Sorting, Distributing Or Classifying Patents (Class 348/91)
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Patent number: 11858010Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for associating an asset with a sort location, the system comprising a conveyor belt assembly and a user device configured to be worn by a user. The conveyor belt assembly comprises: an acquisition device and a plurality of stripes defining a non-repeating pattern, the plurality of stripes comprising a plurality of unique sets of stripes. The acquisition device is configured to capture image data comprising asset identifier data and conveyor mechanism data, the conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes. The user device is configured to capture conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes; remotely receive asset identifier data associated with the user device captured conveyor mechanism data; and generate and display to the user, relative to the asset, at least one visual indicator of one or more sort instructions for the asset.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 11830215Abstract: An overview image of a sample carrier is obtained in a method for ascertaining a measurement location of a microscope. A mapping or homography is determined, by means of which the overview image is perspectively convertible into a plan view image on the basis of a height of the sample carrier. The measurement location is identified, with the aid of the determined mapping/homography, in the overview image or in an output image derived therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbHInventors: Manuel Amthor, Daniel Haase, Michael Gögler
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Patent number: 11753256Abstract: A conveyor system includes: a pick conveyor defining a picking area for a bulk flow of parcels; a place conveyor positioned downstream of the picking area; a first robot singulator and a second robot singulator, which work in parallel to transfer parcels within a picking area of the pick conveyor to the place conveyor; and a vision and control subsystem that communicates instructions to control operation of some or all of the foregoing components. The vision and control subsystem includes a target camera for acquiring one or more images of the picking area, which are processed within the system to determine the location of parcels positioned within the picking area. The vision and control subsystem can execute one or more routines or subroutines to reduce system downtime associated with image acquisition and processing, parcel transfer to the place conveyor, and/or parcel delivery to the picking area.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.Inventors: Madhav Devidas Patil, Michael Alan McCue, Brandon Wayne Coats, Thomas Anthony Hillerich, Jr., Varun Gandhi Mukesh Gandhi
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Patent number: 11628567Abstract: Provided is an obstacle search device of a robot system, capable of creating a robot operation path in which it is not necessary to input information manually, human errors are eliminated, and the robot does not interfere with an obstacle efficiently and accurately. An obstacle search device of a robot system, for automatically specifying a region where an obstacle is present so that an operation path in which a robot does not interfere with an obstacle can be generated automatically includes: a non-contact three-dimensional measuring unit attached to the robot; and an obstacle search unit that searches for an obstacle in a search space using the three-dimensional measuring unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Youhei Suzuki, Tatsuya Oumi
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Patent number: 11287528Abstract: A method for determining relative motion between a time-of-flight camera and an object in a scene sensed by the time-of-flight camera is provided. The method includes receiving at least two sets of raw images of the scene from the time-of-flight camera, each set including at least one raw image. The raw images are based on correlations of a modulated reference signal and measurement signals of the time-of-flight camera. The measurement signals are based on a modulated light signal emitted by the object. The method includes determining, for each set of raw images, a value indicating a respective phase difference between the modulated light and reference signals based on the respective set of raw images, and determining information about relative motion between the time-of-flight camera and object based on the values indicating the phase differences. The method includes outputting the information about relative motion between the time-of-flight camera and the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Hannes Plank, Armin Schoenlieb
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Patent number: 11155411Abstract: A storage and transportation system for automated warehouse and positioning control method thereof are disclosed. The system includes: a plurality of three-dimensional storage cabinets, a plurality of guiding rail assemblies, a plurality of automatic conveying modules, at least an automatic positioning module, at least a reading module, at least an automatic gripping module, and a central control processing module. The positioning control method includes: a conveying step, a mechanical positioning step, a sensing reading step, an optical positioning step, a computation processing step, a transmission step, and an operation step.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Inventor: Chih Lu Chang
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Patent number: 10782250Abstract: A dosage hybrid inspection system includes a plurality of cameras selectively installed in sides of a rotating plate and a counter-rotating plate configured to vacuum suction a dosage along a circumference thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Inventor: Yong-Kwan Shin
