Alignment Or Positioning Patents (Class 348/95)
  • Patent number: 11906949
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an Industrial Internet of Things, a control method and storage medium for sheet workpiece processing. The Industrial Internet of Things includes a detecting module and a processing module; the detecting module is configured to detect a machining process of a sheet workpiece to obtain detection information; and the processing module is configured to adjust a production device based on the detection information. By detecting and adjusting a sheet workpiece, on the one hand, the present disclosure can effectively improve the subsequent processing accuracy of the sheet workpiece, on the other hand, the present disclosure can simplify an adjustment process and improve the adjustment efficiency of a bearing mechanism of a target sheet workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: CHENGDU QINCHUAN IOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zehua Shao, Yong Li, Junyan Zhou
  • Patent number: 11867749
    Abstract: An example test system includes test sites that include sockets for testing devices under test (DUTs), pickers for picking DUTs from the sockets or placing the DUTs in the sockets, and a gantry on which the pickers are mounted. The gantry is configured to move the pickers relative to the test sites to position the pickers for picking the DUTs from the sockets or placing the DUTs into the sockets. The test system also includes one or more LASER range finders mounted on the gantry for movement over the DUTs in the sockets and in conjunction with movement of the pickers. A LASER range finder among the one or more LASER rangefinders mounted on the gantry is configured to detect a distance to a DUT placed into a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TERADYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Jianfa Pei, Adnan Khalid, Philip Luke Campbell, Christopher James Bruno, Christopher Croft Jones
  • Patent number: 11845184
    Abstract: The method can include: optionally providing a set of grasp tools; determining an object model for a grasp; determining a grasp contact configuration; and facilitating grasp execution with the set of grasp tools. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method functions to facilitate non-destructive and/or stable object grasping (and/or object manipulation) using a set of grasp tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Dextrous Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Zapolsky, Evan Drumwright
  • Patent number: 11642747
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for aligning multiple parts using simultaneous scanning of features of different parts and using feature-based coordinate systems for determining relative positions of these. Specifically, a feature-based coordinate system may be constructed using one or more critical dimensions between features of different parts. The scanner may be specifically positioned to capture each of these critical dimensions precisely. The feature-based coordinate system is used to compare the critical dimensions to specified ranges. The position of at least one part may be adjusted based on results of this comparison using, for example, a robotic manipulator. The process may be repeated until all critical dimensions are within their specified ranges. In some embodiments, multiple sets of features from different parts are used such that each set uses its own feature-based coordinate system. The part adjustment may be performed based on the collective output from these multiple sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Byungwoo Lee, Michael Yee-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 11613021
    Abstract: A robot system including a robot, a marker unit, a sensor, storage device, and a control device. The robot performs an operation with regard to a workpiece. The marker unit is attached to a measurement object and includes a base section and a plurality of markers attached to the base section. The sensor detects identification information and three-dimensional positions of the plurality of markers. The storage device stores teaching data including operation data and attachment position data indicating a correspondence relationship between the identification information of each of the markers and an attachment position of the corresponding marker. The control device calculates a three-dimensional position of the measurement object based on the three-dimensional positions of the plurality of markers and the attachment position data and controls the robot based on the three-dimensional position of the measurement object and the operation data so as to make the robot perform the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shohei Mase, Jun Fujimori, Masao Takatori, Kenji Noguchi
  • Patent number: 11590657
    Abstract: The image processing device according to the invention includes: a first acquisition unit to acquire a captured image; a display control unit to display a setting screen to allow to user to set an image processing area, which is an area where predetermine image processing is performed, in the image acquired by the first acquisition unit on a display device; and a second acquisition unit configured to acquire movable range information indicating a movable range of a working device, operations of which are controlled on the basis of a result of the predetermined image processing. The display control unit controls the display of the setting screen so as to cause the user to identify a range in which the working device is not able to operate in the image, on the basis of the movable range information acquired by the second acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunsuke Noami, Genki Cho, Hiroto Oka
  • Patent number: 11333485
    Abstract: An alignment method for a beam-directing unit of an interferometric measuring device for directing a laser beam of a laser beam source towards a plurality of measurement points of an object under measurement, wherein a three-dimensional model of a measurement surface of an object under measurement is created by a plurality of spatially resolved images. A measuring device for carrying out an interferometric measurement by laser radiation is also provided, having a controller which is designed to align a beam-directing unit of the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Polytec GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Armbruster, Matthias Schussler, Bernd Heinen
