Alignment Or Positioning Patents (Class 348/95)
  • Patent number: 8289388
    Abstract: A method for determining virtual cutting lines for a substrate prior to its singulation is provided whereby the substrate comprises first and second rows of alignment marks which are substantially parallel to each other such that a pair of alignment marks each from the first and second rows of alignment marks is configured for determining a position of a virtual cutting line. The method comprises the steps of positioning the first row of alignment marks along a relative motion path of a first camera and positioning the second row of alignment marks along a relative motion path of a second camera. While the substrate is being moved relative to the first and second cameras along the respective relative motion paths without stopping, the first and second cameras capture images of multiple pairs of alignment marks from the first and second rows of alignment marks during such motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd
    Inventors: Chi Wah Cheng, Lap Kei Chow
  • Publication number: 20120242828
    Abstract: Alignment systems and more particularly, to a split-screen camera system where multiple camera views are incorporated into a single composite image to align a component orthogonally to a target are provided. At least a first and second imaging device is used in conjunction with a processing unit adapted to extract or delete portions of at least a first image and a second image captured by the first and second imaging devices. The processor mirrors one of the images and creates a composite image of the first image and the second image as a split-screen image. The resulting processed image is displayed on a display terminal, and an operator aligns a component with a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Bill H. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20120236141
    Abstract: In order to provide an automated roll transport vehicle with which the work required to install the vehicle in a production facility is simplified, a transport carriage includes a transport vehicle side support element that supports a roll upwardly of the transport carriage such that the roll can be transferred to a receiving device, moving operation means for moving a core a of the roll supported by the transport vehicle side support element with respect to the transport carriage, control means for controlling operation of the moving operation means to locate the core a in a proper position at which both ends of the core a can be supported by a pair of device side support elements with the transport carriage stopped at a transfer location. One or more imaging device or devices for capturing an image of the device side support element is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Natsuo Takagawa, Shigeru Sugano, Keita Onoue
  • Publication number: 20120224050
    Abstract: An array chip useful for biochemical assays is provided wherein the chip includes a field region arranged with attachment sites according to a first pitch and at least one track region having a one-dimensional spot pattern arranged according to a second pitch that is less dense and is a non-integer multiple of the first pitch so that one-dimensional Moiré averaging may be applied in the track region, thereby to attain alignment of the chip to the optical instrumentation with a higher density of attachment sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Complete Genomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan P. Staker
  • Patent number: 8237790
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning a portion of an object to be measured includes installing a digital camera adjacent to a charge coupled device (CCD) lens of an image measuring machine, setting positioning parameters corresponding to different positions of the digital camera on a Z-axis of a world coordinate system, receiving an image of the object captured by the digital camera, and selecting corresponding positioning parameters according to a position of the digital camera. The method further includes selecting a point of the portion of the object in the image, calculating coordinates of the selected point in a plane of the CCD lens, and controlling the CCD lens to move to the calculated coordinates so as to position the CCD lens on the portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Li Jiang, Yong-Hong Ding, Xiao-Guang Xue, Yan-Li Li
  • Publication number: 20120188365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser machining head (100) for machining a workpiece by means of a working laser beam (108), with a camera (102) with an imaging lens system (116) arranged in front of said camera in the beam path for observing a machining region of the workpiece that is being machined by means of the working laser beam (108), with a focusing lens system (114) for focusing the working laser beam (108) on the workpiece surface (104) or on a position defined in relation to the workpiece surface (104), and with an evaluation unit (122) which is designed to calculate a corrective adjusting displacement (?Zos, ?ZB) by means of an adjusting displacement (?dKL) of the imaging lens system (116) in the direction of the optical axis in order to refocus the camera image when there is a shift in the focal point of the focusing lens system (114), which corrective adjustment displacement compensates a shift in the focal point of the focusing lens system (114) in relation to the workpiece surface (104) or with res
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Precitec KG
    Inventor: Ingo Stork
  • Patent number: 8218904
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically transposing an image from a circular image space to another image space, for example, horizontal. Examples of applications include a mail piece a roundel on a mail piece. On a mail piece, company name, city and state, or zip code information can be contained in the roundel instead of, for example, in the permit block. The system implements the methods electronically. Control and data information is electronically executed and stored on computer-readable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Chadwick M. Coleman, Richard VanHall