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Patent number: 10024696Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor including an optical fiber probe that transmits an optical pulse generated during impact with an object, a spectroscopic analyzer that receives the optical pulse and produces spectral information about the optical pulse, a connecting optical fiber configured to convey the optical pulse between the optical fiber probe and the spectroscopic analyzer, and at least one processor coupled to the spectroscopic analyzer and configured to receive and analyze the spectral information to determine at least one chemical element or compound contained in the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio
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Patent number: 9926138Abstract: An item that is moving along a moving surface of an inventory conveyance system may be identified. An orientation of the item with respect to the moving surface may be determined based on sensing information that describes the item and a portion of the moving surface surrounding the item. A removal strategy for operating a robotic arm to remove the item from the moving surface may be determined based at least in part on the item and the orientation. The removal strategy may include a trajectory for the robotic arm to follow as part of removing the item from the moving surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeremiah David Brazeau, Andrew M. Sweeney, Henry David Garcia, Fred Chen, Brian Michael Lusignan
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Patent number: 9757858Abstract: An article handling device includes: a gripper that grips an article; a driver that moves the gripper; an article recognition unit that recognizes a state of the article; a gripping recognition unit that recognizes a gripping state of the gripper; a determination unit that determines whether the gripping state is stable or unstable based on a recognition result of the gripping recognition unit; and a controller that controls a first gripping operation in which the gripper grips the article by a gripping position determined based on the recognition result of the article recognition unit, and, when the gripping state is determined as unstable, controls a second gripping operation in which the gripping position is changed and the gripper re-grips the article.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Haruna Eto, Hideichi Nakamoto, Akihito Ogawa, Takafumi Sonoura, Junya Tanaka, Kazuo Watabe
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Patent number: 9639934Abstract: Scanning beam device calibration using a calibration pattern is disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include acquiring an image of a calibration pattern using a scanning beam device. The acquired image may be compared with a representation of the calibration pattern. The scanning beam device may be calibrated based on the comparison. Software and apparatus to perform these and other calibration methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: University of WashingtonInventor: Richard S. Johnston
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Patent number: 9563293Abstract: A remote-controlled pointing system (32) includes a projector (36), an image sensor (34), and a controller (38). The projector (36) projects a beam (45) of light from a location in a projection plane (46) onto a scene (18). The image sensor (34) captures an image (54) of the scene (18) in a capture plane (50). The controller (38) performs operations that include transmitting the captured image (54) to a remote destination (14), receiving from the remote destination (14) a target beam location (44) in the capture plane (50), determining a location of the beam (45) in the capture plane (50), and changing the location in the projection plane (46) from which the beam (45) is projected based on the determined beam location and the target beam location (44).Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Robert Alan Ulichney, Matthew D. Gaubatz
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Patent number: 9234746Abstract: Laser light is emitted to a sheet member wound on a forming drum in a range which includes the entire width of the sheet member and distance data on a distance to a reflecting surface is obtained, using a two-dimensional laser sensor which has a detection range along a drum circumferential direction, while moving either the two-dimensional laser sensor or the forming drum in a drum width direction. Further, the positions of width-directional opposite end sections of the sheet member are calculated on the basis of the obtained distance data.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroki Inoue, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Nobuhiro Tani, Toshihide Suzuki
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Patent number: 9164029Abstract: A score of each of multiple pieces of reflection spectrum information included in a population is calculated using a first second principal component loading acquired by a principal component analysis, and a first group is classified based on the calculated score. Then, a score of each of multiple pieces of reflection spectrum information included in the population is calculated using a second second principal component loading acquired by a principal component analysis on a second population in which the reflection spectrum information of the first group is not included, and a second group is classified based on the calculated score. By performing a second principal component analysis using the second population, the second group can be accurately classified based on minute characteristics of each type of material included in the reflection spectrum information and the classification can be performed with a high accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., National University Corporation Nagoya UniversityInventors: Satoru Tsuchikawa, Hikaru Kobori, Sakura Higa
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Patent number: 9066651Abstract: Scanning beam device calibration using a calibration pattern is disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include acquiring an image of a calibration pattern using a scanning beam device. The acquired image may be compared with a representation of the calibration pattern. The scanning beam device may be calibrated based on the comparison. Software and apparatus to perform these and other calibration methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: University of WashingtonInventor: Richard S. Johnston
