Abstract: A system for providing two parallel light beams spaced-apart a selectable distance, the system including: a first beam splitter configured for reflecting a light beam from a light source to create a first datum light beam, the first beam splitter is fixedly attached to a base; a second beam splitter configured for reflecting a transmitted light beam from the light beam from the light source to create a second datum light beam, a third beam splitter configured for reflecting a transmitted light beam from the light beam from the light source to create a third datum light beam, a fourth beam reflecting device configured for reflecting a transmitted light beam from the light beam from the light source to create a fourth light beam. Each of the second, third beam splitters and fourth beam reflecting device is configured to be slidingly attached to the base.

Abstract: In order to easily and accurately measure an offset for wire bonding and improve precision of wire bonding, a wiring bonding apparatus includes a first imaging unit, a bonding tool, a moving mechanism, a reference member, a second imaging unit arranged on the opposite side to the bonding tool and the first imaging unit with respect to a reference surface, and a control unit. The first imaging unit detects a position of an optical axis of the first image capture unit with respect to a position of the reference member, the second imaging unit detects the position of the reference member when moving the bonding tool above the reference member according to pre-stored offset values, and detects a position of a ball-shaped tip section of a wire, and the control unit measures a change in offset between the bonding tool and the first imaging unit based on each detection result.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include assessing surface cleanliness. In some embodiments, the system may include a dispensing device. The dispensing device may dispense, during use, a measured amount of liquid on a surface forming a drop. In some embodiments, the system may include a stage. The stage may support, during use, a digital imaging device. In some embodiments, the system may include a calibration feature. The calibration feature may be of known dimension. The calibration feature may be coupled to the stage. The calibration feature may facilitate assessment, during use, of a dimension of the drop. The dimension may include a diameter of the drop. In some embodiments, the system is configured to assess a contact angle of the drop with the surface.

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 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: The structure size of a structure (100) is measured by forming an auxiliary measured value (Dx?, Dy?). A calibration measured value (Px?, Py?) is determined on the basis of a calibration structure (110), which comprises at least two structure elements (140) at a distance from one another, including at least the measured value sum of the width (By?) of one of the two structure elements (140) and the distance (Ay?) between the two structure elements (140). The calibration measured value (Px?, Py?) and a predetermined calibration preset value (Px, Py), which relates to the calibration structure (110), result in the determination of a calibration factor (C, Cx, Cy). The auxiliary measured value (Dx?, Dy?) is corrected using the calibration factor (C, Cx, Cy) in order to form the structure size measured value (Dx,k; Dy,k).

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: A method of assessing percentage dot in flexographic printing plates or the like includes superimposing the printing plate and a further, smooth surfaced sheet or plate of material of a reflective index greater than air, so that the “high” regions of the printing surface of the printing plate make intimate contact with the adjoining surface of said further plate. The superimposed sheet is illuminated in such a way that the difference in the light reflection between the areas of the further sheet which are not in intimate contact with the printing plate and those areas which are provide a significant difference in apparent brightness between the “high” regions and the “low” regions. The difference in apparent brightness can be detected by visual, automatic or photo detection means.

Abstract: A measuring system and method are provided for defect identification and location. The system an optical measurement device adapted to view a workpiece along an optical path, and an optical indicia device located in the optical path between the workpiece and the measurement device, which is adapted to provide location information to the system or a user. The location information can be used to correlate defect locations identified in a wafer before and after a process step, as well as between two different wafers. The optical indicia device may further allow the use of field comparison techniques in identifying and locating defects in a blank or unpatterned workpiece. The indicia device may comprise, for example, a transparent member having a grid or other optical indicia patterned thereon, allowing inspection of the workpiece with reference to the optical indicia pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging apparatus and method for detecting optical properties of transparent media. The present invention superimposes, either optically or electronically, at least two images of the transparent media in order to obtain the optical properties. By superimposing the images, the present invention is capable of detecting various optical properties of the transparent medium in a single configuration.