  • Patent number: 8218001
    Abstract: Features such as holes in a component which may be an aerofoil component of a gas turbine engine are re-drilled after initial formation, for example to remove blockages created in a coating process. In order to ensure that re-drilling occurs at the precise location of the initial holes, a selected number of the holes are selected, and their exact positions identified, for example by camera imaging and image processing. The actual positions of the selected features are compared with the nominal positions, and an algorithm is generated and then used to calculate the actual positions of the non-selected holes of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Neil K. Hastilow
  • Patent number: 8212869
    Abstract: A substrate inspection method capable of accurately inspecting a substrate is provided. A jig having reference points represented by known coordinates in a three-dimensional world coordinate system is photographed by a camera and coordinates of the reference points in a pixel image coordinate system defined by pixels of an image forming device is determined. The coordinates in the pixel image coordinate system are transformed into those in a camera coordinate system set on the camera, and world-camera coordinate system transformation parameters are calculated. Image data in the pixel image coordinate system obtained by photographing a substrate to be inspected is transformed into image data in a world coordinate system for inspection. The accurate inspection of the substrate to be inspected can be achieved because distortion in the image of the substrate to be inspected in the world coordinate system attributable to the position and attitude of the camera is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shuji Iwanaga, Kazuya Hisano
  • Patent number: 8212868
    Abstract: A jewelry fixture having a mounting pedestal cooperatively engaged with the top side of a base is disclosed. First and second angled surface are cooperatively positioned on the top side of the base. The angled surfaces have a reflective or mirrored surface. The angled surfaces are positioned adjacent and perpendicular to each other. A jewelry holder allowing cooperative engagement with an item of jewelry is positioned between the angled surfaces and cooperatively engaged with the mounting pedestal on the top side of the base. The base has reference and prime positioning guides. The full-image jewelry positioner (fixture) improves the development of images for duplication or replication of jewelry or other items having detailed structures. When combined with a camera or a camera and a computer system, the images developed may be captured and manipulated for auto-tracing and duplication or replication of the item of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Gemvision Corporation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. High
  • Publication number: 20120162406
    Abstract: An accessory that can be connected to a machine drill is provided. A projector is provided to project a first light spot and a second light spot to a work piece to be processed. A camera is provided to record the first light spot and the second light spot in an image. A processing device is provided to determine an incline of the machine drill in reference to the work piece, based on a first distance of the first light spot from a reference point recorded in the image and a second distance of the second light spot from the reference point recorded in the image. A display device is coupled to the processing device and displays the determined incline. The light spots may be embodied punctual or planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Peer Schmidt, Roland Schaer, Alexander Liniger, David Leuzinger
  • Patent number: 8203604
    Abstract: A calibration plate is configured for revising an image capture apparatus of a vision measuring system. The vision measuring system includes a worktable which is configured for supporting the calibration plate. The calibration plate includes a quadrate portion. A calibration area and a zero marker are formed on the quadrate portion. The calibration area includes a plurality of regions having the same shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Li Jiang, Dong-Hai Li, Xiao-Guang Xue, Zhong-Kui Yuan
  • Patent number: 8203131
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and inserting a plate stack (112) into an automatic plate loader (100) in a predefined position. A plate pallet (116) carries the plate stack. A plate pallet adapter (128) adapted to carry the plate pallet, a centering element (236, 264) attached to the plate pallet adapter aligns the plate stack in a center position relative to the plate pallet adapter. A guiding unit (216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 504, 712) is attached to the plate pallet adapter, configured to align to the plate pallet and guide the plate pallet adapter into the automatic plate loader. In one embodiment, a plate adapter positioning sensor (268) is configured to sense and notify (124) an operator when the pallet adapter reaches the predefined position (248).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark Silverman, Pavel Korolik
  • Patent number: 8199194
    Abstract: Methods are described for controlling orientation of an aim point axis of a video camera having an instrument coordinate system to track a point of interest on a movable target object and calculating positions of the point of interest in a local coordinate system in which the target object is moving. The methods include measuring pan and tilt angles of the aim point axis and distance substantially along the aim point axis and calculating a calibration matrix which transforms a position defined in the instrument coordinate system to a position defined in the local coordinate system. A system is described including an instrument and at least one computer, wherein the instrument includes a video camera and a range finder, and wherein the video camera includes an aim point axis having an adjustable orientation. In one example, the target object is adapted to move on and inspect an airplane surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Troy, Scott W. Lea, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Publication number: 20120098958
