Abstract: A pattern inspection method according to one aspect of the present invention includes generating a first positional deviation amount map by using data acquired by a pre-scan, generating a second positional deviation amount map by using data acquired by a full scan, generating a first positional deviation difference map by calculating a difference between the first positional deviation amount map and the second positional deviation amount map, generating a third positional deviation amount map from the first positional deviation difference map and the second positional deviation amount map, and judging existence of a value exceeding an allowable value, in values defined by the third positional deviation amount map.

Abstract: A board inspection apparatus includes an irradiation unit, an imaging unit, and an image processing unit. The image processing unit includes a three-dimensional measurement unit configured to perform three-dimensional measurement of the surfaces of the solder and the resist film by a certain three-dimensional measurement method based on the image data, a virtual standard surface setting unit configured to set a virtual standard surface corresponding to a contacting surface of a certain component mounted in a certain area of the printed board, a protrusion amount calculation unit configured to calculate a protrusion amount from the virtual standard surface for each solder printed and formed in the certain area, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the printed state of the solder passes or fails based on each of the protrusion amounts of the solder.

Abstract: A system for cutting blocks of food product into bars of substantially equal weight. The system includes a cutter conveyor configured to receive incoming blocks of food product and move the blocks along an in-line processing path in a plane for cutting; a programmable logic controller coupled to the cutter conveyor; and, multiple stations associated with the cutter conveyor. One such station is a camera vision system configured to create an image of the slab portion, and further including a camera controller coupled to the vision system and the PLC, and configured to determine an optimized cut solution of the slab portion from the image and data related to the food product, and is configured to provide the cut solution to the PLC. The PLC is configured to control the cutting of the food product, based on the optimized cut solution, into bars of substantially equal weight.

Abstract: A pixel observation system includes a memory unit, a coordinate generation unit, and an observation unit. The memory unit is configured to store at least nozzle information indicative of discharge states of a liquid material in a plurality of nozzles and arrangement information indicative of an arrangement of each of the nozzles with respect to each of a plurality of pixel regions in relative movement of the nozzles and a substrate. The coordinate generation unit is configured to generate observation coordinates of observation regions on the substrate based on the nozzle information and the arrangement information, and to include coordinates of at least some of the pixel regions over which the nozzles scan through one cycle of the relative movement in the observation coordinates. The observation unit is configured and arranged to observe the pixel regions positioned at the observation coordinates generated by the coordinate generation unit.

Abstract: An inspecting method for grasping the inspection result on an intermediate (or an n-th) treatment without long extension of time, in case predetermined treatments of a predetermined number (N times) are exerted on a plurality of sheets running on a conveyor line, before all the treatments of N-times are ended. The inspecting method for inspecting an object subjected to the predetermined treatment includes performing the predetermined treatment repeatedly by the N-times (N: a natural number of 2 or more) sequentially on the individual objects being conveyed on the conveyor line, and an inspecting step of testing such a leading one of the objects as has been subjected to the n-th (n: a natural number of 1 or more but N or less) treatment, and returning the tested object to after such one of the targets as was subjected to the n-th treatment.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium storing computer executable instructions for: (1) receiving video footage taken by a handheld device; (2) identifying one or more indicia associated with a point of interest within the video footage; (3) using the one or more indicia to retrieve information associated with the point of interest; (4) displaying the information on a display screen associated with the handheld device as the video footage is being displayed on the display screen; and (5) recording a screen capture of the display screen as the display screen is displaying the video footage and information.

Abstract: According to the present invention, for a pattern inspection apparatus that compares images in corresponding areas of two patterns that are identical and that determines an unmatched portion between the images is a defect, a plurality of detection systems and a plurality of corresponding image comparison methods are provided. With this configuration, the affect of uneven brightnesses for a pattern that occurs due to differences in film thicknesses can be reduced, a highly sensitive pattern inspection can be performed, a variety of defects can be revealed, and the pattern inspection apparatus can be applied for processing performed within a wide range. Furthermore, the pattern inspection apparatus also includes a unit for converting the tone of image signals of comparison images for a plurality of different processing units, and when a difference in brightness occurs in the same pattern of the images, a defect can be correctly detected.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for smart camera image calibration, comprising a calibration card, a size marking on the calibration card, and a calibration image on the calibration card. A method for smart camera image calibration comprises calibrating a vision system to a size marking, capturing a calibration verification image, and verifying the calibration verification image based on the size marking. A smart camera calibration system comprises a vision system, a first calibration parameter programmed into the vision system, a calibration card comprising a size marking, and a calibration image, wherein the calibration image is shown on the calibration card and in the vision system, wherein the calibration image substantially corresponds to at least some portion of a product, and wherein the size marking does not bear similarity to the at least some portion of the product.