  • Patent number: 11267142
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a camera, a robot that moves the camera, and a controller that processes an image. A detection surface defined on a workpiece and a set position serving as an imaginary position of the robot for detecting the workpiece are determined in advance. The camera captures a plurality of first images at a plurality of positions. The controller includes an image conversion unit converting the plurality of the first images into a plurality of second images when captured at the set position. The controller includes a composition unit generating a composite image into which the plurality of the second images are composited, and a composite image processing unit performing at least one of detection and inspection of the workpiece on the detection surface on the basis of the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuta Namiki
  • Patent number: 11252823
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of multilayer printed circuit boards has steps as follows: aligning circuit layers with a stacking location to form a substrate having multiple positioning portions; pre joining the substrate at the positioning portions; forming an alignment hole in each positioning portion; and placing the pre joined substrate over alignment pins of a press device for lamination. After the circuit layers are aligned, the substrate is pre joined at the positioning portions, and then the alignment holes are formed in the positioning portions for pins alignment at the press device. The alignment accuracy is enhanced. Dusts will not deposit onto surfaces of the circuit layers to damage circuits thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Tadco, Inc. LLC
    Inventor: Philip Martin Widner
  • Patent number: 11135029
    Abstract: A system for controlling a user interface of a teleoperated surgical system, the system comprises a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system; and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display a graphical user interface; and wherein the first master controller is configured to transmit a first input signal to an interface controller, the first input signal caused by manual manipulation of the first master controller, the interface controller to use the first input signal to update a graphical user interface presented by the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwinram Suresh, Joey Chau
  • Patent number: 11112678
    Abstract: Provided is a camera focus adjustment jig (1) fixed to an inspection device and adjusting a focus of a camera (5), the inspection device including the camera (5) configured to photograph an automobile V, and a movable arm (3) to which the camera (5) is fixed via a fixing part (4) and configured to move the camera (5) to a photographing position where the automobile V is photographed. The camera focus adjustment jig (1) includes: a connection arm (6) connected to the fixing part (4); an adjusting unit (7) provided on the connection arm (6) and positioned, with respect to the camera (5), at a position equivalent to a position of the automobile V located at the photographing position; and display parts (9a, 9b) provided on a surface of the adjusting unit (7) facing the camera (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Adachi, Junichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10989625
    Abstract: A vehicle (9) headlight measurement system instrumentation structure (1) comprises: a support structure (3); a vehicle calibration assistance structure (4), which is carried by the support structure (3) and includes a headlight aiming device (40), configured to facilitate alignment or calibration of a headlight (90) of the vehicle (9), the vehicle (9) being positioned within a service area (8); a processing system (11) configured to receive, from the headlight aiming device (40), data correlated with a light beam emitted by the headlight (90) and to provide, through an interface (10), an informative indication relating to an operating condition of the headlight (90), where the processing system (11) includes a communication port (12) connectable to an electronic control unit (91) of the vehicle (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: NEXION S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giulio Corghi
  • Patent number: 10949497
    Abstract: An electronic device includes one or more processors and memory storing a first logical table for a first time. The first logical table includes a plurality of logical columns, each logical column including an input vector of a plurality of input parameters corresponding to a respective time, and a plurality of logical rows intersecting with the plurality of logical columns, each logical row corresponding to a respective input parameter. The device updates a respective logical column with a first input vector that corresponds to a second time subsequent to the first time, thereby obtaining a second logical table; obtains a first transposed kernel matrix between the second logical table for the second time and the first input vector; determines a first predicted output value for the second time; and outputs the first predicted output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Crocus Energy
    Inventors: Frank Palladino, Benjamin Ott
  • Patent number: 10935367
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a method for calibrating a dimensioner. An example method includes receiving two or more previously captured images of a common field of view of the dimensioner, and identifying at least one static object in the common field of view. The method further includes determining one or more reference dimensions of the at least one static object. Thereafter, the method includes detecting an event on the dimensioner, and when an event is detected, determining one or more updated dimensions of the at least one static object. The method includes comparing the one or more updated dimensions to the one or more reference dimensions to determine whether the one or more updated dimensions satisfy a predefined dimension error range. When the one or more updated dimensions fail to satisfy the predefined dimension error range, the method includes modifying one or more parameters associated with the dimensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Van Horn
