Abstract: An alignment mechanism to align a microelectronic device to a socket, the device including an array of contact pads thereon. The mechanism includes a socket system having a socket and a device positioning mechanism disposed adjacent the socket and adapted to position the device in the socket. The mechanism also includes a control system adapted to receive alignment data on a position of the array of contact pads relative to two reference sides of the device, the control system further being adapted to control the device positioning mechanism as a function of alignment data to align the device in the socket.

Abstract: A system for inspecting an object, the system comprising a camera; a work surface for receiving the object; and an apparatus for processing an image of the object taken by the camera wherein, during the capture of an image by the camera, the camera and the object are fixed with respect to one another. The processing apparatus identifies those image data components that represent the an edge of the object in an image plane, and projects each image edge data component onto the object plane.

Abstract: Methods and systems of part programming for machine vision inspection systems are provided, which permit a user to readily define multiple image acquisition operations interspersed with associated image analysis and/or inspection operations during learn mode operations and in the resulting part program image acquisition operations for at least some of the images are arranged into a continuous motion image acquisition sequence that acquires images and stores images in a “non-interspersed” manner in order to increase the throughput of the machine vision inspection system. Image analysis/inspection operations associated with the stored images are performed subsequently by recalling the store images. The programming systems and methods disclosed herein may operate automatically to facilitate rapid programming for a variety of workpieces by relatively unskilled users, wherein the resulting programs include continuous motion image acquisition sequences.

Abstract: A position adjustment of the camera body 2 to a reference position can be performed by the position adjustment mechanism 4 with reference to a position relation between the mark 5 provided in the bottom portion 2a of the camera body 2 and the slit 6 formed in the bottom portion 3a of the bracket 3. Therefore, it is not required that the vehicular image pickup device is connected to the monitor to perform the position adjustment by confirming the pickup image of each one, thus allowing reduction of hours and labors required for reference position adjustment of the camera body 2. Further, since the vehicular image pickup device can be shipped in a state where the camera body 2 is still adjusted to the reference position, hours and labors required for the reference position adjustment of the camera body 2 after the image pickup device is mounted to the vehicle can be reduced.

Abstract: A device comprises an imaging device, a placement element connected to the imaging device for placing a component on a substrate, as well as an optical system having an optical axis. The placement element and the imaging device can be jointly moved relative to the optical system to at least a position in which the optical axis is located between the imaging device and the placement element, wherein the position of a component supported by the placement element can be detected by means of the imaging device. The optical system is telecentric at least in an image space located near the imaging device as well as in an object space located near the placement element.

Abstract: A device includes a display monitor configured to display on a screen of the display monitor at least one of a current image and a preceding image taken by an optical unit, a storage unit configured to store the preceding image, and a control unit configured to display a part of the preceding image on the screen when the current image is displayed on the screen, the displayed part of the preceding image indicating a positional relationship between the current image and the preceding image. The current image is taken when the displayed part of the preceding image substantially overlaps a corresponding portion of the current image such that the current image and the preceding image can be processed to form a panoramic image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for contactless or touch-free measurement of a tool by imaging. A processor makes calculations based on image points on the tool, imaged onto an imaging area. Optics present the image of the image points on the tool on the imaging area. The processor calculates the momentary position and/or orientation along at least one axis of the tool making use of the image points. A number of measuring markers have predetermined mutual positions and are on the tool. Each measuring marker comprises at least one measuring point. At least one of the points is identifiable. Each measuring marker to be used as position and/or orientation indicator has a size making it restorable by the processor even if a part of it on the tool is obscured from the image area, for example by dust.

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.

Abstract: A wireless substrate-like sensor is provided to facilitate alignment and calibration of semiconductor processing systems. The wireless substrate-like sensor includes an optical image acquisition system that acquires one or more images of targets placed within the semiconductor processing system. Analysis of images of the targets obtained by the wireless substrate-like sensor provides position and/or orientation information in at least three degrees of freedom. An additional target is affixed to a known location within the semiconductor processing system such that imaging the reference position with the wireless substrate-like sensor allows the measurement and compensation for pick-up errors.