Abstract: A camera system having a camera lens module, a slip ring connector, and a pan/tilt mechanism. In one construction, the camera system includes a circuit board, a slip ring having a stator connected to the circuit board and a rotor rotatable with respect to the stator, a camera lens module, and a flexible flat cable. The camera system can also include an anti-rotation arm connected to the rotor and in contact with a first end of the flexible flat cable. The anti-rotation arm can prevent a twist of the flexible flat cable during panning of the camera lens module.

Abstract: A component manipulating method includes recognizing, computing, and manipulating. The recognizing is a process in which a position and an attitude of a measured object is recognized by taking an image of a light spot group of the measured object with a camera, the measured object having the light spot group including a plurality of light spots, based on a light image expressing light spots constituting the light spot group on an image taken with the camera. The computing is a process in which a position and an attitude of the component are computed based on the position and the attitude of the recognized measured object and also on geometric arrangement positions of the measured object and the component. The manipulating is a process in which a robot being used to perform operations on the component is manipulated based on the computed position and the attitude.

Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection a vehicle component to detect the presence of a part defect and a method for performing the inspection. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for inspecting the vehicle component comprises: a camera having a lens; a borescope having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively disposed adjacent the camera and the second end having a mirror disposed therein; and a light source for supplying light to the borescope whereby the mirror is operative to reflect an image of an area of the vehicle component to be inspected to the camera.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus, an illuminating apparatus used in imaging in the component mounting apparatus and an illuminating method are provided which can support various recognition objects and can meet the requirement of downsizing by reducing the occupied space.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating monocrystalline and polycrystalline substrates (10) is disclosed in order to image micro cracks, pinholes and inclusions in the substrates (10). A first illumination system (1) illuminates a first line (11) of light on the front surface (31) of the substrate (10). A second illumination system (2) illuminates a second line (12) of light on the front surface (31) of the substrate (10). The first line (11) of light and the second line (12) of light are oriented transverse to the transport direction (T). The second illumination system (2) is arranged within a 3-dimensional coordinate system such that the substrate (10) is illuminated under a second angle ?. The arrangement of the second illumination system (2) is comparable to a street lamp. A camera, preferably a camera (6), is arranged such that it faces the back surface (32) of the substrate (10).

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method, and computer program product for evaluating an object disposed on an upper surface of an object holder. At least one first frame representing a captured portion of the object is acquired, while the object holder is positioned at each of multiple locations. At least one second frame representing a captured portion of at least one other surface of the object holder is acquired, while the object holder is positioned at each of the locations. At least one spatial characteristic associated with the captured portion of the object is determined based on at least one of the acquired frames. Values of multiple optical markers captured in each second frame are determined, where at least two of the optical markers have different characteristics. At least one of coordinates associated with the values and an orientation of the captured portion of the at least one other surface are determined.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus, an illuminating apparatus used in imaging in the component mounting apparatus and an illuminating method are provided which can support various recognition objects and can meet the requirement of downsizing by reducing the occupied space. In the component mounting apparatus which performs an operation for mounting a component on a board (3), when illumination light is irradiated to the board (3) at the time of imaging with a board recognition camera (12), and when the illumination light is irradiated from a light emitting panel (15) which is formed by laminating a light source portion (13) and a color liquid crystal panel (14) and in which a plurality of light emitting portions whose light emission states can be individually changed are orderly arranged, the irradiation range of the illumination light which is irradiated from the respective light emitting portions are made to be changed on the basis of the imaging object.