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Patent number: 9025019Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing time of flight sensors in an industrial automation environment. The method includes employing a multi pixel camera associated with a time of flight sensor to detect an object located within a defined or bounded target area, comparing pixels with adjacent pixels associated with an image of the object captured by the multi pixel camera, identifying the object as being a colored, texture, or highly reflective object, and controlling industrial machinery based on the identification of the object entering the target area.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignees: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc., Cedes Safety & Automation AGInventors: Carl Meinherz, Craig Martin Brockman, Elik I. Fooks, Manfred Norbert Stein, Martin Hardegger, Wei Jie Chen, Reto Berner, Richard Galera, Robert M. Black, Roger Merz, Suresh Nair, Steven A. Eisenbrown
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Publication number: 20150049182Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an accompanying system for inspecting objects (5) provided with a gas-barrier layer. The objects have at least one base layer (5a) of a first material, polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, and at least one gas-barrier layer of a different material, EVA or EVOH, for example. An image-recording module (6), such as an infrared camera, records an image of each object (5) and processes the images by means of a processing module (7) in such a way that faulty objects (5) are detected and eliminated. More specifically, the image recording module (6) creates the image of each object (5) within the invisible light spectrum, and the processing module (7) then examines the recorded image, wherein the presence, the absence or the thickness of the gas-barrier layer is determined on the basis of the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Matthias Schärer, Bernhard Kubalek, Fridolin Maibach, Matthias Hermle
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Publication number: 20140365010Abstract: A workpiece detector includes a camera to acquire a two-dimensional image of a search range within which workpieces are disposed. A three-dimensional sensor detects a three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional detection area. A workpiece extraction section processes the two-dimensional image to extract candidate workpieces. An area setting section sets a three-dimensional detection areas respectively corresponding to the candidate workpieces. A prioritizing section sets an order of priority to the three-dimensional detection areas to give higher priority to one three-dimensional detection area containing more of the candidate workpieces. A sensor control section controls the three-dimensional sensor to detect the three-dimensional shape of each three-dimensional detection area in the order of priority. Every time the three-dimensional shape is detected, a workpiece detection section searches the workpieces based on the detected three-dimensional shape to detect a pickable workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKIInventors: Yuya YASUDA, Issei AOYAMA, Toshimitsu IRIE
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Patent number: 8687055Abstract: A spectral imaging system for collecting spectral information of a two dimensional heterogeneous objects while in motion relative to the imaging system without the use of a spectrograph, filters or any dispersive optics. The system includes a pulsed light source tunable in wavelength for producing short pulses of wavelength tuned light at a plurality of selected narrow band wavelengths within a spectral range and one or more optical components for conveying or directing the short pulses of light to a two dimensional region that is substantially stationary with respect to the imaging system and through which the two dimensional target is moving. The system also includes a many pixel camera synchronized with the tunable pulsed light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Eli Margalith
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Patent number: 8564655Abstract: Images of a work piece in which measurement object is restricted to a specific point or domain are taken by a camera which takes the image of the work piece from a front-view direction and a camera which takes the image from obliquely above, and a height of each measurement object region is measured. Each pixel of the front-view image used in measurement processing is virtually disposed in a three-dimensional coordinate system including x- and y-axes constituting a coordinate system of the image and a z-axis indicating the height, and a perspective transform is performed to produce a processing result image expressing measurement result. A measurement value is set as the z-coordinate at the pixel which is a height measurement object, and the z-coordinates of other pixels are set at other pixels. A mark for identifying a position and an auxiliary line indicating the height are set at measurement object points and measurement object region in the image.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Shiro Fujieda, Hiroshi Yano, Yasuyuki Ikeda
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Publication number: 20130229510Abstract: Individual grain sorting of objects from bulk materials (3) on a conveying device (1) and an actuable discharge unit (2) which separates into fractions, the height distribution of the object (3.1) and the propagation of a light source (4) are advantageously used as sorting criterion, wherein a light-band (4.1) is projected transversely with respect to a conveying direction of the bulk material (3) on a plane of the conveying device (1), the objects (3.1) are moved through under the light-band (4.1), a first part (4.1.1) of the light is reflected, a second part (4.1.2) enters again at an entry point (11.1), is scattered and exits again at an exit point (3.1.2), a scattered propagation (B) is detected by a camera (9), and contiguous regions are identified in buffered rows (13), and the measured values are subjected to an evaluation and are combined to form characteristic values, and the discharge unit (2) is actuated in dependence on preset sorting parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventor: Dirk Killmann