Abstract: There are provided a measuring method and a measuring system which enable creation of a measurement route with ease to thereby enable three-dimensional measurement to be quickly performed even if an object to be measured has a complicated shape or configuration. An object to be measured is shot. A plurality of images obtained by the shooting are combined together to generate a combined image of the object. A measuring region of the generated combined image is designated. A measurement path measuring program is created by inputting parameters for creating a measurement path. The designated measuring region is measured along the measurement path according to the created measurement path measuring program.

Abstract: A fixed optical equipment for acquiring optical information associated with at least an object placed on a supporting plane is described, comprising a camera (10) having an array of photosensing elements (11) for acquiring an image of an acquisition zone on the supporting plane, characterized by comprising aiming means (30) suitable for generating a luminous aiming figure extended in at least a first direction having a predetermined geometric relationship with the view cone of the camera (10). Methods for its installation and for the diagnostic of its alignment are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a case where an aligning method according to the present invention is applied to a probe apparatus. Target probes are photographed by an upper CCD camera and target electrode pads are photographed by a lower CCD camera. Second virtual images of the photographed probes and first virtual images of the electrode pads are displayed in second and first image data areas on a monitor screen. Dark and light colors in terms of brightness are applied to pixels of the second virtual image and the first virtual image. The second virtual images are moved on the monitor screen, so that the second virtual images are superimposed on the first virtual images. The total sum of the brightness (luminance) of all the first virtual images is calculated. On the basis of the calculated luminance value, a position where the target probes are most successfully brought into contact with the target pads is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing adjacent images includes an imaging device with a panorama manager that performs various procedures to manipulate one or more image parameters that correspond to adjacent frames of captured image data. An image-stitching software program may then produce a cohesive combined panorama image from the adjacent frames of image data by utilizing the manipulated image parameters.

Abstract: A system for precisely measuring layer-to-layer mis-registration is provided. The system includes a new type of mark and a comparison system, which compare the right and left signals from the mark to eliminate non-alignment noise, to enlarge the alignment information hundreds times then the actual shiftiness between two layers and to measure the mis-registration.

Abstract: A system and method for turning a regular computer monitor screen into a touch screen using an ordinary camera. It includes an image-screen mapping procedure to correct for the non-flatness of the computer screen. It also includes a segmentation method to distinguish the foreground, for example an indicator such as a finger, from the background of a computer screen. Additionally, this system and method includes a robust technique of finding the tip point location of the indicator (such as the finger tip). The screen coordinates of the tip point are then used to control the position of the system indicator.

Abstract: According to a measuring method, shapes of two mechanical parts of a measuring object are shot by a camera at their respective axial both ends so that image information of the shapes are obtained. Then a center coordinate of the detected shape is respectively calculated from the image information, and positions of the axial lines for the two mechanical parts are calculated from the calculated center coordinates, and finally the calculated position of the axial line is compared with the calculated position of the other axial line in a certain determination area, to determine the coaxial relation between the two mechanical parts.

Abstract: A camera system includes a display monitor which displays an image of an object, taken by an optical unit, on a screen of the monitor. A reading unit reads a preceding image and a current image among a plurality of partially overlapping images, from a memory device, the preceding image and the current image containing a common element. A determining unit determines a positional relation between the preceding image and the current image based on a common pattern derived from the common element in the two adjacent images read by the reading unit. A displaying unit displays an image indicating a boundary of the preceding image on the screen of the monitor at a shifted position according to the positional relation determined by the determining unit, with the current image concurrently displayed on the screen of the monitor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tracking system for tracking the use of an object on a work piece within a predetermined work space comprising a target, at least one video imaging source and a computer. The target is attached to the object and calibrated to derive an “Object Tracking Point”. Each target has a predetermined address space and a predetermined anchor. At least one video imaging source is arranged such that the work piece is within the field of view. Each video imaging source is adapted to record images within its field of view. The computer is for receiving the images from each video imaging source and comparing the images with the predetermined anchor and the predetermined address, calculating the location of the target and the tool attached thereto in the work space relative to the work piece.

