Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Skunes

Timothy A. Skunes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11029146
    Abstract: An optical phase profilometry system includes a first operative coaxial camera-projector pair aligned at a first angle relative to a target surface that projects a first illumination on the target surface and a second operative coaxial camera-projector pair aligned at a second angle relative to the target surface that projects a second illumination on the target surface. Wherein the first and second angles are equal and opposite to one another relative to the target surface such that the second operative coaxial camera-projector pair is configured to capture a first reflection from the first illumination and the first operative coaxial camera-projector pair is configured to capture a second reflection from the second illumination. The optical phase profilometry system further includes a controller configured to, based on the captured first and second reflections, generate a first and second estimation of the target surface and combine them to generate a dimensional profile of the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Haugen, Carl E. Haugen, Eric P. Rudd, Timothy A. Skunes
  • Publication number: 20200124407
    Abstract: An optical phase profilometry system includes a first operative coaxial camera-projector pair aligned at a first angle relative to a target surface that projects a first illumination on the target surface and a second operative coaxial camera-projector pair aligned at a second angle relative to the target surface that projects a second illumination on the target surface. Wherein the first and second angles are equal and opposite to one another relative to the target surface such that the second operative coaxial camera-projector pair is configured to capture a first reflection from the first illumination and the first operative coaxial camera-projector pair is configured to capture a second reflection from the second illumination. The optical phase profilometry system further includes a controller configured to, based on the captured first and second reflections, generate a first and second estimation of the target surface and combine them to generate a dimensional profile of the target surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Paul R. Haugen, Evan J. Ribnick, Carl E. Haugan, Eric P. Rudd, Timothy A. Skunes
  • Patent number: 8872912
    Abstract: An electronics assembly line includes a first electronics assembly machine and a second electronics assembly machine. The first electronics assembly machine has a first electronics assembly machine outlet. The second electronics assembly machine has a second electronics assembly machine inlet and outlet. The inlet of the second electronics assembly machine is coupled to the outlet of the first electronics assembly machine by a conveyor. A first optical inspection sensor is disposed over the conveyor before the inlet of the second electronics assembly and is configured to provide first sensor inspection image data relative to a substrate that passes beneath the first optical inspection sensor in a non-stop fashion. A second optical inspection sensor is disposed over the conveyor after the outlet of the second electronics assembly machine and is configured to provide second sensor inspection image data relative to a substrate that passes beneath the second optical inspection sensor in a non-stop fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Todd D. Liberty, Timothy A. Skunes, Carl E. Haugan, Chuanqi Chen, Beverly Caruso
  • Patent number: 8681211
    Abstract: An optical inspection system for inspecting a substrate is provided. The system includes an array of cameras configured to acquire a plurality of sets of images as the substrate and the array undergo relative motion with respect to each other. At least one focus actuator is operably coupled to each camera of the array of cameras to cause displacement of at least a portion of each camera that affects focus. A substrate range calculator is configured to receive at least portions of images from the array and to calculate range between the array of cameras and the substrate. A controller is coupled to the array of cameras and to the range calculator. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to each of the at least one focus actuator to adaptively focus each camera of the array during the relative motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Haugan, Timothy A. Skunes, Beverly Caruso
  • Patent number: 8388204
    Abstract: An optical inspection system and method are provided. A workpiece transport moves a workpiece in a nonstop manner. An illuminator includes a light pipe and is configured to provide a first and second strobed illumination field types. First and second arrays of cameras are arranged to provide stereoscopic imaging of the workpiece. The first array of cameras is configured to generate a first plurality of images of the workpiece with the first illumination field and a second plurality of images of the feature with the second illumination field. The second array of cameras is configured to generate a third plurality of images of the workpiece with the first illumination field and a fourth plurality of images of the feature with the second illumination field. A processing device stores at least some of the first, second, third, and fourth pluralities of images and provides the images to an other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Haugan, Timothy A. Skunes, Paul R. Haugen, Eric P. Rudd, Beverly Caruso
  • Publication number: 20120327215
