Abstract: The method and apparatus herein described, and methods and apparatus similar to same, provide a novel method of extracting bar code information from surfaces where the codes are formed by either depressions or bumps on a surface. One particular embodiment is the extraction of DataMatrix 2D bar code patterns and subsequent analysis for content from markings made on forged steel parts that have surface defects that render current state of the art readers ineffective. The method and apparatus described in the present invention disclose differences from the current state of the art in that the present method provides for analysis if images arising from surface morphology itself instead of simply contrast in a standard camera image brought out by typical directional or specifically non-directional illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating gears includes an imaging system that provides a non-contact method of evaluating gear meshing using technology that is quick, robust, and provides information not available at production rates from human inspection. The method and apparatus includes one or more imaging devices, illumination, and a computer program to rapidly evaluate the quality of gear set meshing, and which anticipates the move to three-dimensional imaging to permit upstream evaluation of gear quality prior to mating.