Abstract: The invention is directed to performing of an effective checking and aligning operation of component pick-up positions at component feeding units used for manufacturing by performing the operation sequentially at a time. A board recognition camera takes an image of a feeding position of a component feeding unit and the image is displayed being superimposed over a graphic image of a suction nozzle on a CRT. When an operator operates a trackball to move a cursor to an “execute visual alignment” menu and clicks a left button there, the stored image (memory image) becomes movable freely in any direction according to a trackball operation. The stored image (memory image) is moved to match a cross line and an outline of a graphic suction nozzle (component pick-up position) for visual alignment with a component feeding position. Then, the operator clicks both right and left buttons of the trackball to store an alignment value of the position in a RAM.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and correcting for physical misalignments of a pair of digital cameras creating a composite, three dimensional (3D) image of a target. The method involves using the distances from each of a pair of digital cameras to a target and determining correction offset values for one or the other of the images produced in the digital cameras to achieve pixel-to-pixel coincidence of the two images. The correction offset values are calculated and performed in real time and eliminate the need to physically remove a common platform on which the cameras are mounted from a mobile platform or other support structure, and to transport same to a laboratory environment for the needed calibration. Advantageously, the correction values are generated electronically and applied in real time as any misalignment between the cameras is sensed.

Abstract: A metal sheet-receiving system for receiving parts and feeding a metal sheet-folding machine, particularly a folding press comprising at least one manipulator for seizing and moving metal sheet parts with a gripper head fitted with gripping means; an electronic controlling device for controlling the movements of the manipulator; as well as a measuring system for determining the position of the metal sheet parts. The measuring system is formed by an optoelectronic measuring device, particularly an image acquisition means, and a transillumination platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for accurately combining low-resolution and high-resolution video streams into a single seamless display to a human observer. The present invention also provides a method for the smooth blending of high- and low-resolution video boundary. In order to create an effective visual display, it is advantageous that the boundary between high- and low-resolution video not be overly distracting and irregular. The present method to reduce distractions from the quadrilateral boundary between low-and high-resolution video by smoothly blending the two in an annular region between the two. This results in a much more visually pleasing, effective display. The present invention also provides a method for progressively mosaicking high resolution imagery over a low resolution image captured by our panoramic sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning apparatus for positioning flexible printing plates on printing cylinders, wherein the printing plates are provided with at least one mark functioning as reference, wherein the apparatus comprises: a support device for a printing cylinder; at least one camera which is adapted to record the image of the at least one mark of the printing plate positioned on the printing cylinder; and a monitor for enlarged display of the image recorded by the at least one camera, wherein the positioning apparatus is provided with a registering device for registering the image recorded by the camera. Using such a registering device it is possible to establish that the marks are located at the correct position. By making a copy of the data thus inputted into the register, evidence can be provided that the flexible printing plate is placed in the correct manner.

Abstract: When image data of a target container obtained by an image pickup unit such as a CCD installed on a hoisting accessory is processed, and a line approximating the arrangement of a pixel group which causes a change in luminance or hue larger than a set value can be fitted thereto, the pixel group having the arrangement that can be approximated by such a line is determined as a ridge of the container, that is, one representing the edge of the container held by the hoisting accessory, to detect the position of the target container. Thereby, edge extraction of the target container by the processing of the image data obtained by the image pickup unit such as a CCD camera installed on the hoisting accessory can be reliably and positively performed, while eliminating influences of various situations and conditions in the actual operating environment, and relative position detection of the target container and the suspended container can be performed accurately and reliably, by utilizing the edge extraction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of detecting position and posture of individual workpieces randomly arranged in a stack and having identical shapes. Reference models are created from two-dimensional images of a reference workpeace captured in a plurality of directions by a camera and stored. Also, the relative positions/postures of the workpiece with respect to the camera at the respective image capturing are stored. An image of a stack of workpieces is captured by the camera to obtain a two-dimensional image and the position/posture of the camera at the image capturing is stored. An image of a workpiece matched with one reference model is selected by matching processing of the reference model with the captured image. A three-dimensional position/posture of the workpiece with respect to the camera is obtained from the image of the selected workpiece, the selected reference model and position/posture information associated with the reference model.

