Abstract: A method for teaching a robot to perform an operation based on human demonstration with images from a camera. The method includes a teaching phase where a 2D or 3D camera detects a human hand grasping and moving a workpiece, and images of the hand and workpiece are analyzed to determine a robot gripper pose and positions which equate to the pose and positions of the hand and corresponding pose and positions of the workpiece. Robot programming commands are then generated from the computed gripper pose and position relative to the workpiece pose and position. In a replay phase, the camera identifies workpiece pose and position, and the programming commands cause the robot to move the gripper to pick, move and place the workpiece as demonstrated. A teleoperation mode is also disclosed, where camera images of a human hand are used to control movement of the robot in real time.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods to correct for edge-position error associated with brightness levels of an associated back screen in a video extensometer system. In some examples, to correct for edge-position error, a processing system is configured to execute an edge detection algorithm to measure and/or calculate a difference between a perceived edge-position and a reference edge-position associated with an amount of error, and calculate a correction term to address the error. The correction term can be added to the result of the edge detection algorithm in case of white-to black transition, and subtracted in case of black-to-white transition to correct for the error.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus interprets quality requirement data of a print job received externally, analyzes print data of the print job, and compares an interpretation result of the quality requirement data and an analysis result of the print data. As a result of the comparison, in a case where an object, which is comprised in a print image, corresponding to the quality requirement data of the print job and the print data are inconsistent, a warning screen is displayed.

Abstract: An industrial visualization system generates and delivers virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) presentations of industrial facilities to wearable appliances to facilitate remote or enhanced interaction with automation systems within the facility. VR presentations can comprise three-dimensional (3D) holographic views of a plant facility or a location within a plant facility. The system can selectively render a scaled down view that renders the facility as a 3D scale model, or as a first-person view that renders the facility as a full-scale rendition that simulates the user's presence on the plant floor. Camera icons rendered in the VR presentation can be selected to switch to a live video stream generated by 360-degree cameras within the plant. The system can also render workflow presentations that guide users through the process of correcting detected maintenance issues.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling objects on an object transporting device includes an industrial robot and an object handling control device. The device estimates candidate handling positions (OP1, OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5, OP6, OP7) for at least one candidate object based on a first assumption; determines for each candidate handling position whether it lies within a working volume (wv1) of the robot; selects one of the candidate positions (OP1) at a first decision instant, the selection being at least partially based on the result of the determining; and handles an object at an actual handling position corresponding to the selected candidate handling position, the handling being performed after a usage time of the robot, the usage time including the time for moving the robot from the robot position at the first decision instant to the actual handling position, and the time for handling the object.

Abstract: A belt includes one or more tension members extending along a length of the belt, a jacket at least partially enclosing the plurality of tension members, and one or more layers of one or more of a fluorescent, absorbing, or reflecting material located in the belt such that when subjected to a light source, an indication of fluorescence or absorbance or reflection of the one or more layers of fluorescent or absorbent or reflective materials is indicative of a wear condition of the belt.

Abstract: An elevator rope elongation measuring device provided with: a camera for photographing one or a plurality of elevator ropes R; and an image processing unit for image processing a photographed image output from the camera, wherein: the image processing unit detects an external form portion of the elevator rope R as a regular hill and valley shape T, converts a cyclic length of the hill and valley shape into actual dimensions and makes this a measured value, and finds a ratio of the measured value with respect to a standard value prescribed for the elevator rope as an elongation, therefore attaining the effect of making it unnecessary to have a preliminary installation of a sensor or marker to the rope, or preliminary creation of a database.

Abstract: A device and a method for monitoring and/or inspecting moving material webs. The method includes taking a first picture of a first portion of a material web at a first point in time with a camera, which has a matrix chip with a binning function, and taking a second picture of a second portion of the material web at a second point in time with the camera. A first binning step level is used for the first picture and a second binning step level is used for the second picture. The first number of pixels which are in each case grouped together is higher or lower than the second number of pixels which are in each case grouped together, as a result of which a physical zoom function is achieved for the second picture.

