Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for simulating an image recording by an optical sensor of a coordinate measuring machine for inspecting a measurement object, comprising the following steps: providing a first data set representing a model of the measurement object, a second data set representing a model of an illumination of the measurement object, and a third data set representing a model of an optics of the optical sensor, and rendering an image stack on the basis of the first data set, the second data set and the third data set, wherein the image stack has a plurality of virtual images of at least one partial region of the measurement object, wherein each virtual image is rendered at least with a different second and/or different third data set. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for optimizing an image recording by a coordinate measuring machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a SCARA robot is provided. The apparatus includes a body, a horizontal rotating arm, a linear motor coil and a vertical magnetic axis. The linear motor coil is disposed on the horizontal rotating arm, and the vertical magnetic axis is passed through the linear motor coil. Wherein, the vertical magnetic axis can be driven by the linear motor coil of the horizontal rotating arm by a non-contact magnetic force.

Abstract: An implantable applicator (10) has at least one guide channel (12) for guiding a radioactive seed or source (66) to a target region. A plurality of imageable fiducials (40) are configured for attachment to the patient adjacent the target region. Electromagnetic sensors (18, 20, 22, 20?, 42) are mounted to the applicator and the imageable fiducials. An electromagnetic tracking system determines the relative position of the applicator mounted sensors (18, 20, 22, 20?) and the fiducial mounted sensors (42). A localizing processor (52) generates a map of the sensors which is combined (56) with a high resolution image (46). A comparing processor (70) monitors for changes in sensor positions, generates a movement correction transform (72) which transforms (74) the planning image into a transformed planning image (76).

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: A measuring apparatus for measuring a position of a surface of an object while the object is scanned in a scanning direction in an X-Y plane.

Abstract: A fingerprint matching apparatus includes a fingerprint distortion detection unit for detecting whether or not a correlation object intentionally distorts the finger put on the fingerprint reading face by, for example, applying excessively large force to the finger, or dragging or rolling the finger. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a distorted fingerprint image from flowing into the fingerprint matching apparatus and therefore the probability of accurate fingerprint correlation can be increased.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve upon component level inspection performed by pick and place machines. Such improvements include using a position sensitive device that measures the position of the placement head relative to the workpiece as the placement head travels towards and away from the workpiece during a placement cycle. The output of this sensor is used to selectably trigger the acquisition of the images used to measure a placement characteristic of the component placement machine.

Abstract: A hand-size structured-light three-dimensional metrology imaging system and method. Laser illumination stripes are scanned across a workpiece surface for obtaining z-height and x-coordinate information. A Scheimpflug configuration is used. Utilizing this configuration, a laser illumination stripe across a raised workpiece portion will be shown in a contour image at the image sensor in a focused manner, such that the offsets along the contour image line due to the raised portions of the workpiece surface can be accurately converted to a z-height measurement. The y-axis positions associated with each of the contour images, used for reassembling the information from the contour images into a surface map for the workpiece, may be determined without the need for a position sensor, by including a reference object in the contour images.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing process capability in a progressive forming operation. The method compensates for deviations introduced by unformed components, and uses closed loop feedback to compensate for deviations introduced by forming tools. Fiducial features are detected on an incoming component, and a first compensation value is calculated from displacement of the fiducial features from an ideal forming location on the component. Component position with respect to a theoretical forming position is adjusted according to the first compensation value. Placement of a feature formed on the component at the adjusted position is detected and compared to the ideal forming location to obtain a difference value. A second compensation value is derived from a plurality of difference values. Forming positions for subsequent incoming components are adjusted with respect to the theoretical forming position according to first and second compensation values.

