With Strobe Illumination Patents (Class 348/132)
  • Patent number: 10983066
    Abstract: The present invention is a test mechanism for structural defect detection of a test object (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: ANADOLU UNIVERSITESI REKTORLUGU
    Inventor: Cihan Topal
  • Patent number: 10564408
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning microscope slides is provided. The apparatus includes an objective; a specimen stage; a camera sensor configured to capture a first plurality of images at a first rate while focus is changed in continuous motion; and a flash unit configured to flash at a second rate, wherein the first rate and the second rate are synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: GRUNDIUM OY
    Inventors: Markus Vartiainen, Janne Haavisto, Matti Pellikka, Heikki Jantunen
  • Patent number: 10409141
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for improved camera flash are presented. In some embodiments, a method includes performing an autofocus technique on a scene to obtain an autofocus output. The method also includes obtaining an ambient light measurement of the scene. The method further includes adjusting a sensitivity of an image sensor based at least in part on the autofocus output and the ambient light measurement. The method additionally includes, after adjusting the light sensitivity of the image sensor, illuminating the scene using a pre-flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Soman Nikhara, Ravi Shankar Kadambala, Bapineedu Chowdary Gummadi
  • Patent number: 10242583
    Abstract: An audio demonstration kit encourages understanding of audio concepts by enabling children to construct and study speaker performance. In a particular example, the audio demonstration kit includes a paper speaker and instructions. The paper speaker includes a backplate, a suspension, and a diaphragm cut from a single sheet of paper. The demonstration kit may feature an amplifier that is configurable to accommodate various hardware additions as a child is ready for more progressively challenging construction. For example, the amplifier of an example allows single and dual mode operation, as well as drives a rotary motor and is coordinated with a strobe light. The amplifier of an example is synchronized with the strobe light and a moveable platform to create the impression of that jiggling figures attached to the table are dancing. Interfaces with smart phone, recording, and other technologies further enhances and encourages the learning experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lee Zamir
  • Patent number: 9846027
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus, method and program with which a distance between two points that are not within one photographing range can be easily measured is provided. According to an embodiment, a representative point is set in an image in which a start point is set, and the coordinates, of the points and characteristic quantity of a neighborhood image is stored. Hereafter in each image until an end point is set, a representative point of the most recent image is searched, the coordinates thereof are stored, a new representative point is set, the coordinates thereof and the characteristic quantity of the neighborhood image are stored, and the coordinates of the end point are stored. A vector between the respective two points connecting the start point, representative points and the end point in the sequence of setting is calculated, and the distance between the start point and the end point is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isao Kimura, Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9803492
    Abstract: An optical measurement system for detecting at least one locked blade assembly in a gas turbine. The system includes at least one light source for emitting light that impinges on a blade surface of each blade in a row of blade assemblies. The system also includes a video device for imaging the blades as the blades rotate about the center axis. Further, the system includes a controller for controlling operation of the light source and video device. The controller detects a pixel intensity associated with each blade and a spacing between each pixel intensity wherein a change in spacing between consecutive pixel intensities indicates that a distance between consecutive blades has changed relative to the first distance thereby indicating at least one locked blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest R. Ruhge, Clifford Hatcher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9557167
    Abstract: A first image of a space onto which a first light pattern formed from bright and dark portions and a coordinate-detection pattern projected onto each region of the space divided by the first pattern have been projected is acquired. A second image is acquired of the space onto which a second light pattern having a boundary position between bright and dark portions that is different from that of the first pattern, and a coordinate-detection pattern projected onto each region of the space divided by the second pattern have been projected. One of the first image and the second image is selected to perform three-dimensional shape measurement of an object included in the space based on the selection image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Tomoaki Higo, Masayoshi Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9528945
