Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, crosstalk between opposing cameras imaging the same object is more easily avoided. The same effect as spatially offsetting the imager can be achieved by rotating the light source to provide a reflection axis that is not perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting parts utilizing triangulation are provided. The system includes a part support subsystem including a fixture for supporting a part to be inspected and a head apparatus. The head apparatus includes at least one radiation source for directing a plane of radiation at the part so that the part occludes the plane of radiation to create unobstructed planar portions of the plane of radiation wherein each of the unobstructed planar portions of the plane of radiation contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part. The head apparatus also includes at least one receiver module for measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions and a triangulation-based sensor to illuminate the part with a beam of electromagnetic energy to obtain a reflected beam of electromagnetic energy and to sense at least one portion of the reflected beam of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A predictive suspension system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor, and energy source and a control. The imaging sensor is disposed at a vehicle and has a generally downward field of view, with the field of view encompassing an area forward of a tire of the vehicle. The energy source is operable to emit illumination in at least one linear pattern so that the linear pattern is projected onto a portion of the area forward of the tire of the vehicle that is encompassed by the field of view of the imaging sensor. The control processes image data captured by the imaging sensor and detects surface irregularities on a surface in front of the vehicle tire in response to the image processing.

Abstract: A multi-range non-contact probe is provided which performs approximate range-finding measurement functions in addition to more precise structured light measurement functions. The probe is compatible with a probe control interface which allows advanced measuring capabilities and functions to be used with a probe head system that provides a limited number of wired connections. A laser beam of the probe is directed along a first optical path during a first period for providing structured light measurement functions and is directed along a second optical path for a second time period range finding functions. A single beam modification element having at least first and second portions with different types of optical characteristics is moved to output the laser beam from the first portion along the first optical path and then to output the laser beam from the second portion along the second optical path.

Abstract: A control processing unit simultaneously drives cameras to produce images of a measuring object, the control processing unit searches corresponding point on a comparative image produced by one of the cameras for a representative point in a reference image produced by the other camera, and the control processing unit computes a three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to a coordinate using the coordinate of each point correlated by the search. The control processing unit also obtains a shift amount at the corresponding point specified by the search to an epipolar line specified based on a coordinate of a representative point on the reference image side or a parameter indicating a relationship between the cameras, and the control processing unit supplies the shift amount as an evaluation value indicating accuracy of three-dimensional measurement along with three-dimensional measurement result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image measuring apparatus comprising: an XYZ shaft transfer means mounted onto a base member; a work stage mounted to the base member, for moving a measuring object to a measuring position and thereafter supporting it and having a predetermined reference surface set at a side thereof; an image obtaining means in which it is moved toward X,Y and Z shafts by the XYZ shaft transfer means, scans a grating image by the frequency of N times to a side of the measuring object supported and fixed to the work stage, obtains the changed grating image by the measuring object by N times; a light emitting means mounted to a side of the image obtaining means for generating and emitting light with a predetermined wavelength; and a control unit which irradiates light generated from the light emitting means mounted to a side of the image obtaining means to the reference surface set the side of the work stage, receives the changed grating image obtained from the image obtaini

Abstract: A three-dimensional measuring system for measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement object in a noncontact manner includes a first obtaining portion for obtaining arrangement information of the measurement object, a second obtaining portion for obtaining design shape information of the measurement object, a fourth obtaining portion for obtaining specifics information about one or more three-dimensional measuring devices, a determining portion for determining a measurable part that can be measured by the three-dimensional measuring device about a surface shape of the measurement object in accordance with the obtained arrangement information, the obtained design shape information and the obtained specifics information, and an output portion for outputting the determined measurable part.

Abstract: Devices and methods for bending an extruded section of material held in a feed and fixing unit to yield a material with one or more bends and yielding a three-dimensional shape. In addition, devices and methods for further determining the three-dimensional geometry of the bent extruded section of material after one or more bending operations.

