Abstract: An estimation method includes projecting a pattern image onto an object via a zoom lens, generating imaging data by capturing the pattern image on the object, estimating, based on the imaging data, a position of a principal point of the zoom lens during the projection of the pattern image, and estimating, based on a first characteristic value representing a characteristic of the zoom lens at time when the principal point of the zoom lens is present in a first position and a second characteristic value representing a characteristic of the zoom lens at time when the principal point of the zoom lens is present in a second position, a characteristic value representing a characteristic of the zoom lens at time when the principal point of the zoom lens is present in the estimated position.

Abstract: A target provided to a substrate placement portion is detected by an object detection sensor at a plurality of rotation positions of the substrate placement portion. An index length which is a distance from a robot reference axis to the target in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction, or information correlated therewith, is calculated. At least one of a rotation position of a detection line about the robot reference axis and a rotation position of the substrate placement portion about a rotation axis when the target located on a line connecting the robot reference axis and the rotation axis is detected is calculated on the basis of the calculated index length or the calculated information correlated therewith. A direction in which the rotation axis is present as seen from the robot reference axis is specified on the basis of the calculated rotation position.

Abstract: A device for measuring tread depth of tyres, wherein in use a tyre can be driven over the device in a first direction, the device comprising: a light source arranged to illuminate the tyre; an obstruction extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and arranged to partially block the light emitted from the light source such that a shadow is cast on the tyre when the tyre is located above the device, and such that the shadow is cast on the tyre in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tread of the tyre; and a camera arranged to view an illuminated section of the tyre.

Abstract: A system for detecting machining errors for a laser machining system for machining a workpiece includes: a detection unit for detecting image data and height data of a machined workpiece surface; and a computing unit. The computing unit is designed to generate an input tensor based on the detected image data and height data and to determine an output tensor on the basis of the input tensor using a transfer function. The output tensor contains information on a machining error.

Abstract: A system that facilitates collecting data is described herein. The system includes a digital camera that is configured to capture images in a visible light spectrum and a near-infrared camera that is configured to capture near infrared images, wherein a field of view of the digital camera and the field of view of the near-infrared camera are substantially similar. The system further includes a trigger component that is configured to cause the digital camera and the near-infrared camera to capture images at a substantially similar point in time, and also includes a mounting mechanism that facilitates mounting the digital camera and the near-infrared camera to an automobile.

Abstract: A simulation device simulates a robot device including two two-dimensional cameras. The simulation device includes a setting point arrangement unit which arranges a plurality of setting points on a surface of a workpiece model, and a distance calculation unit which calculates distances from a three-dimensional sensor model to each of the setting points. The simulation device includes a three-dimensional information generating unit which generates three-dimensional information including positions of the setting points and distances from the three-dimensional sensor model to the setting points. The simulation device includes an exclusion unit which excludes the setting point that is not visible from the camera models. The simulation device changes a position and orientation of a robot model on the basis of the three-dimensional information.

Abstract: A laser projection method and device for drape-molding a part on a mold includes encoders to determine the theoretical position of calibration patterns according to a displacement of the mold such that a laser projector is automatically recalibrated when the mold is repositioned during the drape-molding operation.

Abstract: A device for measuring objects is provided, said device comprising a mobile base such that it is movable to objects to be measured. Then, the object may be measured by means of a measuring head fastened to a kinematic unit.

Abstract: A system for visually enhancing a surface. For example, the system may include an assembly that may be configured to project a laser line across at least a portion of the surface. Versions of the laser line may be projected at an angle of incidence relative to a plane defined by the surface. For example, the angle of incidence may be in a range of about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees. In one version, the laser line may be substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the surface. In addition, the laser line may enable enhanced, qualitative user visualization of the surface and non-planar distortion in the surface.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic components includes a light-source device, a photography device, an adjustment device, and an image-processing device. The light-source device generates a light to illuminate at least one pin of a first electronic component at different rotation angles. The photography device senses the light and generates first and second images corresponding to the pin of the first electronic component at different rotation angles. The adjustment device adjusts the photography device and the light-source device to a first height and a second height, wherein the first images correspond to the first height and the second images correspond to the second height. The image-processing device calculates first feature information of the pin of the first electronic component according the first and second images, and analyzes the state of the pin of the first electronic component according to the first feature information.

Abstract: A system for capturing a 3D image of a subject includes a detection device which is structured to capture images of the subject and surrounding environment, a projection device which is structured to provide a source of structured light, and a processing unit in communication with the detection device and the projection device. The processing unit is programmed to: analyze an image of the subject captured by the detection device; modify one or more of: the output of the projection device or the intensity of a source of environmental lighting illuminating the subject based on the analysis of the image; and capture a 3D image of the subject with the detection device and the projection device using the modified one or more of the output of the projection device or the intensity of the source of environmental lighting illuminating the subject.

Abstract: Method for setting up a tyre checking apparatus, said apparatus (1) comprising at least: a support base (34) for a tyre (2) a first acquisition device (430) and a second acquisition device (43a) for acquiring images representative of said tyre (2) positioned on said support base (34); a first robotic member (40a) for moving said second acquisition device (43a). Said method comprises: providing a setup device (100) comprising: a first wall (110) having first predefined shapes (F1); a second wall (120) having second predefined shapes (F2), said second wall (120) being substantially parallel and non-coplanar to said first wall (110); a top surface (130); a central reference (140) arranged on said top surface (130). Said method also comprises: executing at least one of a first set-up and a second set-up.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method capable of accurately measuring consecutive shapes of a measurement target even when an imaging means, which captures images of the shape of the measurement target, is moved along the measurement target while irradiating the measurement target with light.