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting crack propagation in a material test specimen may include color contrasting a surface of a test specimen, acquiring a plurality of photographic images of the specimen during application of a stress load, processing the plurality of images to detect characteristics of pixels that are outside a baseline range of pixel characteristics indicative of a contrast between a crack in the test specimen and the color contrasted surface of the test specimen, and generating an output of a strain energy release rate based on changes in detected crack length over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jordan Jerome Handler
  • Patent number: 9429125
    Abstract: Test liquid (3) including thermosetting resin is injected from an injection valve (2). Light (L) is irradiated to a spray (6) of the test liquid (3) injected from the injection valve (2) as a treatment for producing a hardening effect to the thermosetting resin. Liquid drops in the spray (6) are hardened and collected as particles. Spray characteristics such as a particle size distribution of the injection valve or the like are analyzed by using the collected particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sachio Mori, Tatsuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9249768
    Abstract: Test liquid (3) including thermosetting resin is injected from an injection valve (2). Light (L) is irradiated to a spray (6) of the test liquid (3) injected from the injection valve (2) as a treatment for producing a hardening effect to the thermosetting resin. Liquid drops in the spray (6) are hardened and collected as particles. Spray characteristics such as a particle size distribution of the injection valve or the like are analyzed by using the collected particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sachio Mori, Tatsuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9121693
    Abstract: A two-dimensional displacement sensor includes first and second laser units that emit first laser light incident on the surface of the strip-shaped member from a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the strip-shaped member and second laser light incident on the surface of the strip-shaped member from a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the strip-shaped member, a camera that has a light receiving element for receiving light reflected from the surface of the strip-shaped member and measures the amount of displacement of the surface of the strip-shaped member from the reflected light receiving position detected by the light receiving element, an optical element for focusing the reflected light on the light receiving element, and a switching member for switching the laser light to be incident on the surface of the strip-shaped member between the first laser light and the second laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA BRIDGESTONE
    Inventor: Shinya Iwayama
  • Patent number: 9041807
    Abstract: An image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, an image selector, a first luminance adjuster, a synthetic image generator, and an image provider. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The image selector selects one of the camera images as a representative image based on luminances of the camera images. The first luminance adjuster adjusts a luminance of at least one of the other camera images based on a luminance of the representative image. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle, based on the representative image and the other camera images the luminance of at least one of which has been adjusted by the first adjuster. The image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Masahiko Murakami, Nobunori Asayama
  • Patent number: 8976240
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with producing spatially varying spectral response calibration data are described. One example method includes controlling a digital camera to capture characteristic data arrays from light sensors in the digital camera in response to the digital camera being exposed to light stimuli from a multi-spectral reference display. The data arrays will be acquired multiple times at multiple locations in multiple stimuli provided from the multi-spectral reference display. The method also includes controlling a calibration logic to manipulate characteristic data arrays to produce spatially varying spectral response calibration data as a function of using characteristic data arrays and known wavelengths of the light in light stimuli. The method may also include providing the spatially varying spectral response calibration data to a downstream consumer (e.g., correction process, quality control process), displaying the data, or storing the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Matherson, Yu-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 8934007
    Abstract: A system for detecting stress in rails includes a railcar, having a rail temperature detector, and a rail imaging device oriented to produce images of rail joints and rail anchors. The imaging device and temperature detector are connected to a computer controller, which is programmed to provide an output signal indicative of estimated axial stress in the rail based upon rail temperature and the images of at least one of the rail joints and rail anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Georgetown Rail Equipment Company
    Inventor: Edwin deSteiguer Snead
  • Patent number: 8860891
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from the video input board, the adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, the signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Eddie E. Allen, Thomas D. Strade, Christopher Coley
  • Publication number: 20140267694
