Abstract: Described herein are examples of weld tracking systems implemented via a welding helmet. The welding helmet includes weld tracking sensors configured to allow the welding helmet to track a welding-type tool and/or an arc generated by the welding-type tool. The welding helmet also includes helmet tracking sensors configured to allow the welding helmet to track its own position and/or orientation relative to a reference point in the welding environment. By tracking itself as well as the welding-type tool and/or arc, the welding helmet can differentiate between its own movement, and movement of the welding-type tool and/or arc. By knowing the spatial relationship between the different sensors of the welding helmet, the tracking information can be combined and used for weld tracking. By implementing the weld tracking system in the welding helmet, the weld tracking system becomes portable and usable outside of the usual fixed confines of weld tracking systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional measurement of an object includes a trigger configured to obtain image information from a measurement camera and to trigger, in dependence on image content of the image information, a measurement output or an evaluation of the image information by an evaluator for determining measurement results. Further, a respective method and a respective computer program are described.

Abstract: This invention is about an imaging system that uses conventional cameras and a single laser line to perform quality control at the output of a converting machine or a press. The system uses several cameras distributed over the width of the printed sheets. Thanks to the laser line, it can reconstruct the complete image of the printed matter even when the sheets are not perfectly flat or at varying height, compensating geometric as well as photometric distortions. The use of conventional cameras results in a cost effective system.

Abstract: An automated system for performing multiple operations on one or more weld joints of a pipe string includes a main controller including a user interface; and a first robotic device that is in communication with the main controller and is configured to controllably travel inside of the pipe string and detect and uniquely identify each weld joint within the pipe string based on a vision-based weld detection module that is executed on a first onboard computer. The vision-based weld detection module provides at least one of: (1) images captured within the pipe string and (2) a live video feed within the pipe string that is displayed on the user interface for allowing a user to review and approve detection of the weld joint, whereupon once the user confirms the approval, the first robotic device automatically positions itself a predefined distance from the detected weld joint and automatically begins to perform at least one operation on the weld joint.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a weld of plastic pipes by means of a data processing device, comprising: capturing and storing documents; monitoring and recording the installation and the implementation of the weld of the joint; producing a welding report, or adopting a welding report from the welding machine; testing the weld ultrasonically, wherein the test detects and stores the defects that are in the weld; wherein software is used to capture and store the documents, the welding report and the defects, more specifically the data on said defects, wherein an algorithm of the software is used to evaluate the stored documents, reports, defects and data on said defects, and to classify the welded joint as compliant or non-compliant with the requirements.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a joint of an assembly, in particular an assembly of a motor vehicle, consisting of two components joined together by a joining process, includes the method steps of: orienting an inspection device with respect to at least one region of the joint to be tested, imaging an actual image of the joint to be tested on a display device; and displaying joint information relating to the joint to be tested of the assembly via the display device.

Abstract: An apparatus for biometric security having a biometric scanner for capturing over a first field of view image data representative of one or more biometric objects associated with a subject, and a presentation attack detection system for capturing over a second field at one or more locations along the subject information indicative of presence of the one or more biometric objects. One or more processers utilizes the image data received from the biometric scanner to select such one or more locations, and to direct the second field of view of the presentation attack detection system to obtain the information along one or more of the selected one or more locations, and to determine in accordance with the information when the first field of view contains a true or fake presentation to the biometric scanner.

Abstract: Examples of a method of operating an additive manufacturing system, a three-dimensional (3D) printing system and a non-transitory machine-readable medium are described. In an example, a build material is supplied to a print region of an additive manufacturing system. A temperature distribution, corresponding to a pattern, of at least a surface of the build material is generated. An image of the pattern is captured using a thermal sensor. Image data representative of the image of the pattern is compared with data representative of an expected position of the pattern. On the basis of the comparing, difference data indicative of a difference between a position of the thermal sensor during capture of the image and an expected position of the thermal sensor associated with the expected position of the pattern is generated. Operation of the additive manufacturing system is controlled at least in dependence on the difference data.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are for determining a weld quality by an imaging device configured to generate one or more signals indicative of a weld bead positioned on at least one part. Machine-readable instruction set causes a computing device to perform at least the following when executed by the processor: capture an initial scan to determine a plurality of offset information based on predetermined part features, activate the imaging device to capture a scan of the weld bead, establish a line scan profile of the weld bead, determine that the scan of the weld bead matches a predetermined weld model, and analyze the weld bead profile to determine a volume of the weld bead, a rising edge of the weld bead, and a falling edge of the weld bead and comparing the weld bead profile to a plurality of predetermined parameters for the weld bead to determine a satisfactory weld quality.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of a toolpiece, wherein: the toolpiece is carried by a tool and the tool comprises an imaging device for capturing images of the environment around the tool; and the system comprises an image processor communicatively coupled to the imaging device for receiving images therefrom and having access to one or more reference images of an expected environment, the image processor being configured to compare an image captured by the imaging device with at least one reference image to identify a match therebetween and to determine in dependence on characteristics of that match the location of the toolpiece.