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Publication number: 20130162809Abstract: A light-homogenizing imaging device for a bead sorting machine comprises: a light permeable ball carrier, two light sources, and an image pick-up device. The light permeable ball carrier is formed with a hole for holding a ball to be checked, a depth of the hole is larger than a diameter of the ball, and a cross sectional area of the hole is larger than or equal to a cross sectional area of the ball. The two light sources are disposed at both sides of the light permeable ball carrier and located in the direction of the hole. The image pick-up device is located toward the hole of the light permeable ball carrier. The light permeability of the light permeable carrier enables the light to be evenly dispersed over the surface of the ball without producing shadows that has influence on the ball checking, thus improving the checking accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: YA-CHEN HSU, Fang-Chih Tien
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Publication number: 20130113918Abstract: An imaging system for and method of imaging product in a product flow (F), the system comprising: an illumination unit for illuminating product in the product flow with illumination at first and second, different wavelengths or ranges of different wavelengths; a detector unit (15) for detecting reflected illumination from product in the product flow, wherein the detector unit comprises first and second line array detectors, the line array detectors (17a, 17b) each comprising a plurality of pixel elements and extending as lines across a width of the product flow, one line downstream of the other, whereby product passing a pixel element of the first line array detector passes a corresponding pixel element of the second line array detector; a control unit for triggering the first and second illumination sources to flash sequentially at a scan rate corresponding to the flow rate of the product flow; and an image processing unit for successively reading the pixel lines of the first and second line array detectorsType: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: BUHLER SORTEX LTDInventor: Stewart Mills
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Patent number: 8421856Abstract: An automatic sorting system is for identifying and sorting non-homogenous material. The system includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit cooperable with the conveyor belt and placed above the conveying surface thereof for identifying material traveling therealong. The identification unit includes at least one projector for projecting a beam of light downwardly towards the conveying surface, at a given height above the conveying surface, and onto a given material to be identified, so that a portion of projected light may be reflected back from the given material and upwardly towards the identification unit. The identification unit also includes at least one lens positioned about the identification unit for receiving the portion of reflected light from the given material to be identified.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: 6511660 Canada Inc.Inventors: Bryan W. Sinram, Ian Levasseur, Nathanael Lortie
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Publication number: 20130044207Abstract: An imaging apparatus is described, and which includes a first light source, which when energized, emits nonvisible near infrared electromagnetic radiation which is directed at an object of interest to be imaged, and which is reflected therefrom; a second light source, which when energized, emits a given wavelength of invisible electromagnetic radiation which is directed at the object of interest to be imaged, and which is reflected therefrom; a first optical filter which is operable to pass, at least in part, both the reflected near infrared, and invisible electromagnetic radiation reflected from the object of interest; and a single camera operably positioned to receive the electromagnetic radiation passed by the first optical filter and produce a resulting image of the object of interest from both the invisible and near infrared electromagnetic radiation which is passed by the optical filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventor: Johan Calcoen
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Patent number: 8330809Abstract: A vision system incorporated into an item of egg handling equipment, the system incorporating software control for detecting at least one of color shades and defects on both brown and white eggs. An enclosure incorporates a plurality of high resolution producing cameras, these communicating via cable with a switch to a remote vision PC system. A non-linear shaped diffuser is mounted along an open facing bottom of the enclosure for facilitating uniform lighting throughout an open interior of the enclosure associated with the cameras. The cameras are operable to produce multiple, high resolution images of each of a plurality of eggs continuously transported along the associated egg handling equipment, for classifying types of defects that are allowable and those that must be rejected, as well as assisting in the segregating of the eggs into more consistent shaded groups for eventual packaging.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems, B.V.Inventors: Leslie Philip Thomas, Nathaniel Barret Brown
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Publication number: 20120293649Abstract: Method and system for inspecting dosage forms having code imprints and sorting the inspected dosage forms are provided. The method includes imaging a viewable first surface of each dosage form at a first vision station to obtain a first set of the images of the dosage forms including any code imprints. The method further includes imaging a viewable second surface of each dosage form at a second vision station to obtain a second set of images of the dosage forms including any code imprints. The method still further includes processing each image of the first and second sets of images with at least one machine vision algorithm to identify dosage forms having unacceptable defects including defective or nonexistent code imprints. The method finally includes directing dosage forms identified as having unacceptable defects to a defective dosage form area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: GII ACQUISITION, LLC DBA GENERAL INSPECTION, LLCInventors: Michael G. Nygaard, David A. Strickland