Abstract: A non-contact thickness measurement system includes a first optical displacement sensor in a first scanner head and a second optical displacement sensor in a second scanner head on opposite sides of a sheet material. The displacement sensors measure a plurality of distances to a first line in a first direction along the top of the material and plurality of distances to a second line in a second direction along a bottom of the material. An x,y position sensor determines x,y position data. A z-position sensor measures a sensor-to-sensor distance. A computing device determines a projected intersection point of the first and second lines, and using the projected intersection point selects a first distance from the distances from first displacement sensor and a second distance from the distances from the second displacement sensor, and for calculating a sheet material thickness using the first distance, second distance, and the sensor-to-sensor distance.

Abstract: A simulation device for a robot rearranging articles in a random arrangement on a conveyor to a regular arrangement while tracking the conveyor. The simulation device includes a model locating section for locating a conveyor model, a plurality of article models, a sensor model and an arraying robot model in a virtual space; a conveying motion simulating section for making the conveyor model convey the article models in the random arrangement; a detecting motion simulating section for making the sensor model obtain position information of the article models; an arrangement pattern generating section for generating an arrangement pattern on the conveyor model; and an arraying motion simulating section for making the arraying robot model pick up the article models in the random arrangement and place the picked-up article models in accordance with the arrangement pattern, while tracking an article conveying motion.

Abstract: Multiple types of leaded components are scattered on component support member, and those multiple types of components are imaged by an imaging device. Identification information for identifying each type of the multiple types of components, and position information representing the position of the components on the component support section, is acquired from image data captured by the imaging device. Then, based on the identification information and the position information, any of the multiple types of components on the component support member are held by a holding tool. By this, it is possible to pick up any of the multiple types of components scattered on the component support section and it is possible to supply many types of components using the component supply device. Also, there is no need for an operator to check components on the component support section, so the operator workload is reduced.

Abstract: An AR based fault detection and maintenance system analyzes real-time video streams from a remote user device to identify a specific context level at which a user is to handle an equipment and provides instructions corresponding to the specific context level. The instructions enable generating AR simulations that guide the user in executing specific operations including repairs on faulty components of the equipment. The received video stream is initially analyzed to identify a particular equipment which is to be handled by the user. Fault prediction procedures are executed to identify faults associated with the equipment. The instructions to handle the faults are transmitted to the user device as AR simulations that provide step-by-step simulations that enable the user to execute operations as directed by the instructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for compensating for a material web offset in inspection systems for material webs which are moving in the direction of a material web length and/or a material web width. The method comprises the following steps: taking a first picture of a first portion of a material web at a first point in time with a camera which comprises a matrix chip, and taking a second picture of a second portion of the material web at a second point in time with the camera. A first active partial surface of the matrix chip is used for the first picture and a second active partial surface of the matrix chip is used for the second picture here, wherein the first active partial surface and the second active partial surface are not identical.

Abstract: An operator controlled wire rope maintenance apparatus for remotely discerning and locating wire rope wear problems.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a workpiece orientation calculation unit, an arrival prediction unit, a robot orientation calculation unit, and a trajectory data generation unit. The arrival prediction unit obtains a picking prediction position at which a workpiece that is conveyed by a conveyance apparatus may be picked up by a picking apparatus or the like, based on conveyance speed information supplied by the conveyance apparatus or the like and the sensing information supplied by an image acquisition apparatus.

Abstract: A system with binary coding in a textile structure can include a textile sensor that senses a property and that has a yarn pattern. A binary code can be associated with the yarn pattern. When the textile sensor senses the property, the property alters relative positions of yarns in the yarn pattern, causing the associated binary code to change. A particular change in the binary code represents a defined value of the property. As a result, a second textile sensor having a second yarn pattern can be designed based on the unique binary codes of the first textile sensor measurements, such that the second textile sensor provides predictable responses to different property values.

Abstract: A moveable head of a computer numerically controlled machine may deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a first change in a material at least partially contained within an interior space of the CNC machine. A feature of the material may be imaged using at least one camera present inside the interior space to update a position of the material, and the moveable head may be aligned to deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a second change in the material such that the second change is positioned on the material consistent with the first change and with an intended final appearance of the material. Methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described.