Abstract: Description according to the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for inspecting a welding tip of a spot welding gun, and more particularly, to an apparatus for inspecting a welding tip of a spot welding gun, the apparatus enabling a user to replace a camera module swiftly and conveniently.

Abstract: Methods and systems for touch-sensing to provide an updated user frame are provided. These include the provision of a user frame and the touch-sensing of a workpiece, where the touch-sensing includes performing a touch-sensing schedule. The touch-sensing schedule includes one of a laser touch-sensing event and a wire touch-sensing event, where one of the laser touch-sensing event and the wire touch-sensing event is switched to the other of the laser touch-sensing event and the wire touch-sensing event while performing the touch-sensing schedule. An offset of the workpiece relative to the user frame is determined based on the touch-sensing of the workpiece and the offset is applied to the user frame to provide the updated user frame. The unique dynamic user frame feature enables same touch sensing program to be cloned and applied on multiple robot controllers.

Abstract: A laser machining device includes a scanner head which can scan a laser beam, a movement means for the scanner head, a scanner head control device and a movement control device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image output device includes an extractor, a search unit, an associate unit, and a controller. The extractor is configured to extract a first parameter that varies in accordance with a movement of an object from at least one first image of the object, and extract a second parameter that varies in accordance with a movement of the object from each second image of the object. The search unit is configured to search for a second parameter similar to the first parameter. The associate unit is configured to associate the first image from which the first parameter is extracted with the second image from which the second parameter that is retrieved with respect to the first parameter is extracted. The controller is configured to instruct an output unit to output an image based on the first and second images that are associated to each other.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an implement of a work machine is provided. The system may include one or more image sensors mounted on the work machine configured to capture one or more images of a field of view associated with the implement, and an implement controller in electrical communication with the image sensors. The implement controller may be configured to receive the images from the image sensors, identify one or more interactive targets within the images, select one of the interactive targets based on proximity, and align the implement to the selected interactive target.

Abstract: A series of time-sequenced heat energy data arrays or data stream sets of a weld process region are processed by a weld data array or data stream processing system to produce a heat energy data set output that is related to weld process region features or weld process region heat energy data. The heat energy data set output can be displayed to a system user and modified by system user input to the weld data array or data stream processing system; alternatively, or in combination, the system user output and input, the heat energy data set output, or data produced from the heat energy data set output by the weld data array or data stream processing system, can be transmitted to a weld process controller to adjust parameters in the weld process responsive to the output of the weld data array or data stream processing system.

Abstract: A welding camera (1) is constructed with: a lens (11) for focusing incident light; an optical filter (12) that comprises a neutral density filter for reducing the amount of the incident light, an ultraviolet cut filter for cutting ultraviolet rays, and a green band-pass filter for transmitting green light; a CMOS imaging unit (13) that has a wide dynamic range function, and detects the light which has passed the optical filter (12); a video signal processing unit (14) that has an automatic gain control function and a digital signal processor, and outputs an image signal, which covers a range of a low-intensity dark part to high-intensity arc light, to a display unit on the basis of an electric signal that is input from the CMOS imaging unit (13).

Abstract: An electrode inspection apparatus for spot welding is provided for precisely measuring diameters of a tip of an electrode without reducing availability ratio in a production line, and is particularly useful when inspecting a weld gun having electrodes with a narrow distance therebetween. A CCD camera 91 for imaging the tip of the electrode held to the weld gun is disposed in an inspection apparatus body 6. The inspection apparatus body 6 includes a measuring reference unit 7 in which a fixing hole 72a for fixing the tip of the electrode is formed, and a mirror 8 obliquely arranged with respect to the electrode so as to be distant from the fixing hole 72a at a position opposite to the electrode with respect to the measuring reference unit 7. The CCD camera 91 is disposed in a side of the mirror 8 with a distance therebetween for imaging the tip of the electrode from a direct front thereof reflected on the mirror 8 by reflection.