Abstract: Active 3D triangulation-based imaging comprises steps of: temporally modulating a radiant flux of a lighting unit beam by a binary modulation signal (ms); illuminating a scene (S), which is illuminated by an ambient lighting (AL), by said modulated lighting unit beam (mlub); splitting a ray (ir) imaging a scene point (SP) into two separate imaging rays (ir1, ir2); said first separate imaging ray (ir1) forming an image in a first image sensor (is1); temporally modulating a radiant flux of the second separate imaging ray (ir2) by the modulation signal (ms) and said modulated second separate imaging ray (ir2m) forming an image in a second image sensor (is2); normalizing a first scene image being an image of all points of the scene (S) formed in the first sensor (is1) and a second scene image formed in the second sensor (is2); and subtracting the first normalized scene image from the second normalized scene image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring components by a laser triangulation measuring device comprised of at least one triangulation sensor for determining the height profiles of components, whereby the component is arranged on a movable support plane in a horizontal moving direction relative to the laser triangulation measuring device, whereby at least two triangulation sensors are arranged in a mutual measuring plane forming a positional offset, for determining the height profile and a cross-sectional profile of the component in the measuring plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for measuring articles made of a material that is difficult to measure, such as glass. In the system, an elastic film (19) is arranged on top of an article (110). A number of measurement points that are imaged using a machine vision system. The location of the measurement points imaged are calculated with respect to one another, and based on this, the shape of the article can be measured.

Abstract: The process comprises a stage of highlighting a plurality of light points of a free surface of the material contained in the silo, of detecting a position of each of the light points and obtaining electrical signals which are proportional to the detected position of each point, and processing the signals to obtain a virtual reproduction of the free surface of the material which when processed provide desired data. The device for realising the process comprises lasers, which project a laser beam towards the free surface of the material contained in the silo, an optical sensor which detects the position of the light points defined by each laser beam on the free surface, and a data processing system which processes the data relating to the position of the lasers, the inclination of the laser beams, and the detected positions of the light points in such a way as to construct a virtual free surface of the material.

Abstract: A method for measuring the range to multiple points on a surface by projecting a line of light onto the surface, imaging said line of light onto a photodetector, computing the centroid of said line of light, computing quality factors for each computed centroid and encoding the quality factors as one or more bits in the centroid value, transmitting said centroid value to a data receiver, and computing the range to the surface for each point corresponding to each centroid value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for determining the direction and location of the symmetry axis of a revolution-shaped article. Furthermore, the invention enables one to determine the radius of the article as well as the pitch of a possible thread. In the arrangement of the invention, the article being measured is illuminated using light sources arranged in direct vicinity of the cameras. Each camera is measuring the reflection plane formed from the article being measured based on the light reflected backward from the article. The symmetry axis is determined by calculating the transversal of the reflection planes. The system of the invention uses at least two cameras, but the measurement accuracy can be improved by calculating the symmetry axis from the transversals of the reflection planes of a bigger set of cameras. Furthermore, at least a third camera is required to calculate the pitch of thread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image measuring apparatus comprising: an XYZ shaft transfer means mounted onto a base member; a work stage mounted to the base member, for moving a measuring object to a measuring position and thereafter supporting it and having a predetermined reference surface set at a side thereof; an image obtaining means in which it is moved toward X, Y and Z shafts by the XYZ shaft transfer means, scans a grating image by the frequency of N times to a side of the measuring object supported and fixed to the work stage, obtains the changed grating image by the measuring object by N times; a light emitting means mounted to a side of the image obtaining means for generating and emitting light with a predetermined wavelength; and a control unit which irradiates light generated from the light emitting means mounted to a side of the image obtaining means to the reference surface set the side of the work stage, receives the changed grating image obtained from the image obtain

Abstract: There is provided a three-dimensional shape detecting device comprising: pattern beam projection means which projects a plurality of pattern beams including two pattern beams having different angular widths; image capturing means which captures an image of a subject onto which the pattern beams are projected, from a position a prescribed distance apart from the pattern beam projection means; and three-dimensional shape calculation means which calculates positions of the pattern beams projected on the subject based on the image captured by the image capturing means and thereby determines a three-dimensional shape of the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, easier discrimination and identification of the reflections is made possible.

Abstract: The profile of a single feature formed on a wafer can be determined by obtaining an optical signature of the single feature using a beam of light focused on the single feature. The obtained optical signature can then be compared to a set of simulated optical signatures, where each simulated optical signature corresponds to a hypothetical profile of the single feature and is modeled based on the hypothetical profile.