    Abstract: In some examples, a method for nondestructive testing of a component may include flashing the component using a flash lamp configured for flash thermography, collecting first image data regarding the component using an infrared camera, flowing a fluid through the component, and collecting second image data regarding the component using the infrared camera. A system for nondestructive testing of a component may include a single inspection station and a flash lamp configured for flash thermography, means for supplying a fluid to the component, and an infrared camera disposed at the inspection station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Peter Henderkott, Pramod Khandelwal, Danny Ray Carr, Timothy Paul Fuesting, Jeffrey F. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8817172
    Abstract: There is provided an improved solution for illuminating an object by means of an optical component. In use, the optical component is integrated with a hand-held camera unit. The optical component comprises a light-diffusing element. In addition, the optical component may also comprise at least one light source and an end element that directs the light to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Optomed Oy
    Inventors: Ilkka Jolma, Markku Virta, Mikko Tuohimaa, Juha Lipponen
  • Patent number: 8723938
    Abstract: Provided are a method of determining a brightness value of a target area on an optical image, and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method on a computer. Target brightness values of a plurality of target areas in an optical image are accurately compared with each other by plotting a graph with brightness values depending on positions within a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-iu Lee, Chung-ung Kim, Jong-lin Park, Dong-hwi Cho, Su-bong Bae, Jong-cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 8368747
    Abstract: A device for optical characterization of a sample is provided, the sample being accommodated in a receptacle container transparent to light. The device includes a camera, using which the sample may be detected, and a first light source is situated in such a way that the sample is transilluminated opposite to the viewing direction of the camera, a second light source is situated on the same side as the camera, and a laser source is situated transversely to the viewing direction of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Brinz, Thomas Seiffert
  • Patent number: 8346076
    Abstract: An inspection device for visually inspecting an image sensor of a digital recording device, such as a digital camera. The inspection device includes a tubular housing and a lens mounted therein. The housing is configured to engage a lens interface of a camera body. A lighting assembly is provided that is configured to illuminate the image sensor when the inspection device is coupled to a digital camera body so that the image sensor may be visually inspected for contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Delkin Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Wood, Walter Parkola
  • Patent number: 8264535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing a group of at least two masks for photolithography, wherein each of the masks comprises a substructure of a total structure, which is to be introduced in a layer of the wafer in the lithographic process, and the total structure is introduced in the layer of the wafer by introducing the substructures in sequence. In this method, a first aerial image of a first one of the at least two masks is recorded, digitized and stored in a data structure. Then, a second aerial image of a second one of the at least two masks is recorded, digitized and stored in a data structure. A combination image is generated from the data of the first and second aerial images, which combination image is represented and/or evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMS GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Kienzle, Rigo Richter, Norbert Rosenkranz, Yuji Kobiyama, Thomas Scheruebl
  • Patent number: 8208018
    Abstract: A method for measuring brightness uniformity of a panel is disclosed. The method includes steps of: dividing the panel into a plurality of areas, measuring brightness of each area, calculating each area of an average value K the brightness differences between the area and the other adjacent areas, and comparing the value K with a predetermined value. When the value K is greater than the predetermined value, it indicates that the brightness difference between the area and the adjacent areas exceeds a uniformity threshold. When the value K is smaller than the predetermined value, it indicates that the brightness difference between the area and the adjacent areas is below the uniformity threshold. The entire panel is evaluated to ensure accuracy of measuring results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: AU Optronics (SUZHOU) Corp, AU Optronics Corp
    Inventors: Zheng-yang Li, Ming-rong Chen
  • Patent number: 8130264
    Abstract: A high tone image is saved in a versatile image file format to enhance usability. There are provided an imaging unit that images an original image having a predetermined dynamic range, which is a ratio between minimum luminance and maximum luminance; a synthesized image generating part that generates a synthesized image data that is higher in tone than a tone width of the original image by synthesizing a plurality of original images imaged under different imaging conditions at the same observation position; a display unit that displays the images imaged by the imaging unit; a tone conversion part that converts the synthesized image data generated by the synthesized image generating part to low tone image data having a tone width capable of being displayed on the display unit; and a tone data saving part that generates a high tone data-attached display file including a high tone image region for saving the synthesized image data serving as a basis as an image file for saving the low tone image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Inomata, Kang Woobum