Abstract: A workpiece picking system is provided, including: a conveyor that transfers multiple workpieces in one transfer direction; a position detection unit that detects transfer positions of the workpieces transferred by the conveyor; a distributing robot that sorts the workpieces transferred by the conveyor in a single row into two rows by a predetermined rule following the movement of the conveyor by performing line tracking based on the detected transfer positions; and a pair of picking robots that pick-up the workpieces, following the movement of the conveyor by performing line tracking based on the transfer positions detected by the position detection unit, and disposing only the workpieces in one of the rows sorted by the distributing robot, in an operating range of the picking robots. The pair of picking robots are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction of the conveyor.

Abstract: An imaging unit has its imaging field of view containing the conveyor, and images a subject in the imaging field. The imaging unit generates a luminance image representing the subject and a range image including height information indicating a height of at least one point on the subject from the conveyor by imaging the subject. A measurement unit measures a position of each workpiece in the luminance image. An obtaining unit obtains an overlap order of the workpieces based on the height information in the range image corresponding to the position of each workpiece in the luminance image. A determination unit determines the workpiece pickup order to allow a workpiece having a highest place in the overlap order to be picked up with a higher priority than other workpieces.

Abstract: A sign manufacturing system includes a printing base, a printing panel with a top layer, pressure sensitive adhesive and a transparent bottom layer, a bridge component, a sliding assembly, including an assembly body, a cutting laser, a liquid ejection unit, a curing laser, and a control unit, such that the cutting laser cuts out characters in the top layer without affecting the bottom layer, and such that the liquid ejection unit deposits spherical domes of printing fluid on exposed surface of the transparent bottom layer to form a braille text.

Abstract: The invention relates machines and methods for separative machining of workpieces. The machines include a first movement unit to move the workpiece in a first direction, a second movement unit including a machining head to emit the processing beam, and a third movement unit. The second movement unit moves the machining head in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to direct the processing beam onto the workpiece. The machines include a first workpiece support unit including a first workpiece-bearing face and a second workpiece support unit including a second workpiece-bearing face spaced apart by a gap. One or more of at least a part of the first workpiece support unit, at least a part of the second workpiece support unit and at least one support element are configured to move with respect to one another in the first direction to vary the width of the gap.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an object holding apparatus includes a holding part, a recognition device, and a controller. The holding part is able to hold at least one object. The recognition device recognizes a plurality of objects to generate a recognition result. The controller selects a first object from the objects, based on the recognition result. The controller sets a first direction to one side of the first object along which the number of objects aligned with the first object is smaller than the number of objects aligned with the first object along the other side of the first object. The controller selects a second object aligned with the first object along the first direction. The controller controls a driving of the holding part, based on a selection result of the first object and the second object.

Abstract: A thickness of a first layer in a structure may be measured based on an original image of the structure. A first boundary of the first layer may be identified in the original image. A second boundary that is substantially indistinguishable in the original image may be identified based on converting the original image into a first image based on the first boundary and generating a second image based on filtering the first image. The first image may be generated based on adjusting partial image portions of the original image to align the representation of the first boundary with an axis line, such that the first image includes a representation of the first boundary that extends substantially in parallel with the axis line. The second boundary may be identified from the second image, and the thickness of the layer may be determined based on the identified first and second boundaries.

Abstract: A system for acquiring surface data from one of the surfaces of a curved panel having a specular surface and developing a surface definition of the panel includes a conveyor for conveying the panel in a first direction, at least one display projecting a preselected multi-phase non-repeating contrasting pattern, and at least one camera, each one of the cameras uniquely paired with one of the displays. The system may also include a control programmed to execute logic for controlling each of the camera/display pairs to acquire the desired images, and logic for analyzing and combining the data acquired by the cameras to construct a definition of the surface of the panel.