Abstract: In an optical fiber observing image processing apparatus, at least two different capturing modes is provided in an image capturing means for capturing image data from two or more television cameras, so that, by automatically switching capturing modes in synchronous with or independently from progress of the image processing, high speed processing can be achieved regardless of limitation of a data capturing speed. A scanning converting means is provided in a rear stage of the image capturing means, and a plurality of different transfer modes for transferring data between the scanning converting means and the image capturing means are prepared. Further, a delay means may be provided in a front stage of the scanning converting means.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of scanning a calibration area included within such look-down digital imaging device to capture image data for the calibration area and calibrate itself based on analysis of such captured image data. More specifically, a preferred embodiment includes a calibration area that is integrated internally within the look-down digital imaging device. When performing calibration in such a preferred embodiment, the scan head of the look-down digital imaging device is operable to align itself with the calibration area to allow for a scan of the calibration area (i.e., the capture of digital image data of the calibration area). In one embodiment, a look-down digital imaging device does not achieve a focused scan of the calibration area, but is capable of utilizing captured unfocused digital imaging data for calibration.

Abstract: An electronics assembly system includes an image acquisition system that is coupled to a controller through an improved interface. The coupling facilitates advanced monitoring and control of the image acquisition system. Multiple image acquisition systems can be coupled to the controller over the same interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a case where an aligning method according to the present invention is applied to a probe apparatus. Target probes are photographed by an upper CCD camera and target electrode pads are photographed by a lower CCD camera. Second virtual images of the photographed probes and first virtual images of the electrode pads are displayed in second and first image data areas on a monitor screen. Dark and light colors in terms of brightness are applied to pixels of the second virtual image and the first virtual image. The second virtual images are moved on the monitor screen, so that the second virtual images are superimposed on the first virtual images. The total sum of the brightness (luminance) of all the first virtual images is calculated. On the basis of the calculated luminance value, a position where the target probes are most successfully brought into contact with the target pads is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for identifying a position of an object in free space using a video image wherein the object is comprised of at least three equidistantly spaced, co-linear beads. The video image is captured on a view plane of a video camera system and represented on a frame memory thereof. Relative positions of the beads on the frame memory are determined and corresponding coordinate positions of the beads in the free space are calculated based upon the determined relative spacings and known camera system geometries. The object may also include an alignment indicator so that the pointing direction of the object can be determined.

Abstract: A system and method are described for an image registration system and method including a registration engine that receives complex image data for corresponding images. The registration engine generates a correlation map between the complex image pair for relative translation by calculating an inverse of the complex conjugate product of the frequency data of the first image and the frequency domain data of the second, corresponding, image. The frequency domain data may be obtained using Fast Fourier transform-based techniques.

Abstract: The Xray irradiation device 1 issues Xrays to board mark 7 and projects the image of the board mark 7 on the fluorescence screen 3, the fluorescence face 39 of which visibly displays the image of the board mark 7 that can be captured by the CCD camera 2. The CCD camera 2 images the board mark 7 and the mask mark 5 depicted on the photo mask 4 overlapping together. The board 6 and the photo mask 4 are aligned by exposure stage 8 so as to the board mark 7 and the mask mark 5 coincide.

Abstract: The machine determines, by first measurement sensor means (30), the axial position of at least one transverse balancing plane (P1, P2) in which the operator chooses to apply a respective balancing mass, and the radial position of points on the application surface (11a) corresponding with said balancing plane (P1, P2), while the machine monitors the angular position of the body (10); the body (10) is rotated and by suitable means the machine determines the imbalance means together with the data originating from the first and second sensor means, the value of each balancing mass and the position of its point of application on the application surface (11a) being determined.