  • Patent number: 8045002
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments may provide systems and methods for strobe illumination of a workpiece. The systems may include an illumination source, an image acquisition device and a control system. The illumination source may emit visible, UV, or near-IR light as a transient flash to the workpiece, the transient flash occurring in response to a lamp trigger. The illumination source may emit the light at an illumination intensity that rises from a begin threshold to a peak and afterwards diminishes to an end threshold during a flash duration. The image acquisition device may capture the light associated with the workpiece for an exposure duration starting from an exposure trigger. The control system may control the illumination source and the image acquisition device to synchronize the lamp trigger so that the exposure duration ends during the flash duration, such that a remaining portion of the flash does not affect the image exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Gladnick, Joseph D. Tobiason
  • Patent number: 7978260
    Abstract: A method and camera for electronic image capture provide an electronic image capture device, a scanning aperture shutter located to control light energy received by the image capture device, a flash unit oriented to illuminate an image scene, a photocell unit adapted for sensing visible spectrum energy and infrared spectrum energy received from the image scene, and an exposure control system responsive to the photocell unit and operatively connected to the scanning aperture shutter and the flash unit. The exposure control system is adapted to control an amount of fill flash energy received from the image scene in relation to visible ambient light energy received from the image scene during image capture by illuminating the flash unit once a predetermined amount of ambient visible spectrum energy is sensed by the photocell unit and by extinguishing the flash unit once a predetermined amount of infrared energy is sensed by the photocell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Senshin Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Norman D. Staller
  • Patent number: 7805070
    Abstract: An inspection device for visually inspecting an image sensor of a digital recording device, such as a digital camera. The inspection device includes a tubular housing and a lens mounted therein. The housing is configured to engage a lens interface of a camera body. A lighting assembly is provided that is configured to illuminate the image sensor when the inspection device is coupled to a digital camera body so that the image sensor may be visually inspected for contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Apical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Parkola, Martin J. Wood
  • Patent number: 7760930
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for recognizing a defect image associated with a semiconductor substrate. In one example, the method includes collecting defect data of the defect image by testing and measuring the semiconductor substrate, extracting a pattern from the defect data, normalizing a location, orientation, and size of the pattern, and identifying the pattern after the pattern is normalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Ting Lin, Chih-Cheng Chou, Chih-Hung Wu, Chia-Hua Chang
  • Patent number: 7701481
    Abstract: A video magnifier includes a body including a base, a table on which an object to be read is placed, the table being disposed on the base, a video camera disposed over the table, an illumination lamp illuminating the object placed on the table and a pointer irradiating a part of the object photographed by the video camera, and a monitor television displaying a video image delivered from the video camera. In the video magnifier, in synchronization with irradiation of the photographed part of the object by the pointer, an illuminance of the illumination lamp is rendered lower than an illuminance of the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Elmo Co., Ltd., Times Corporation Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuya Mizukami, Seiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7433590
    Abstract: A system for synchronizing image capture and a light source has a first strobing light emitting diode (LED) array with a plurality of LEDs located to light an illumination area. The LED array has an on cycle during which the LED array is activated and an off cycle during which the LED array is inactivated. The system also has a camera located with a view of the illumination area. The camera has an image exposure that coincides with the on cycle of the strobing LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Alan Freyman
  • Publication number: 20080024602
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatic application and monitoring of a structure to be applied onto substrate. A plurality of cameras positioned around an application facility are utilized to monitor the automatic application of a structure on a substrate by means of a stereometry procedure. Three-dimensional recognition of a reference contour position results in the overlapping area to be used for gross adjustment of the application facility prior to applying the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jan Anders Linnenkohl, Andreas Tomtschko, Mirko Berger, Roman Raab