  • Patent number: 10917537
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a glass having a document reading surface along which a document moves; an image reading unit movable in a sub-scanning direction and including a light emitting portion that emits light to illuminate the document with the light and a light receiving portion that receives the light reflected by the document, the image reading unit reading the document that moves along the document reading surface at a predetermined document reading position; and a light emission control unit that causes the light emitting portion to emit the light so that the light enters the glass through a side surface that crosses the document reading surface in an operation different from an operation in which the image reading unit reads the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru Takahashi, Yoshiaki Haginoya
  • Patent number: 10740649
    Abstract: An object attitude detection device includes a pick-up image acquisition unit, a template image acquisition unit, and an attitude decision unit. The pick-up image acquisition unit acquires a picked-up image of an object. The template image acquisition unit acquires a template image for each attitude of the object. The attitude decision unit decides an attitude of the object based on the template image having pixels. In the pixels, a distance between pixels forming a contour in the picked-up image and pixels forming a contour of the template image is shorter than a first threshold. Further, a degree of similarity between a gradient of the pixels forming the contour in the picked-up image and a gradient of the pixels forming the contour of the template image is higher than a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Levinshtein, Joseph Chitai Lam, Mikhail Brusnitsyn, Guoyi Fu
  • Patent number: 10717203
    Abstract: A rotary die apparatus and method for three-axes registration error correction. The rotary die apparatus includes a rotary die for applying patterns to a strip of material, a sensor for sensing fiducials on the strip of material, actuators to adjust the rotary die, and a control system. The actuators adjust the rotary die along an X-axis extending along a direction of travel, along a Y-axis transverse of the direction of travel, and about a theta axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The control system calculates a registration error based on a difference between an actual location or orientation of the fiducials and a desired location or orientation of the fiducials. Then the control system outputs control signals to the actuators to adjust the rotary die along the X-axis, along the Y-axis, and/or about the theta axis while the rotary die continues to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Preco, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Schuster, Jay Norlinger
  • Patent number: 10657640
    Abstract: Method for generating a test-set for inspection of a design being printed by a printing-press, each color-unit in the printing-press prints a respective color. The design is composed of original-layers. Inspection includes determining the origin of at least one defect in the printed-design. The method includes the procedures of generating defective-layer or layers of the design, by introducing at least one selected defect to at least one selected original-layer, in a selected location or locations and combining layers using a trained-synthesis-neural-network. The layers include the defective-layer or layers and remaining ones of the original-layers. The trained-synthesis-neural-network provides a plurality of features respective of each pixel. The method also includes the procedure of generating the test-set from the output of the synthesis-neural-network. The test-set includes at least one synthesized-test-image. The synthesized-test-image includes at least one synthesized-defect at the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Advanced Vision Technology (A.V.T.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Maya Dekel-Klein, Chanan Gazala
  • Patent number: 10652437
    Abstract: A method of assembling a camera for a vehicular vision system includes providing a camera housing and forming a post at an interior portion of the camera housing, and positioning a printed circuit board in the camera housing so that the post is received through a hole through the printed circuit board such that a protruding end of the post protrudes from the side of the printed circuit board opposite the imager. Circuitry disposed at one side of the printed circuit board includes an imager. The protruding end of the post is adapted to limit retraction of the post from the hole through the printed circuit board so as to secure the printed circuit board relative to the post and the camera housing. A lens is provided at the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sonja M. Becker, Achim Newiger
  • Patent number: 10554937
    Abstract: A system for holding a camera for acquiring images of preparations includes a rail that can be mounted above a preparation surface. A camera carrier couples a camera with the rail such that the camera is movable relative to the rail and such that the camera can acquire images of preparations on the preparation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Emily H. Alexander, Jerimiah G. Welch
  • Patent number: 10510959
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a commissioning method and a vapor deposition machine, the method is used for adjusting the relative position of a precision mask plate and a substrate to be operated, which comprises: loading a commissioning substrate into a vapor deposition chamber for commissioning; loading a precision mask plate into the vapor deposition chamber for commissioning; turning on the light source in the vapor deposition chamber for commissioning, and irradiating the photochromic layer on the commissioning substrate via the precision mask plate, wherein a partial position of the irradiated photochromic layer is discolored; obtaining a compensation value of the precision mask plate by the location of a partial discolored position of the photochromic layer. The method is possible to omit the organic materials during the commissioning process, and increase the commissioning speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qian Jiang
