Abstract: An arrangement for steering the laser beam, in an active optical triangulation method based on three-dimensional sensors, along paths which are sensitive to the context of the scene of interest, and alleviating the need to undergo a search path by the sensor. A conventional video camera is used to preview the scene of interest and the resultant intensity image is processed to locate the desired path based on the scene context. The sensory system is modeled to enable determination of the instantaneous angular deflections of the laser beam along with the translation of the laser source that can shift the nominal or actual data acquisition path to the desired data acquisition path.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of an energy polarization altering dielectric material, such as ice or snow, on a surface, such as a part of an aircraft, which normally specularly reflects incident energy, such as light, when there is no such dielectric present. The energy is conveyed from a transmitter along a path to the surface and the incident energy is reflected from the surface along a path to a receiver with a dielectric on the surface destroying any polarization, such as circular, of the energy and that reflected from a specular portion maintaining the polarization. An optical system in one or both of the paths operates in an isolator state to produce an image of the dielectric portion having a first intensity level and that of the specular portion passing through the optical system having a different intensity level.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of an energy polarization altering dielectric material, such as ice or snow, on a surface, such as a part of an aircraft, which normally specularly reflects incident energy, such as light, when there is no such dielectric present. The energy is conveyed from a transmitter along a path to the surface and the incident energy is reflected from the surface along a path to a receiver with a dielectric on the surface destroying any polarization, such as circular, of the energy and that reflected from a specular portion maintaining the polarization. An optical system in one or both of the paths operates in an isolator state to produce an image of the dielectric portion having a first intensity level and that of the specular portion passing through the optical system having a different intensity level.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of an energy polarization altering dielectric material, such as ice or snow, on a surface, such as a part of an aircraft, which normally specularly reflects incident energy, such as light, when there is no such dielectric present. The energy is conveyed from a transmitter along a path to the surface and the incident energy is reflected from the surface along a path to a receiver with a dielectric on the surface destroying any polarization, such as circular, of the energy and that reflected from a specular portion maintaining the polarization. An optical system in one or both of the paths operates in an isolator state to produce an image of the dielectric portion having a first intensity level and that of the specular portion passing through the optical system having a different intensity level.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to efficiently use 3-D vision systems to measure selected features of objects that are semi-constrained in compartmented trays having a uniform geometric arrangement. The methods are particularly well suited for optimizing the 3-D measurement of leads on integrated circuit devices which are packaged in trays. For obtaining the three-dimensional data, a multi-pocketed tray is provided with tray pockets arranged in rows and columns. Corresponding sides of the multiple parts or devices in a row or column are scanned sequentially with at least one three-dimensional sensor. This scanning procedure is repeated for all rows and columns containing sides of the devices from which data is to be obtained. The devices can be first aligned by applying directional vibration to the tray to drive all the parts or devices to the same corner or side of the respective pockets.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to efficiently use 3-D vision systems to measure selected features of objects that are semi-constrained in compartmented trays having a uniform geometric arrangement. The methods are particularly well suited for optimizing the 3-D measurement of leads on integrated circuit devices which are packaged in trays.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical measurement system, where it is desired to move the light beam or plane to more than one position to increase the amount of data acquired. A rotating disk is provided with segments of lenses, zone plates or other rotationally invariant grating patterns on it. The beam or plane is passed through the segments as the disk rotates and is deflected to predetermined angles. The accurate repeatablility of this arrangement allows the use of calibration data and encoding of the light planes for ambiguity resolution to provide an accurate measurement system. Diverging beam light sources are readily accommodated. Similarly translating frames with segments of translationally invariant lenses or grating patterns may be used. Two-dimensional holographic gratings may be used to generate raster scans.

Abstract: A pressure profile versus flow rate is determined for a flow control system using positive displacement or a flow meter to measure flow. The profile is used as a pressure reference for closed loop pressure control of flow during the transient period following a change in commanded flow rate to reduce the time required to reach the new flow rate with compressible fluids and compliant output lines. Alternatively the pressure profile is automatically determined and updated continuously to adapt to environmental conditions affecting the accuracy of pressure controlled fluid flow.