    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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Metzler, Bernd Walser, Beat Aebischer
  • Publication number: 20120081539
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the position and shape of a pattern formed on a sheet includes a sheet on which a pattern is formed, a camera holding mechanism that is disposed perpendicular to a transportation direction of the sheet, at least one camera that is disposed such that the camera is movable in a longitudinal direction of the camera holding mechanism, and an image processing computer that processes an image picked up by the at least one camera. In the measuring apparatus, when calibration is performed, calibration is performed with reference to a picked up image of the coating pattern and a picked up image of a reference body for calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Ichizawa, Naomichi Chida, Minoru Akutsu
  • Patent number: 8131017
    Abstract: Automatic illuminating and image recording system for an automobile service device, combined illuminating and image recording unit and method for automatic measured value-dependent setting of the image recording and exposure for an automobile service device having contactless measuring capability. Comprises at least one camera (32, 34) having an interface to a control unit, at least one illuminating unit (62, 64) having a control input, and a control unit. This control unit is equipped with an interface to the camera(s) (32, 34), with an interface to the illuminating unit(s) (62, 64), with an image processing-and, respectively, image pre-processing-unit and with an evaluating unit that generates control parameters for the illuminating unit(s) (62, 64) and/or the camera(s) (32, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Beissbarth GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Bux, Ulrich Bichlmeier, Stefan Schommer
  • Patent number: 8126587
    Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing and processing information of electronic parts includes a seating unit on which electronic parts are seated and aligned and a part information processing unit disposed adjacent to the seating unit. The part information processing unit is configured to align the electronic parts using the seating unit, recognize a recognition surface of the electronic parts, obtaining part information of the recognized surface, and store the obtained part information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ja-Hyun Koo, Man-Hee Lee, Sun-Jeong Kang
  • Publication number: 20120044345
    Abstract: A panel assembly alignment system and an alignment method thereof. A first panel has first alignment patterns arranged at equal pitches. A second panel has second alignment patterns arranged with a pitch between the adjacent patterns being wider as positions of the second alignment patterns are farther away from the pattern. A third panel has third alignment patterns and arranged with a pitch between adjacent patterns being narrower as positions of the third alignment patterns are farther away from the pattern. An operation unit controls a photographing unit to photograph each panel, so as to analyze an overlap portion between the first and the second alignment patterns, determine an offset direction of the second panel corresponding to the first panel, so that when the third panel is placed, the third alignment pattern conforming to the offset direction and a level of the overlap portion is overlapped with the overlap portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: YUI-CHEN LIU
  • Patent number: 8120645
    Abstract: An adjuster plate is provided between a front rail and a camera unit body having cameras. Pre-dimensioned positioning pins protrude from upper and lower surfaces of the adjuster plate. The positioning pins protruding from the upper surface of the adjuster plate are positioned by being fitted in pin fitting holes provided in the front rail. The positioning pins protruding from the lower surface of the adjuster plate are positioned by being fitted in pin fitting holes provided in the camera unit body. Even when the positions of the pin fitting holes in the front rail are changed, it is possible to cope with the change by only changing the protruding positions of the positioning pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Katahira, Nobuo Namiki
  • Publication number: 20120038763
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and a method thereof which can detect a displacement amount of a cutting tool with respect to a workpiece with high accuracy and can correct a processing position with high accuracy. Accordingly, a turret gauge 46 is comprised of an invar body 47 and a gauge main body 48 with a different thermal expansion coefficient. A point A of the gauge main body 48 and a leading edge 47A of the invar body are imaged in a state of viewing the whole thereof at a time of an initialization and a calibration cycle (CS), and a temperature of the gauge main body 48 is detected by comparing each image data. Furthermore, the length between the point A and a point B of the gauge main body 48 at the time of the CS is obtained based on the image data. The actual length is compared with a theoretical length between the point A and the point B at a temperature of the gauge main body 48 at the time of the CS, and consideration is given to the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Tosuke Kawada, Masaki Kato, Shinji Ichino
