Abstract: A multi-resolution lens system includes a relay lens configured to be directed toward a field-of-view (FOV) and receive a first plurality of image photons emanating from the FOV, a high-resolution lens positioned to receive a second plurality of image photons from the FOV and to pass the second plurality of image photons toward the relay lens, and a shutter device positioned to receive over an area thereof the image photons of the FOV that pass through the relay lens, and simultaneously receive overlaid on a portion of the area thereof the image photons from the portion of the FOV that pass through the high-resolution lens and toward the relay lens.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes a birefringent element, a light modulating element, and a polarizer element. The birefringent element is configured for decomposing un-polarized light into first linear polarized light and second linear polarized light under different refractive indexes to respectively form a first focal length and a second focal length in the optical imaging system. The light modulating element is configured for modulating a state of polarization of the first and second linear polarized light in response to control signals. The polarizer element is configured for filtering out one of the modulated first and second linear polarized light for creating a single image.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for contactless fingerprint detection and verification comprising illuminating a fingerprint and directing a reflected light through an imaging system using liquid crystal panels and birefringent elements to polarize the light. A plurality of polarized images are captured and used to calculate the depth of structural features on the fingertip. A means to generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of the fingerprint is also provided which may then be used for verification and authentication. The invention also provides an imaging system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An optical gage (10) with a small field of view for three-dimensional surface profile measurement includes a projector (20) having a light source (22) and projection optics (28, 30, 42) that guide light along a projection light path. An optical grating device (34) is arranged in the projection light path and modifies the projection light distribution to project a structured light pattern (46). A phase shifting apparatus (47) shifts the structured light pattern to at least three positions with desired phase shift on said surface (80) to be measured. A viewer (50) includes viewing optics with a viewing light path that is non-parallel to the projection light path, a light sensing array (58) for sensing images of diffuse reflections of the structured light patterns from said surface, and a camera (57) for recording the images.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a positionable device configured to axially shift an image plane, wherein the image plane is generated from photons emanating from an object and passing through a lens, a detector plane positioned to receive the photons of the object that pass through the lens, and a computer programmed to characterize the lens as a mathematical function, acquire two or more elemental images of the object with the image plane of each elemental image at different axial positions with respect to the detector plane, determine a focused distance of the object from the lens, based on the characterization of the lens and based on the two or more elemental images acquired, and generate a depth map of the object based on the determined distance.

Abstract: A system and method for contactless handprint capture is disclosed that includes an image capture device to capture whole handprint images of a subject hand at each of a plurality of different focal distances, with the image capture device including an imaging camera and an electro-optics arrangement having a plurality of light modulating elements and polarization sensitive optical elements having differing optical path lengths based on polarization states. A control system is coupled to the image capture device to cause the device to capture the handprint images at each of the different focal distances, with each handprint image having a depth-of-focus that overlaps with a depth-of-focus of handprint images at adjacent focal distances such that redundant handprint image data is captured. The control system registers each handprint image with positional data and creates a composite handprint image from the handprint images captured at the different focal distances.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for forming multiple images of an object comprising a plurality of depth segments. An optical system comprises an infinity optical subsystem and a multi-image optical subsystem. The infinity optical subsystem is configured to receive light from the object and form a first image focussed at infinity. A multi-image optical subsystem is configured to receive the first image and form multiple images via multiple focussing lenses. Each multiple image can correspond to a different depth segment. A portion of the light from the first image can also be filtered before entering a focussing lens. Multiple images under different filtering conditions, corresponding to different depth segments or to the same depth segment, can be formed.

Abstract: A probe system includes an imager and an inspection light source. The probe system is configured to operate in an inspection mode and a measurement mode. During inspection mode, the inspection light source is enabled. During measurement mode, the inspection light source is disabled, and a structured-light pattern is projected. The probe system is further configured to capture at least one measurement mode image. In the at least one measurement mode image, the structured-light pattern is projected onto an object. The probe system is configured to utilize pixel values from the at least one measurement mode image to determine at least one geometric dimension of the object. A probe system configured to detect relative movement between a probe and the object between captures of two or more of a plurality of images is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring creep in a moving object are provided. The creep monitoring system includes a creep sensor assembly formed onto a surface of an object rotatable about an axis, the creep sensor assembly includes at least one of an image pattern and a radio frequency interrogatable circuit. The creep monitoring system also includes an online monitoring system communicatively coupled to the creep sensor assembly. The online monitoring system configured to collect information from the creep sensor assembly relative to an amount and a rate of creep of the object. The creep monitoring system also includes a processor programmed to receive the information, correct the information for movement of the creep sensor assembly during the collection, and determine a creep rate, a crack presence, and a temperature of the object simultaneously.

Abstract: A cutting tool abnormality sensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an image pickup device for taking individual images of teeth of the cutting tool. The apparatus further includes a triggering mechanism for triggering the image pickup device each time a tooth passes along a field of view of the image pickup device. One or more light sources are provided to illuminate the cutting tool. Further, the apparatus includes an image processor to process one or more criteria in the individual images for quantifying an extent of abnormality in the cutting tool.

