Abstract: A vision system having a telecentric lens. The vision system includes a projector having a non-telecentric pin-hole lens, a camera having a telecentric lens positioned a distance away from the projector, and a processor. The processor controls the camera and the projector and is configured to calibrate the camera and projector.

Abstract: A vision system having a telecentric lens. The vision system includes a projector having a non-telecentric pin-hole lens, a camera having a telecentric lens positioned a distance away from the projector, and a processor. The processor controls the camera and the projector and is configured to calibrate the camera and projector.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a coordinate indicator, a processor, and a memory. The coordinate indicator includes a cylindrical housing, a rod-shaped indicating member, a switch, a single transmitter, a receiver, and a flat surface. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include computing a plurality of sets of first coordinates based on a plurality of times at which the receiver receives a ultrasonic wave, computing a movement direction based on at least some of the computed plurality of sets of the first coordinates, computing a movement distance based on at least some of the computed plurality of sets of the first coordinates, and computing second coordinates based on at least some of the plurality of sets of the first coordinates, the movement direction, and the movement distance.

Abstract: The sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar mechanism, a moving mechanism, a projector, a processor, and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes comprising specifying, a plurality of times, a position of an ultrasonic wave transmission source on a workpiece based on ultrasonic waves, setting a first stitch pattern and a sewing position of the first stitch pattern, based on a plurality of specified positions, causing the projector to project an image that shows the first stitch pattern onto the workpiece in the sewing position, creating first stitch pattern data for sewing the first stitch pattern in the sewing position, and causing, based on the first stitch pattern data, the moving mechanism to move the workpiece and the needle bar mechanism to move the needle up and down.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a difference is detected between a first image and a second image. The second image can include at least a portion of the first image reflected from a display panel and light from an object passing through the display panel.

Abstract: A video calibration device comprising an elongated image tube having a length, a first opening at one end of the image tube and a second opening at the opposite end of the image tube. The device includes an elongated sensor tube having a length, a first opening at one end of the sensor tube and a second opening at the opposite end of the sensor tube. The first opening of the sensor tube is adapted to support a video calibration sensor. A video calibration sensor is disposed in the first opening of the sensor tube. The sensor tube is sealingly secured to the image tube at an angle whereby the second opening of the sensor tube and the second opening of the image tube are substantially juxtaposed.

Abstract: An illumination system shares portions of an objective of an optical inspection system. A plurality of beam-shaping optics collects light from a plurality of effective light sources and directs the light through a portion of the objective for illuminating an object under inspection. The objective includes a front relay lens, a rear relay lens, and an objective stop disposed between the front and rear relay lenses for collecting light scattered from the object and forming an image of the object with the collected light. The beam-shaping optics, which surround the objective stop, are arranged together with the associated effective light sources for non-uniformly distributing light within a range of angles required for illuminating the object.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus includes a nozzle, a light source, and a light receiver. The nozzle is positioned with respect to the light source and the light receiver such that light from the light source travels through holes defined by the nozzle and onto the light receiver, thereby to create a light pattern. The light pattern may be analyzed to sort the nozzle into one of several categories. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: An Optical Projecting Encoder (“OPE”) having an emitter module for transmitting emitted optical radiation through a mask to a moving object, and a detector module for receiving reflected optical radiation from the moving object. The reflected optical radiation from the moving object may include a predetermined image cast by the mask and a surface texture image from the moving object. The OPE may include a transmissive layer covering both the emitter module and the detector module, where the transmissive layer covering the emitter module collimates the optical radiation from the emitter module, and the transmissive layer covering the detector module concentrates the optical radiation reflected from the moving object to the detector module. The detector module may include an optical navigation sensor that continuously acquires and compares predetermined images cast by the mask and surface texture images from the moving object.