  • Patent number: 10434654
    Abstract: A parameter for detecting a target mark 5 is not required to be set for each camera repeatedly while a stereo camera 2 is calibrated. A calibration device 1 associates position information in an image coordinate system at a first camera 21 of a stereo camera 2, position information in an image coordinate system at a second camera 22 of the stereo camera 2, and position information in a robot coordinate system at a robot 4. The calibration device comprises: first parameter setting unit 102 that sets a first parameter for detecting a target mark 5 attached to the robot 4 from data about an image captured by the first camera 21; and a second parameter setting unit 104 that sets a second parameter for detecting the target mark 5 from data about an image captured by the second camera 22 based on the first parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuta Namiki, Fumikazu Warashina
  • Patent number: 10434650
    Abstract: A programming device capable of reducing the operator's work involved in generating an operation program for a robot. The programming device includes a model arrangement section which places a workpiece model, a robot model, and an imaging section model in a virtual space, a target-portion extracting section which extracts a target portion of the workpiece model in accordance with a certain extraction condition, a simulating section which. moves the imaging section model or the workpiece model to an imaging position, and a program generating section which generates an operation program for causing the imaging section to capture the portion to be captured, based on positional data of the robot model when the robot model positions the imaging section model or the workpiece model at the imaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Atohira
  • Patent number: 10262409
    Abstract: Method for generating a test-set for inspection of a design being printed by a printing-press, each color-unit in the printing-press prints a respective color. The design is composed of original-layers. Inspection includes determining the origin of at least one defect in the printed-design. The method includes the procedures of generating defective-layer or layers of the design, by introducing at least one selected defect to at least one selected original-layer, in a selected location or locations and combining layers using a trained-synthesis-neural-network. The layers include the defective-layer or layers and remaining ones of the original-layers. The trained-synthesis-neural-network provides a plurality of features respective of each pixel. The method also includes the procedure of generating the test-set from the output of the synthesis-neural-network. The test-set includes at least one synthesized-test-image. The synthesized-test-image includes at least one synthesized-defect at the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCED VISION TECHNOLOGY (A.V.T.) LTD.
    Inventors: Maya Dekel-Klein, Chanan Gazala
  • Patent number: 10222341
    Abstract: A focusing apparatus includes a first reticle, arranged at the front side of a conjugate position of a TDI sensor; a second reticle, arranged at the back side of the conjugate position; an equalizing circuit to perform gray scale value equalization by using a gray scale value output by the TDI sensor which received the pattern image by illumination light not passing through the first and second reticles; and a distance change/move amount calculation circuit to calculate, in a state where the gray scale value equalization has been performed, a distance change/move amount of a relative distance, for focusing the pattern image of the substrate, between the substrate and the conjugate position of the TDI sensor by using a first derivative value of a gray scale value output by the TDI sensor which received the pattern image by the reflection illumination light having passed through the first and second reticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: NuFlare Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Otaki, Riki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10131025
    Abstract: A workpiece positioning device has a more simple structure and a low cost. The workpiece positioning device includes a movable base on which a workpiece is placed, drive mechanisms for moving the movable base, a vision sensor for repeatedly detecting the current position of the workpiece placed on the movable base, a difference calculating part for calculating the difference between the current position and the target position each time the current position is detected by the vision sensor, a difference determining part for determining whether the difference is within an allowable range, and a drive controller for controlling the drive mechanisms so as to stop the movement of the movable base when it is determined that the difference is within the allowable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ayumu Kitayama, Mototsugu Takenami
  • Patent number: 10112314
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes: a moving mechanism configured to move a punching apparatus in a width direction orthogonal to a transportation direction of a sheet; and a sensor configured to optically detect a mark formed on the sheet and indicating a position to be punched. The mark is configured such that an interval in the transportation direction between a plurality of feature portions extending in the width direction is configured to be changed depending on the width direction. The moving mechanism is configured to determine a position of the punching apparatus in the width direction based on a difference between respective timings of detection of the plurality of feature portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takatsu, Tatsuya Eguchi, Takeshi Ishida, Isao Watanabe, Taku Kimura