Abstract: A transparent plate with fiducials for aligning and placing of dies on a panel with a high degree of accuracy is disclosed. The locations of the fiducials correspond to desired die locations. The transparent plate is arranged beneath the panel, with the fiducials aligned with cavities formed in the panel. The cavities have transparent bottoms. A die alignment mark on a die residing over the panel is used to establish the position of the die. Imaging a fiducial associated with a cavity is used to center the die with respect to the cavity. Accurate placement of the fiducials is accomplished by electron-beam lithography.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatuses leverage a known value of a characteristic of an object to partially calibrate an imaging system “on-the-fly”, and minimize, if not eliminate, the need for a separate calibration image(s). Specifically, the scale relationship (i.e. the relationship between physical dimensions and image dimensions) is calculated using the known value and a measured value of the characteristic from the image. The same image used to calculate the scale relationship is also processed, such as inspected, for example. The known value can be a measurement of an aspect of many things, including an inherent feature, or a relationship between features, for example. One embodiment uses a model to find the characteristic. A described preferred embodiment inspects an end-face of a fiber-optic cable, wherein the known value is the diameter of an annular cladding of the fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: A system and method for performing selected optical measurements on a sample is provided utilizing an optical coherence domain reflectometer which includes a diffraction grating. A broad band light source produces light having a short coherence length. A beamsplitter splits the light into a signal beam and a reference beam. A reference mirror is disposed to receive the reference beam. A lens brings the signal beam to focus on the sample. A diffraction grating receives reflections from the sample and from the reference mirror, the reflections being incident on the diffraction grating with respect to said diffraction grating normal such that a positive diffraction order from one of the reflections and a negative diffraction order from the other one of the reflections and a negative diffraction order from the other one of the reflections propagate along a common path.

Abstract: On a circuit-board intended for constant-wire-length (CWL) bonding, one or more special “test” pairs of bonding pads are provided along with, in each case, a series of markings adjacent the pads. In use, the board is populated with CWL bonds (this includes the normal circuit-related RF bond-pads as well as the test bond-pads) and the test bonds are distorted so that the bond-wires in question lie aligned against the markings. The alignment position relative to the markings indicates whether the bond-wires for the whole board are of correct or incorrect length. Measurement may be either absolute, in which case the markings are associated with a scale indication, or relative, in which case one of the markings will usually be visibly distinguished from the rest in some way. Depending on the length determination, the bond-forming device (e.g.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for automatically determining an area-related cell density of a cell structure of a honeycomb body having a plurality of passages that are open-ended at an end of the honeycomb body at which the cell structure is visible. An image which has a known or ascertainable image scale of at least a portion of the cell structure is recorded with an optical instrument and the image is processed. In the image processing operation the number of cells is established by counting cells and the cell density is calculated by relating the number of cells to a reference area established through the use of the image scale. The cell density can be rapidly and accurately determined in such a way particularly when using computer-aided image processing. Therefore, production errors can be quickly detected and costs can be saved in that manner.

Abstract: Machine vision methods for segmenting an image include the steps of generating a first image of the background of an object, generating a second image of the object and background, and subtracting the second image from the first image. The methods are characterized in that the second image is generated such that subtraction of it from the first image emphasizes the object with respect to the background.

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 leadframe inspection system, methods, and templates are provided. The leadframe inspection templates include upper and lower specification limits marks that form lead width guides. A user places a leadframe on the template, lines up the leads on the leadframe with an alignment mark, and examines the lead width in relation to the specification limits marked on the lead inspection template. The templates may be placed in the eye piece of a microscope, and thus provide a single instrument for rapidly inspecting lead widths.

Abstract: The reticle of a single magnification reticle projector mechanism of a multiple magnification video inspection apparatus may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) module the pixels of which are selectively energized by a conventional plug-in video card that forms part of a CPU. As the magnification setting of the apparatus is changed, the CPU causes a corresponding change in the size and spacing of the pixels that are energized. The energized pixels form clear or transparent dots on the reticle, while the remaining, unenergized pixels cause corresponding areas of the reticle to remain opaque. Alternatively the reticle is provided with a plurality of viewing areas or fields of different size, each area comprising a plurality of spaced openings or transparencies of equal size, and progressively larger fields having progressively larger openings.

Abstract: A reticle for an object measurement system comprises a pattern 10 having a plurality of pairs of contrasting elements in the form of black (11′, 11″ . . . 14′14″) and white (21 . . . 24) wedges. Each black/white wedge pair defines a path towards a pattern origin 19 such that an edge of an object 50 occluding the path causes a change in contrast adjacent an edge point along the path. The pattern has a series of Gray-coded elements 15 associated with each pair of black/white wedges. The Gray-coded elements are indicative of an absolute coordinate of each edge point at which an object edge crosses a path. A series of triangles 16 associated with each pair of black/white wedges, whose absolute coordinates are known, allow a measurement system to provide accurate coordinates for each edge point.