Abstract: A method for generating a mask for use with a light measurement system that includes a light source for projecting light onto an object, and an imaging sensor for receiving light reflected from the object. The method includes determining a profile of the object to be inspected, and generating an electronic mask based on the determined object profile. The electronic mask has an electronic opening having a profile defined to substantially match the determined object profile as viewed from one of the light source and the imaging sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a first sequence of patterns of light symbols that spatio-temporally encode two-dimensional position information in a first projection plane is projected onto a scene. A second sequence of patterns of light symbols that spatio-temporally encode two-dimensional position information in a second projection plane is projected onto the scene. Light patterns corresponding to the first and second sequences of patterns of light symbols reflected from the scene are captured at a capture plane. Captured light symbol sequence codes are determined from the captured light patterns. A correspondence mapping of the first projector plane and the second projector plane with respect to a reference coordinate system is generated based at least in part on correspondence between the captured light symbol sequence codes and the first and second sequences of light symbol patterns.

Abstract: The invention provides a device to inspect an illumination optical device and a method to inspect an illumination optical device that make it possible to efficiently inspect illumination optical devices and to control manufacturing cost. A lens array inspecting device is provided with a light source device to emit a parallel luminous flux, lens array holders to retain lens arrays, which are test objects that split the parallel luminous flux into a plurality of partial luminous fluxes, and a ground glass on which the optical images of the luminous fluxes emitted through the lens arrays are projected. On the ground glass, a parting frame appropriate to a design illumination region is formed. Therefore, whether the lens arrays are defective or non-defective can be determined by checking whether the optical images projected onto the ground glass include the area of the parting frame.

Abstract: A test slide for the calibration, characterization, standardization, use and study of photon and electron microscopes. The slide is created by forming patterns with specific types of geometries on suitable substrates and these slides provide a standard for comparison of image forming capability of any type of microscope imaging system including, without limitation, light, UV, and X-ray photon microscopical imaging systems operating in transmission or reflection modes, and other microscope techniques. Microscopists can employ one of these slides to compare images of the slide which have been produced by the microscope system under consideration with a known, accurate, image of the slide to better understand the fidelity and accuracy of the microscope system under consideration. The test patterns can also comprise reference images which can be images created by a graphic artist or the like or which can be actual images of samples, these images being either two dimensional or three dimensional.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for quickly and accurately determining the size and shape of a human extremity such as a foot by projecting light around a periphery of the extremity and capturing an image of the illuminated foot through a transparent plate. Various embodiments contemplate using light having a wavelength in the near-infrared range to reduce contrast problems caused by dyes used in socks and skin tone problems created by highly pigmented individuals. An image of the foot is digitized and stored in a computer memory in both an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state, and the two images are subtracted. Additional image processing steps on the subtracted image result in various measurement quantities such as foot length, width, arch length, heel width, and arch height.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting surface defects on an article freely standing on a conveyer, which generate profile trace data corresponding to profile trace at a cross-section of the article. A surface shape inspection unit comprising an optical ranging system using laser and camera is provided for obtaining the profile trace data through triangulation-based derivation techniques. Base reference curves are derived from regular portions of the profile trace data. Profile trace data are compared to defect threshold curves to recognize a defect induced departure of the trace data with respect to the base reference curve and to produce a defect output signal. The apparatus and method according to the invention are particularly useful for detecting roughness, cavities, wane, missing wood and altered wood on lumber pieces which are conveyed at high speed.

Abstract: Several different magnification lenses are adjustably mounted in a contour projector housing for movement selectively and one by one into operative registry with an entrance lens that faces a workpiece that is to be inspected. Spaced illuminators in the housing direct light beams onto opposite sides of the workpiece to produce combined profile and surface images thereof that are projected by the entrance lens and the registering magnification lens onto the reflective surface of a first mirror. This mirror projects the combined, magnified images in the housing onto a second mirror, which then projects the combined images onto a projection screen mounted in the housing for observation by the person using the projector.

Abstract: This invention provides a posture detecting apparatus capable of quickly determining, without depending on any complicated signal processing, which one of a plurality of reference postures a given human posture coincides with, or that it coincides with none of them.Upon a hologram wherein images corresponding with a plurality of reference postures have been recorded by the help of the corresponding reference beams each having a different incident angle, focused is a beam which has been spatially modulated by the LCD (liquid crystal display) panel which has displayed the human posture to be detected. When the human posture in question coincides with one of the reference postures, from the hologram emanates a beam which takes the same path with that the reference beam corresponding with that reference posture takes for impinging on the hologram. A beam detector detects the beam emanating from the hologram.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and a method of the same wherein any two points, inside and outside of an optical picture image of a measuring object mounted on the table and projected by an optical system, are designated on a screen by a cursor and then the table and the optical system are moved relatively so that a line segment between the designated two points is detected to thereby take measurements for the measuring object.