    Abstract: An optical inspection sensor is provided. The sensor includes an array of cameras configured to acquire image data relative to a workpiece that moves relative to the array of cameras in a non-stop fashion. An illumination system is disposed to provide a pulse of illumination when the array of cameras acquires the image data. At least some image data includes data regarding a skip mark or barcode on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Beverly Caruso, Todd D. Liberty, Timothy A. Skunes, Carl E. Haugan, Chuanqi Chen, Hiroshi Anzai
  • Publication number: 20120133920
    Abstract: An optical inspection system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) transport and an illuminator that provides at least a first strobed illumination field. The illuminator includes a light pipe having a first end proximate the PCB, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the first end. An array of cameras is configured to digitally image the PCB and to generate a plurality of images of the PCB with the at least first strobed illumination field type. At least one structured light projector is disposed to project structured illumination on the PCB. The at least one array of cameras is configured to digitally image the PCB while the PCB is illuminated with structured light, to provide a plurality of structured light images. A processing device is configured to generate an inspection result as a function of the plurality of images and the plurality of structured light images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy A. Skunes, Carl E. Haugan, Paul R. Haugan, Eric P. Rudd, Steven K. Case, Beverly Caruso
  • Publication number: 20110102575
    Abstract: An electronics assembly line includes a first electronics assembly machine and a second electronics assembly machine. The first electronics assembly machine has a first electronics assembly machine outlet. The second electronics assembly machine has a second electronics assembly machine inlet and outlet. The inlet of the second electronics assembly machine is coupled to the outlet of the first electronics assembly machine by a conveyor. A first optical inspection sensor is disposed over the conveyor before the inlet of the second electronics assembly and is configured to provide first sensor inspection image data relative to a substrate that passes beneath the first optical inspection sensor in a non-stop fashion. A second optical inspection sensor is disposed over the conveyor after the outlet of the second electronics assembly machine and is configured to provide second sensor inspection image data relative to a substrate that passes beneath the second optical inspection sensor in a non-stop fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Beverly Caruso, Todd D. Liberty, Timothy A. Skunes, Carl E. Haugan, Chuanqi Chen
  • Publication number: 20110090333
    Abstract: An optical inspection system for inspecting a substrate is provided. The system includes an array of cameras configured to acquire a plurality of sets of images as the substrate and the array undergo relative motion with respect to each other. At least one focus actuator is operably coupled to each camera of the array of cameras to cause displacement of at least a portion of each camera that affects focus. A substrate range calculator is configured to receive at least portions of images from the array and to calculate range between the array of cameras and the substrate. A controller is coupled to the array of cameras and to the range calculator. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to each of the at least one focus actuator to adaptively focus each camera of the array during the relative motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Carl E. Haugan, Steven K. Case, Beverly Caruso, Timothy A. Skunes
  • Publication number: 20110069154
    Abstract: An optical inspection system and method are provided. A workpiece transport moves a workpiece in a nonstop manner. An illuminator includes a light pipe and is configured to provide a first and second strobed illumination field types. First and second arrays of cameras are arranged to provide stereoscopic imaging of the workpiece. The first array of cameras is configured to generate a first plurality of images of the workpiece with the first illumination field and a second plurality of images of the feature with the second illumination field. The second array of cameras is configured to generate a third plurality of images of the workpiece with the first illumination field and a fourth plurality of images of the feature with the second illumination field. A processing device stores at least some of the first, second, third, and fourth pluralities of images and provides the images to an other device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Beverly Caruso, Carl E. Haugan, Timothy A. Skunes, Paul R. Haugen
  • Publication number: 20100295935
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing component offset and orientation when held on a nozzle of a pick and place machine is provided. The sensor includes a plurality of two-dimensional cameras, a backlight illuminator and a controller. Each camera has a field of view that includes a nozzle of the pick and place machine. The backlight illuminator is configured to direct illumination toward the plurality of two-dimensional cameras. The backlight illuminator is positioned on an opposite side of a nozzle from the plurality of two-dimensional cameras. The controller is coupled to the plurality of two-dimensional cameras and the backlight illuminator. The controller is configured to determine offset and orientation information of the component(s) based upon a plurality of backlit shadow images detected by the plurality of two-dimensional cameras. The controller provides the offset and orientation information to a controller of the pick and place machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Timothy A. Skunes, David W. Duquette, Sean D. Smith, Beverly Caruso