Abstract: A procedure serves for the testing of tires by means of a testing system. The testing system includes a memory in which geometric data (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of the tire (7) are stored, and at least one probe (8) for testing the tire (7) surface. To improve on such a device, the probe or probes (8) are positioned with due consideration for the geometric data (1-6) of the tire (7) for the testing of the tire (7) surface (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A system and method of determining a height and/or position of at least one element on an area array device. A laser beam scans the area array device using at least two different laser light intensities. Reflected light is sampled, and the height and/or position of the element is determined using, e.g., optical triangulation.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape is measured by a simple system structure. A three-dimensional shape measuring instrument comprises a device (1-1) in which a light-emitting diode (1-1b) is installed as a marker in a line laser light source (1-1a), an imaging device (1-2), and a computer (1-3). For measurement, a line laser beam from the device (1-1) is applied to an object (1-4) to be measured, the imaging device (1-2) images the applied line laser beam (1-5) and the light-emitting diode, and a three-dimensional shape is obtained from the image data by triangulation by means of the computer (1-3).

Abstract: In order to provide a surface shape measuring apparatus and a surface shape measuring method capable of detecting a distortion on the curved surface of a work precisely, a laser displacement meter 17 disposed to the outside surface of a door panel 51 of a curved shape at a confronting position, a Z-axis servo motor 24 to move the laser displacement meter 17 along the top-and-bottom direction with respect to the outside surface of the door panel 51, an X-axis servo motor 22 to move the laser displacement meter 17 along the left-and-right direction, and a Y-axis servo motor 26 to move the laser displacement meter 17 along an confronting direction in which the laser displacement meter 17 and the outside surface of the door panel 51 oppose each other, are provided, and a CPU 21 controls the Y-axis servo motor 26 in such a manner that a constant distance is maintained in the confronting direction between the laser displacement meter 17 and the outside surface of the door panel 51.

Abstract: A method of constructing a concealing volume comprises constructing a plurality of concealing volume elements around a concealable volume. Each concealing volume element has a material parameter arranged to direct a propagating wave around the concealable volume.

Abstract: A polarizing multiplexer includes a first arm with a first beam splitter to receive a first unpolarized light from an object and a first retarder coupled to the first beam splitter to generate a first right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) beam. A normal incident beam splitter is used to receive the first RHCP beam. The multiplexer also includes a second arm with a second beam splitter to receive a second unpolarized light from an object; and a second retarder coupled to the second beam splitter to generate a left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) beam, wherein the LHCP beam is reflected off the normal incident beam splitter and converted to a second RHCP beam. Light from both arms pass through the second retarder and are converted to p-polarized light before transmitting through the second beam splitter to an image sensor.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring structural parts which comprises a measuring system having at least two sensors for optoelectronic scanning of such a structural part wherein said part and said sensors are movable relatively to each other along a shifting path and wherein said sensors are provided with a radiation source directed to a surface of the structural part and with a receiver means, characterized by the fact that at least one sensor is an area sensor adapted to scan one surface section of the structural part (2) in each measuring time interval and/or that at least one sensor is a line sensor adapted to detect one profile line of said structural part in each measuring interval.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a laser three-dimensional digitizing sensor. First, a three-dimensional coordinator X-Y-Z is defined and a calibrating surface is provided. Second, a first mapping table of a two-dimensional digital image to the Z axis is established by translating the calibrating surface along the Z axis. Subsequently, the calibrating surface rotates along the Y axis by a predetermined angle and translates along the Z axis to establish the second mapping table of the two-dimensional digital image and the X axis according to the first mapping table.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for rapid and precise scanning of the three-dimensional (3-D) profile of a dental cast. Disclosed is a measurement apparatus comprising two symmetrically arranged optical projection units and plural image capturing units each including optical components and optical lenses. The geometrical relationship between the optical projection units and the plaster dental cast are such arranged to ensure precise projection of laser beams and comprehensive measurement. The plural image capturing units serve to capture the reflected, structured light patterns, based on which patterns a 3-D occlusal profile is rapidly and precisely calculated through the triangulation principle, thereby allowing efficient and precise measurement of the 3-D occlusal profile of the plaster dental cast.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing information regarding a surface including a first plurality of optical elements arranged to acquire two dimensional information about a surface, a second plurality of optical elements arranged to acquire topographical information about the surface, wherein the first plurality and the second plurality of optical elements are arranged to simultaneously provide the two dimensional information and the topographical information to at least partially non-overlapping portions of a single sensor array.

Abstract: From a survey vehicle, two types of data are obtained: images from a camera and reflections from a laser. The laser data is filtered in order to detect assets. The detected assets are then processed to locate and measure the assets. Once this information has been obtained, it is combined with the images captured by the camera in order to recognize the assets.

