Abstract: An apparatus and method for computing a three dimensional model of a surface of an object are disclosed. At least one directional energy source (106-109) directionally illuminates the object (101). An imaging assembly (104), having at least two spatially separated viewpoints (111,112) at fixed positions relative to each other, records a series of images of the object at each viewpoint when the object is illuminated by the source. At least one localisation template (102,103) having predetermined geometrical features is visible to at least one of the viewpoints simultaneously with the object. The images recorded at the viewpoints are analysed so as to determine the location and pose of each viewpoint relative to the template for each image in the series of images. Photometric data for the object is generated using the calculated location and pose of the viewpoints and the image data.

Abstract: A heliostat includes a joint with a range of motion in both elevation and azimuth of more than 90 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for computing a three dimensional model of a surface of an object are disclosed. At least one directional energy source (106-109) directionally illuminates the object (101). An imaging assembly (104), having at least two spatially separated viewpoints (111,112) at fixed positions relative to each other, records a series of images of the object at each viewpoint when the object is illuminated by the source. At least one localisation template (102,103) having predetermined geometrical features is visible to at least one of the viewpoints simultaneously with the object. The images recorded at the viewpoints are analysed so as to determine the location and pose of each viewpoint relative to the template for each image in the series of images. Photometric data for the object is generated using the calculated location and pose of the viewpoints and the image data.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the temperature profile of the surface being sprayed or otherwise treated, the apparatus comprising four electric arc spray guns (1) spraying molten steel. The guns (1) are connected to a six-axis industrial robot (2) which is adapted to move them over the surface of the ceramic substrate (3). The metal deposited by the spray builds up a metal shell referred to as the sprayform. The temperature profile of the sprayform surface (3) is recorded periodically by a thermal imaging camera (4) positioned directly above the surface (3). The apparatus includes a pruning filter for receiving each pixel of an image captured by the camera (4) and for applying at least a lower temperature limit to it so as to reject or disregard any pixels determined to have a temperature less than the lower temperature limit.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the temperature profile of the surface being sprayed or otherwise treated, the apparatus comprising four electric arc spray guns (1) spraying molten steel. The guns (1) are connected to a six-axis industrial robot (2) which is adapted to move them over the surface of the ceramic substrate.(3). The metal deposited by the spray builds up a metal shell referred to as the sprayform. The temperature profile of the sprayform surface (3) is recorded periodically by a thermal imaging camera (4) positioned directly above the surface (3). When the field of view of the camera (4) is not obscured by the robot (2), the arc spray guns (1) or their cables (5), the thermal image of the whole sprayform surface (3) can be recorded.