Abstract: A system for high-speed inspection is provided. The system includes a digital camera focused on an inspection location and generating image data. An array of light emitting diodes generates light beams, and one or two lenses collimate the light beams. The angle of incidence of the collimated light on an item at the inspection location is greater than approximately 50 degrees, such as to avoid flashing which can be created by coating on the inspection item or other surface effects. The collimating lenses have a center hole and the digital camera is focused on the inspection location through the center hole.

Abstract: A method of optically inspecting a fastener to determine whether it meets two or more dimensional parameters is provided. The method includes using centrifugal force to place the fastener in a predetermined location. Two or more sets of image data of the fastener are generated from two or more corresponding different angles. Fastener pass/fail data is generated using a dimensional requirement associated with each set of image data.

Abstract: A system for generating high resolution image data using a low resolution image sensor is provided. The system includes an image sensor array and an image size system determining a pixel resolution area. An image target system determines a desired pixel resolution area, and an image sensor array placement system determines two or more locations for an image sensor array based on the pixel resolution area and the desired pixel resolution area. An image composition system receives first image data of a target from the image sensor array at a first location and second image data of the target from the image sensor array at a second location and combines the first image data and the second image data to form composite image data having an effective pixel resolution area less than the pixel resolution area.

Abstract: A system for high-speed inspection is provided. The system includes a digital camera focused on an inspection location and generating image data. An array of light emitting diodes generates light beams, and one or two lenses collimate the light beams. The angle of incidence of the collimated light on an item at the inspection location is greater than approximately 50 degrees, such as to avoid flashing which can be created by coating on the inspection item or other surface effects. The collimating lenses have a center hole and the digital camera is focused on the inspection location through the center hole.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided. The system includes a rotating prism having a first end and a second end. The first end receives a first image area, such as a circular view, and rotates about a center point so as to cover a field of view area that is larger than the first image area, such as a larger circle that is defined by the smaller circle of view as it rotates around the center point. The second end remains centered on the center point and provides a viewing area that does not change in dimension. An image data system at the second end of the rotating prism generates image data as the prism rotates so as to generate two or more sets of image data that are contained within the field of view area.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical element (OE) which can serve as an optical analogue to digital converter (OADC) and/or an optical digital to analogue converter (ODAC), and uses therefor. The OE can be usefully employed in a variety of applications to transform analogue information present in a light wave front into digital light signals and/or to transform digital information into analogue information in the form of the physical parameters of a light wave front.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical element (OE) which can serve as an optical analogue to digital converter (OADC) and/or an optical digital to analogue converter (ODAC), and uses therefor. The OE can be usefully employed in a variety of applications to transform analogue information present in a light wave front into digital light signals and/or to transform digital information into analogue information in the form of the physical parameters of a light wave front.