Abstract: A pattern inspection apparatus is used for inspecting a fine pattern, such as a semiconductor integrated circuit (LSI), a liquid crystal panel, and a photomask (reticle) for the semiconductor or the liquid crystal panel, which are fabricated based on data for fabricating the fine pattern such as design data. The pattern inspection apparatus includes a reference pattern generation device configured to generate a reference pattern represented by one or more lines, comprising one of a line segment and a curve, from the data, an image generation device configured to generate the image of the pattern to-be-inspected, a detecting device configured to detect an edge of the image of the pattern to-be-inspected, and an inspection device configured to inspect the pattern to-be-inspected by comparing the edge of the image of the pattern to-be-inspected with the one or more lines of the reference pattern.

Abstract: A system for cutting blocks of food product into bars of substantially equal weight. The system includes a cutter conveyor configured to receive incoming blocks of food product and move the blocks along an in-line processing path in a plane for cutting; a programmable logic controller coupled to the cutter conveyor; and, multiple stations associated with the cutter conveyor. One such station is a camera vision system configured to create an image of the slab portion, and further including a camera controller coupled to the vision system and the PLC, and configured to determine an optimized cut solution of the slab portion from the image and data related to the food product, and is configured to provide the cut solution to the PLC. The PLC is configured to control the cutting of the food product, based on the optimized cut solution, into bars of substantially equal weight.

Abstract: A method for correcting coaxial light image edge location errors in a precision machine vision inspection system is disclosed. The method comprises comparing an edge position measurement of a workpiece edge feature using coaxial light and stage light. Edge position measurements using stage light have a lower uncertainty than that of coaxial light. Position correction factors may be determined from the difference between the two edge position measurements. The position correction factors may be stored for correcting subsequent edge position measurements that are based on images acquired using coaxial light. In some embodiments, position correction factors may be determined based on comparing edge position measurements for a plurality of edges.

Abstract: Boundary lines which are contours of uneven marks are detected in a sample original image of the sidewall surface of a sample tyre, and a mask image showing the position of the boundary lines is generated. Thereupon, a height offset image which shows a height of the uneven marks is generated by, in use of a plurality of discrete height threshold values, classifying the height of regions in the sample original image which remain after excluding regions corresponding to the positions of the boundary lines shown in the mask image. An unevenness-excluded image is generated by excluding the uneven marks from an inspection image of a sidewall surface of a tyre under inspection, by subtracting the height offset image from the inspection image. A shape defect in the sidewall surface of the tyre under inspection is inspected on the basis of the unevenness-excluded image.

Abstract: A safety monitoring system for a workspace area. The workspace area related to a region having automated moveable equipment. A plurality of vision-based imaging devices capturing time-synchronized image data of the workspace area. Each vision-based imaging device repeatedly capturing a time synchronized image of the workspace area from a respective viewpoint that is substantially different from the other respective vision-based imaging devices. A visual processing unit for analyzing the time-synchronized image data. The visual processing unit processes the captured image data for identifying a human from a non-human object within the workspace area. The visual processing unit further determining potential interactions between a human and the automated moveable equipment.

Abstract: An image capturing device assembly for use with a test probe and a testing system. The image capturing device assembly including an image capturing device module configured for coupling to an external surface of the test probe and having an image capturing device housed within. The image capturing device is configured to generate a digital output video signal or the analog output video signal of a testing site. A digital monitor is coupled to the image capturing device via a wired or wireless link and configured to receive the digital output signal and generate a display of the testing site on the display monitor.

Abstract: A device for monitoring objects, in particular for monitoring industrial environments, such as paper mills and manufacturing and/or finishing processes of a paper, board or other fibrous web being carried out therein, includes a monitoring camera, the camera with its objective being arranged in a rotationally symmetrical protective housing rotating about an axis of rotation, and a protective housing to be mounted at its one end on a rigid hollow shaft and, at its coaxially opposite other end, to have a co-rotating blower pipe or merge into the latter, and for compressed air to be applied to the protective housing, including the blower pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a process associated with an item to be imaged is disclosed. The process requires data associated with a plurality of required features of the item to be imaged. A handheld device is used to obtain a sequence of images. For at least a subset of the obtained images, a camera field of view is directed toward the item from different relative juxtapositions while obtaining the images. At least a subset of the obtained images are examined to identify the required features. Images are obtained until each of the required features are identified in at least one image. Feedback is provided to a user indicating at least one additional required features to be imaged, required features that have already been imaged and guidance indicating how to manipulate the handheld device to obtain images of additional required features.