Abstract: A Steckel mill has a reversing unit for rolling a rolled product and winding furnaces arranged on the entrance side and exit side of the reversing unit. When rolling the rolled product in a region of a head of the rolled product, a target thickness of the rolled product is ignored, while measuring a current thickness and/or a hardness of the rolled product and comparing this with a setpoint value. One the measured variable reaches or is below the setpoint value, the reversing unit is operated with a view to achieving the target thickness of the rolled product. The Steckel mill is operated to allow for rolling of a cold, non-rollable piece of the rolled product, so that malfunctions are avoided and the usable part of the rolled product is as large as possible.

Abstract: Rules, applied to deny authorization of likely fraudulent transactions, are derived from a modified Patient Rule Induction Method algorithm that uses a target variable and a data set of past transactions each associated with a plurality of input variables and a hyper-rectangle enclosing a multi-dimensional space defined by a representation of the input variable values as points within the multi-dimensional space. While a count of the points within the hyper-rectangle is greater than a minimum support parameter, a first plurality of points proximal to edges of the hyper-rectangle are removed, where each such removing maximizes a mean value of the target variable, and then, while the mean value remains maximized, a second plurality of points proximal to the edges is added, where each adding maximizes or maintains the mean value. The hyper-rectangle is bounded within a minimum bounding box that defines the rules.

Abstract: This article transfer apparatus comprises a disk member, an article supply apparatus which changes at least positions of the respective articles at a predetermined circumferential position of the rotating disk member, a rotation sensor which detects a rotational position of the disk member, a visual sensor which obtains information for identifying at least positions of the respective articles on the disk member, and a robot which picks up the articles on the disk member in a state in which the disk member is rotating, by using an article position information in which the information obtained by the visual sensor corresponds to a detected result of the rotation sensor at the time of obtaining the information, and a detected result of the rotation sensor at the time of picking up the articles.

Abstract: In a monitoring system (1) for an apparatus (2) for producing and/or processing a material web (4), the monitoring system has at least one processor (10) and is equipped to perform a state and process monitoring step at the apparatus by detecting and synchronously visualizing signals, which can be generated by at least one first analysis device (5) for detecting tearing of the material web (4) in the apparatus (2) and by a number of further analysis devices (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for detecting physical measurement and influencing variables in the region of the apparatus.

Abstract: An article arraying device including a robot; a vision sensor for obtaining position information of each of randomly arranged articles; an arrangement pattern generating section for generating an arrangement pattern by using the position information, the arrangement pattern including pattern elements in a regular arrangement, in such a manner that any one of the pattern elements coincides with a position of a reference article in the randomly arranged articles; a picking motion generating section for generating a picking motion by using the position information, the robot picking up by the picking motion an article other than the reference article; an arraying motion generating section for generating an arraying motion, the robot placing by the arraying motion the picked-up article in a position juxtaposed to the reference article in accordance with the arrangement pattern; and a robot controlling section for controlling the picking motion and the arraying motion.

Abstract: In a graphics processing pipeline, a processing unit establishes a bounding box around a polygon in order to identify sample points that are covered by the polygon. For a given sample point included within the bounding box, the processing unit constructs a set of lines that intersect at the sample point, where each line in the set of lines is parallel to at least one side of the polygon. When all vertices of the polygon reside on one side of at least one line in the set of lines, the processing unit may reduce the size of the bounding box to exclude the sample point.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for inducting items to a sorter (SRT) from a stream of items (IT1, IT2), e.g. mail or parcels, arriving at a feeding conveyor (FC). A processor (PCR) executes a control algorithm (C_A) with at least information (I_1) regarding the stream of items arriving at the feeding conveyor (FC) as input. In response, the control algorithm (C_A) generates an output (O1) indicating where to place an item picked up by a robot (R1) from the feeding conveyor (FC). The control algorithm (C_A) selects between two or more of: 1) a first induction (I1) arranged for transporting items to the sorter (SRT), 2) an empty space (E_S) on the sorter(SRT), 3) the feeding conveyor (FC), e.g. singulating bulk items on the feeding conveyor (FC), and 4) a weighing unit (W1) arranged for weighing items.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of non-contact detection and identification of the type of different substances and mixtures as well as determining their characteristics as concentration, hardness, etc.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for performing a basis weight measuring method for sheet tobacco according to the present invention includes: a light source (28) that emits light to sheet tobacco (ST) passing through a measurement position (P) on a transport path (18); and a visual sensor (30), the visual sensor (30) having a color camera (32) disposed with the transport path (18) put between the color camera (32) and the light source (28), a processing part (40) that transforms a color image of the sheet tobacco (ST) taken by the camera (32) into a grayscale image, and a conversion part (42) that converts an average gray level of the grayscale image into a basis weight of the sheet tobacco (ST) with reference to a conversion map which indicates a relationship between the average gray level of the grayscale image and an actual basis weight of sheet tobacco (ST).