Abstract: An optical axis direction, a distance measurement accuracy and so on are efficiently performed for quality assurance of a vehicle-mounted camera in cooperation of an image processing unit and a vehicle-mounted navigation control unit. In a vehicle monitoring system for imaging view ahead of the vehicle with the camera (2a, 2b) installed in the vehicle body and for recognizing a running condition with the image processing unit (20), the image processing unit measures an optical axis direction and a distance measurement accuracy to determine whether the camera quality is appropriate or not for quality assurance of the vehicle-mounted camera. The determined result is displayed on a monitor (52) of the vehicle mounted navigation control unit (5) to recommend adjustment of the camera.

Abstract: An algorithm for determining the movement of camera for automatic tracing of inspection positions is preset based on the characteristic shape of the component. A start point and an end point of inspection of lands are designated to the camera, and the camera moves from the start point to the end point automatically along a predetermined path in accordance with the preset algorithm, thereby performing inspection of lands in succession.

Abstract: A monitoring system for watching moving trouble of work boards, which is capable of informing of trouble of boards immediately after trouble occurs in the continuous production line, and capable of displaying a monitored picture which is modified into a special picture to prevent the picture from becoming monotonous. This system includes a TV camera for photographing a moving scene of work boards, a display device for displaying an image signal of the moving scene of work boards taken by the TV camera, and an image processing means for replacing at least a portion of that image signal of the moving scene of work boards by a predetermined first color image signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an imaging apparatus for examining an object having smooth surfaces to determine shape deformations in the surface of object. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging device for obtaining a scanned image of the object to be examined. A reference image of the object is stored in a memory. An image register is coupled to the imaging device and to the memory containing the reference image of the object. The image register stores patch information corresponding to both the reference image and the scanned image. A transformation estimator is coupled to the image register, and provides a transform for registering the scanned image to the reference image. A deformation estimator is coupled to the transformation estimator and to the image register. The deformation estimator is configured to utilize the transform and the patch information to determine shape deformations of the object.

Abstract: A positioning mark (21 to 24) is positioned and fixed with predetermined accuracy with respect to an image information detection unit (1, 2), and when the image information detection unit (1) having a narrow visual field can detect the positioning mark (21 to 24), position error of a workpiece (7) to be machined is determined based on the detected image information.

Abstract: A system and method for servoing robot marks using fiducial marks and machine vision provides a machine vision system having a machine vision search tool that is adapted to register a pattern, namely a trained fiducial mark, that is transformed by at least two translational degrees and at least one mon-translational degree of freedom. The fiducial is provided to workpiece carried by an end effector of a robot operating within a work area. When the workpiece enters an area of interest within a field of view of a camera of the machine vision system, the fiducial is recognized by the tool based upon a previously trained and calibrated stored image within the tool. The location of the work-piece is derived by the machine vision system based upon the viewed location of the fiducial. The location of the found fiducial is compared with that of a desired location for the fiducial. The desired location can be based upon a standard or desired position of the workpiece.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus for and method of detection the position of a pattern formed on a substrate (e.g, a wafer). The apparatus (100) comprises an illumination system capable of illuminating the pattern, and an imaging optical system arranged to converge light from the substrate (126) to form an image of the pattern. The apparatus further includes a detector (170) that photoelectrically detects the pattern image and generates a first output signal containing a representation of the image, and position detection system (174), electrically connected to the detector, that detects a position of the pattern based on the first output signal, and determines a deviation of the position from an ideal position. The position detection system then generates a second output signal containing deviation information representing the deviation.

Abstract: The calibration of an imaging system having a camera (20) for capturing colour data for a target object (carcass 10) includes a primary calibration to obtain a primary transform for RGB data to enable compensation for variations in the camera operation or characteristics, and a secondary calibration obtain a secondary transform to enable compensation for local lighting conditions during capture and processing of colour data for captured images to be analysed. The calculated primary transform relates the actual measured colour data to known standard colour data for the particular standard colour specimens (31). The standard colour specimens (31) are presented in an enclosure or hood (30) to the camera under controlled illumination and with extrancous or external light being excluded from illuminating the specimens. A preliminary calibration includes calibrating the primary calibration standard colour specimens and associated controlled light source against centralised laboratory standard colours.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning more than two fragments of an image to assemble the image while providing high alignment quality between each pair of overlapping image fragments. Image registration operations are performed rapidly. The disclosed method and apparatus finds application in, for example, scanning, copying, and facsimile transmission of large format documents.

