vehicle. The measurements are processed to provide wheel toe, relative wheel plane orientation, front wheel offset and front and rear wheel setback relative to the vehicle frame to assist in damage assessment.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting the presence of ice on a surface. The invention uses cameras to allow ice detection over a large area instead of a single point. The detecting apparatus provides an improved deicing apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a wheel service machine, such as a wheel balancer, which provides audible output for guiding an operator to measured positions on a vehicle wheel assembly where corrective operations must be performed, such as the application of wheel assembly unbalance compensation weights.

Abstract: A structured light scanning system observes, interprets and provides structural feature size, position and movement data in automotive service equipment applications where such feature characteristics must be determined either preliminary to or ultimately for measurement of quantities affecting automotive performance, such as tire/rim assembly balance, runout and alignment or brake surface planarity and smoothness.

Abstract: An image processor is divided into three sections for image acquisition and storage, image processing, and video output signal generation. The three sections are connected by an addrsss bus, a data bus and a set of control signal lines. A first bus control circuit is provided to isolate the image acquisition and storage section from the other sections during image acquisition and storage operations. A second bus control circuit isolates the video output section from the other sections, except during vertical and horizontal blanking intervals of the video output signal. The image is acquired by a line scan sensor which is clocked to acquire the image over one of several user definable exposure intervals. The video output presents the line scan sensor image in three formats. The first is a compressed representation of the entire line and the second is a less compressed representation of a selected portion of the image. The third display format is a binary version of the second image display format.

Abstract: A module for a programmable controller is adapted to process a video image to evaluate characteristics of an object within the image. A processor converts an analog video signal into four binary images. A memory stores data defining a separate sensor region for each binary image. A set of four counters is provided to tabulate the pixels of one color in each binary image that lie within the associated sensor region. A video signal sensor measures variation of the luminance of the video signal. The processor uses the luminance variation measurement to adjust the binarization of the video signal to produce normalized binary images under varying lighting conditions.

Abstract: A manufacturing system has a material handling system that uses free roaming mobile apparatuses that are under the control of a visual navigation system that has the capability of regenerating images that are temporarily obstructed from view of a visual navigation system. The visual navigation system uses the images to provide commands that navigate an electrical controllable apparatus such as a mobile robot. The mobile robot is fitted with a minimum of three navigation beacons which emit a light visible to overhead television cameras. The beacon area is arranged so as to form a triangle. The shape and dimension of the triangular pattern is measured and stored in a memory unit within the visual navigation system. When a beacon is blocked from view of the television cameras, the visual navigation will regenerate coordinate of the blocked beacon and provide the necessary navigation commands to the mobile apparatus.

Abstract: A communication system for a mobile apparatus includes a means for communicating commanded destination to the mobile apparatus. The mobile apparatus includes a plurality of beacons that are used for both communicating with a master station and as a means of locating the mobile apparatus by the master station. The location of the mobile apparatus is used to generate commands which are transmitted to the mobile apparatus by light emitting diodes such that the light emitting diodes mounted on the mobile apparatus are used for both navigation purposes and communication.

Abstract: A photoelectric transducer is provided for musical instruments to pick up musical tones so that they may be amplified, transcribed, resynthesized, or recorded. A light source, such as a light emitting diode, is mounted on the instrument to direct light onto a vibratory element of the instrument. Vibrations of the vibratory element cause modulations in the intensity of the light which is reflected or partially obstructed before reaching a photodetector. The modulated electrical output of the photodetector corresponds to the vibration frequency of the vibratory element and may be amplified to drive a loudspeaker or processed for transcription or resynthesis.

Abstract: A visual navigation system that rejects reflected images navigates an electrical controllable apparatus such as a mobile robot. The mobile robot is fitted with a minimum of three navigation beacons which emit a light visible to overhead television cameras. The beacons area arranged so as to form a triangle. The shape and the dimension of the triangular pattern are measured and stored in a memory unit within the visual navigation system, and when a reflected image is received it will be characterized by a different angle and thus the vision navigation system is able to distinguish the reflected image from the primary image of the mobile robot.

Abstract: A visual navigation system navigates an electrically controllable apparatus such as a mobile robot. Navigation commands are generated to move the mobile apparatus based upon the location of the mobile apparatus. Once the location of the mobile apparatus is determined and the coordinates of a new position are provided, then the commands are transmitted to the mobile apparatus to relocate to the new position. The repetitive update of the location and move commands ensure the movement of the mobile apparatus without wire or rails.

Abstract: In a manufacturing environment, a controllable mobile apparatus such as a mobile robot is guided through the manufacturing environment by a navigation system that utilizes fixed overhead cameras having a predefined viewing area. As the robot leaves a first viewing area there is an uncertainty as to which viewing area the robot will go into so that that camera may be monitored. The uncertainty is minimized by using a plurality of rings of uncertainty which overlap the surrounding areas. The uncertainty is continuously eliminating by drawing the circle of uncertainty into smaller and smaller area.

Abstract: An automatic pin inspection apparatus and method inspects a plurality of pins that are arranged in a predetermined configuration such as parallel rows and converts the image of the pins to a digital signal for application to a computer system. The digital system is compared with a known reference stored in a memory within the digital computer system and units that do not meet specified tolerances are rejected. A conveyer mechanism ensures the automation of the process. A centering technique is implemented and compensates for the jittering due to the movement of pins to ensure proper alignment of the image prior to the comparison being made.

Abstract: A computer vision apparatus for automatically inspecting printed labels is disclosed. A television type camera views a label under inspection and inputs an image thereof to a pattern recognition and analysis circuit for verification. A monitor with viewing screen, joystick and keypad is connected to the pattern recognition and analysis circuit for operator supervision of the system.