Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for performing basic training in a dynamic image recognition system, including collecting raw image data on a blank object, segmenting out a region of interest on the object, performing spatial image transforms to generate a set of derived spaces for the region of interest, generating a set of presence/absence features for the object by creating a set of presence/absence features, representing each significant presence/absence feature as one or more presence/absence boxes, building a blank object presence/absence score set, building an assembled board presence/absence score set, building a presence/absence knowledge base using the blank object presence/absence score set and the assembled object presence absence score set, and pruning each presence/absence box. The system and method further includes generating a set of polarity features from a first assembled object.

Abstract: An illumination system for inspection of devices is disclosed. The system includes a frame for positioning over an image area. A plurality of light source groups are coupled with the frame and are each configured to produce one or more wavelengths of light. Each light source group is configured to produce a wavelength of light which is not produced by another light source group.

Abstract: A user interface method and system are disclosed that allow for user selection on a display device of one or more functions performed via a computer in an automated optical inspection system. The user interface provides a real-time information display that makes apparent critical board inspection information and potential undesirable operating conditions so that corrective action can be rapidly initiated. The user interface includes one or more button icons respectively associated with the user selectable functions and at least one view area window for displaying information items. The information items displayed in a view window can be dynamically linked to provide interactivity between windows and simultaneous updating of related information items in all windows. A filter area window is used for selecting which information items to discriminate and display in the view windows.

Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for performing basic training in a dynamic image recognition system, including collecting raw image data on a blank object, segmenting out a region of interest on the object, performing spatial image transforms to generate a set of derived spaces for the region of interest, generating a set of presence/absence features for the object by creating a set of presence/absence features, representing each significant presence/absence feature as one or more presence/absence boxes, building a blank object presence/absence score set, building an assembled board presence/absence score set, building a presence/absence knowledge base using the blank object presence/absence score set and the assembled object presence absence score set, and pruning each presence/absence box. The system and method further includes generating a set of polarity features from a first assembled object.

Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for object inspection that includes an image recognition program stored on a tangible medium for classifying and subclassifying regions of interest on an image. The image recognition program can be used in an image inspection system to determine defects on objects such as printed wiring assemblies. The image recognition program is executable to collect raw image data, segment out rectangular regions of interest that can be component sites defined by CAD data, preprocess each region of interest by scaling, gain and offset correction, and gamma correction, generating a set of image spaces for each region of interest using a set of spatial image transforms, generating features on the image spaces, scoring the features, comparing the feature scores to a knowledge base of feature scores to make a class determination for the features, generating a presence/absence decision confidence for the features, calculating a class determination and decision confidence for each region of interest.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for providing wide angle illumination to objects to be inspected. The illumination system includes a dome light array having a plurality of rows where each row includes a plurality of lamps arranged in an arc about an imaging area (so that each lamp in the row is approximately the same distance from the imaging area) and all of the lamps in a row point to and illuminate the same point within the image area. The illumination system can include an aperture in the top of the dome light array through which a camera can image the object. Positioning each row of lamps in an arc about the image point provides various illumination angles to give a relatively uniform wide angle, yet intense, illumination to enhance automated PWB defect inspection.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for providing wide angle illumination to objects to be inspected. The illumination system includes a dome light array having a plurality of rows where each row includes a plurality of lamps arranged in an arc about an imaging area (so that each lamp in the row is approximately the same distance from the imaging area) and all of the lamps in a row point to and illuminate the same point within the image area. The illumination system can include an aperture in the top of the dome light array through which a camera can image the object. Positioning each row of lamps in an arc about the image point provides various illumination angles to give a relatively uniform wide angle, yet intense, illumination to enhance automated PWB defect inspection.

Abstract: A programmable Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) chip and method for the analog solution of a family of partial differential equations commonly encountered in engineering and scientific computing: The Laplace equation, the diffusion or conduction equation, the wave equation, the Poission equation, the modified diffusion equation, the modified wave equation, and the wave equation with damping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults in digital, analog, and hybrid integrated circuits is disclosed. A single test vector employing bias voltage on input used in conjunction with pulsing the power supply rails is used to allow detection of the various faults which may be present. The instantaneous rail current (i.sub.DD) is then employed for analysis of the circuit, preferably by neural network.

Abstract: An asynchronous temporal neural processing element. The processing element is useful in solving problems from the class of temporal signal processing problems and is modeled closely on the sub-cellular biology and electrophysiology of neurons having chemical synapses.