Abstract: A scale has marks of a point-symmetrical shape which are arranged in matrix. The scale and an article to be measured in dimension are positioned without any relative movement. An image sensor unit detects a predetermined portion of the article and the marks of the scale corresponding to the predetermined portion of the article selectively and successively, and the image sensor unit generates output signals in accordance with the detected results of the article and the scale. The output signals are processed to calculate the dimension of the article.

Abstract: A scale has marks of a point-symmetrical shape which are arranged in matrix. The scale and an article to be measured in dimension are positioned without any relative movement. An image sensor unit detects a predetermined portion of the article and the marks of the scale corresponding to the predetermined portion of the article selectively and successively, and the image sensor unit generates output signals in accordance with the detected results of the article and the scale. The output signals are processed to calculate the dimension of the article.

Abstract: A scale has marks of a point-symmetrical shape which are arranged in matrix. The scale and an article to be measured in dimension are positioned without any relative movement. An image sensor unit detects a predetermined portion of the article and the marks of the scale corresponding to the predetermined portion of the article selectively and successively, and the image sensor unit generates output signals in accordance with the detected results of the article and the scale. The output signals are processed to calculate the dimension of the article. An apparatus for measuring the dimension of an article is provided which can eliminate the occurrence of parallax, resulting in satisfactorily improved precision of the measurement. In the apparatus, an article and a marker are disposed so that the optical distance between the article and a reading unit is equal to the optical distance between the marker and the reading unit.

Abstract: An object characteristic direct measuring device includes a lower base, a first annular magnetic element disposed in the lower base, and a holder member surrounded by the first magnetic element and being mounted by the lower base and adapted to receive and hold an object, such as a gem.

Abstract: A lens projector is provided for use with a lens blocking device having an LCD target display plane disposed beneath a work surface and a tower having an upper portion extending above the work surface with a eyepiece therethrough. The lens projector includes a bracket fixed to the tower proximate the eyepiece with a light source rigidly seated on the bracket above the work surface. A viewer mounted in the eyepiece is aligned on a sight line substantially normal to and centered on the work center of the LCD target display plane. An at least partially transmissive mirror intersects the sight line and is fixed to the viewer at an angle such that light emitted from a center of the light source is reflected along the sight line toward the work surface so as to project an image of a multi-focal segment or a lens marking onto the graphic display. A shield fixed to the bracket and extending between the light source and the tower protects the tower from heat dissipated by the light source.

Abstract: The invention is to a system and apparatus for determining the planarity of leads on a semiconductor device. An image system is used to locate the leads with reference to a reference plate on which the device is mounted, and a real-time reference which is used to provide a known correlation between image pixels and linear measurement such as mils.

Abstract: A video seam inspection device includes a video imaging device, a support for a container along an optical axis of the video imaging device and independent light means for illuminating a seam on the container. The two light means include a side light source and a direct light source. The direct light source may be used to transmit light through a ring illuminator which reflects light off a mirror located along the optical axis of the video imaging device. A side light source transmits light to a light transmission means which focuses the light towards the seam of the container at an angle different from the angle of light from the ring illuminator. A can having a cut-out section of the bottom is placed on the support such that the cross-section of the can is exposed and illuminated by each of the light means. The video imaging device then transmits an image of the seam to a display device.

Abstract: Tool inspection apparatus includes a bed configured for supporting a tool to be inspected, and a magnifying device associated with the bed for focusing on and magnifying at least a portion of a tool supported by the bed. There is also a reflecting member associated with the bed for reflecting an image of a portion of the tool supported on the bed toward the magnifying device. The magnifying device is movable from a position in which it receives an image of a portion of the tool reflected by the prism to a direct image-receiving position in which the magnifying device directly receives and magnifies a portion of a tool supported on the bed.

Abstract: A stereoscope in which a digitally stored image can be seen through either or both eyepieces and compared with an object which can also be seen through either or both eyepieces. Digital images of objects can be stored. Both the images to be stored and the stored images can be digitally manipulated, i.e. magnified, rotated or warped.