Abstract: A stream calibration arrangement for visually determining the position and orientation of a sprayed material stream. Use of a stream calibration fixture to determine adjustments to an adjustable spray gun mount to realign a spray stream without altering the taught path of a robot carrying the spray gun. Alternatively, the stream is realigned by altering the taught robot path and requiring no gun mount adjustment. Stream realignment is also carried out automatically with and without gun mount adjustments. Machine vision is used for automatic stream realignment.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical measurement system, where it is desired to move the light beam or plane to more than one position to increase the amount of data acquired. A rotating disk is provided with segments of lenses, zone plates or other rotationally invariant grating patterns on it. The beam or plane is passed through the segments as the disk rotates and is deflected to predetermined angles. The accurate repeatability of this arrangement allows the use of calibration data and encoding of the light planes for ambiguity resolution to provide an accurate measurement system. Diverging beam light sources are readily accommodated. Similarly translating frames with segments of translationally invariant lenses or grating patterns may be used. Two-dimensional holographic gratings may be used to generate raster scans.

Abstract: Arrangements for detecting the presence of an opaque object in an area, such as a person in a robotic work cell. Multiple light sources, light reflecting surfaces, light boxes with hole patterns or fiber optic light sources are spaced around the perimeter of the area and imaged by a camera. The change of the camera signal from its normal condition is used to interrupt power to safeguard personnel and/or machinery.

Abstract: Two embodiments for enhancing the detection of a selected area on a surface that may produce specular reflection. In the first embodiment the selected area is coated with a material which will only reflect incident radiation over a narrow band of frequencies and the surface is irradiated with a broadband radiation source that includes the reflectance band of the coating. The irradiated surface is imaged on an imaging device such as a TV camera through a filter selected to reject all but the narrow band of frequencies reflected from the selected area. Further enhancement is provided by comparing the results with those from the same signals filtered by a filter that is the complement of the first. Standard signal processing can then be applied.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid in which the fluid is allowed to flow through a selected number of parallel paths of various flow capacities as determined by restricting orifices and cutoff valves. Accurate volume/length of fluid is dispensed at variable velocities by controlling both applicator velocity and flow rate. An arrangement is also provided for controlling the shape of the deposited fluid employing controlled air flow confinement.

Abstract: An arrangement for scanning the measurement field of view of a three-dimensional measurement system, in which the measurement system is pivoted through a relatively small motion to scan a relatively large area of volume. The measurement system is rotated via a control unit which accurately controls the rotation. Mathematical corrections are applied to determine the true measured coordinates.

Abstract: An arrangement for 3-D optical measurement systems employing scanned light beams or planes. A lens used to image projected light that is reflected from a measured surface, is moved onto a light-sensitive detector. The lens movement is coordinated with the movement of the projected light beam or plane to assure that the image on the detector remains in sharp focus at all times. The sharp focus is maintained by moving the detector in coordination with the movement of the projected light beam or plane, or by changing the effective optical path lengths to the detector in coordination with the movement of the projected light beam or plane.

Abstract: An arrangement in which three-dimensional measurement sensors are calibrated using linear translation of three flat plates, one orthogonal to the path, one sloping vertically, one sloping horizontally. Sensors for which linear interpolation applies need only calibrate two surfaces of the sensor volume for complete calibration. Two flat surfaces are adequate for calibrating a volume if one surface is used twice.

Abstract: A pattern of light is projected upon a surface to be measured which may be devoid of surface detail. A sharply focused image of the surface provides distance discrimination. Although the projected pattern may be separate from the imaging optics, a common optics path removes distortion, provides maximum sensitivity and eliminates processing for misalignment between projector and imager. Sequential cross-correlation, synchronous detection or percent modulation processing methods may be readily implemented to develop three-dimensional coordinates relative to the sensor for all in-focus regions of the image. Refocusing the lens provides depth coverage. The amount of data can be increased by adapting the projected pattern to produce a maximum of detail in the direction of minimum rate of change of depth of the surface being measured.

Abstract: Arrangements for detecting the presence of an opaque object in an area, such as a person in a robotic work cell. Multiple light sources, light reflecting surfaces, light boxes with hole patterns or fiber optic light sources are spaced around the perimeter of the area and imaged by a camera. The change of the camera signal from its normal condition is used to interrupt power to safeguard personnel and/or machinery.

Abstract: An arrangement for scanning the measurement field of view of an optical measurement system, in which one or more reflecting surfaces are placed within the optical path(s) of an optical measurement system. The reflecting surface is rotated and/or translated through a control unit which controls accurately the rotating and/or translating motion. Mathematical corrections are applied to determine the true measured coordinates. The view direction of the optical measurement system is diverted by the reflecting surface mounted on a precision mechanism for scanning the view in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Three-dimensional surface measurements are made in the presence of interfering background light such as weld arc glare by scanning the surface with a narrow light beam and synchronously masking the image of the illuminated surface to block all light within the area of expected light returned by the surface from the scanned light beam. The masking is moved synchronously across the image area as the expected returned light follows the scanned path of the scanning light beam. Masking is accomplished mechanically or by electro-optic devices.