Abstract: A device for inspection of print products (36) produced by a printing machine (10) is provided with a first camera (48) being directed to an inspection field to be checked. At least one further camera (50) is provided being directed at least partially (58) to the same inspection field (54) being checked already by the first camera (48).

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a solid-imaging system (10) are disclosed. A calibration plate (110) having a non-scattering surface (140) with a plurality (150) of light-scattering fiducial marks (156) in a periodic array is disposed in the solid-imaging system. The actinic laser beam (26) is scanned over the fiducial marks, and the scattered light (26S) is detected by a detector (130) residing above the calibration plate. A computer control system (30) is configured to control the steering of the light beam and to process the detector signals (SD) so as to measure actual center positions (xA, yA) of the fiducial marks and perform an interpolation that establishes a calibrated relationship between the angular positions of the mirrors and (x,y) locations at the build plane (23). The calibrated relationship is then used to steer the laser beam in forming a three-dimensional object (50).

Abstract: A machine vision system is provided. The machine vision system includes a camera. A first flash unit is in communication with the camera and adapted to emit light or a first range of wavelengths in synchronization with operation of the camera. A second flash unit is in communication with the camera and adapted to emit light of a second range of wavelengths in synchronization with operation of the camera. The light of the first range of wavelengths does not overlap the wavelength of the light of the second range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A modular camera having a chassis module, a camera module, an illumination module and a communications module that together form a cooling passageway. The chassis module has a back wall having a first end and an opposite second end, a bottom wall having at least one opening formed therein, a first fan mounted at the chassis back wall first end, and a second fan mounted at the chassis back wall second end. The camera module has a body, wherein the camera body is removably received through a hole formed through the chassis module back wall. The illumination module has a back wall, wherein the illumination module is removably coupled to the chassis module so that the illumination module back wall is spaced apart from the chassis module back wall. The communication module is removably coupled to the chassis module. The chassis module back wall, the camera module body, the illumination module back wall and the communications module together form a cooling channel.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for analyzing interleaving material applied to sheets of material traveling along a conveyor. A system is provided that includes a cross-conveyor support frame and a camera system to capture images of the interleaving material upon the sheets. The camera system may optionally include a movable camera head that travels along the support frame to capture images at multiple positions along substantially the entire width of the conveyor. A control module is provided that includes a processor programmed with instructions for analyzing the interleaving material based on the images. In some cases the analyzing includes receiving the images of the interleaving material from the camera system, assessing coverage of the interleaving material upon the sheets of material from the images, determining adjustments for application of the interleaving material based on the assessed coverage, and/or communicating the adjustments to an interleaving material applicator.

Abstract: A method for automatically identifying defects in turbine engine blades is provided. The method comprises acquiring one or more radiographic images corresponding to one or more turbine engine blades and identifying one or more regions of interest from the one or more radiographic images. The method then comprises extracting one or more geometric features based on the one or more regions of interest and analyzing the one or more geometric features to identify one or more defects in the turbine engine blades.

Abstract: A device (24) for automated visual monitoring of products, in particular products of elongated shape, having at least one longitudinal axis (10) and advancing essentially continuously in a direction A that is essentially parallel to their longitudinal axis (10), whereby guiding elements (26) keep the products during their passage in the field C by visual monitoring elements (28), the automated visual monitoring device (24) being characterized in that the guiding elements (26) include at least one slot (34) that is aligned with at least one reflective surface (32) that is arranged in the field C of the visual monitoring elements (28) behind the site of passage of the products.

Abstract: The present application provides a thermal imaging and machining system for a machine component. The thermal imaging and machining system may include a machining subsystem with a machining device for drilling one or more holes in the machine component and a thermal inspection subsystem positioned about the machining subsystem. The thermal inspection subsystem may include an imager and one or more fluid supply lines such that a thermal response of the holes in the machine component may be determined.