Abstract: The present invention Live Camera Feed Welding Helmets purpose is to stop all UV radiation from entering the welding helmet and damaging the users eyes. The camera section contains a camera lens, relevant electronic components and lcd screen to view the welding work being done by the user. The opposite end of the camera section is fixed or hinged to the welding helmet.

Abstract: A digital optical comparator has a holder for a part under study. A light source illuminates the part and casts an image of the part onto a camera, which is provided with a lens. The image captured by the camera is displayed on a screen, and a drawing of the part is overlaid on the image of the part. Thus, defects in manufacturing can be easily and readily identified. In addition, a determination of whether the part is manufactured within tolerances can also be visually determined.

Abstract: A small camera module is simply assembled in a short time, while reducing displacement of a camera relative to the first and second frames. Specifically, the camera module is assembled by bending a pair of clips to engage engaging portions of the clips with engaging recesses of the first and second frames to fix the first frame, camera holders, and the second frame, with the first and second frames located at both sides of each camera holder with a housing recess facing outward, and using resilient force of each of the clips to press the camera with a projection of the clip.

Abstract: To enable image recognition of a component at a high degree of accuracy in a stable manner over a long term with a component recognizing device configured to take an image of a component by moving a scan unit having an imaging device using a linear motor, and a surface mounting machine and a component testing machine each equipped with the component recognizing device. The component recognizing device includes permanent magnets (732) that are fixed to a head unit (6) in a state where surfaces (732a) opposing a coil portion (733) are faced downward. The coil portion (733) is disposed at a position directly below the permanent magnets (732). An attraction force (FM) induced between the coil portion (733) and the permanent magnets (732) therefore acts on linear guides (72) in an upward direction (+Z direction) via a bottom frame (731). On the contrary, the own weights (Fig) of a scan unit (71) and the like act in a downward direction.

Abstract: Detection of defects during a machining process includes: moving a laser beam along a predefined path over multiple workpieces to be machined so as to generate a weld seam or a cutting gap in the workpieces; detecting, in a two-dimensional spatially resolved detector field of a detector, radiation emitted and/or reflected by the multiple workpieces; selecting at least one detection field section in the detection field of the detector based on laser beam control data defining movement of the laser beam along the predefined path or based on a previously determined actual-position data of the laser beam along the predefined path, wherein each detection field section comprises a region encompassing less than the entire detection field; evaluating the radiation detected in in the selected detection field section; and determining whether a defect exists at the weld seam or the cutting gap based on the evaluated radiation.

Abstract: A welding inspection system for quality inspection may include a camera taking an image of an inspection target, a lighting irradiating a light onto the inspection target, a laser device irradiating a laser beam onto the inspection target from a side surface of the lighting, and a control unit controlling the camera, the lighting, and the laser device. A welding inspection method may include acquiring the image of the inspection target from the camera, separating the image acquired from the camera into RGB components, analyzing the image that has been separated into RGB components, and selecting a clearest result among analyzed results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (22) for evaluating an image (20) produced on a carrier material (8) by spot welding of a weld spot (19) using an optical image-detecting unit (23), comprising a camera (24) which consists of at least one detection means (25) and one lens (26). In order to create an evaluation device (22), by means of which the optical quality testing of spot-weld joints can be improved, the image-detecting means (23) comprises an illumination device (27) with a diffusor (28) for diffusively and homogeneously illuminating an image (20) of the spot-welding on the carrier material (8). Furthermore, the invention relates to a welding tool (1) for a spot-welding plant, in particular a welding gun (2), having an evaluation device (22) for analyzing an image (20) of a spot weld (19) on a carrier material (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to both a system and method for visually (e.g., via a video-based system or some other visual system) monitoring one or more objects where such objects are obscured by a high intensity light source such as a plasma, flame, or welding arc. In one embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention comprises a digital camera, at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source, and at least one filter. In another embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention comprises a digital camera, at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source, and at least one filter selected from a notch filter, a neutral density filter, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the system of the present invention can further include software designed to process, interpret and/or collect various data captured by the visual monitoring, or, imaging, system of the present invention.