Abstract: An automated system for inspecting a porous substrate using a sample, comprising, a delivery device positioned to apply the sample to a target point on the porous substrate along a sample axis; an imaging device and one or more lenses, positioned so that the imaging device and the lens each has a focus axis that is offset from the sample axis, and have a viewing focal point that is substantially the same as the target point; a light source that is offset from the delivery device to illuminate the surface target; and a processor comprising a data acquisition and control system that coordinates timing and automation of the delivery and imaging devices, and determines one or more characteristics of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A distance measurement system comprises an optical distance sensor configured to generate a light beam, a first optical module, and a processor. The first optical module is configured to receive the light beam, and generate and selectively transmit a plurality of light beams having different light channels for projection onto one or more points of an object to generate one or more reflected light beams scattered from the respective one or more points of the object, and capture and transmit the one or more reflected light beams into the optical distance sensor to retrieve a plurality of distance data to the respective one or more points of the object. The processor is configured to process the distance data to determine position information of the respective one or more points of the object. A distance measurement method is also presented.

Abstract: A measurement system comprising a light source unit, a projection unit and an optics unit is disclosed. The light source unit is configured to generate a plurality of modulated phase shifted light beams. The projection unit is configured to reflect the modulated phase shifted light beams onto an object surface. The optics unit is configured to capture the modulated phase shifted light beams from the object surface. The measurement system further comprises a photodetector and a processor. The photodetector is configured to receive the modulated phase shifted light beams from the optics unit to generate electrical signals. The processor is configured to retrieve position information of the object surface based on the electrical signals from the photodetector. A measurement method is also presented.

Abstract: A system and method for contactless multi-fingerprint collection is disclosed. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system includes an imaging volume, a user interface configured to provide feedback to the subject regarding a proximity of a hand to a desired imaging location within the imaging volume, and at least one image capture device to capture images of each of the plurality of fingerprints at each of at least two different depths from the fingerprints. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system also includes a processor coupled to the at least one image capture device that is programmed to generate a composite image and a contour map of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the images captured at the at least two different depths and generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the composite image and the contour map.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of scribing a multilayer panel. The method comprises (a) providing a multilayer panel comprising a substrate layer, a transparent conductive layer disposed thereupon, a first semiconducting layer disposed upon the transparent conductive layer; (b) configuring the multilayer panel relative to a laser machining device, the machining device comprising a laser head and an optical sensor; (c) inducing a motion of the laser head relative to the multilayer panel such that a laser beam contacts the panel along a transverse line across the panel, the laser beam incident upon the panel having sufficient energy to ablate one or more layers of the multilayer panel within a zone irradiated by the laser beam irradiated to provide a scribed panel; (d) simultaneously irradiating the scribed panel with a first light source; and (e) detecting the light emerging from the scribed panel at the optical sensor in real time. Also provided is a system for scribing a multilayer panel.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for generating images of a sample wherein the system comprises an illumination source for illuminating the sample; an image viewing subsystem for capturing images from the sample; one or more liquid crystal panels and one or more birefringent elements, which are positioned between the sample and the image viewing subsystem, so that the images from the sample pass through the liquid crystal panels and the birefringent elements before reaching the image viewing subsystem; a device that changes one or more polarization states of the liquid crystal panels; and a controller that is configured to cause the device to change the polarization states of the liquid crystal panels.

Abstract: A method for extracting gash parameters of a cutting tool, comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, scanning two or more gash sections of the cutting tool to generate two or more gash section scanning point clouds, indexing multiple points of the gash section scanning point clouds, detecting multiple gash features using the indexed gash section scanning point clouds, projecting multiple point clouds of the gash features of the indexed gash section scanning point clouds to form one or more projected gash feature point clouds, identifying one or more types of the one or more projected gash feature point clouds, segmenting the one or more projected gash feature point clouds based on the type identification, and extracting one or more gash parameters based on the segmentation of the one or more projected gash feature point clouds. A system for extracting the parameters is also presented.

Abstract: A probe system includes an imager and an inspection light source. The probe system is configured to operate in an inspection mode and a measurement mode. During inspection mode, the inspection light source is enabled. During measurement mode, the inspection light source is disabled, and a structured-light pattern is projected. The probe system is further configured to capture at least one measurement mode image. In the at least one measurement mode image, the structured-light pattern is projected onto an object. The probe system is configured to utilize pixel values from the at least one measurement mode image to determine at least one geometric dimension of the object. A probe system configured to detect relative movement between a probe and the object between captures of two or more of a plurality of images is also provided.

Abstract: A portable wear quantification system includes a hand-held image acquisition device and a fixture. The fixture includes a first end coupled to the image acquisition device. A light source emits a light beam along an emission axis. A beam splitter is disposed at an angle with respect to an axis of view of the image acquisition device for directing the beam from the light source toward a portion of an object. A second end of the fixture is located on an opposite side of the beam splitter from the first end. The second end includes a platform that is configured to position the fixture with respect to the object. A channel extends from the first end to the second end along the axis of view of the image acquisition device.

Abstract: A multi-resolution lens system includes a relay lens configured to be directed toward a field-of-view (FOV) and receive a first plurality of image photons emanating from the FOV, a high-resolution lens positioned to receive a second plurality of image photons from the FOV and to pass the second plurality of image photons toward the relay lens, and a shutter device positioned to receive over an area thereof the image photons of the FOV that pass through the relay lens, and simultaneously receive overlaid on a portion of the area thereof the image photons from the portion of the FOV that pass through the high-resolution lens and toward the relay lens.