Abstract: A test device including two measuring systems is provided. The test device includes a first measuring system which is configured for leakage testing of a test object, and a second measuring system which is configured for dimensional checking of the test object. The first measuring system has at least one connecting region, by which a test medium can be introduced into the test object. The test object can be set into rotation via the at least one connection region, on which the dimensional checking is based.

Abstract: A LiDAR readout circuit is described. The readout circuit comprises an SiPM sensor for detecting photons and generating an SIPM analog output signal. A plurality of comparators are provided each having an associated threshold value and being configured to compare the SiPM analog output signal with their associated threshold value and generate a comparison signal. A time to digital converter is configured to receive the comparison signals from the plurality of comparators.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device and method for improved operating of cameras and light sources of a mobile automation apparatus. Light sources are operated to periodically provide illumination light for a camera operating according to a given exposure time and frequency, with a pulse duration having a respective frequency that is an integer multiple of the camera frequency, and higher than a threshold frequency where successive activations of the light sources are imperceptible. Furthermore, a light source paired with a camera is located at a distance from the paired camera that illuminates an object imaged by the paired camera, and where parasitic reflections from the paired light source are not reflected into the paired camera.

Abstract: This tool exchange device for a machine tool uses an exchange arm to exchange tools between a processing area and a tool accommodation area which are partitioned by a partition wall provided with an opening and a shutter capable of opening and closing the opening. In the tool exchange device, an imaging device is used to capture an image of a tool in the tool accommodation area, the length of the tool is calculated from the captured image of the tool, the opening width of the shutter is determined in accordance with the length of the tool, and the shutter is opened to the determined opening width.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an elongated part measuring apparatus including an elongated frame, an elongated transparent part supporter supported by the frame and configured to support an elongated part (such as a guide wire or mandrel), an elongated movable part straightener pivotally connected to and supported by the frame, and a movable optical measurer movably connected to and supported by the frame and configured to take multiple spaced apart outer dimensional measurements of the elongated part (whether uncoated or coated).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber inserting apparatus comprising: a fiber clamp; a ferrule clamp opposite to the fiber clamp; and a clamp control controlling relative movement of the fiber clamp and the ferrule clamp on the rails, wherein a fiber inserting operation is performed based on the relative movement towards each other between the fiber clamp and the ferrule clamp. The fiber inserting apparatus may further comprise a straightening section comprising a chamber, elongated slots extending in a fiber inserting direction, a first drive for driving the chamber in a first direction so that the elongated slots move close to and away from the end of the bare fiber, and a second drive driving the chamber to move backwards and forwards in the fiber inserting direction, wherein the elongated slots are in communication with the chamber and a pressure in the chamber is smaller than that in the elongated slots when inserting the fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber inserting apparatus comprising: a fiber clamp; a ferrule clamp opposite to the fiber clamp; and a clamp control controlling relative movement of the fiber clamp and the ferrule clamp on the rails, wherein a fiber inserting operation is performed based on the relative movement towards each other between the fiber clamp and the ferrule clamp. The fiber inserting apparatus may further comprise a straightening section comprising a chamber, elongated slots extending in a fiber inserting direction, a first drive for driving the chamber in a first direction so that the elongated slots move close to and away from the end of the bare fiber, and a second drive driving the chamber to move backwards and forwards in the fiber inserting direction, wherein the elongated slots are in communication with the chamber and a pressure in the chamber is smaller than that in the elongated slots when inserting the fiber.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for measuring a mail size and acquiring mail information. The apparatus and method measure a mail size, recognize or read out specific information extracted from image information of a photographed mail, and acquire information necessary for receiving and delivering the mail. Accordingly, a height and length of a mail can be efficiently measured a narrow space, and an accuracy of the measurement can be enhanced. When specific information is extracted from photographed mail image information, information necessary for receipt and delivery of a mail can be more easily acquired by using a method of reading out or recognizing the extracted specific information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance adaptive 3D camera capable of photographing a 3D image regardless of a distance to an object, the camera including a guide axis, a driving unit rotating a guide axis, a first camera module unit mounted at the guide axis to photograph a first image, and a second camera module unit mounted at the guide axis to photograph a second image, wherein the first and second camera module units are made to move on the guide axis to distance or near therebetween responsive to rotation directions of the guide axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing array cameras configured to perform super-resolution processing to generate higher resolution super-resolved images using a plurality of captured images and lens stack arrays that can be utilized in array cameras are disclosed. An imaging device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes at least one imager array, and each imager in the array comprises a plurality of light sensing elements and a lens stack including at least one lens surface, where the lens stack is configured to form an image on the light sensing elements, control circuitry configured to capture images formed on the light sensing elements of each of the imagers, and a super-resolution processing module configured to generate at least one higher resolution super-resolved image using a plurality of the captured images.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for non-contact measurement of coiled tubing motion are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser source and a laser motion sensor. The laser source is configured to provide laser light that illuminates the coiled tubing as the tubing moves. The laser motion sensor is configured to collect and process laser speckle images and compute measurements of coiled tubing movement based on the laser speckle images.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for non-contact measurement of coiled tubing motion are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser source and a laser motion sensor. The laser source is configured to provide laser light that illuminates the coiled tubing as the tubing moves. The laser motion sensor is configured to collect and process laser speckle images and compute measurements of coiled tubing movement based on the laser speckle images.