Abstract: In a method for positioning a first body (B1) and a part fixed to a second body (B2), a camera image of a master part (MP) is received. The master part (MP) has a reference marker (RM) and is fixed to the second body (B2). A first position of a pointer on the master part (MP) is determined dependent on the camera image. The pointer is representative for a current position of the first body (B1). A positioning unit (POS) is controlled to move the pointer from the first position to a predetermined second position with respect to the reference marker (RM) dependent on the camera image. The positioning unit (POS) is coupled with the first body (B1) for moving the first body (B1) and the pointer or is coupled with the second body (B2) for moving the second body (B2) and the master part (MP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser machining head (100) for machining a workpiece by means of a working laser beam (108), with a camera (102) with an imaging lens system (116) arranged in front of said camera in the beam path for observing a machining region of the workpiece that is being machined by means of the working laser beam (108), with a focusing lens system (114) for focusing the working laser beam (108) on the workpiece surface (104) or on a position defined in relation to the workpiece surface (104), and with an evaluation unit (122) which is designed to calculate a corrective adjusting displacement (?Zos, ?ZB) by means of an adjusting displacement (?dKL) of the imaging lens system (116) in the direction of the optical axis in order to refocus the camera image when there is a shift in the focal point of the focusing lens system (114), which corrective adjustment displacement compensates a shift in the focal point of the focusing lens system (114) in relation to the workpiece surface (104) or with res

Abstract: An electrode inspection apparatus for spot welding is provided for precisely measuring diameters of a tip of an electrode without reducing availability ratio in a production line, and is particularly useful when inspecting a weld gun having electrodes with a narrow distance therebetween. A CCD camera 91 for imaging the tip of the electrode held to the weld gun is disposed in an inspection apparatus body 6. The inspection apparatus body 6 includes a measuring reference unit 7 in which a fixing hole 72a for fixing the tip of the electrode is formed, and a mirror 8 obliquely arranged with respect to the electrode so as to be distant from the fixing hole 72a at a position opposite to the electrode with respect to the measuring reference unit 7. The CCD camera 91 is disposed in a side of the mirror 8 with a distance therebetween for imaging the tip of the electrode from a direct front thereof reflected on the mirror 8 by reflection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser machining head (100) for machining a workpiece by means of a working laser beam (108), with a camera (102) with an imaging lens system (116) arranged in front of said camera in the beam path for observing a machining region of the workpiece that is being machined by means of the working laser beam (108), with a focusing lens system (114) for focusing the working laser beam (108) on the workpiece surface (104) or on a position defined in relation to the workpiece surface (104), and with an evaluation unit (122) which is designed to calculate a corrective adjusting displacement (?Zos, ?ZB) by means of an adjusting displacement (?dKL) of the imaging lens system (116) in the direction of the optical axis in order to refocus the camera image when there is a shift in the focal point of the focusing lens system (114), which corrective adjustment displacement compensates a shift in the focal point of the focusing lens system (114) in relation to the workpiece surface (104) or with res

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner for a scanned beam display may comprise a scanning platform having a mirror disposed thereon to reflect a beam of light impinging on the mirror, a drive coil disposed on the scanning platform to scan the reflected beam of light in response to a drive current applied to the drive coil. The drive coil has coil winding segments having a narrower width in one or more regions of the drive coil, and has coil winding segments having a greater width in one or more other regions of the drive coil to provide a the drive coil with a reduced electrical resistance.

Abstract: In laser welding, the welding area is depicted coaxially in relation to the laser beam (3) through the laser optics (4), wherein not only a triangulation line and a grey or color image of the solidified weld is recorded but also the process radiation of the welding process. From these three image elements, an optimum quality assessment of the welding process and of the weld can be made.

Abstract: A method of assessing the quality of metal parts, for example through detection of defects in a metal part induced by processing the metal part, comprises acquiring a thermal image of the metal part after processing the metal part, determining a difference image by comparing the thermal image to a reference image, the difference image being related to temperature differences between temperature data represented by the thermal image and by the reference image, and determining a gradient image using the difference image, the gradient image representing temperature difference gradients within the difference image. An example apparatus comprises a camera, such as a thermal camera, an image processor, and an output device such as a display.

Abstract: A system and method of visual monitoring of a work implement (e.g., a welding torch) while a task is being performed (e.g., forming a welding joint) to train workers (e.g., apprentices, inexperienced workers) in proper welding technique, for example) and/or to evaluate the worker's use of a particular work implement (e.g., to determine if the welding torch was held in a desired relationship to the items being welded together, determine if the welding torch formed the joint at the current speed, etc.). In general, one or more cameras may acquire images of a target secured to and/or formed on the work implement. The images may be analyzed to provide feedback to the user, to be evaluated for weld integrity purposes; and/or may be used to compare the performance of a task (e.g., forming a welding joint) with a database of one or more profiles made by experienced and/or expert craftsmen.