  • Patent number: 9970752
    Abstract: A method for determining a headlight range alignment of at least one first headlight of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes at least one optical sensor which is designed for detecting at least one part of a first illuminated area of the first headlight and generating a first image having the part of the first illuminated area. The method includes the following steps: reading in the first image from the optical sensor, selecting at least one first image area in the first image, whereby a cut-off line of the first headlight is intended to be imaged in the first image area, and determining the headlight range alignment as a function of the first image area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Foltin, Marc Geese, Susanne Stierlin
  • Patent number: 9863843
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp aiming system includes a displaceable aiming surface and an imaging system. The imaging system includes an indexing aim box having at least one imager oriented to capture images of a headlamp and/or one or more vehicle features adjacent to the headlamp and at least one fixed imager oriented to capture one images of the displaceable aiming surface to determine a headlamp cutoff height. The displaceable aiming surface is configured to selectively displace to allow passage of the vehicle. The indexing aim box is configured to translate between the headlamp and another headlamp. One or more computing devices are configured to perform methods for headlamp aim correction using the described system. The methods include providing image inputs from the imaging system and calculating therefrom an aim correction of the headlamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Albert Ekladyous, Diane Marie LaHaie, Ghassan E. Mady, Simon Howard Curwood, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos, Hardyal Singh, Jeffrey Paul Spencer
  • Patent number: 9734406
    Abstract: An information processing device, which includes: a data holding section which holds first time-series data of an operation parameter which varies through a predetermined capturing operation; a data comparing section which compares second time-series data of the operation parameter with the first time-series data, the second time-series data being correlated with a moving image recorded through an actual capturing operation and varying through the actual capturing operation; and a data area specifying section which specifies, among the second time-series data, a data area corresponding to the first time-series data on the basis of the comparison of the first and second time-series data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Shiina, Kenichi Mizukami, Toshihiro Ishizaka, Hiroshi Jinno
  • Patent number: 9682406
    Abstract: A selective sorting method is described to identify and sort material objects of different natures, sizes and shapes having the form of a pile. The method is characterized in that the attribution of the nature of the object to be sorted includes in capturing at least one two-dimensional image wherein the object appears, using at least one sensor for electromagnetic radiation and in diffusing at least one of the two-dimensional images on a display screen that can be observed by an operator, the operator attributing a nature to the object viewed. A device able to implement the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT-VE
    Inventors: Jérémy Doublet, Christophe Gambier, Jean-François Rezeau, Alexander Mallinson
  • Patent number: 9678999
    Abstract: Based on a request, a processor may identify a multi-dimensional dataset stored in the at least one of a plurality of data tables and identify each dimension of the multi-dimensional dataset. For each respective identified dimension, the processor may sort the identified dataset on values of the respective identified dimension, partition the sorted dataset into a predetermined number of intervals associated with the respective identified dimension, determine a number of rows for each interval and select a lower boundary value and an upper boundary value for each interval. The upper boundary value may be the highest value in each interval. The lower boundary value for an interval having lowest sorted values may be the lowest value in the interval or the upper boundary value of an interval having immediately preceding partitioned values. The processor may further store the boundary values and rows for each interval of each identified dimension as the histogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Teradata US, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Gibas, Hien T. To
  • Patent number: 9646865
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an interconnection structure, an exposure alignment system, and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The method comprises: providing a wafer, forming a first to-be-connected member and multiple first alignment members in a first conductive layer; form a first opening and multiple second alignment members in a first mask layer, the first opening is used to define a position of a second to-be-connected member; based on reference and measurement coordinates of the first alignment members, and reference coordinates and measurement coordinates of the second alignment members, obtaining wafer coordinates for characterizing a position deviation of the wafer; obtaining adjustment compensation values according to stacking offsets of a preceding wafer; adjusting a position of the wafer; forming the interconnection structure in a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer to electrically interconnect the first to-be-connected member and the second to-be-connected member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Bin Xing, Jing An Hao
  • Patent number: 9547799