Abstract: A static desalter simulator apparatus has a housing for containing a liquid bath and a rack disposed within the housing. The rack is formed of at least two substantially parallel plates separable by a plurality of spacers. An electric field is generatable between the plates, and at least one of the plates includes at least one recess. The apparatus also includes at least one mixing tube for containing an oil-water emulsion, which is positionable within at least one of the recesses. A controller is operatively connected to a mixing tube. An imaging device for generating a digital image or video during a demulsification process is in a mixing tube.

Abstract: A mixed injection inspection system is provided for inspecting mixed injection work for mixing an injection drug by an inspector different from a mixed injection worker. The mixed injection inspection system includes: a mixed injection work photographing device provided in a mixed injection work place and used to photograph the mixed injection work; an inspector side mixed injection work monitor provided in a place remote from the mixed injection work place and used to display the mixed injection work photographed by the mixed injection work photographing device; an inspector side input device provided in a place remote from the mixed injection work place and used to input instructions for the worker working at the mixed injection work place; and a mixed injection worker side display for displaying to the mixed injection worker what has been input by the inspector side input device.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically focusing an optical lens controls the light generated by a light-emitting device of an image measuring machine to penetrate a glass sheet, so as to project a picture of the glass sheet onto an object. The system and method further moves an optical lens along a Z-axis of the image measuring machine to capture one or more digital images of the object, and computes a definition value of each captured digital image. Furthermore, the system and method obtains a focus position corresponding to the highest definition value of the captured digital image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for fully automatic screen printer including two stacked light sources, two stacked beamsplitters, two stacked optical reflectors, two stacked imaging lens and two stacked image sensors, wherein the two stacked optical reflectors and the two stacked light sources are correspondingly disposed on two different sides of the two beamsplitters, the two stacked imaging lens are disposed on another side of the beamsplitters different from that of the optical reflectors and the light sources, the two stacked image sensors are disposed behind the imaging lens; the optical reflectors are provided with an upward reflection plane and a downward reflection plane, the optical axes of the imaging lenses are orthogonal to that of the light sources. The imaging apparatus is of two independent optical paths which capture the image of the printed circuit board and that of the screen respectively.

Abstract: An appearance inspection device, which inspects an appearance of test objects, includes a first and second conveying means 21 and 22a conveying the test objects, a back/front reversal means 23 turning over the front and back surfaces of the test objects being conveyed by the first conveying means 21 and supplying the test objects to the second conveying means 22a, and a plurality of image-pickup means 30b and 30c capturing images of each test object from upper oblique directions while the test objects are conveyed by the first and second conveying means 21 and 22a. The appearance inspection device also includes a defect detection means detecting the presence of defects in the test objects based on image data captured by the image-pickup means 30b and 30c. This appearance inspection device makes it possible to reliably and readily inspect an entire appearance of the test objects.

Abstract: An imaging region adjustment device includes plural camera terminals, capable of imaging an entire imaging target without blinds spots. Each of the camera terminals includes a camera which images a virtual imaging region obtained while changing the position of an imaging region within a specific region in a specific period of time and an adjusting unit B which adjusts the position of the virtual imaging region by controlling the camera.

Abstract: A user protection system, a machine including a user protection system, and a method of protecting a user of a machine are disclosed. In an embodiment, a user protection system is provided including at least one camera directed to a protected area of the machine; a computing device operably coupled to the at least one camera, a program product stored in a memory of the computing device which when executed, analyzes at least one image of the protected area captured by the camera and transmitted in real time to the computing device, and a relay coupling operably connecting the computing device with a shut-off control on the machine, wherein, in a case in which at least a part of a user is detected at least partially within the protected area, the computing device transmits a command causing the machine to stop.

Abstract: An error detection vision system that determines whether a proper part has been selected from a presentation device during an assembly process. In one embodiment, the presentation device is a rack including a plurality of bins, where the bins hold a plurality of different parts. The vision system includes one or more projecting devices that project a light beam towards the presentation device and a detector, such as a camera, receiving reflections back from a worker as he selects parts from the presentation device. The error detection vision system can employ various detection processes, such as a stereo pair of video cameras, vision using structured-light triangulation and infrared time-of-flight distance measurements.