Abstract: A system and method of visual monitoring of a work implement (e.g., a welding torch) while a task is being performed (e.g., forming a welding joint) to train workers (e.g., apprentices, inexperienced workers) in proper welding technique, for example) and/or to evaluate the worker's use of a particular work implement (e.g., to determine if the welding torch was held in a desired relationship to the items being welded together, determine if the welding torch formed the joint at the current speed, etc.). In general, one or more cameras may acquire images of a target secured to and/or formed on the work implement. The images may be analyzed to provide feedback to the user, to be evaluated for weld integrity purposes; and/or may be used to compare the performance of a task (e.g., forming a welding joint) with a database of one or more profiles made by experienced and/or expert craftsmen.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a joint between workpieces is provided. At least one light line is recorded by the light section method to detect the three-dimensional course of the joint and a grey-level image of the joint is also recorded. The grey-level image is evaluated to assess the quality of the joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (22) for evaluating an image (20) produced on a carrier material (8) by spot welding of a weld spot (19) using an optical image-detecting unit (23), comprising a camera (24) which consists of at least one detection means (25) and one lens (26). In order to create an evaluation device (22), by means of which the optical quality testing of spot-weld joints can be improved, the image-detecting means (23) comprises an illumination device (27) with a diffusor (28) for diffusively and homogeneously illuminating an image (20) of the spot-welding on the carrier material (8). Furthermore, the invention relates to a welding tool (1) for a spot-welding plant, in particular a welding gun (2), having an evaluation device (22) for analyzing an image (20) of a spot weld (19) on a carrier material (8).

Abstract: An output circuit, a digital/analog conversion circuit and a display apparatus can reduce the number of required input voltages and the number of transistors to save the necessary area. The output circuit and the digital/analog conversion circuit comprise a selection circuit for receiving as input a plurality of (m) reference voltages having mutually different respective voltage values, selecting two of the voltages according to a selection signal and outputting them and an amplifier circuit for receiving as input the voltages output from the selection circuit at two input terminals T1, T2 and outputting the voltage obtained by interpolating the voltage difference of the two input terminal voltages V(T1), V(T2) to a predetermined ratio. It may alternatively be so arranged that the selection circuit sequentially outputs the selected two voltages and the amplifier circuit sequentially receives as two input the two voltages and outputs the output voltage obtained by interpolation.

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus including a bonding tool that performs bonding on a bonding part, a position detection camera which has a lens barrel and images the bonding part, a light source which emits illuminating light downward through the lens barrel, and a light path conversion device that directs an image of an area near the lower end of the tool to the position detection camera. The light path conversion device includes a wavelength-selective filter that is provided so as to be within a light path of the image of the area near the lower end of the tool. The wavelength-selective filter allows illuminating light of the light path conversion device to pass therethrough but prevents the illuminating light from the lens barrel side from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to generate an anti-flickered pixel from a source pixel having a source pixel value in a display memory. The apparatus comprises a plurality of storage elements, a filter, a comparator, and an output selector. The plurality of storage elements store a sequence of pixels in the display memory which includes the source pixel. The filter is coupled to the plurality of storage elements to filter the sequence of pixels. The filter generates a filtered pixel corresponding to the source pixel. The comparator is coupled to the plurality of storage elements to compare the source pixel value with a threshold value. The comparator generates a comparison result. The output selector is coupled to the filter and the storage elements to select one of the source and filtered pixels according to the comparison result. The selected one of the source and filtered pixels is the anti-flickered pixel.

Abstract: Oil and gas industry employs a large quantity of hardware in its operations. They require periodic repair, maintenance and modification. Many of these hardware are located beyond direct human access and in inhospitable environment. The traditional solution methods are handicapped, in most cases, by inevitable guesses as to the nature of problems; solutions tend to be less efficient and cost effective due to lack of direct, real time control. The present invention, consisting of a combined system and process, alleviates those problems by extending a remote operator's visual contact and operations control to work area. It combines the principles of oil field operations, coiled tubing, robotics and video technologies. A working tool, 22, is conveyed to work area at the end of a coiled tubing, 20. The working tool, 22, is operated remotely from command center, 12, by operator. Working tool, 22, contains cameras, grinder, wire brush, welder, mounted on teleoperators and servomechanism to control them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a user's eyes in metal welding or cutting, comprising a shielding element (1) which allows visual monitoring of the working process but protects the user's eyes from light radiation. The device comprises a video camera (5) which is detectable towards the place of working for recording the working process in the form of video signals transmitted to a video display unit (7) placed in the shielding element (1).

