Abstract: A method and system for expanding the range of working environments in which a 3-D or depth sensor can operate without damaging or degrading the measurement performance of the sensor are provided. The sensor has a rigid support structure and a plurality of optoelectronic components fixedly supported on the support structure. The system includes an enclosure for enclosing the support structure and the supported optoelectronic components within an interior of the enclosure. A temperature control circuit includes a controller to monitor interior temperature within the enclosure and to regulate temperature within the enclosure to be within an operational temperature range of the sensor based on the monitored temperature.

Abstract: A method, system and optical sensor assembly for optically inspecting an object located in an environment having airborne particulate matter or vapor capable of coating an optically transparent window of an optical sensor of the assembly are provided. The method includes creating a positive dynamic boundary layer of air in front of and immediately adjacent an outer surface of the window. The layer of air has a pressure sufficient to protect the window from undesirable accumulation of the particulate matter or droplets of the vapor on the outer surface, thereby allowing the sensor to have an unobstructed view of the object.

Abstract: Method and system for measuring outermost dimensions of a vehicle positioned at an inspection station and having top, front, back and side exterior surfaces are provided. The system includes a plurality of 3-D or depth sensors supported around and above the vehicle at the inspection station. Each of the sensors has a field of view so that one of the exterior surfaces of the vehicle is in one of the fields of view. Each sensor includes a set of radiation sensing elements which detect projected radiation reflected from its exterior surface to obtain sensor data. At least one processor processes the sensor data from each of the sensors to obtain a virtual 3-D model of the vehicle. Control logic is employed to obtain measurements of outermost dimensions of the vehicle based on the 3-D model.

Abstract: 3D imaging and processing method and system including at least one 3D or depth sensor which is continuously calibrated during use are provided. In one embodiment, a calibration apparatus or object is continuously visible in the field of view of each 3D sensor. In another embodiment, such as a calibration apparatus is not needed. Continuously calibrated 3D sensors improve the accuracy and reliability of depth measurements. The calibration system and method can be used to ensure the accuracy of measurements using any of a variety of 3D sensor technologies. To reduce the cost of implementation, the invention can be used with inexpensive, consumer-grade 3D sensors to correct measurement errors and other measurement deviations from the true location and orientation of an object in 3D space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus used to create computer input. The apparatus includes a wearable glove constituted to sense the motions of the wearer's wrist and finger joints. Information regarding the motion of the wearer's joints is transmitted to a computer program which uses the method of the invention to interpret said motion as computer input such as might otherwise be provided by a computer keyboard and/or a computer mouse input device.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting defects on a painted workpiece surface. The system includes an elongated line of light having a pair of sharp transition zones. The line of light falls onto a moving substrate containing a plurality of workpieces to be inspected. An area detector receives light scattered by the workpiece surface. A first image is captured proximate one edge of the line of light and a second image is captured proximate the other. A defect on the workpiece produces characteristic shadow or backscatter patterns which vary between the first and second images. The shadow and backscatter patterns cause variations in the amplitude of light detected by the detector. The image data is then digitized and electronically processed by software which recognizes each defect, and characterizes the defect by type and/or size.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging the interior of a body part and self-focusing endoscopic probes for use therein are provided. The self-focusing endoscopic probe includes an array of optical fibers for transmitting light to illuminate the interior of the body part to obtain a corresponding reflected light signal. A first mechanism is provided for preventing a first portion of the reflected light signal from passing through a reflection plane so that sufficient focus is maintained over a predefined focal range. A second mechanism allows a second portion of the reflected light signal to pass through the reflection plane. A rod lens or an array of optical fibers transmits the second portion of the reflected light signal to a detector plane to form an image of the interior of the body part in the detector plane. An optical element substantially collimates the second portion of the reflected light signal into a beam having a cross-sectional area of a substantially fixed dimension.

Abstract: A method, system and light source provide concentrated illumination from a multi-fiber optical light guide suitable for use where intense illumination is needed. The light from a plurality of high-intensity light emitting diodes is physically coupled into a corresponding plurality of sub-millimeter diameter optical fibers. The optical fibers are combined with appropriate optics to form a flexible illumination system ideal for the intense illumination of small areas. This method and system are designed for applications such as medicine and dentistry where size, weight, wattage, lifetime, and operating temperature of the light source are important considerations.