  • Patent number: 8115808
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine is disclosed having an orientor automatically orienting a substrate associated therewith. A control and computing unit is further associated with the coordinate measuring machine, so that self-calibration may be performed on the basis of at least two different and automatically set orientations of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Vistec Semiconductor Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fricke, Klaus Rinn, Slawomir Czerkas
  • Patent number: 8106349
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a device with a contactor is provided. The apparatus includes a pick and place device, for transporting the device. A first camera acquires an image of the device relative to device holder fiducials of the pick and place device. A second camera detects the location of the contactor relative to fiducials positioned on an alignment frame plate. A third camera to image frame and device holder fiducials to correlate the first and second camera coordinates. Given a processor determines the alignment difference between the device and the contactor. A plurality of actuators align the device with the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Kexiang Ken Ding, Michel Mabene, James Frandsen, Yun Tang, Luis Muller
  • Publication number: 20110259216
    Abstract: An imaging system for and a method of imaging at least one workpiece alignment feature on an upper surface of a supported workpiece, the system comprising: a workpiece support which includes a support surface for supporting a workpiece; and at least one imaging unit which is disposed below the support surface of the workpiece support for imaging at least one workpiece alignment feature on the upper surface of the workpiece, wherein the at least one imaging unit comprises an infra-red illuminator which is operative to illuminate a region of a lower surface of the workpiece and a detector which is operative to capture an image of the region of the workpiece which includes at least one workpiece alignment feature on the upper surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Martyn Buttle, Martin Symons
  • Publication number: 20110249113
    Abstract: In a method of fabricating an integrated circuit device having a three-dimensional stacked structured, the step of fixing many chip-shaped semiconductor circuits to a support substrate or a circuit layer with a predetermined layout can be performed easily and efficiently with a desired accuracy. Temporary adhesion portions 12b of semiconductor chips 13 are temporarily adhered to corresponding temporary adhesion regions 72a of a carrier substrate 73a by way of water films 81. The carrier substrate 73a is then pressed toward a support substrate or a desired circuit layer, thereby contacting connecting portions 12 of the chips 13 on the carrier substrate 73a with corresponding predetermined positions on the support substrate or a circuit layer. Thereafter, by fixing the connecting portions 12 to the predetermined positions, the chips 13 are attached to the support substrate or the circuit layer with a desired layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Mitsumasa KOYANAGI
  • Patent number: 8036492
    Abstract: A method of detecting the orientation of a radiographic image represented by a digital signal representation wherein mathematical moments of the digital signal representation are calculated relative to different reference entities and wherein a decision on the orientation of the radiographic image, for example the position of the thorax edge in a mammographic image, is obtained on the basis of an extreme value (minimum, maximum) of the calculated moments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Agfa HealthCare
    Inventor: Piet Dewaele
  • Publication number: 20110234789
    Abstract: A structure for recognizing a receiving assembly component, comprising: a recognition reference plane that is provided in a portion of an assembly base on a predetermined area of which there is placed a receiving assembly component used for assembling an assembly component and that serves as a reference used for recognizing layout information about a position and an attitude of the assembly base; and a recognition indicator element that is provided on the recognition reference plane so that an imaging tool performs imaging operation and that has, at a predetermined positional relationship, four unit pattern marks or more formed such that a density pattern of each of the unit pattern marks sequentially changes from a center position to a periphery of the mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Naoki Koike
  • Publication number: 20110234788
    Abstract: An assembly inspection apparatus includes a marker having four or more unit pattern marks which are provided, at a predetermined positional relationship, in a portion of an assembly component to be put into a receiving assembly component and which are formed in such a way that a density pattern sequentially changes from a center position to a periphery of the pattern mark; an imaging tool that is disposed opposite the assembly component put into the receiving assembly component and that captures an image of the marker; a layout information recognition block that recognizes layout information about a position and an attitude of the assembly component put into the receiving assembly component by use of at least imaging information about the marker whose image has been captured by the imaging tool; and an assembly inspection block that inspects whether or not a superior assembly state is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Naoki Koike, Kimihiro Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20110228050