Abstract: In detecting a boundary line between areas different in light reflectance, it has so far been impossible to specify the boundary line at a distance shorter than the arrangement pitch of photodetectors (pixels) arranged in the camera. In the present invention, luminance variations near the boundary line between areas different in light reflectance are derivated. Further, in unit blocks G corresponding to pixels and arranged in a direction (Y direction) in which the boundary line extends, derivated values of luminance for each row of unit blocks are added and then a variation curve of the added values of derivated luminance values in unit block rows is drawn to specify a peak position thereof and also specify the position of the boundary line X0. Thus, it is possible to specify the position of the boundary line with a high accuracy at a distance shorter than the unit block pitch.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which, in a case in which one of a recorded position of a leading image frame of a film or recorded positions of images successive from the leading image frame of the film, among a plurality of image frames recorded on the film, cannot be specified, the film is conveyed to detect images until the image frame whose recorded position can be specified is arrived, the recorded position of the image frame whose recorded position cannot be specified, is specified on the basis of a recorded position of the image frame whose recorded position can be specified, and the film is conveyed in a predetermined direction such that the leading image frame is positioned at an optical axis of an image reading section, and image reading is carried out from the leading image frame, is provided.

Abstract: A film scanner including a film holding device for holding a film to be scanned, an image pick-up device for scanning an image on the film in a main scanning direction, and a moving table having the film holding device mounted thereon, the moving table being movable with respect to the image pick-up device in a sub-scanning direction. The moving table includes an insertion portion into which the film holding device is inserted to be mounted on the moving table, the insertion portion allowing the film holding device to be inserted into the insertion portion only from a predetermined side of the moving table, and an insertion prevention device for preventing the film holding device from being inserted into the insertion portion in a position other than a predetermined position.

Abstract: A machine vision method for locating a leaded electronic device, such as integrated circuit chips, includes searching the image with a template depicting only a portion—e.g., one or two “side” edges—of each of one or more of the leads expected on the device. The template can include portions representing expected leads, as well as unexpected leads or unexpected lead positions. Positive and negative weightings are applied to such portions, as appropriate. A location of the device, or of one or more of its leads, is based on the results of the search.

Abstract: A system for inspecting the surface of elongated work boards being moved, which is featured in that the work boards are photographed using a digital camera, that line image data which intersect with a moving direction of the work boards are extracted, and that the resultant line image data are integrated and synthesized to obtain a synthesized image, which is then displayed to evaluate the worked state of the work boards.

Abstract: A precise position control apparatus and precise position control method using the same includes a control unit to control an amount of movement of a moving object, an optical system to photograph the moving object and to generate an image signal, and a monitor to output the image signal onto its screen. The control unit measures an actual moving distance of the moving object and a number of pixels corresponding to the actual moving distance to calculate an actual distance for unit pixel appearing on the screen of the monitor. Additionally, the control unit controls the amount of movement of the moving object using the actual distance for unit pixel when the moving object is moved from one position to another.

Abstract: A fixed optical equipment for acquiring optical information associated with at least an object placed on a supporting plane is described, comprising a camera (10) having an array of photosensing elements (11) for acquiring an image of an acquisition zone on the supporting plane, characterized by comprising aiming means (30) suitable for generating a luminous aiming figure extended in at least a first direction having a predetermined geometric relationship with the view cone of the camera (10). Methods for its installation and for the diagnostic of its alignment are also described.

Abstract: A viewing and imaging system is provided for use in a screen printer. Light is supplied to the screen and/or the board from a number of independently controller light sources. According to one aspect of the invention, one light source provides substantially collimated light and another light source provides diffuse light. The light sources are controlled by a controller that pulses the light sources in order to provide a stroboscopic image of the board and screen. The duration of the pulses is adjusted to adjust the effective brightness of the light sources. The timing of the pulses are adjusted so that the temporal midpoints of pulses from each of the light sources are coincident.