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera monitors the temperature different zones in a pharmaceutical process such as ribbon compaction, coating, spray drying, fluid bed drying, high shear wet granulation, crystallization, lyophilization, precipitation, fermentation, and low dosage dispensing of a pharmaceutically active liquid. The thermal imaging camera can be used to produce a visual display of a temperature profile, or a spray pattern. In addition, feedback from the thermal imaging camera is used to control one or more processing parameters.

Abstract: A multifunctional working platform for the process of an image sensor module includes a rotary disc, an electronic controlling component, a positioning device, a focusing device, a dispensing device and a solidifying device. The positioning device includes a supporting bracket and a video camera. The focusing device includes a focusing unit and a stepper motor component. The focusing unit includes a mounting base, a supporting board, a focusing wheel mechanism and a first motor. The first motor controls the focusing wheel mechanism to vertically move. The stepper motor component controls the focusing wheel mechanism to horizontally move. The dispensing device includes a mounting frame, a driving mechanism and a dispensing tube. The solidifying device includes a supporting post and a solidifying tube. The multifunctional working platform gathers functions of positioning, focusing, dispensing and solidifying as a whole thereby improving the focusing precision, the automation level and the working efficiency.

Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a reception unit that receives multiple captured images that are captured with a capture device in parallel from an external apparatus to which the capture device that captures an object is connected; a detection unit that detects a priority image that is included in the multiple captured images being received by the reception unit and is assigned priority information that specifies the priority image to be preferentially displayed on a display device; and a controller that controls the reception unit to stop receiving other captured images which are not detected by the detection unit and to receive the priority image detected by the detection unit and controls the display device to display the priority image on the display device when the priority image is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed in an image measuring apparatus including an image capture unit which captured an image of a measurement subject, an import unit which imports the image of the measurement subject which is captured by the image capture unit, a binarization unit which binarizes the image which is imported by the import unit, an contour detection unit which recognizes graphic information in the image which is binarized by the binarization unit and detects an contour of the graphic information, A corner detection unit which detects corners of the graphic information based on the contour which is detected by the contour detection unit, a setting unit which respectively sets edge detection tools on lines of the contour including the corners detected by the corner detection unit and a measurement unit which measures the graphic information by the edge detection tools which are set by the setting unit.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method, and computer program product for evaluating an object disposed on an upper surface of an object holder. At least one first frame representing a captured portion of the object is acquired, while the object holder is positioned at each of a plurality of locations. At least one second frame representing a captured portion of at least one other surface of the object holder besides the upper surface is acquired, while the object holder is positioned at each of the plurality of locations. At least one spatial characteristic associated with the captured portion of the object is determined, based on at least one of the acquired frames. A three-dimensional representation of the object can be formed based on the first frames and at least one spatial characteristic.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine is disclosed having an orientor automatically orienting a substrate associated therewith. A control and computing unit is further associated with the coordinate measuring machine, so that self-calibration may be performed on the basis of at least two different and automatically set orientations of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a construction machine with a sensor which is set up for gathering measurement data from a sampling region or from a sampling point. The invention is characterised in that an illumination device for illuminating the sampling region or the sampling point is integrated into the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A refined autofocus method provides optimized lighting between iterative autofocus operations, to reliably provide the best possible autofocus Z-height precision. The method includes a quantitative initial focus Z-height determination based on initial focus curve data from initial autofocus images acquired using initial light control parameters. Then, the camera is set at that initial focus Z-height such that well focused images are provided. Refined (optimized) light control parameters are then determined based on at least one respective image acquired using respective light control parameters at that Z-height, such that an image acquired using the refined light control parameters provides a near-optimum value for a contrast-related metric (e.g., a focus metric) at that Z-height. Then, refined autofocus images are acquired using the refined light control parameters and a refined precise Z-height is quantitatively determined base on the resulting focus curve.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing controller capable of faithfully recreating a process of a series of image processing based upon a control program, which includes: a history buffer for extracting a result of the measurement in each processing unit, executed by the program executing section, as history information in each measurement cycle and holding the extracted result in association with the processing unit and the measurement cycle; a history buffer for extracting a camera image acquired from a camera by the program executing section during execution of a control program, as history information in each the measurement cycle and holding the extracted image in association with the measurement cycle; and a history information transferring section for transferring history information, held in the history buffers, to the PC.