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for positioning micro tool of micro machine is provided in this invention, wherein the system comprises a stereo-photographing device, an image analysis system, a PC-based controller, and a micro machine. The image analysis system can analyze position of the micro tool of the micro machine and work piece by using algorithm, and the micro tool is then positioned to a pre-determined location. A method for positioning micro tool of the micro machine is also provided in this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: SHIH-MING WANG, Chia-You Chung, Chih-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 8009896
    Abstract: A coplanarity inspection device for a printed circuit board includes a base, a supporting disk, a driver, a printed circuit board, a light source, an image acquisition means, and a controller. The supporting disk is arranged on the base, and the driver rotates the supporting disk. The printed circuit board is placed on the supporting disk, and includes a to-be measured side facing downward. The light source projects light beams on the to-be measured side of the printed circuit board. The image acquisition means aims at a specific area of the to-be measured side for image acquisition. The controller is to control the driver, and to store image taken by the image acquisition means. As such, the coplanarity inspection device for a printed circuit board can be employed to inspect whether the coplanarity of the printed circuit board satisfies the standard of setting values in a certain range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: King Yuan Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiu-Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 7948516
    Abstract: According to a related art for evaluating the position accuracy of heaters with respect to the plate, it is necessary to attach an energizing electrode to the heaters, and energize the heaters for a predetermined period to heat the entire plate, before measuring the temperature distribution map. Therefore, there is a problem in that several tens of minutes are required until the temperature distribution map can be measured. As the plate becomes larger, the time required for energizing the heaters to heat the entire plate becomes longer. A technique for evaluating the position accuracy of heaters with respect to the plate, without executing a process for energizing the heaters to heat the plate is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Unno, Taiji Kiku
  • Publication number: 20110096158
    Abstract: A liquid crystal array inspection apparatus for two-dimensional scanning on a liquid crystal substrate. It includes a stage for mounting the liquid crystal substrate; an imaging device provided above and distantly from the stage; an imaging control part for controlling the imaging of the imaging device; a stage driving part for driving the stage in a Y direction; an encoder for detecting a rotation state of a drive motor of the stage driving part; an imaging-start position reaching detection part for detecting that the liquid crystal substrate reaches the imaging-start positions in the Y direction in forward and return courses on the stages based on a detection quantity and an imaging range of the encoder; and an imaging-start trigger signal generating part for generating an imaging-start trigger signal to start the imaging by the imaging control part based on an output from the imaging-start position reaching detection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masamichi Nagai
  • Publication number: 20110050882
    Abstract: A wafer aligning apparatus includes a laser sensor that generates a trigger signal, a CCD camera imaging a wafer in response to the trigger signal, a signal processing unit that calculates a center alignment correction value for the wafer, and a robot controller that receives the center alignment correction value to control movement of a transfer robot. The laser sensor generates the trigger signal in accordance with a change in reflected light detected by the laser sensor, the change in the amount of reflected light being detected by the laser sensor when a boundary between a blade of the transfer robot and a coupler of the transfer robot passes under the laser sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heok-Jae LEE, Sang-Ho KIM, Hyu-Rim PARK, Do-In BAE, Kee-Weone SEO, Chang-Woo WOO
  • Patent number: 7888664
    Abstract: A plate pallet alignment and loading apparatus (10) for originally packed plate pallet (13) into a printing plate imaging device (71) includes plate pallet adaptor (11) wherein the originally packed plate pallet (13) is placed on top; plate pallet position detectors (15, 21, 31) attach to the plate pallet adaptor (11); a pallet alignment and loading apparatus (10) loads the plates from the originally packed plate pallet (13) into the printing plate imaging device; interleaf removal system (16) separates separation paper sheets placed between the plates; and plate pallet position correction actuators (43, 44, 45) corrects the plate pallet position in respect to the plate loading system (14) in response to pallet position results read from the plate pallet position detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Pavel Korolik, Moshe Beres, Tamir Olpak, Shay Regev, Mark Silverman
  • Patent number: 7880801
    Abstract: A system for assisting fixed-focus image-capturing device to focus, which includes: an image-capturing device with fixed-focus function; a platform for placing objects; a movable structure connected to the image-capturing device or the platform, for adjusting the distance between the image-capturing device and the platform; a notifying unit, which generates a physical quantity to notify a user; and a control unit in communication with the image-capturing device and the notifying unit, for determining the distance between the image-capturing device and the platform, and when the distance is equal to a best-shot distance, sending a signal to the notifying unit to generate the physical quantity. The invention also discloses a method for assisting fixed-focus image-capturing device to focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newsoft Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Ping Yeh, Tzan-Sheng Yang, Ching-Ting Tsai