Abstract: A workpiece is mounted in a contour projector machine so that at least one of two opposed sides thereof can be observed by the operator. The side observed by the operator is illuminated by a surface illuminator, and an image thereof is projected onto the machine's projection screen also to be observed by the operator. The side of the workpiece opposite to the side observed by the operator is illuminated by a contour projector, which projects a contour image of the workpiece onto the projection screen simultaneously with the image of the illuminated surface observed by the worker, thus producing on the screen upright an unreversed images of both the contour and the observed side of the workpiece.

Abstract: The contour image of a workpiece is projected by a conventional lens system onto a first mirror lying in a plane inclined at other than 90.degree. to the optical axis of the lens system. This image is reflected directly (i.e., without the use of any relay lenses) to a second mirror that is spaced from and lies in a plane normal to that containing the first mirror; and from there the image is reflected directly to a third mirror spaced from and lying in a plane normal to each of said first and second mirrors. The third mirror directs an upright and unreversed image directly onto the screen of the projector along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the lens system.

Abstract: For adjusting of three caliber opening rollers or guiding rolls, a light source is arranged on the one side of the roller or guiding roll, a device is located at another side of the roller or the guiding roll and receives a shadow image of a caliber contour and has a turnable, displaceable and arrestable bar template. The bar template has at least one polygon which corresponds to the number of rollers or guiding rolls of a caliber and sides which are offset from one another with the same angular position as rotary axes of the rollers or guiding rolls, and center points of inscribed circles of several such polygons are located on one another.

Abstract: An optical projection system for projecting a magnified image of an object includes a 1:2 relay lens having a magnification of .times.0.5. The object is illuminated by a collimated substantially parallel light beam from a source and the 1:2 relay lens produces an intermediate shadow image at its focal plane. A projection lens is located to project a magnified final image of the intermediate image on the screen. While it is preferred that the relay lens has a magnification of .times.0.5, the relay lens may have a different magnification less than .times.1.

Abstract: A seam projector has a seam holding device attached to the base portion of the seam projector. The seam holding device has a lever arm which is pivotally attached to the base portion of the seam projector. The seam holding device has a seam guide attached to the lever arm such that the seam guide is aligned with a mirror head on the side of the seam projector when the lever arm is oriented vertically. A nomograph may be overlayed on the projection screen of the seam projector for quantitatively evaluating the severity of wrinkles which appear on the projection screen.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling in a controlled manner a rolled wire from rolling temperatures. The arrangement includes a cooling unit arranged following a finishing stand, a coiling unit for the wire and a cooling and conveying system for the spread-out wire coils. A pivotable and/or displaceable coil placement unit is arranged between the coiling unit and the cooling and conveying system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the testing of spheres for geometric exactness, which comprises a light source, a projectable image within or outside of said light source, optical means for simultaneously directing light in two different directions wherein one of said directions is onto a sphere to be tested and the other of said directions in onto an imaging means, and means for directing light onto said imaging means either as reflected from the sphere to be tested, or both from the sphere and from the light source without the optical interposition of the sphere.

Abstract: A range finder for optically or electronically measuring distance from an object by comparison of a known curvilinear form or spectrum of points with the object being measured. The range finder, whether optical or electronic, is provided with different size outlines or stored images of the object, the different sizes representing the object as it would appear at different distances from the viewer. In its optical form, a number of different size outlines are provided on a transparency through which the object itself is viewed. The outline of the object as actually viewed is compared or matched with the known outline and the distance to the object is determined by relating the size of the actual outline to the closest size outline. In the electronic form, the comparison is made electronically rather than optically or visually. In both forms, only a portion of the object being measured need be visible for making the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring the included angle of a reflective cone between opposite sides of the reflective cone. The apparatus includes means for illuminating the curved surface of the reflective cone with a collimated beam of light, the beam of light being generally parallel to the axis of the cone. A lens receives directly a portion of the light reflected from a first side of the cone, and focuses the portion of the light so received in a reference plane. A retro-reflective mirror arrangement, positioned on the side of the cone opposite the lens, receives directly a portion of the light reflected from a second side of the cone and redirects the light to the lens in a direction parallel to the light reflected from the second side of the cone. The second side of the cone is opposite to the first side of the cone.