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Patent number: 8294760Abstract: An electronic part recognition apparatus and a chip mounter having the same are provided. The apparatus includes a part conveyor unit for moving an electronic part along a path and mounting the part at a mounting position, a position recognition portion for continuously recognizing position information of the part conveyor unit moving along the path, a controller for receiving the position information from the position recognition portion and generating a photographing signal, and an image processing unit for receiving the photographing signal from the controller and time-exposing the part to light to photograph an image of the part when the part is located at a part recognition region while the conveyor unit moves. The apparatus can capture an image of a part suctioned by a nozzle installed in a head of a chip mounter and moved without stoppage of the head to recognize a state of the suctioned electronic part.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae-Hyun Park
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Patent number: 8284251Abstract: In a tire type determination method, a surface image of a tread portion of a tire mounted on a vehicle is captured by a camera fixed at a predetermined position in a tilted hanger conveyor line, which is located downstream in a vehicle-carrying direction with respect to a position at which the tire of the vehicle is lifted from the ground and starts moving diagonally upward. Further, image information is extracted from the surface image of the tread portion, and a tire type is determined by checking the image information against registered information. A vehicle inspection system includes a tire type determination portion and a vehicle type information obtaining portion so as to determine the tire type using the method. A conformance determination portion determines whether the tire type determined by the tire type determination portion conforms to a specified tire type searched based on the vehicle type information.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazutsugu Suita, Kazufumi Kimura, Rikio Azumaya
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Publication number: 20120218403Abstract: A system for determining the product density value of a zone of preferable small fungible products within an acceptable size range and potentially in an acceptable color range. The system differentiates among products even if in close contact to determine acceptable product. The system may store data for later review or for dispensing of product in real time. The system includes a scale to determine a sample's weight, a camera to image the sample, an imaging table to permit viewing of the sample, a processor to determine the number of products in the sample, and a processor to determine the density of desired product.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: SATAKE USA, INC.Inventors: William Keith Beaty, Patric Carey Pike, Calvin G. Gray
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Patent number: 8253793Abstract: An imaging means captures a color image of lumber. An image processing means obtains the color distribution of the color image captured by the imaging means, compares the obtained color distribution with a predetermined color distribution of normal lumber, judges the obtained color distribution as an abnormal one when it is deviated from the color distribution of normal lumber by a predetermined value or more, and detects a defect of the lumber having the abnormal color distribution deviated by a value larger than the predetermined value in an area on the surface of the lumber captured by the imaging means.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Meinan Machinery Works, Inc.Inventor: Noriyuki Hiraoka
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Publication number: 20120188366Abstract: Sorting apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles in free flight to a sorting zone. Ejectors at the sorting zone are selectively activated to eject articles from the stream. A camera is disposed at an imaging zone up-stream of the sorting zone to generate image data to be processed by a computer to identify articles to be ejected at the sorting zone according to one or more sorting criteria. The computer instructs the ejectors on the basis of the processed data. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display an image of the product stream at the imaging zone, and show the areas of intersection with the product stream of activated ejectors. The ejectors are normally operable to discharge a fluid such as a gas or air, in pulses, and the areas of intersection with the product stream are those directly intersected by the ejector fluid. Provision can be made for adjusting ejection parameters to move the boundaries of these areas of intersection.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventor: Gabriel Hamid
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Publication number: 20120188363Abstract: Inspection apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles to an imaging zone. A camera generates image data from the stream at the imaging zone for processing by a computer. The computer comprises a pattern recognition system for identifying defects in areas from the image data, and for ranking identified defects. The pattern recognition system is programmed to operate according to multiple defect criteria. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display the areas identified from the image data as thumbnails on the interface arranged according to rank of the identified defects in the areas, in each of at least two defect criteria. The areas from the generated image data will normally be defined around each identified defect with the defect central therein. These areas, or thumbnails, can overlap.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Gabriel Hamid, Charles Dean Mallah