Abstract: A system is described for detecting the presence of non-uniformity patterns and providing output indicative of a severity of each type of non-uniformity pattern. The system includes a computerized rating tool that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. In addition, the rating software develops a model that allows a computerized inspection system to detect the presence of non-uniformity patterns in a manufactured web material in real time and provide output indicative of a severity level of each pattern on a continuous scale. The system also includes algorithmic and hardware approaches to significantly that increase the throughput of the inspection system.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for inspecting printed images for a printing or finishing machine with continuously moved printed products. An illumination unit with a light source illuminates a recording region and an image capture apparatus with at least one camera, for example a line scanning camera, is set up to capture an image inside the recording region, which extends over the width of the printed product, wherein the image capture apparatus is set up to generate a multi-line partial image.

Abstract: System and method to inspect hygienic articles. Defects are detected using a vision system by comparing an inspection image of a component to a reference image of a defect-free component. Detection of a defect can then be used to reject components and perform other functions.

Abstract: A device for inspecting a raised fiber state of a web member of a sanitary article, the web member having, on at least one face, fiber raisable parts that come off from the one face in a predetermined dispersed arrangement pattern, new exposed parts being created on the one face when the fiber raisable parts come off to be raised, wherein the inspection device includes an image capturing processing part that captures an image of the one face and creates as a planar image data, a data of a planar image of the one face, a binarization processing part that performs, when creating a binarized image based on the planar image data, a binarization process so that areas in which images of the new exposed parts in the planar image are captured, are included in an image specified by one value of two values in the binarized image, and a quality judgment processing part that performs quality judgment of the raised fiber state based on a value indicating a size of the image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analysis device (10) for analyzing a thermoforming process in a thermoforming laminating device (20), wherein the analysis device (10) comprises a pressure housing (17) having a pressure resistance of up to 5 bar. At least one image recording device (12) that is connected to a data storage device (13) and one lighting device (11) is disposed in the pressure housing. A lens (12?) of the image recording device (12) is disposed adjacent to a light outlet opening (11) of the lighting device (11) in a housing wall of the housing (17), and the analysis device (10) comprises a temperature resistance of at least up to 50° C. The invention further relates to an analysis method for analyzing thermoforming processes in a thermoforming laminating device that can be performed by means of the analysis device (10) according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a web monitoring beam including at least one camera placed therein and being equipped with a camera lens cleaning system with means for generating compressed air. The camera placed inside the web monitoring beam is a pinhole camera with a chamber area between the lens and the pinhole of the pinhole camera. Compressed air is blown into the chamber area, which compressed air exits via the pinhole of the pinhole camera, removing the impurities from the chamber area. The invention also relates to a pinhole camera including a cleaning system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, system and method to measure tackiness of a substance, such as pulp, with an on-line or an in-line sensor having a transparent plate with a surface where tacky particles can attach. Attached particles are identified by a camera behind the plate. The camera is focused to detect stationary particles attached to the surface. Measurement is performed directly from a process stream or from a sidesteam and the plate does not need to be removed from the process for the measurement. The plate material may be plastic, such as polycarbonate or acrylic. Additionally, the flow speed may be kept be low, e.g. <0.1 m/s at the measurement position, and/or there may be a stagnation point of flow at or near measurement where the flow speed approaches zero.