  • Publication number: 20070229657
    Abstract: A reflector is so provided as to entirely cover a plurality of flash lamps arranged in parallel with one another. The reflector reflects flash light emitted from the flash lamps. A plurality of trigger electrodes needed to allow the flash lamps to discharge are so fixed to the reflector with insulating members interposed therebetween, respectively, as to be proximately opposed to the plurality of flash lamps in a one-to-one correspondence with each other. This eliminates the necessity to provide trigger wires one by one near the flash lamps during the maintenance of the apparatus, the change of lamps or the like, and it is possible to easily provide the trigger electrodes near the flash lamps only by fixing the reflector at a predetermined set position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Tatsufumi KUSUDA
  • Patent number: 7127159
    Abstract: An illumination technique is provided that adjusts the respective light intensities of each of a plurality of light sources that are strobed at desirable consistent intensities by adjusting a respective light pulse pattern for each respective light source. All the light sources are controlled to illuminate an object throughout a strobe duration period. The light pulse patterns may be micro-strobed light pulse patterns, formed by a variety of methods. The illumination technique is usable to preserve the general shape of the edge intensity profile on an object, and allow precision edge position measurements, regardless of whether the object is moving or not during image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Gladnick, Richard Wasserman
  • Patent number: 7110036
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying an interchangeable lens in a vision system having a controllable light source, a camera, and the lens to be identified. Light provided by the light source is transferred to the camera by the lens to be identified. The amount of light transferred to the camera for a particular reference configuration of the vision system depends distinguishably on the characteristics of the lens to be identified. A camera output is measured for a desired light source setting and the desired light source setting and associated measured camera output are compared with stored lens identification calibration data. The stored lens identification calibration data is obtained by measuring the camera output for a plurality of lenses using a plurality of light source settings. In various exemplary embodiments, the light transferred from the light source to the camera is reflected and/or backscattered light from the lens to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Gladnick, Ana M Tessadro
  • Patent number: 7027639
    Abstract: A high-speed image acquisition system includes a source of light; a sensor for acquiring a plurality of images of the target; a system for determining relative movement between the source and the target; and an image processor for processing the acquired images to generate inspection information relative to the target. The system has an extended dynamic range provided by controlling illumination such that the plurality of images is acquired at two or more different illumination levels. In some embodiments, the high-speed image acquisition system is used to perform three dimensional phase profilometry inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventor: David Fishbaine
  • Patent number: 6937163
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing a photographic image from being taken has a triggering mechanism which will generate a signal when detecting a light signal indicative of a camera flash. A flash unit is coupled to the triggering mechanism for generating a counteracting flash after receiving the signal generated by the triggering mechanism. By generating a counteracting flash a very short time after detecting the flash, the apparatus saturates an area of the camera's image field during the camera's exposure period. Thus the image in that area is obscured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Caulfield, Joseph A. Caulfield
  • Patent number: 6784926
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the processing of measured data. Especially the invention applies to the binning procedure of data which is measured with a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor unit. The invention is preferably used in photometrics for measuring radiation from samples on a well plate. It is the objective of the present invention to create a solution, in which a good signal-to-noise value is achieved, and the measuring results of the neighbouring sample wells can still be well separated. This objective is achieved in photometrics application by selecting the binning factor on the basis of position and size of sample wells on a well plate (530, 550). With the present invention it is possible to achieve a maximal signal-to-noise ratio, because all pixels within the image area of one sample are accumulated. However, since the pixels between the sample images are not accumulated with the pixels within the sample images (526, 546), the problem of interference between samples can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Wallac Oy
    Inventors: Jarmo Korpi, Donal Denvir
  • Patent number: 6621517