Abstract: A compact tester for examining the sharpened end of a twist drill bit for geometrical symmetry and angular relations. The tester includes an optical system for examining the sharpened end; a holder adapted to hold bits of various diameters so that their cylindrical axes coincide with the optical axis; and a reticle having markings which appears to the eye of the user superimposed on the image of the bit end. The holder is a short tube with plural, nesting spiral springs extending from the inside surface of the tube inward. Each spring is a rectangular sheet of spring steel wrapped so as to present a spiral shape when viewed end on. The springs automatically hold bits centered in the bore of the tube, which is aligned with the optical axis. The optical system may be a simple magnifier, or something more sophisticated. The reticle may be a separate flat glass with markings, or, the markings may be put directly onto the magnifier.

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: One embodiment of the invention is a method of using a computer to assist a land based video survey. Initially, a video recording of a control location and a survey area is produced. The control location video includes at least a view of a baseline scale. Further, camera position data associated with the control location must be noted or stored in some manner. The computer converts the baseline scale from the control location video image to a video image scale. A survey video frame image of interest is selected and is displayed. One or more points of interest on the survey video frame is identified along with a predetermined baseline point obtained from a baseline scale image view overlaid on the survey video frame. In one embodiment, this identification step is conducted manually by an operator touching a touch sensitive pad having fine grid lines corresponding to pixel points in the video frame image.

Abstract: A wire bonding device including a camera for producing image signals corresponding to a field of view including an object having plural target patterns on which wire bonding is to be performed, a displacement device for altering the field view of the camera by varying the relative positioning between the camera and the object, a monitor for displaying an image of the object to be wire bonded, a reference mark display generation circuit coupled to the camera and the monitor for combining reference mark signals with the image signals so that an image of a reference mark is superimposed on the image of each target displayed by said monitor, a reference mark generation circuit for storing data corresponding to plural reference marks and for producing reference mark signals defining a selected reference mark and applying the reference mark signals to the reference mark display generation circuit, and an input selection and control device coupled to the reference mark generation circuit for selecting a reference ma

Abstract: A device determines the location of a point, line, or plane in space with respect to an object along an axis of projection from the object. The device includes a beam generator coupled to the object and generating a plane of light containing the axis of projection of the object. Additionally, the beam generator generates a ray of light oriented at an angle to the axis of the projection so as to intercept the axis at the point in space to be located. The position of the axis of projection in the plane is marked, preferably, by a second beam generator generating a plane of light containing the axis of projection of the object and oriented at an angle to the first plane. The coincidence of the ray and marking of the axis of projection in the plane indicates that the point in space has been located with respect to the object. The second beam generator may also provide a ray of light intersecting the axis of projection at a point different than the first ray.

Abstract: The invention is an adapter tip 11 for supporting measuring indicia 22 on the forward end 12 of a conventional optical borescope 14 including focus adjustment means thereby permitting the substantially direct, physical measurement of internal surfaces and defects inside an object such as a pressure vehicle having an external opening therein when said measuring indicia 22 are positioned to coincide with a surface orb defect to be measured and simultaneously brought into focus with said surface or defect with said focus adjustment means.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the presence of a liquid on a member includes a substrate having a pattern thereon that is perceptibly visually modified by the presence of a liquid on the member.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring digital data corresponding to a 3D object, incorporates a frame located in proximity to the 3D object in no fixed positional relationship therewith, a shutter for scanning the object with a shadow line, and apparatus for deriving signals corresponding to the position of the shadow line following on the 3D object.

Abstract: A method of detecting a registration diversion between a mask and a wafer prior to a main exposure. This method detects relative diversions between marks on the wafer and latent images of marks on the mask formed on a photosensitive layer of the wafer. The latent images of the marks on the mask are preliminarily formed on the photosensitive layer of the wafer by an exposure energy beam prior to the main exposure.

Abstract: A mat for surgical specimens and the like. The mat is comprised of an upper and lower layer. The upper layer is comprised of flexible absorbent material upon which a grid is imprinted in order that specimens may be photographed with spatial and size orientation. The absorbent nature of the upper layer provides for absorption of blood or other body fluids. The bottom layer is comprised of a flexible non-porous material to prevent staining of a work surface supporting the mat. The two layers are sealed together to prevent drainage along the interface of the layers.

Abstract: The surface to be sensed or scanned is placed in the path of a projector which is moved along an axis of the surface. The path of motion of the projector is subdivided into predetermined sections which are illuminated by the projector in accordance with a predetermined sequential pattern. This procedure of moving the projector is repeated a predetermined number of times, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing each time that the projector is moved relative to the surface and traverses the entire surface to be scanned. The combinations of the patterns obtained from the repeated scannings of the projector define closely-spaced sections of the surface. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. A camera having the entire surface within its field of view photographs the surface each time that the projector is moved along the axis of the surface.