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Patent number: 8203603Abstract: Disclosed are product processing systems and methods for monitoring, inspecting and controlling baking, cooking and routing processes, and the like. Products are placed on and moved by a conveyor. Images of the moving products are generated, such as by an image acquisition system. The images are processed by a symbol generation system. Symbols are then displayed on selected moving products based upon predetermined criteria. The systems and methods may be used to process oven-cooked or oven-baked products to identify (via the projected symbols) products that are defective or otherwise unacceptable. The product processing systems may be used to process packages or items having barcodes or other identifying labels to display routing or other identifying information on the moving products.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Sim Harbert, Blair MacIntyre, Douglas F. Britton, Daniel L. Shaw
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Publication number: 20120138514Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described and which includes an inspection station; a multiplicity of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors; an optical filter which is positioned in front of the electromagnetic radiation detectors, and which passes electromagnetic radiation having a given polarization; an ejector assembly positioned downstream from the inspection station for removing defective objects of interest which are identified; and a computer/controller for selectively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and detector, and rendering the ejector assembly operational to remove defective objects of interest, from a stream of objects of interest which have passed through an inspection station.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Carlo Janssens, Geert Milis, Johan Calcoen
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Publication number: 20120092485Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing time of flight sensors in an industrial automation environment. The method includes employing a multi pixel camera associated with a time of flight sensor to detect an object located within a defined or bounded target area, comparing pixels with adjacent pixels associated with an image of the object captured by the multi pixel camera, identifying the object as being a colored, texture, or highly reflective object, and controlling industrial machinery based on the identification of the object entering the target area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicants: CEDES SAFETY & AUTOMATION AG, ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Carl Meinherz, Craig Martin Brockman, Elik I. Fooks, Manfred Norbert Stein, Martin Hardegger, Wei Jie Chen, Reto Berner, Richard Galera, Robert M. Black, Roger Merz, Suresh Nair, Steven A. Eisenbrown
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Patent number: 8160296Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Mississippi State University Research and Technology CorporationInventors: Charles G. O'Hara, Anil Cheriyadat, Suyoung Seo, Veeraraghavan Vijayaraj
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Patent number: 8144193Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Recognition Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Simon Melikian
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Publication number: 20110317001Abstract: A Multisensor array optically inspects and sorts bulk materials into different fractions, in which the bulk material stream is detected from a short distance compared to the width of the bulk material stream with at least two identical camera and lighting modules arranged adjacent to each other. The width of the image of the cameras is smaller than the width of the bulk material stream. The image sensors and lighting devices are limited to the range of the wavelengths of 380 nm to 1,000 nm covered by CMOS and/or CCD image sensors. Each camera is connected by a mechanical bracket and is equipped with at least one and preferably with a set of linearly lighting semiconductor light sources, which emit in a narrow band and are pulsed synchronously with the line frequency of the camera. The linearly lighting light sources can be replaced by a changing mechanism of the bracket, which mechanism is connected to the camera, to other light sources, especially ones having different system parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: BAUMER INSPECTION GMBHInventor: Robert MASSEN
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Patent number: 8059862Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Mississippi State University Research and Technology CorporationInventors: Charles G. O'Hara, Anil Cheriyadat, Suyoung Seo, Veeraraghavan Vijayaraj
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Patent number: 7929024Abstract: There is provided a program creation apparatus capable of displaying a camera image showing a measurement result in accordance with a position of an object to be tested, the apparatus including: a flow chart generating section for arranging processing units on an execution flow, to generate a flowchart; a program generating section for generating a control program for an image processing controller based upon the flowchart; and a display pattern generating section for associating screen components with processing units inside the flowchart and also arranging the screen components on an editor screen, to generate a display pattern in order to display a result of image processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Keyence CorporationInventor: Hidekazu Katsuyama
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Patent number: 7876950Abstract: An image capturing method and apparatus for pattern recognition of an electronic device are provided in which an electronic device is moved relative to a vision system for positioning the vision system over a target position on the electronic device, and when the vision system is positioned to view the target position, the vision system is operative to capture an image of the target position while the electronic device is undergoing relative motion with respect to the vision system without stopping. Thus, the time taken for pattern recognition can be significantly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation LtdInventors: Wei Yu, Mei Kwong Cheng, Hon Shing Law