    Abstract: A viewing and imaging system is provided for use in a screen printer. Light is supplied to the screen and/or the board from a number of independently controller light sources. According to one aspect of the invention, one light source provides substantially collimated light and another light source provides diffuse light. The light sources are controlled by a controller that pulses the light sources in order to provide a stroboscopic image of the board and screen. The duration of the pulses is adjusted to adjust the effective brightness of the light sources. The timing of the pulses are adjusted so that the temporal midpoints of pulses from each of the light sources are coincident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: DEK International GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Norman Squibb
  • Patent number: 6618123
    Abstract: The invention provides a range finder capable of carrying out three-dimensional measurement stably for a long period of time. A light pattern is projected on a subject by using a light source array unit in which a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, are arranged. Even when each LED has a small light quantity, a sufficiently large quantity of light can be projected on the subject by the entire light source array unit, and hence, the three-dimensional measurement can be stably carried out. Also, a plurality of light patterns can be generated by electrically controlling a light emitting state of each LED of the light source array unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenya Uomori, Atsushi Morimura, Joji Wada, Takeo Azuma
  • Patent number: 6496219
    Abstract: This automatic system (1) detects printing faults on metallized strips (3) or any other printing support comprising a predominance of specular color surfaces. The said system, arranged in a blackout casing (2), comprises an arm (30) on which there can move automatically a lighting unit (10) provided with a video camera (55). The camera has a variable-focus lens (56) which, through a semi-transparent filter (57) disposed in an oblique position in front of the lens, continuously films a portion of the strip (3) of a format (7) of variable size. The illumination of this strip portion is provided by two direct-illumination flashlights (12, 14), provided primarily to illuminate the non-specular surfaces of the strip, and by two other indirect-illumination flashlights (11, 13), advantageously provided to illuminate the specular color surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bobst S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Porret, Claude Toma
  • Patent number: 6441888
    Abstract: A rangefinder performs highly accurate 3D measurement without being affected by any variation in intensity of projected light. A light source for projecting light onto an object is provided with a light receiver for detecting the intensity of the projected light. The intensity of a reflected part of the projected light, which has been captured by a camera as an image, is corrected using the light intensity, which has been detected by the light receiver, as correction information. And based on this corrected image, a distance calculator produces a range image. Thus, even if the intensity of the projected light has changed, a corresponding variation in intensity of the reflected light image can be compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Azuma, Kenya Uomori
  • Patent number: 6275256
    Abstract: An illuminator for a digital camera includes a body of transparent material defining a cone shaped cavity with an opening at the apex of the cone for a taking lens of the camera and an opening at the base of the cone for locating an object to be photographed with the digital camera. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are uniformly distributed throughout the body of transparent material with respect to the surface of the cone. A power supply applies power to the LEDs so that their brightness' are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Eugene G. Olczak, Thomas Szumla, Joseph L. Baker
  • Patent number: 5912699
    Abstract: A high speed image capture apparatus includes a camera with an integration period between consecutive flashes of an illuminating light pulse, where the camera has an image read out period and an image output. A timer for provides a strobe output representative of the start of a flash. An image capture apparatus captures a first image during the integration period and a second image within a predetermined time after capturing the first image but before the image read out period has elapsed so as to substantially increase a rate of producing usable image outputs. The image capture apparatus is coupled to the strobe output and the image output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: NeoPath, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Hayenga, Louis R. Piloco
  • Patent number: 5880774
    Abstract: A non-invasive inspection system is disclosed. The system contains light sources or source, viewing optics, an x-y table, and a platen for mounting objects to be inspected. The transparent platen contains a vacuum system that sets up a laminar flow of air which in turn holds the objects in place without altering or damaging the devices, and allows for analysis of light transmitted through devices. The method for operating the system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles H. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5848188
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-resolution shape measuring device having a scanning device capable of scanning an object to be measured at a high constant rotational speed. The shape measuring device includes a laser light source for generating flashing laser light, a pattern memory storing different flash patterns of the laser light, a polygon mirror as the scanning device, and a CCD camera for picking up an image formed on the object by the scanning of the laser light, wherein the shape of the object is computed according to image data obtained by the CCD camera. The shape measuring device further includes a motor for rotating the polygon mirror and a photodetector for generating a PD signal when the phase of rotation of the polygon mirror becomes a specific phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignees: CKD Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Nextar