Abstract: Continuous measurement of surfaces larger than a sensor is facilitated by the use of a sensor matrix of a clear elastomer and a reflective surface that scrolls, rolls, or otherwise moves over a target surface. A variety of web materials, camera configurations, and handling systems are described to achieve continuous three-dimensional measurement in this context.

Abstract: A zoom control method and apparatus. The zoom control method allows a subject to be photographed by automatically performing a zooming operation with a proper composition and resolves a problem where a subject disappears from a screen due to the zooming operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a print result in a rotary printing press, includes a web monitoring system including a matrix camera (20) that is movable in transverse direction over a web printed in the printing press, the matrix camera being adapted to capture an excerpt of the printed image in synchronism with a repeat of the printed image during a print run, an inspection system for a complete inspection of the printed image, the inspection system including a line camera that extends over the entire widths of the web, and an integrated control desk for the web monitoring system and the inspection system.

Abstract: There is described an inspection system (50) for in-line inspection of sheet or web material on an intaglio printing press, wherein the inspection system comprises an optical quality control apparatus for carrying out inspection of a printed area on a printed side of the sheet or web material, the optical quality control apparatus including a camera system (55) with one or more camera units each comprising at least one line-scan camera (56) for scanning and acquiring an image of the printed area while the sheet or web material is being transported in the intaglio printing press past the camera system (55).

Abstract: A mask inspection apparatus includes a mask transfer unit configured to transfer a mask in one of a first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction, a displacement sensor unit configured to measure a distance to a sheet of the mask transferred by the mask transfer unit, a photographic unit configured to photograph the sheet of the mask transferred by the mask transfer unit, a control unit configured to send a height control signal for controlling a height of the photographic unit according to the measured distance, and a height control unit configured to control the height of the photographic unit according to the height control signal sent by the control unit.

Abstract: Provided are a reel-to-reel inspection apparatus and method. The reel-to-reel inspection apparatus includes: an unwinding unit configured to unwind a roll-shaped object; a first inspection unit configured to photograph a surface of the object discharged from the unwinding unit; a second inspection unit configured to photograph another surface of the object which has passed through the first inspection unit; a marking unit configured to indicate a mark on the object which has passed through the second inspection unit; and a winding unit configured to wind in a roll shape the object which has passed through the marking unit.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a sewing machine. The monitoring system includes a camera assembly mounted to a base of the sewing machine with a camera that collects images from a bottom side of the fabric. The camera assembly delivers images of the back side of the fabric to a monitor assembly that includes a display device. The display device displays the images collected by the camera. The monitor can be mounted to an upper or arm portion of the sewing machine for convenient viewing by the operator during use of the sewing machine.

Abstract: The invention present disclosure relates to a sub-assembly of a drape-forming head (20), comprising, downstream, at least one member (23) for depositing the prepreg strip, at least one roller (30, 30?) for compacting the prepreg strip, and a device (10) for checking the play between the strips, consisting of a profilometer including a camera (13), a laser light source (11) projecting a line of light onto the surface to be checked, and a prism (16) arranged near the surface to be checked, in the axis of the camera (13), so as to send, to the camera (13), the image of the projected line of light that reaches the camera at a certain angle. The camera (13) and the light source (11) are placed side-by-side in an offset housing (18) arranged remotely from the compacting rollers (30, 30?), the prism (16) being connected to the housing (18) and to the camera (13) via an elongate casing (19) vertically arranged between the compacting rollers (30, 30?).

Abstract: A method includes obtaining multiple images of a sheet of material. The images contain a first line projected onto a first side of the sheet and a second line projected onto a second side of the sheet. The images include (i) at least one first image containing the first line reflected off the first side of the sheet and the second line transmitted through the sheet and (ii) at least one second image containing the second line reflected off the second side of the sheet and the first line transmitted through the sheet. The method also includes identifying at least one point of intersection in the images where the lines intersect on the sheet. The method further includes identifying a caliper of the sheet using the at least one point of intersection.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first image of a first line of perforations in a sheet product, processing the first image to determine whether the first line of perforations are within specifications, and outputting an indication to an operator indicative that the first line of perforations are not within specifications responsive to determining that the first line of perforations are not within specifications.