  • Patent number: 7813559
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of determining a location of a component on a workpiece. A before-placement standard image is acquired of an intended placement location on a standard workpiece. Then, a standard component is placed upon the standard workpiece and the placement is verified. An after-placement standard image is acquired and a standard difference image is created from the before and after standard images. Then, a before-placement test image is acquired of an intended placement location on the workpiece. A component is then placed upon the workpiece, and after-placement test image is acquired. A test difference image is created from the before and after test images. A first offset is calculated between the before standard difference image and the before test image. Then, the test difference is transformed based on the first offset to generate a difference test image (DTR) that is registered to the standard difference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Duquette, Eric P. Rudd, Thomas W. Bushman, Swaminathan Manickam, Timothy A. Skunes, Steven K. Case
  • Patent number: 7369334
    Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modules and an alignment compensation module. Each optical module includes an optical component fixedly coupled to a relative reference mount. The relative reference mount is configured to attach to a substrate. A plurality of optical modules mount on the substrate to form the optical device. The alignment compensation module removes residual alignment errors of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Cyberoptics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Timothy A. Skunes, Michael Knipfer, Gregory S. Mowry
  • Patent number: 7010855
    Abstract: An optical module for use in an optical device is provided. The module includes an optical component and relative reference mount. The optical component is fixed spacially relative to a registration feature. The registration feature is configured to couple to a fixed reference mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Gregory S. Mowry, Timothy A. Skunes
  • Publication number: 20050276464
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of determining a location of a component on a workpiece. A before-placement standard image is acquired of an intended placement location on a standard workpiece. Then, a standard component is placed upon the standard workpiece and the placement is verified. An after-placement standard image is acquired and a standard difference image is created from the before and after standard images. Then, a before-placement test image is acquired of an intended placement location on the workpiece. A component is then placed upon the workpiece, and after-placement test image is acquired. A test difference image is created from the before and after test images. A first offset is calculated between the before standard difference image and the before test image. Then, the test difference is transformed based on the first offset to generate a difference test image (DTR) that is registered to the standard difference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: David Duquette, Eric Rudd, Thomas Bushman, Swaminathan Manickam, Timothy Skunes, Steven Case
  • Patent number: 6971164
    Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modules. Each optical module includes an optical component fixedly coupled to a relative reference mount. The relative reference mount is configured to attach to a substrate. A plurality of optical modules mount on the substrate to form the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Gregory S. Mowry, Timothy A. Skunes
  • Publication number: 20050249464
    Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modules and an alignment compensation module. Each optical module includes an optical component fixedly coupled to a relative reference mount. The relative reference mount is configured to attach to a substrate. A plurality of optical modules mount on the substrate to form the optical device. The alignment compensation module removes residual alignment errors of the optical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Case, Timothy Skunes, Michael Knipfer, Gregory Mowry
  • Patent number: 6956999
    Abstract: An optical device includes a fixed reference. A first optical module has a first optical component prealigned with respect to a reference feature, the first optical module is subsequently mounted to a first predetermined location on the fixed reference. A second optical module has second optical component prealigned with respect to a reference feature, the second optical module mounted to a second predetermined location on the fixed reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Timothy A. Skunes, Gregory S. Mowry
  • Publication number: 20040264870
    Abstract: An optical alignment mount for adjusting a height of an optical component includes a component mount adapted to receive an optical component. A height of the optical component in the mount can be adjusted and fixed as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy A. Skunes, John P. Konicek, Michael Knipfer
  • Publication number: 20040212802
    Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modules and an alignment compensation module. Each optical module includes an optical component fixedly coupled to a relative reference mount. The relative reference mount is configured to attach to a substrate. A plurality of optical modules mount on the substrate to form the optical device. The alignment compensation module removes residual alignment errors of the optical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Timothy A. Skunes, Michael Knipfer, Gregory S. Mowry