    Inventors: Susumu Shibata, Katsunori Ishigure, Yukio Sato
  • Patent number: 5838840
    Abstract: A video inspection device using a field mode CCD camera. In order to inspect the printing on a moving web, a field mode CCD camera is provided with a zoom lens and strobe light. The image obtained is processed so that only alternate pixels of the image are stored. When reading out the stored image, the image is blown up by a factor of two and the missing pixels are interpolated horizontally and vertically. The resultant image is displayed in a monitor for the operator to inspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: BST/Pro Mark
    Inventors: Edwin E. King, Daniel T. Trabbic, Richard M. O'Grady, Brian S. Patrick
  • Patent number: 5808744
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting repetitive patterns includes a signal generation device for outputting a signal every time each of repetitive patterns reaches a predetermined observation area, and a flash generation device for generating a flash in synchronism with the signal to instantaneously illuminate each of the patterns sequentially reaching the observation area. The signal generation device may be a device for generating a signal upon detecting the predetermined shape of each pattern. The repetitive patterns may be those on a tape carrier which moves, e.g., in the longitudinal direction thereof. It is preferable to provide an image pickup device for picking up the image of each repetitive pattern on the observation area and a display device for displaying the picked-up image. The display device preferably keeps display of the picked-up image of each of the patterns illuminated by the flash for a predetermined period of time within between this illumination and the next illumination by the next flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Moriya
  • Patent number: 5752446
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for aligning two objects (1,2), such as a board and screen in a screen printer, each having at least one reference mark (6a,7a) on a surface thereof, whereby alignment of the objects is indicated by alignment of corresponding reference marks on the surfaces of the objects. The apparatus comprises support means for supporting the objects in use with the said surfaces facing one another, and imaging means (20), mounted for movement between the said surfaces in use, for acquiring, on a single imaging surface thereof, simultaneous images of respective areas of the surfaces of the objects, which areas contain corresponding reference marks. The apparatus includes control means (4,8) for determining the locations of the reference marks in the images and determining therefrom the extent of misalignment of the objects, and means (3), responsive to the control means, for adjusting the relative positions of the objects to bring the objects into alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: DEK Printing Machines Limited
    Inventor: Frank Norman Squibb
  • Patent number: 5745176
    Abstract: The present invention takes advantage of the efficiency of high-brightness red, infra-red, or other color LEDs arranged in a single row, the properties inherent to a focusing element such as a cylindrical lens, as well as the advantages of having a straight-edged diaphragm and a light-absorbing enclosure to produce an illumination source for machine-vision systems. The illumination source exhibits multi-directional properties on one side of an imaginary plane defined by the positions of the row of LEDs, the straight-edged diaphragm, and the focusing element, and minimize light cast on the other side of the plane. The present invention provides a compact light line generator which has no shadowing or secondary lines. The present invention also provides a method for measuring the height of a raised surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: PPT Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Lebens
  • Patent number: 5701156
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and analyzing the parameters of the dispersion pattern of the spray plume from the orifice of a spray device or nozzle utilizing an electro-optical device having at least one television camera positioned to detect the image of a gas plume from the spray device or nozzle, such image created by the gas plume's different index of refraction from the index of refraction of the air surrounding it with such image formed by having collimated light passed through the spray plume onto a screen which is positioned before the television camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5636031
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solution to improve the accuracy of surface and/or profile measurements without any time-consuming manipulations for placing and orienting the object on a measurement table. In addition, this assembly aims at overcoming the drawbacks of known designs. The assembly consists of a stationary, horizontal transparent table (1) for supporting the objects to be measured, at least a video camera (2) and a light source (3) mounted one above the other underneath the table (1), on a bridge (4) movable on two slides (5) for moving the video camera (2) and/or the light source (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Gianfranco Passoni