Abstract: A device for measuring one or more dimensions of an object. One or more light emitters direct light towards the object. At least one light blocking element, arranged between the light emitters and the object, blocks all but a bundle of light to form a light edge on the object. At least one sensor captures an image of the light edge, wherein the dimensions may be determined from image data of the sensor. The object and/or device may move relative to one another, along an axis, to change measurement location of the object.

Abstract: A system including confocal and triangulation-based scanners or subsystems provides data which is both acquired and processed under the control of a control algorithm to obtain information such as dimensional information about microscopic targets which may be “non-cooperative.” The “non-cooperative” targets are illuminated with a scanning beam of electromagnetic radiation such as laser light incident from a first direction. A confocal detector of the electromagnetic radiation is placed at a first location for receiving reflected radiation which is substantially optically collinear with the incident beam of electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a spatial filter for attenuating background energy. The triangulation-based subsystem also includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation which is placed at a second location which is non-collinear with respect to the incident beam. This detector has a position sensitive axis. Digital data is derived from signals produced by the detectors.

Abstract: Optical displacement sensor may possess light-emitting element(s) for projecting light onto distance measurement target(s), and light-receiving element(s) capable of receiving light reflected from distance measurement target(s) and disposed such that light-receiving surface(s) thereof is or are substantially perpendicular to optical axis or axes R1 of projected light. Furthermore, such optical displacement sensor(s) may be equipped with slit(s) capable of narrowing light beam(s) projected toward distance measurement target(s), and slit(s) capable of narrowing light reflected from distance measurement target(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the location of objects arranged on a convex surface. A plurality of cameras is arranged in a stationary array about the surface, and is used to capture images of the objects. A parameterized model of the surface is developed using optimization techniques, and then the locations of the objects are established by triangulation. The method is applied to location of electrophysiological sensors on the head, for purposes of electroencephalographic source analysis, or for registration with other imaging modalities such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Abstract: A intra-oral laser digitizer system provides a three-dimensional visual image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period. The intra-oral digitizer may be inserted into an oral cavity (in vivo) to capture an image of a dental item such as a tooth, multiple teeth or dentition. The captured image is processed to generate the three-dimension visual image.

Abstract: A non-contact surface measurement system, method and apparatus provides data to computers so that the topography of the surface of an object can be digitally recreated. 3-D images that define tool paths can be created from the data. Thus, cavities may be formed in selected materials by a tool. The appropriately selected materials safely encapsulate the object, which may be an artifact, art object, or other fragile or valuable item for moving or storage.

Abstract: A laser digitizer system provides a visual three-dimensional image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-dimensional metrology and inspection of a specimen such as a bumped wafer are provided. One method includes scanning the specimen with partial oblique illumination to form an image of the structure, either through the normal collection angle or through an oblique collection angle. The method also includes integrating an intensity of the image and determining a height of the structure from the integrated intensity. The integrated intensity may be approximately proportional or inversely proportional to the height of the structure. In addition, the method may include scanning the specimen with bright field illumination to form a bright field image of the specimen. The method may also include determining a lateral dimension of the structure from the bright field image. Furthermore, the method may include detecting defects on the specimen from the bright field image or the obliquely-illuminated image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the three-dimensional surface shape of an object using color informations of light reflected by the object. The method and apparatus for measuring the three-dimensional surface shape of the object, in which a real-time measurement of the three-dimensional surface is performed by projecting a beam of light having color information onto the object and detecting color distribution information according to levels of the object, thereby obtaining level information of the object.

Abstract: An application of phase profilometry to determine the 3-D configuration of normally obscured structure. In one application, the undercarriage of a vehicle is captured in a 3-D profile while the vehicle is operating normally. The system may use a digital camera; a computer for control, communications, processing, comparing configurations and database storage; a broadband light source; and a device positioned between the light and structure that enables an alternating strip or strips of light and shadows to impinge the obscured surface. A preferred embodiment uses a single straight edge as the device. In addition to profiling the undercarriage of a vehicle and comparing it to an expected configuration of a like vehicle, the system may be used for such diverse applications as determination of correct toll at toll booths, quality inspection in an assembly line, safety and security inspections, and access control.

Abstract: A process for measuring of an object geometry is disclosed using a coordinate measuring device wherein the object geometry is recorded by an optical sensor and represented as an image content, wherein within the image content, geometric structures suitable for the measurement of the object are subsequently selected and evaluated.