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to systems and methods for automatically determining the content boundaries in a digital image. A gradient field may be generated using an edge detector, and the gradient field may be thresholded, by magnitude, to retain strong edges. The resulting localized edge positions may be projected onto a first direction and a second direction to form two projection histograms. The projection histograms may be analyzed to determine the boundaries of the image content. Corners of a cropping rectangle may be computed, and the digital image may be cropped according to the content boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Shao-hsien Chen, John E. Dolan
  • Patent number: 9228941
    Abstract: An imaging inspection system and inspection method for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine having an imaging inspection device and a controller. The imaging inspection device includes a combustor interface, an inspection head having a first camera, an inspection head extender, a roll actuator, and a pitch actuator. The controller is configured to manipulate the inspection head in a predefined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonel Arellano, Nathaniel David Brown
  • Patent number: 9160898
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a motion control photography set are disclosed. One embodiment includes a master control that receives control signals for a plurality of device actors, such as robot arms, lighting, and camera controls, and synchronizes the plurality of control signals with a global timeline to create a plurality of synchronized signals, such that the control data for each actor of the device actors is associated with a corresponding position in the global timeline. According to another embodiment, the set also includes a master input that conveys a master input signal to the master control indicating a position in the global timeline and a rate of progression through the global timeline. In response to the master input signal, the control data for each actor of the device actors is sent to respective device actors at an adjustable rate of progression through the global timeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Autofuss
    Inventors: Asa Hammond, Jeff Linnell, Kendra Byrne
  • Patent number: 9147014
    Abstract: A bundled object image selection system includes an array of sensors configured to at least partially surround a bundle of objects, wherein the sensors are lasers adapted to obtain physical dimensional data about the bundle. The system also includes at least one camera configured to obtain a plurality of images of the bundle, a processor for executing computer-executable instructions, and a memory for storing computer executable instructions. When the instructions are executed, the processor implements a limit module that processes the physical dimensional data to determine a limit of the bundle and a selection module that selects at least one image from the plurality of images corresponding to the limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: WOODTECH MEASUREMENT SOLUTIONS
    Inventor: Raúl Andrés Lastra
  • Patent number: 9025060
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensor which comprises a pixel group in which unit pixels each including a microlens and a plurality of photo-electric converters are arrayed two-dimensionally, wherein a shielding unit that shields part of all of a plurality of photo-electric converters corresponding to a single microlens is provided in a portion of the unit pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Nishio, Ichiro Onuki, Koichi Fukuda, Ryo Yamasaki, Hideaki Yamamoto, Makoto Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20150049183
    Abstract: A component-mounting machine which prevents collision of a sucked component with an optical system capturing images of an imaging reference mark and the sucked component simultaneously when a component-mounting head moves to capture images while lightening the component-mounting head. In the component-mounting machine of the present invention, a sucked-component position detection device includes an imaging unit, which is installed on a side of a base of the component-mounting machine and has an image sensor and a lens; and a first refraction member which alters a focal position of a first optical path that connects the image sensor, the lens and the imaging reference mark. The first refraction member is installed on the side of the base and at a position lower than a focal position of a second optical path that connects the image sensor, the lens and the sucked component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yusuke Yamakage, Tomoharu Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20150042786
    Abstract: A position controller, including a moving part configured to process or measure a workpiece, a laser unit disposed on one side of the moving part and configured to radiate a laser, a mask on which a laser image is formed corresponding to the irradiated laser, and a position control unit configured to position the moving part based on information of the laser image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-Won Han
  • Publication number: 20150042785
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided for aiding an operator in performing an assembly operation by displaying the position of a component using a device worn by the operator. In one aspect, a method of aiding an operator in performing an assembly operation at an assembly station comprises: scanning the assembly station, using a camera, for the position of a component identified to be used in the assembly operation; and displaying, using a display worn by the operator, the position of the identified component within the assembly station to the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20150042787
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing vehicle wheel assembly surface profile data acquired by a vehicle wheel service system from a non-contact imaging sensor and a projected pattern of optically distinct elements on the vehicle wheel assembly surface to identify one or more features of the vehicle wheel assembly, to receive operator input, and to facilitate the placement of imbalance correction weights onto the vehicle wheel assembly surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael W. Douglas, Sean D. Reynolds, Gregory F. Meyer, Daniel R. Dorrance
  • Publication number: 20150029331