  • Patent number: 7842912
    Abstract: A vision alignment system and method is provided. The vision alignment system includes one or more grouped alignment plates with guiding inserts configured to receive multiple devices, and groups of three actuators, configured to actuate the alignment plates to correct the position offsets of multiple devices as a group. The position offsets between the device and contactor are determined by a device-view camera during runtime and a contactor-view camera during calibration time. The vision alignment system also includes a pick-and-place handler, configured to transport devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Kexiang Ken Ding, Luis Muller, John Marquez
  • Publication number: 20100295936
    Abstract: The light source is disposed in a direction traversing the axial direction A of the optical connector. The optical connector holder comprises an inspection light reflecting portion. The inspection light reflecting portion deflects and reflects the inspection light from the light source to the axial direction A so that the inspection light enters the reference hole portion of the optical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuichi Koreeda, Hiroyuki Honma, Kazuhito Asada, Tomohiko Aso, Hisaya Takahashi, Mikio Oda, Hideyuki Ono
  • Publication number: 20100295935
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing component offset and orientation when held on a nozzle of a pick and place machine is provided. The sensor includes a plurality of two-dimensional cameras, a backlight illuminator and a controller. Each camera has a field of view that includes a nozzle of the pick and place machine. The backlight illuminator is configured to direct illumination toward the plurality of two-dimensional cameras. The backlight illuminator is positioned on an opposite side of a nozzle from the plurality of two-dimensional cameras. The controller is coupled to the plurality of two-dimensional cameras and the backlight illuminator. The controller is configured to determine offset and orientation information of the component(s) based upon a plurality of backlit shadow images detected by the plurality of two-dimensional cameras. The controller provides the offset and orientation information to a controller of the pick and place machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Steven K. Case, Timothy A. Skunes, David W. Duquette, Sean D. Smith, Beverly Caruso
  • Patent number: 7839431
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a dome camera assembly that is able to ensure repeatability. The dome camera assembly includes a nonvolatile storage mechanism including a stored video image and a corresponding stored camera position. The assembly may further include an image capturing device for capturing a current video image after the camera moves to the stored camera position. An image processing component compares the current video image with the stored video image and determines an offset amount between the current video image and the stored video image. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a current camera position in accordance with the determined offset amount to facilitate repeatability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lonnel J. Swarr, Sezai Sablak
  • Publication number: 20100289890
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for aligning containers, in particular bottles, in a labeler, the apparatus having rotatable holders for containers to be aligned, and a camera unit for imaging the containers as well as a proximity switch for triggering an imaging function of the camera unit. This allows a precise alignment in combination with a reduced expenditure of time and reduced space requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Anton Niedermeier, Karl Aichinger
  • Publication number: 20100289889
    Abstract: A method for determining cutting lines for a substrate prior to its singulation is provided whereby the substrate comprises first and second rows of alignment marks which are substantially parallel to each other such that a pair of alignment marks each from the first and second rows of alignment marks is configured for determining a position of a cutting line. The method comprises the steps of positioning the first row of alignment marks along a relative motion path of a first camera and positioning the second row of alignment marks along a relative motion path of a second camera. While the substrate is being moved relative to the first and second cameras along the respective relative motion paths without stopping, the first and second cameras capture images of multiple pairs of alignment marks from the first and second rows of alignment marks during such motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Chi Wah CHENG, Lap Kei CHOW
  • Patent number: 7835001
    Abstract: A method of aligning a substrate includes forming a first alignment hole in the substrate, preparing a mask with a second alignment hole narrower than the first alignment hole, modifying a surface reflectance around either the first alignment hole or the second alignment hole to form a treatment region, positioning the mask below the substrate, such that the first and second alignment holes overlap, and operating a sensor unit above the first alignment hole to examine alignment of the first and second alignment holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Ho Kwack, Tae-Kyung Ahn, Min-Kyu Kim, Se-Yeoul Kwon
  • Publication number: 20100279439