Abstract: The process for the on-line characterization of a surface in motion, preferably a galvannealed sheet, essentially comprises an industrial microscope associated with a stroboscopic laser illumination device, a positioning assembly, an assembly for acquiring and processing images. The obtained view fields vary between 125 ?m and 2000 ?m in width, the spatial resolution is at least 0.5 ?m, and the focussing of the system is precise to a micrometer. The images are taken on a product moving at a speed of between 1 m/s and 20 m/s and are frozen by the use of a stroboscopic illumination device with a duration of illumination of at least 10 ns. The obtained images are processed in several steps. A background average level is first of all regularly evaluated in order to be eliminated from each current image. The processed image is then divided into several zones. The sharpness of each zone is evaluated and stored in memory.

Abstract: The systems and methods of this invention provide simulated images to vision inspection systems. The simulated images emulate the vision of a vision inspection system. Graphical models of objects in a virtual world and lens effects models are used to provide the simulated images.

Abstract: A system for determining a three-dimensional image of an animal, or other symmetric object, by projecting a pattern of light on the object and capturing two images of the reflected light with two cameras located a fixed distance apart. Using triangulation, the x, y, and z locations of each element of the light pattern is measured, thus creating a three-dimensional image of the surface of the object. Because animals are symmetric, an image need only be taken of one side of the animal, and the image mirrored, to determine the complete three dimensional characteristics of the animal.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a reticle to evaluate the degree of corner rounding of a feature of a test pattern includes placing a reticle having a photomask formed thereon under a microscope. The photomask has a pattern corresponding to features of a semiconductor chip design defined therein. In addition, the photomask further has a test pattern and a crosshair orientation mark defined therein. The test pattern has at least one test corner for evaluating a degree of corner rounding when the test pattern is defined in the photomask. The crosshair orientation mark is defined in the photomask to orient a crosshair of the microscope relative to the test pattern. Once the crosshair of the microscope is aligned with the crosshair orientation mark, the crosshair of the microscope is used to evaluate the degree of rounding of the test corner of the test pattern.

Abstract: A system measures the three-dimensional linear, angular and volumetric characteristics of an animal or carcass, such as a beef animal. The system uses light spots from a structured light camera to measure multiple points on the animal. The system locates the vertical, horizontal and depth dimension for each point and uses this data to calculate the desired linear and volumetric measurements for conformation of the animal by combining measurements of some of the light spots projected on the animal. The system also provides rapid consecutive three-dimensional motion pictures of the animal.

Abstract: For electron beam wafer or mask processing, a registration mark is capacitively coupled to the top surface of an overlying resist layer on a substrate to form a voltage potential on the surface of the resist layer directly over the registration mark. The registration mark is directly connected to an electrical lead that produces an AC voltage on the registration mark, which is capacitively induced on the surface of the resist layer. Alternatively, the registration mark itself is capacitively coupled to a conductive plate placed on the bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate. An AC voltage is then applied to the conductive plate that induces a charge on the registration mark, which then capacitively induces a charge on the surface of the layer of resist. An electron beam scanning across the surface of the resist layer generates secondary electrons. The secondary electrons have a low energy and are affected by the voltage potential created at the surface of the resist layer.

Abstract: A fiducial system is provided for use during an alignment inspection of first and second adjacent elements. The fiducial system comprises an inspection opening in the second element. It further comprises first and second fiducial portions on the first element positioned and sized to provide an accurate indication when viewed through the inspection opening of whether the second element is properly positioned relative to the first element regardless of the size of the inspection opening as long as the opening has a size greater than or equal to a lower limit dimension. The first element may comprise an ink jet printhead heater chip and the second element may comprise an ink jet printhead nozzle plate.

Abstract: In an exposure apparatus, an alignment-detecting light component of a mask and that of a plate are spatially separated from each other, thereby enabling highly accurate alignment with little influence of the light from the plate on detection of the mask position.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing non-contact measurement of relative displacement includes a microscope having one objective lens and two fields of view in which two points of measurement on a test piece can be located separately, a pair of cameras for taking images obtained with the microscope, and an apparatus for measuring the relative displacement of the images of the two points of measurement obtained by the cameras.