Abstract: Process for measuring distances by optical means on a specular or quasi-specular strip (1) of bright metal, characterised by the following steps: an incident light beam is emitted by a source (7) incorporated into a measurement head (10), said source projecting a pattern (11) in the form of a plurality of points, preferably a line, arranged along an axis that is essentially perpendicular to the motion direction of the metal surface, in an incidence direction upon a fixed part (5), preferably non-specular, of the installation; firstly, said beam is partially reflected by said fixed part (5) essentially along the same path as the incident beam and in the opposite direction towards a detector (8) belonging to said measurement head (10) and located in the immediate vicinity of said source (7); secondly, said beam is partially reflected towards said metal strip (1), from where it is further reflected in the direction of said detector (8).

Abstract: A laser apparatus for monitoring the rails of a railway or tramway line, characterized by comprising at least two measurement units mounted on a railway or tramway carriage and operating at last on the inner part of the two rails, along with said carriage is made to advance, and a unit for processing the signals transmitted by said measurement units, each of which comprises at least one triangulation reading device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for measuring runout of a rotating tool are provided. A rotating tool is illuminated with a coherent electromagnetic radiation. The tool has an axis and a reflective surface, and completes a rotation in one period. The surface has a radial displacement from the axis of the rotating tool. A path, of coherent electromagnetic radiation reflected from the reflective surface is sensed. A maximum radial displacement is determined based upon the sensed path and a minimum radial displacement is determined based upon the sensed path. A runout is determined based upon the difference between the maximum radial displacement and the minimum radial displacement. A tool edge margin can be measured by analysis of specific areas of the rotating tool.

Abstract: In a method for characterizing a surface comprising a localized unevenness, a contour line of the surface is initially created as a function of a location variable. Subsequently, the localized unevenness is detected in the contour line and eliminated from the contour line, so that an incomplete contour line results as a function of the location variable, which characterizes the surface without the localized unevenness. The incomplete contour line may be used to either be able to evaluate the surface without any localized points of unevenness, for example to determine the side wobble or height wobble of a tire, if the surface is a side flank and/or a running tread of a vehicle tire, or to classify the localized points of unevenness without any influence of the surface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging method and system illuminates an object to be imaged with a light pattern that is formed from two or more light sub-patterns. The sub-patterns can each encompass the visible light spectrum or can be spatially varying intensity sub-patterns that each correspond to a red, green, or blue component. The light pattern is generated by a slotted planar member or an optical filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactlessly measuring a measurement object is proposed, which has an optical sensor, the optical sensor having an optical probe having a light source and a measurement objective for directing a light beam onto a measurement object and a receiver device for detecting a light beam reflected from the measurement object and generating a corresponding measurement signal; an advancing apparatus for altering the distance between the optical sensor and the measurement object in a first coordinate direction in a manner dependent on the measurement signal generated by the receiver device; and an evaluation unit for determining the coordinates of the measurement point on the measurement object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recognizing a curved lane, the method comprising: dividing an image processing range into an upper range and a lower range if photographs of lane images are supplied; and modeling straight lines in the two divided image processing ranges respectively, and obtaining a curvature of the lane using the modeled straight lines.

Abstract: A range finder device, for measuring, when a plurality of projected lights having radiation patterns whose light intensity differs three-dimensional space-wise are irradiated onto an object from a light source on a time-sharing basis to image-pick up reflected light of the projected light from the object with a camera, a distance using the light intensity of an image picked up, characterized in that, with respect to each of a plurality of surfaces including the center of the light source and the center of a lens, there is obtained, in advance, relation between an angle of each projected light from the light source and light intensity ratio in each surface, characterized in that, at the time of actual distance measurement, light intensity of each pixel of the camera is measured, and on the basis of the light intensity thus measured, and relation between the angle and the light intensity ratio on a predetermined surface corresponding to a coordinate position of the pixel measured, there is obtained the angle co

Abstract: A 3-D camera and a method for recording surface structures on an object of interest by triangulation, in particular for dental purposes. The camera provides for producing a group of light beams in order to illuminate the object of interest via a projection optical path, an image sensor for receiving light back-scattered by the object of interest via an observation optical path, and provides, in the projection optical path, for producing a pattern projected onto the object of interest. To avoid ambiguities in the event of large height differences, the camera provides for the projection optical path and/or the observation optical path for altering the triangulation angle, which is defined by the angle between the centroid beam of the projection optical path and the centroid beam of the observation optical path. The proposed process involves the taking of at least two 3-D measurements of the same object of interest with different triangulation angles.