Abstract: An object geometry measurement apparatus (10, 20) for the dynamic generation and transmission of geometrical data of objects (14) moved on a conveying device (12) is set forth, wherein the apparatus has a first optoelectronic sensor (10) which is made for the detection of the object geometry in a section of the object (14) with reference to intervals and/or of the remission behavior, as well as a first control (20) which can calculate geometrical data from the object geometry of each section and can output them via a first interface. In this respect, the first control (20) is made to adapt the information density of the output geometrical data to a measure for changes of the object geometry from section to section.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus fuses an image to a recording medium by heat and pressure. To ensure that the recording medium does not stick to the fusing roller, a non-printable margin is normally reserved at the leading edge of the recording medium. When the recording medium has sufficient stiffness, however, as determined from its thickness and other factors such as its width or orientation, marginless printing is permitted. The setting of an unnecessary margin is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A measurement-purpose light source generates a measurement light used for measuring an optical characteristic of an object to be measured, and the measurement light includes a component in a wavelength range for measurement of the optical characteristic of the object. An observation-purpose light source generates an observation light used for focusing on the object to be measured and checking a position of measurement. The observation light is selected such that the observation light includes a component that can be reflected from the object to be measured. The measurement light and the observation light are thus applied independently to the object to be measured, through a common objective lens, and accordingly improvement of the precision in measurement of the optical characteristic and facilitation of focusing on the object to be measured are achieved simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device for measuring characteristics of toolings (116), especially chuck and roll in a seamer. The optical device comprises a radiation source (102) adapted to generate radiation, means (106, 108) for diverting the radiation so as to pass through a profile in the toolings (116), and a detector (114) adapted to receive the radiation that passed through the profile. The characteristics of the toolings (116) such as the profiles of a gap between the chuck and the roll, are processed from the detected radiation that passes through the profile.

Abstract: In a wound scanning apparatus and method, a beam or sheet of light is scanned on a wound and reflections of the scanned beam or sheet of light interacting with the wound at a plurality of points thereof is detected. The detected reflections are processed into data representative of the wound. The data or a representation thereof is reproduced in a human understandable form.

Abstract: A method of measuring a mailpiece includes deflecting a laser beam through an arc, determining an angle at which the laser beam is currently directed, and calculating a dimension of the mailpiece based at least in part on the determined angle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based electro-optical sensors, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Preferred embodiments utilize addressable line or pixel based cameras to effect triangulation based and other machine vision sensing of objects.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the state of a rail stretch utilize a receiver that is moved along the rail stretch to receive radio signals transmitted by at least three transmitters mounted in the elevator shaft. Spacing data is determined from the radio signals and is compared by an evaluating unit with reference data of the spacing to generate a result with respect to the state of the rail stretch. The positions of rail fastenings, connecting straps and shaft doors can be detected by additional sensors also moved along the rail stretch and are represented in a correction protocol to permit an efficient adjusting of the rail stretch.

Abstract: Methods of measuring widths of illumination spots and distances between two points, and predicting detected signal widths are provided. Systems, software, and kits for performing the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A probe is used to detect axial movement of a rotating part such as a shaft. The probe includes a probe tube portion that protrudes into an annular groove on the rotating part. When the rotating part moves axially, one or the other side surfaces of the groove contacts the probe tube. This contact leads to a changed state of the probe, that is sensed by a sensor.

Abstract: A gap measuring method characterized by comprising the steps of: applying a plurality of color lights to a member provided with a gap, to produce color interference fringes; obtaining respective intensities of the color lights in the images of the interference fringes taken by a color camera, at each of predetermined positions of each image, so as to compute and actual ratio among the obtained intensities of the color lights for each of the predetermined positions; and obtaining gap values of a plurality of points of the gap provided in the member, based on said actual ratio and theoretical ratios each of which is computed based on intensities of said color lights in an image corresponding to each of preliminarily set gap values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling by electrical means the interelectrode distance of such a micromechanical electrode structure [(7,8)] in which at least one electrode [(7)] is attached elastically suspended on the surrounding structure, whereby the elastic properties of each electrode and the electrical control applied over the electrodes determine the interelectrode distance. According to the invention, the distance between the electrodes [(7,8)] is controlled by controlling the AC control current passing via the electrodes [(7,8)].