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and a method for automatically calibrating the placement of fragile substrates into a substrate carrier. Embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus and a method for inspecting the fragile substrates prior to processing to prevent damaged substrates from being further processed or broken in subsequent transferring steps. Embodiments of the invention also generally provide an apparatus and a method for determining the alignment and orientation substrates that are to be delivered into or removed from a substrate carrier. Embodiments of the invention further provide an apparatus and method for accurately positioning the substrate carrier for substrate loading. The substrate carriers are generally used to support a batch of substrates that are to be processed in a batch processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: VINAY K. SHAH, Suresh Kumaraswami, Damon K. Cox
  • Patent number: 7827297
    Abstract: A method for associating segments within various media such as text, audio and video is described. A system for navigating and presenting such media is presented. Additionally, a system for defining the segment locations and the associations between them is presented. A method for assisting the user when specifying the segment boundaries is described, which employs the output from automatic media analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Trausti Thor Kristjansson
  • Patent number: 7813542
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a wafer aligning apparatus and a wafer aligning method. In one embodiment, the wafer aligning apparatus comprises an imaging unit adapted to take an image of a wafer being transferred from a load lock chamber to a transfer chamber and adapted to convert the image into digital signals, and a signal processing unit adapted to calculate a center alignment correction value for the wafer by comparing the digital signals to a master image stored in the signal processing unit. The wafer aligning apparatus further comprises a robot controller adapted to receive the center alignment correction value from the signal processing unit and adapted to control a transfer robot in accordance with the center alignment correction value to provide the wafer to a process chamber such that the center of the wafer is substantially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heok-Jae Lee, Sang-Ho Kim, Hyu-Rim Park, Do-In Bae, Kee-Weone Seo, Chang-Woo Woo
  • Patent number: 7796839
    Abstract: A method of detecting the orientation of a radiographic image represented by a digital signal representation wherein mathematical moments of the digital signal representation are calculated relative to different reference entities and wherein a decision on the orientation of the radiographic image, for example the position of the thorax edge in a mammographic image, is obtained on the basis of an extreme value (minimum, maximum) of the calculated moments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Agfa Healthcare, N.V.
    Inventor: Piet Dewaele
  • Patent number: 7760930
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for recognizing a defect image associated with a semiconductor substrate. In one example, the method includes collecting defect data of the defect image by testing and measuring the semiconductor substrate, extracting a pattern from the defect data, normalizing a location, orientation, and size of the pattern, and identifying the pattern after the pattern is normalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Ting Lin, Chih-Cheng Chou, Chih-Hung Wu, Chia-Hua Chang
  • Publication number: 20100171823
    Abstract: A wafer has an annular ridge formed along an outer periphery thereof to serve as a reinforcing portion, and a circuit pattern surrounded with the reinforcing portion. The wafer is placed on a wafer placement plane of a holding stage in a state that the circuit pattern is directed downward. The wafer placement plane is larger in size than the wafer. On the holding stage, a center of the wafer is aligned with a center of the holding stage in such a manner that a plurality of guide pins are engaged with relevant cutout portions formed on the reinforcing portion. Then, the holding stage rotates while suction-holding the reinforcing portion of the wafer, and simultaneously a photosensor detects a portion for alignment formed on the outer periphery of the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Satoshi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20100171824
    Abstract: To enable image recognition of a component at a high degree of accuracy in a stable manner over a long term with a component recognizing device configured to take an image of a component by moving a scan unit having an imaging device using a linear motor, and a surface mounting machine and a component testing machine each equipped with the component recognizing device. [Means for Resolution]Permanent magnets (732) are fixed to a head unit (6) in a state where surfaces (732a) opposing a coil portion (733) are faced downward. The coil portion (733) is disposed at a position directly below the permanent magnets (732). An attraction force (Fm) induced between the coil portion (733) and the permanent magnets (732) therefore acts on linear guides (72) in an upward direction (+Z direction) via a bottom frame (731). On the contrary, the own weights (Fg) of a scan unit (71) and the like act in a downward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyoshi Utsumi
  • Publication number: 20100165098
    Abstract: In a method for positioning a first body (B1) and a part fixed to a second body (B2), a camera image of a master part (MP) is received. The master part (MP) has a reference marker (RM) and is fixed to the second body (B2). A first position of a pointer on the master part (MP) is determined dependent on the camera image. The pointer is representative for a current position of the first body (B1). A positioning unit (POS) is controlled to move the pointer from the first position to a predetermined second position with respect to the reference marker (RM) dependent on the camera image. The positioning unit (POS) is coupled with the first body (B1) for moving the first body (B1) and the pointer or is coupled with the second body (B2) for moving the second body (B2) and the master part (MP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Alessandro Baldini