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Patent number: 7859563Abstract: A method and system for use in viewing a mail item moving in a mailing machine. A video camera is used to acquire an image of the mail item, and a light source triggered by one of the vertical sync pulses provided by the video camera is used to provide repeated short flashes of light to illuminate the mail item while its image is acquired by the camera. Preferably, a sensor is used to provide an arrival signal when the mail item enters the field-of-view of the camera so that the light source is triggered only when it is also enabled by the arrival signal. A video display device, operatively connected to the video camera, is used to display the acquired image for viewing. Alternatively, the acquired image is stored in a storage device for viewing at a later time.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Douglas B Quine
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Patent number: 7813537Abstract: Myocardial tissue tracking techniques are used to project or guide a single manually-defined set of myocardial contours through time. Displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE), harmonic phase (HARP) and speckle tracking is used to encode tissue displacement into the phase of complex MRI images, providing a time series of these images, and facilitating the non-invasive study of myocardial kinematics. Epicardial and endocardial contours need to be defined at each frame on cine DENSE images for the quantification of regional displacement and strain as a function of time. The disclosed method presents a novel and effective two dimensional semi-automated segmentation technique that uses the encoded motion to project a manually defined region of interest through time. Contours can then easily be extracted for each cardiac phase.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., University of Virginia Patent Foundation, University of Cape TownInventors: Frederick H Epstein, Ernesta M Meintjes, Bruce S Spottiswoode
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Patent number: 7809158Abstract: A system for detection of doubles in a stream of flat items such as mail pieces being conveyed on a conveyor includes an electronic imaging camera positioned to receive an image of a side face of conveyed items over a first portion of its field of view, a reflector positioned to reflect an edge view of the items to the imaging camera, which edge view is received by the imaging camera over a second portion of its field of view, and a computer that receives image data from the camera. Program logic used by the computer determines whether the image shows one item, or more than one item.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Carpenter, Morgan Dunn, John J. Mampe
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Patent number: 7778461Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to techniques for detecting tampering of digital image data.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: New Jersey Institute of TechnologyInventors: Yun-Qing Shi, Dongdong Fu
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Patent number: 7760930Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for recognizing a defect image associated with a semiconductor substrate. In one example, the method includes collecting defect data of the defect image by testing and measuring the semiconductor substrate, extracting a pattern from the defect data, normalizing a location, orientation, and size of the pattern, and identifying the pattern after the pattern is normalized.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chen-Ting Lin, Chih-Cheng Chou, Chih-Hung Wu, Chia-Hua Chang
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Patent number: 7746379Abstract: A camera is used to sense cargo in a cargo space. An image of at least a portion of a cargo space is captured using the camera, and a digital signal processor classifies the image as representing an empty cargo space or a non-empty cargo space. Additionally, a type of cargo represented by the captured image may also be classified by the digital signal processor and an indication of the type of cargo output.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Asset Intelligence, LLCInventors: Joseph E. Jesson, Rick Cobello, Andrew J. Calver
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Patent number: 7679758Abstract: A method of optically inspecting a fastener to determine whether it meets two or more dimensional parameters is provided. The method includes using centrifugal force to place the fastener in a predetermined location. Two or more sets of image data of the fastener are generated from two or more corresponding different angles. Fastener pass/fail data is generated using a dimensional requirement associated with each set of image data.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Microview Technologies PTE Ltd.Inventors: Wong Su Wei, Victor Vertoprakhov, Zhou Wensen, Noor Ashedah Binti Jusoh, Tian Poh Yew, Ah Kow Chin, Chee Leong Chua
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Publication number: 20090251536Abstract: An automatic sorting system is for identifying and sorting non-homogenous material. The system includes a conveyor belt and an identification unit cooperable with the conveyor belt and placed above the conveying surface thereof for identifying material traveling therealong. The identification unit includes at least one projector for projecting a beam of light downwardly towards the conveying surface, at a given height above the conveying surface, and onto a given material to be identified, so that a portion of projected light may be reflected back from the given material and upwardly towards the identification unit. The identification unit also includes at least one lens positioned about the identification unit for receiving the portion of reflected light from the given material to be identified.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: 6511660 CANADA INC.Inventors: Bryan W. Sinram, Ian Levasseur, Nathanael Lortie