Abstract: A tool mounted on the wrist end of a robot is placed in a predetermined photographing position, and the front and side faces of the tool are photographed by cameras to obtain three-dimensional shape data of the tool. The extent of deformation of the tool is detected by comparing the obtained shape data and reference shape data, and a programmed movement path for the robot is corrected depending on the extent of deformation.

Abstract: A multipoint control unit (MCU) or other digital video-processing apparatus operates to manipulate compressed digital video from several compressed digital video sources. The apparatus has a plurality of video input modules and a plurality of video output module. Each of the video input modules receives a compressed video signal from one of the sources and generally decodes the data into a primary data stream and a secondary data stream. The video output module receives the primary and secondary data streams, from at least one of the input module for generally encoding to a compressed output stream for transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for scanning an object to obtain data on the object and determine the configuration of the object. A gantry (12) allows movement along a first direction (A-A′). A set of platforms (14A, 14B) allows movement along a second direction (B-B′). A set of scanning heads (16A, 16B) provide additional degrees of freedom and also provide for scanning the object (10) to obtain information about the object. The freedom of movement provided by the gantry, the platforms, and the scanning heads allows the object to be completely scanned. In addition, once the initial scanning process has been completely, areas which require additional scanning, such as compartments (10D), are identified. The scanning heads are then positioned, such as directly above or inside a compartment, and then the compartment is scanned to obtain information about the compartment that could not be obtained from the initial scanning procedure.

Abstract: In a picture reading apparatus, in the pre-scan, an approach is employed to control a CCD line sensor 5 and a film carrying roller 103 so that plural pictures recorded on an optical film 1 are read at a predetermined sampling rate in order from the latest frame to generate frame position data indicating position of left and right ends of frame, etc. Further, in the main scan, an approach is employed such that, in controlling the CCD line sensor 5 and a film carrier 100 so that plural pictures recorded on the optical film are read at a sampling rate higher than the predetermined sampling rate in order from the oldest frame, the reading start and end timings of the CCD line sensor 5 are controlled on the basis of frame position data obtained by the pre-scan. As a result, in this picture reading apparatus, it is possible to precisely obtain picture data of picture of frame in the state where no positional shift takes place.

Abstract: In welding optical fiber ribbons [by means of] using an electric arc formed between electrodes the region heated by the electric arc is mapped on CCD-elements in a camera. In the obtained picture the light intensity of those portions of the picture is determined which correspond to the heated fiber portions. This light intensity is used for setting the electric current flowing between the electrodes, so that a desired welding temperature is obtained and so that also a desired, lower temperature is obtained in the fiber ends in a preparatory softening stage, which has a long durability and which is performed before the very welding stage. This determination of temperatures [by means of] using measured light intensities gives reliable values also in the case where ambient conditions like the air pressure are changed, the state of the electrodes is changed owing to contamination, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for scanning an object to obtain data on the object and determine the configuration of the object. A gantry (12) allows movement along a first direction (A-A'). A set of platforms (14A, 14B) allows movement along a second direction (B-B'). A set of cameras (16A and 16B) provide additional degrees of freedom and also provide for scanning the object (10) to obtain information about the object. The freedom of movement provided by the gantry, the platforms, and the cameras allows the object to be completely scanned. In addition, once the initial scanning process has been completely, areas which require additional scanning, such as compartments (10D), are identified. The cameras are then positioned, such as directly above or inside a compartment, and then the compartment is scanned to obtain information about the compartment that could not be obtained from the initial scanning procedure.

Abstract: A welding system for automatically welding two workpieces together at a joint. The system includes a welding box having an electrode for welding the workpieces together; a camera assembly for viewing selected regions of the workpieces including a first edge and a second edge of the joint; and a controller connected to the camera assembly and the welding box for receiving the location of the first edge and the second edge of the joint and calculating the centerline of the joint and providing an output signal representative of the difference of the relative position of the centerline of the joint and the centerline of the fusing element. In the preferred embodiment, a 2-axis light source illuminates the surface of the workpieces to better locate the centerline of the joint.