Abstract: A system, apparatus and method of performing 3-D object profile inter-planar estimation and/or range inter-planar estimation of objects within a scene, including: providing a predefined finite set of distinct types of features, resulting in feature types, each feature type being distinguishable according to a unique bi-dimensional formation; providing a coded light pattern having multiple appearances of the feature types; projecting the coded light pattern, having axially varying intensity, on objects within a scene, the scene having at least two planes, resulting in a first plane and a second plane; capturing a 2-D image of the objects having the projected coded light pattern projected thereupon, resulting in a captured 2-D image, the captured 2-D image including reflected feature types; determining intensity values of the 2-D captured image; and performing 3-D object profile inter-planar estimation and/or range inter-planar estimation of objects within the scene based on determined intensity values.

Abstract: A system for continuously processing successive workpieces along a production line having a loader for loading workpieces onto main conveyor for conveying through a workstation and an unloader for unloading a processed workpiece. The loading and unloading are achieved without disturbing the main conveyor during operation of the workstation so as not to vibrate the workpiece during operation of the workstation. According to one embodiment, the workpiece is a printed circuit board and the workstation is an optical inspecting system.