Abstract: The photogrammetrical pick up of an object with the aid of an opto-electronic solid-state surface sensor can be carried out in partial-images over a large image format if the position of the sensor in the image plane is determined by means of a reseau. This can be done by imaging at least one reseau mesh in the sensor image. After measuring the reseau points in the coordinate system of the partial-image and transforming to the nominal values in the system of the reseau, the position of the surface sensor and transformation parameters for all image points within the reseau mesh are obtained. For this purpose, the approximation position of the sensor must be known with sufficient accuracy to be able to determined the number of the reseau mesh as an unambiguous identification of the reseau points.

Abstract: A system for determining characteristics and traits of an animal-type subject, such as cattle or the like, comprising: an apparatus and method for holding or confining the subject; an apparatus and method for reproducing at least one profile image of the subject and locating specific reference points on the profile image of the subject related to the characteristics and traits to be determined; an apparatus and method for linear measurement of predetermined parts or portions of the subject by use of the specific reference points on the profile image of the subject; and an apparatus and method for utilization of the linear measurements to provide correlation between the linear measurements of a particular subject and other subjects of a like kind.

Abstract: The numerical position relative to a reference indicia of two most nearly aligned overlapping indicia on two separate levels is multiplied by the difference in spacing of the indicia of the patterns on the two levels to determine the degree of misalignment of the levels.

Abstract: An image viewing device is provided with movable projectors which superimpose illuminated marks on the image. Each projector can signal its location relative to a rest position and, by aligning the illuminated marks with selected features on the image, the distance between the features can be determined and displayed. Signal storage means permit comparisons between successive measurements. The viewing device can translate and rotate the viewed image so that the selected features can be aligned with the travel direction of the movable projectors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting operations, such as punching holes in sheets of material at precise locations thereon. Each sheet has a reference marking thereon and is placed on a receiver one by one and is held in fixed position on the receiver. A T.V. camera views each sheet to detect the reference marking thereon and a visual display of the marking is produced on a T.V. monitor. Also produced on the monitor is a cross-hair grating with a coincident shaded box. The cross-hair grating is first aligned with a marking reference on a master sheet to establish a fixed relation between the cross-hair and the marking reference on the master sheet and thereby between the cross-hair and the operating system, for example, the punches for punching holes in the sheets. The master sheet is removed and the sheets to be punched are placed one by one on the receiver which is moved to align the reference marking on each sheet, as viewed on the monitor with the cross-hair grating thereon.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for measuring, computing, and displaying linear or angular displacements suited in particular to drafting applications. In display mode, the distance data is entered into the apparatus via a keypad and based on previously entered or predetermined scale or other considerations, electronically iluminated indicator markings of the apparatus indicate the beginning and end of a linear or angular segment representative of the entered data. Alternatively, in measuring mode, the illuminated indicator marking representing an index is placed at one limit of the line or angle to be measured and the other limit is indicated to the apparatus by the user such as by alignment of a slidable member with the other limit of the line or angle to be measured. The apparatus will display by LED or other suitable means, the angle or distance in numerical form represented by the displacement limits presented and based on previously entered or predetermined scale or other considerations.

Abstract: An instrument for precise measurement and setting of distances has an electronically controlled scale comprising optically active elements, an electronically controlled digital display, and a keyboard. The display and keyboard are mechanically rotatable and connected by electronic circuitry including a microprocessor. The light scale provides optical indicia, including a reference point and a cursor, having positions which are determined by keyboard entries and are displayed numerically.

Abstract: An optical gauging apparatus is provided for determining the deviation of a pipe end from squareness with respect to the pipe axis. A viewing scope is placed centrally in the pipe end to be measured so as to be directed at right angles thereto, and a graduated target is centrally located in the opposite end of the pipe. Sighting through the scope, the distance R of the intersection of the line of sight from the center of the target is determined. The deviation S from squareness may then be calculated from R, D the diameter of the pipe, and L the distance of the target from the end being measured, by the equation: S=RD/L.