Abstract: A film thickness measuring apparatus comprising an optical measuring system and an optical projecting system is disclosed. The conventional optical measuring system includes a light source, a first optical system, a monochromator, a second optical system and a photomultiplier tube andmonochromatic light is emitted from the first optical system toward the surface of the film layer on a material of which film thickness is to be measured. While reflection interference takes place between light reflected at the surface of the film layer and light reflected at the base plate, reflected light beam is transmitted to the photomultiplier tube via a semitransparent mirror so that the thickness of the film layer is measured. Before measuring of the film thickness is initiated, there is necessity for determining the correct position of the material to be measured.

Abstract: An optical inspection device for measuring the squareness of tube cuts. The optical inspection apparatus includes a tube guide for permitting rotation of the tube whereby its end wall thickness is positioned in the path of a light beam whose output end is magnified and projected on a viewing screen. Variations in the squareness of the tube end may be visually inspected by an operator on the viewing screen.

Abstract: To set the proper location of a cutting bit, an optical scanner directs an optical beam toward a screen. The scanner is mounted on a base frame. The cutting bit is mounted on a cutting head holder which is, in turn, mounted on a support stage, the latter being vertically adjustable on the base frame. The cutting head holder is adjustable relative to the support stage and the measuring point. The support stage carries three support bodies for the rear side of the cutter head holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning an aircraft landing aid projector of the type which comprises a light source located at the focus of a parabolic reflector, a lens mounted coaxially with the parabolic reflector and a filter disposed intermediate the reflector and lens close to the focal point of the lens. The apparatus comprises a base having a surface portion for supporting a projector, a lens for focussing light from the projector onto an image receiving means and means allowing observation of the image receiving means. The filter of a projector is correctly positioned when it appears in focus on the image receiving means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the average cell size of a plastic foam structure continuously emerging from a production extrusion source which include means and process steps for magnifying an image of an area of a cross-section of said foam structure, developing said image and comparing the cell size of the image with a known standard and controlling production process parameters to obtain a foam structure of predetermined average cell size.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a shadowgraph image of a transparent part to be examined, such as part of a video disc. The apparatus includes a source of coherent light, and an objective lens system for focusing the coherent light to produce a divergent beam, a concave mirror disposed in the path of the divergent beam, a transparent plate for supporting the disc to be examined in the aperture of the concave mirror, and a projection screen to receive light reflected from the concave mirror. The apparatus may also include plane mirrors to permit the projection screen to be positioned in a convenient location with respect to the disc being examined.

Abstract: The light source comprises an elongate arc lamp surrounded by a paraboloidal reflector which, in one embodiment, projects an annular beam of light onto an annular reflector, or mirror, which in turn projects the light onto a workpiece. Reflected light from the workpiece is projected backwardly through an opening in the center of the mirror and is projected in known manner onto a viewing screen. In a second embodiment the mirror comprises a transparent member having a reflective spot (e.g., silver) in its center. In each embodiment a glass light filter is positioned between the light source and the associated mirror to filter out all but yellow and green light, and is inclined to the axis of the associated arc lamp to prevent direct reflection of ultraviolet light back at the lamp. The paraboloidal reflectors concentrate and direct collimated light toward the associated mirror thus eliminating need to employ separate collimating lenses and high wattage lamps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the contour of an article is disclosed. Nondestructive viewing techniques including the projection of a light pattern onto the article to be inspected and the imaging of said light pattern to a display screen are discussed. The concepts taught enable the viewing of article regions which were formerly obstructed in conventional viewing systems.