Abstract: A method for surveying, comprising the steps of: video recording all locations to be surveyed from a predetermined control position, for subsequent playback on a monitor screen; preparing a transparent overlay having a scale correlating the predetermined control position of the video recording means with respect to the surveyed locations and the size of the screen; applying the overlay to the screen while playing back the video recording, utilizing the overlay to ascertain actual distances; and, annotating maps or the like with the actual distances, interrupting or replaying portions of the video recording as necessary. In lieu of geometrically correlating the control position, the scaled overlay may be prepared on the basis of at least one actual measurement taken during the course of the survey. The method further contemplates the step of dictating and recording notes pertinent to the surveyed locations and circumstances of the survey, simultaneously with the video recording.

Abstract: The specification discloses dimensional measurement of articles such as tubing. The edges of the article and an adjacent reference scale are scanned by video camera means. From the relative positions of the edges of the article and the reference scale, the dimension of the article is computed without physically contacting it.

Abstract: An infrared radiation detecting system comprises a detector element 13A forming part of a detector 13 incorporating a cold shield 14 and an optical system 12, 15, for imaging infrared radiation from a field of view O onto a real image surface 19 spaced from the detector element 13A and relaying the image I from the surface 19 to the detector element 13A is provided with a graticule 20 having markings which are reflective to infrared radiation emitted by the detector 13. Graticule 20 is located at the image surface 19 so that the graticule markings are imaged onto the detector element 13A in superimposition with the infrared radiation from the field of view O.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the height, width, leh and orientation of an object from the feature image of the object found on oblique panoramic aerial photography. A magnifying eyepiece is provided with a calibrated reticle for measuring the dimensions of the feature image. The eyepiece also has a reference mark and indicia about the eyepiece for measuring the orientation from true north of the longitudinal axis of the feature image. The actual measurements of the object are quickly determined from the measurements of the feature image using a suitably programmed calculator supplied with the photograph and camera parameters.

Abstract: A method for surveying is disclosed which functions to define all curves, grades and super elevations to a parabolic shape by impinging two laser beams, each of which is provided with a grid type means so as to create a diffracted fan of beams emitted from each laser. The intersections of these beams are utilized to form the parabolic shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for verifying the accuracy of a sample of printed or other reproduced material. In the apparatus, a base is provided having a support surface for securing the reproduced sample to said surface, with a transparent support means slidably lying contiguous to the support surface. A transparent master symbol for verifying the accuracy of the reproduced material is secured to the underside of the support means so that the master symbol and reproduced sample are contiguous. Preferably, the image on said transparent master symbol is interrupted to provide open spaces to facilitate visual comparison with the reproduced sample. In operation, the sample is aligned with the master symbol to verify its accuracy. In the event that a portion of the reproduced sample and master symbol are not in alignment, the master may be moved to align said portion and the movement can be measured to determine the error in reproducing the sample.

Abstract: An optical detector for the detection of very small objects comprises a first optical system defining an optical path and being operable to transmit electromagnetic radiation onto an object to be detected; a second optical system defining an optical path parallel to said optical path of said first optical system and being operable to receive said electromagnetic radiation after diffusion and reflection by said object; and a converging lens associated in common with said first and second optical systems and arranged such that said optical paths of said first and second optical systems are parallel to and symmetrical about the axis of said converging lens on one side thereof.

Abstract: The surface to be sensed or scanned is placed in the path of a projector which is moved along an axis of the surface. The path of motion of the projector is subdivided into predetermined sections which are illuminated by the projector in accordance with a predetermined sequential pattern. This procedure of moving the projector is repeated a predetermined number of times, with a separate illuminating pattern prevailing each time that the projector is moved relative to the surface and traverses the entire surface to be scanned. The combinations of the patterns obtained from the repeated scannings of the projector define closely-spaced sections of the surface. The patterns are coded so that each section is uniquely defined in coded form. A camera having the entire surface within its field of view photographs the surface each time that the projector is moved along the axis of the surface.

Abstract: An optical alignment device for binocular displays is provided which comprises a pair of objective lenses and adjacent lens apertures for receiving the images transmitted along the two optical axes of the binocular display and optical folding means in the form of folding mirrors, right-angle prisms, or the like, disposed along each said optical axis for optically folding said images along a single optical axis, whereby the said images may be focused as a single composite image on an imaging plane.