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for designing an optical spectrum of an illumination light beam within an optical inspection system. A set of conditions for inspecting a film on a sample by directing an illumination light beam at the sample is determined. At least a portion of the illumination light beam is reflected off the sample and used to generate an image of at least a portion of the film on the sample. A plurality of peak wavelength values are determined for the optical spectrum of the illumination light beam so as to control color variation in the image of the film portion. The determination of the peak wavelengths is based on the determined set of conditions and a selected thickness range of the film. In one specific embodiment, the color variation is reduced, while in another embodiment the color variation is increased to enhance pattern contrast. An apparatus which implements the designed optical spectrum is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical proximity effect correcting method in a semiconductor manufacturing process includes adding, detecting, judging, and deleting. The adding includes adding a first correcting region around a portion of a first design pattern. The portion faces a second design pattern. A first corrected design pattern includes the first correcting region and the first design pattern. The detecting includes detecting a space between the first corrected design pattern and the second design pattern. The judging includes judging whether the space is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value. The deleting includes deleting at least a portion of the first correcting region such that the space is larger than the predetermined value, when the space is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A near-field optical system having a mechanism to determine a spacing between an optical surface and a reflective surface that are spaced by less one wavelength by using coupled radiation energy that has an evanescently-coupled portion.

Abstract: Illuminating light emitted from a light source is led via a condenser lens, an optical fiber, a half-silvered mirror, and a condenser lens to a reflector. The reflector reflects the illuminating light to a CCD device through a telecentric optical system which comprises the condenser lens, the half-silvered mirror, and an aperture member. The illuminating light applied to the CCD device is greatly reduced in amount as it passes through a light-transmissive sheet-like body twice. The light-transmissive sheet-like body itself or an edge thereof can be detected with high accuracy even if the light-transmissive sheet-like body has a high transmittance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of an edge of an object, with at least two photoelectric barriers, having at least one sender and at least one receiver apparatus as well as at least one common evaluation electronic unit for the detection of the edge or the presence of the object found on a transparent transporting belt. A diaphragm apparatus creates specially shaped light beam cross sections, wherein at least one light beam (B) is irradiated as a sufficiently narrow slit (5) in the direction of the edge to be detected, wherein the signals of the photoelectric barriers (3,4,10,11,12,13,14) are logically interconnected in the common evaluation unit (8).

Abstract: A gap measuring method characterized by comprising the steps of: applying a plurality of color lights to a member provided with a gap, to produce color interference fringes; obtaining respective intensities of the color lights in the images of the interference fringes taken by a color camera, at each of predetermined positions of each image, so as to compute and actual ratio among the obtained intensities of the color lights for each of the predetermined positions; and obtaining gap values of a plurality of points of the gap provided in the member, based on said actual ratio and theoretical ratios each of which is computed based on intensities of said color lights in an image corresponding to each of preliminarily set gap values.

Abstract: In current practice, quantitative traffic data is most commonly acquired from inductive loops. In addition, video-image processing or time-of-flight laser systems can be used. These methods all have problems associated with them. Therefore, we have developed a new type of non-intrusive laser-based detection system for measurement of vehicle travel time. The system employs a fan angle laser, an image lens, a set of cylindrical optics, a linear photodetector array, and associated signal processing hardware and software. The system is positioned above the plane of detection and configured such that it can unambiguously find the object boundaries in all lighting conditions independent of the time-of-flight of the laser. Instead of depending upon the reflectance of the object being detected, or determination of the range or distance from the detector to the object being detected, the invention reflects the laser off of the pavement or other roadway surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for determining the deployed length of a flexible tension element such as cable which is wrapped in a pack and fed through a funnel. The element may be sensed using different types of sensors such as optical, acoustical or magnetic sensors. A sensor is mounted in a funnel flush with the inside funnel surface. As wraps of the flexible tension element are deployed, or pulled off from the pack, individual wraps of the flexible tension element pass across the face of a detector as the flexible tension element is displaced in a generally circular pattern around the inside of the funnel. Signal processing circuitry produces a signal indicating the presence of the flexible tension element within a predetermined distance of the sensor.

Abstract: A processed sheet of photographic film is guided into a channel of scanning equipment in which it is subjected to light from an elongate fluorescent tube. Light transmitted through the film is detected by a sensing arrangement in the form of an elongate solar cell strip. The strip is scored so as to divide it into 3 small subsidiary sensors and four longer sensors. All seven sensors form the main light sensor. As the leading edge of the film, which is assumed to be of uniform light density, enters the channel and totally obscures at least one of the subsidiary sensors, that sensor measures the transmittance of the film. This value, together with the reduction in light sensed by the main sensor, is then used to determine the width of the film. The film width is combined with the separately computed film length, to provide a signal used to control the amount of replenishment chemicals to be supplied to a photoprocessor.

Abstract: A system and process are described in which moving articles that are cut during a manufacturing process have their cut length measured with the use of an electronic light emitting scanner in combination with a light receiver. Accurate cut length measurements are obtained from mathematical processing of the light receiving information electronically gathered from the apparatus of the system.