Abstract: A video processor operating at camera frame rates is interposed between a camera and a vision system to enhance the signal for improved vision analysis, but always being transparent to the system. Alternatively, in some cases, the processor can be functionally tailored to perform the functions of and replace the vision system. The processor has a reconfigurable architecture to perform a different function in each video frame period, although it repetitively performs the same function on all the image pixels at clock rates within a frame period.The configuration of the processor is determined for each frame period by microinstructions embodied in a lookup table. Macroinstructions in another lookup table address the appropriate microinstruction set for a desired processor function.

Abstract: A method for automatically inspecting parts utilizing machine vision and system utilizing same are disclosed wherein a large variety of parts are inspected with a single optical setup at a vision station. Cameras and their respective illuminating lamps are located at the vision station. The inspection task requires multiple scenes or views to inspect part features such as inner and outer diameters, part height and concentricity. Initially, the system is taught which features of the parts are to be inspected by generating reference data. The reference data includes predetermined feature-detecting algorithms, model data defining typical features and limit data which is related to the allowable deviation of the features. The parts to be inspected are conveyed past the vision station. The signals from each of the active cameras are digitized and then processed by its own group of pipelined processors.

Abstract: A first linear sensor tracks the movement of an object through an inspection station and a second linear sensor views the object transverse to the object path to acquire a line image of the object, and a synchronizing arrangement responds to the sensed position of the object to trigger the second sensor at spaced object positions to obtain a plurality of line images which cummulatively represent the object image. The image is compared, line-by-line, as acquired with a stored model of the object to determine the correlation between the object and the model.

Abstract: The movement of an article such as a product carried by a conveyor is monitored by providing a patterned target, preferably striped with contrasting lines, to move with the object. A solid state line scan camera views the pattern of the target as it moves relative to the camera and the electronic output of the camera representing the light and dark areas of the target is analyzed by an electronic circuit to determined the movement of the target and therefore of the object being monitored. The resulting electronic signal representing the motion of the object is useful for coordinating the movement of a robot which is operating upon the object during its movement.