    Abstract: Technique for adjusting various mechanisms of an automatic analysis device, which can suppress the occurrence of a difference in adjustment quality between an experienced person and an inexperienced person, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Chikook Ha
  • Patent number: 8937654
    Abstract: A machine vision inspection system comprises an optical portion providing an image of a field of view of a workpiece which may be a magnified image. A first camera and a second camera provide first and second images of a shared or common field of view of the workpiece and are arranged such that the orientation of the common field of view imaged in the first camera is rotated relative to the orientation of the common field of view imaged in the second camera. Signal processing provides an edge measurement of an edge feature within the common field of view and determines which of the first and second images is used as a basis for the edge measurement based on whether their respective edge orientation (with respect to the pixel array of each camera) differs from the pixel array orientation of their associated camera by an orientation difference threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Lawrence Delaney
  • Patent number: 8937655
    Abstract: A method for positioning a phase retarder substrate includes the following steps. A phase retarder substrate is provided, wherein the phase retarder substrate includes a first align mark which includes a patterned phase retarder film. An image capturing unit is disposed at one side of the phase retarder substrate. A light source is disposed at the other side of the phase retarder substrate. An upper polarizing sheet is disposed between the image capturing unit and the patterned phase retarder film, and a lower polarizing sheet is disposed between the light source and the patterned phase retarder film. An image of the light which passes through the lower polarizing sheet, the patterned phase retarder film and the upper polarizing sheet is captured so as to position the phase retarder substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mei-Sha Shih, Chun-Wei Su, Jan-Tien Lien
  • Publication number: 20150002656
    Abstract: A system for the optical reading of markings printed on an ophthalmic lens (2), includes an image capture device (26), a light source (15) and a support (18, 31) which are configured so that, when the lens is received by the support with a masking element (39) which covers the markings, the source illuminates the lens while rendering the markings visible to the device; and a mobile element on which the source is fixed and which admits a retracted position where it is distanced from the support and a working position where it surrounds at least partially the support and the source looks at the support and these latter are configured so that the source illuminates a rim (34) of the lens so that the light penetrates into its mass (35) and reaches the masking element (33) through the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQU E)
    Inventor: Frederic Dubois
  • Publication number: 20140375794
    Abstract: Working equipment includes a tool configured to work a structure at a working location thereon, with the structure having an applied marking at a known location with a known relationship with the working location. A computer system is configured to determine placement of the structure, and accordingly position the tool into at least partial alignment with the working location, and which in at least one instance, the tool is aligned with a second, offset location. A camera is configured to capture an image of the structure and including the marking, and further including the second location with which the tool is aligned. And the computer system is configured to process the image to locate the working location, reposition the tool from the second location and into greater alignment with the located working location, and control the repositioned tool to work the structure at the located working location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Navrit Pal Singh
  • Patent number: 8913123
    Abstract: A system for mounting a needle shield to a syringe. The system includes a syringe nest and a gripper having a gripping position and a release position. The gripper is movable between an aligned position and a spaced position. A shaker has a shaker axis that is generally coaxial with the syringe axis. The shaker is movable along the shaker axis. An inspection camera is positioned proximate the syringe axis and defines a line of sight. The syringe nest, gripper, shaker and cap plunger are generally aligned along the syringe axis in a placing configuration wherein the gripper is in the gripping position holding the needle shield. The gripper is in the spaced position and the distal end of the cap plunger is in engagement with the needle shield in a final cap mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Miller
  • Patent number: 8908028
    Abstract: According to the invention, the calibration measuring cycle is divided into several, particularly a plurality of partial cycles, with which one or more of the calibration measurements are associated. While maintaining the cycle, the partial cycles are now carried out in one of the positioning pauses such that the calibration measuring cycle is distributed over several, in particular a plurality of, positioning pauses and is integrated into the flow of the industrial process without interfering with the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Metzler, Bernd Walser, Beat Aebischer
  • Patent number: 8901525
    Abstract: The present invention provides a panel alignment apparatus and a panel alignment method. The panel alignment apparatus comprises an image detection device and a first clamp. The method comprises the following steps: utilizing the image detection device to detect a position of a display panel, and to calculate a position adjustment value; and utilizing the first clamp to hold the standing display panel, and to rotate the display panel according to the position adjustment value for adjusting a position of the display panel. The present invention can utilize the clamps to precisely align the standing display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiasheng Lu, Teng-chou Wei