Abstract: First and second reflective portions are angled (e.g., included angle of approximately 178 degrees) with respect to one another to produce a parallax image of a structured light pattern (e.g., linear pattern) projected onto a surface of an object to determine at least one dimension (e.g., range, height, width) associated with the object. The reflections may be detected by a light sensor (e.g., a single linear image sensor) as dual “differential” parallax images of the structured light pattern, which advantageously inherently causes errors to cancel out.

Abstract: A method for image reconstruction includes irradiating an object with a beam of radiation from a radiation source, measuring an attenuated portion of the beam, estimating a density of the object, determining a predicted attenuated portion of the beam using the density estimate, and iteratively adjusting the density estimate of the object. The predicted attenuated portion and the measured attenuated portion are compared to determine a signal difference. The density estimate of each portion of the object is adjusted by scaling the density estimate using the average signal differences of rays that intersect the portion of the object. The density estimate may be repeatedly adjusted until a difference between consecutive density estimates is below a selected threshold or a predetermined number of adjustments have been completed. The attenuated portion of the beam may include a scattered portion and a transmitted portion.

Abstract: An online thickness detection platform having a first laser sensor and a second laser sensor that detect a thickness of a product passing between the first arm and the second arm of a C-type frame on which the first laser sensor and a second laser sensor, respectively are adjustably mounted. The first laser sensor and the second laser sensor do not contact the product during detecting the thickness of the product. Because the thickness of the product is detected online, the thickness of the product is monitored in real-time. When the thickness of the product exceeds or falls below an allowed value range, production of the product is stopped, thereby avoiding producing a large number of unqualified products with a thickness out of the allowed value range and waste is prevented.

Abstract: A device for measuring a gap and a step between two panels is disclosed. The device includes a laser radiating unit for emitting laser beam over a first panel and a second panel and in a first linear pattern across a gap between a first panel and a second panel. The device further includes a lighting unit for emitting a non-laser light beam over a first panel and a second panel and in a second linear pattern overlapping the first pattern across the gap between the first and the second panel. The system further comprises a camera for capturing images of the first linear pattern of laser and the second linear pattern of non-laser light projected over the first panel and the second panel. The system analyzes at least one image captured from the camera and estimates a width of the gap between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A method for aligning a chip onto a substrate is disclosed. The method includes, depositing a ferrofluid, onto a substrate that has one or more pads that electrically couple to a semiconductor layer. The method can include a chip with solder balls electrically coupled to the logic elements of the chip, which can be placed onto the deposited ferrofluid, where the chip is supported on the ferrofluid, in a substantially coplanar orientation to the substrate. The method can include determining if the chip is misaligned from a desired location on the substrate. The method can include adjusting the current location of the chip in response to determining that the solder balls of the chip are misaligned from the desired location on the pads of the substrate, until the chip is aligned in the desired location.

Abstract: A remote manipulation apparatus includes a touch sensor and a manipulation control circuit to detect manipulation on a manipulation surface using a manipulator's finger. The touch sensor and the manipulation control circuit can acquire a manipulation entity distance between the manipulation surface and the finger. When the manipulation entity distance is shorter than a first threshold distance, the manipulation control circuit associates the finger manipulation with a pointer control to move a pointer on a display screen. When the distance exceeds the first threshold distance, the manipulation control circuit associates the finger manipulation with a map control to move a map on the display screen. The manipulation control circuit stores a specified finger manipulation as an authorization manipulation. The association between the finger manipulation and the map control is inhibited until the authorization manipulation using the finger is performed.

Abstract: A localization system includes: n+1 number of luminescent devices, where n is an integer greater than or equal to one; and a position measurement device moving in each direction of n number of axes, wherein the luminescent device includes a luminescent unit, the luminescent unit emitting a light for measurement having an intensity that varies at a predetermined time cycle, the luminescent unit also emitting a light for identification including an information representing a position of the luminescent device, the luminescent unit emitting the light for measurement and the light for identification in synchrony with a phase of those emitted by another luminescent device; and the position measurement device includes a light reception unit, a position obtaining unit, a phase computation unit, a standard luminescent device selection unit, a phase difference computation unit, and a position computation unit.

Abstract: There is provided a form measuring apparatus including: a projection section configured to project a plurality kinds of patterns onto a measuring object in sequence, the plurality kinds of patterns having a common repetitive structure and differing in phase; an imaging section configured to acquire an image data set by taking an image of the measuring object every time each of the plurality kinds of patterns is projected onto the measuring object; a selecting section configured to select a data set as an adequate data set from the acquired image data set, the data set concerning an identical area on the measuring object, and all data in the set falling within an effective brightness range; and a form calculating section configured to find a form of the area as a basis of acquiring the adequate data on the measuring object, based on the selected adequate data set.

Abstract: A gap measurement device 1 comprises a light source 5 for projecting light on a gap 3 to be measured, a lens optical system 6 for focusing on an imaging surface 7 a gap image 3A from light transmitted through the gap 3, and a light-receiving element 9 for receiving light of the gap image 3A formed on the imaging surface 7 of the lens optical system 6. A holed mask 8 provided with a light-transmitting hole 8a having a prescribed aperture size is arranged on the imaging surface 7, and the light-receiving element 9 receives the light of the gap image 3A via the hole 8a. A gap size at a point to be measured in an extended gap 3 can be measured by forming an image of the gap with the lens optical system 6 and placing the hole 8a of the holed mask 8 on the point to be measured on the imaging surface 7 of the lens optical system 6.

Abstract: Minute surface unevenness formed on the surface of an object under inspection is detected, thereby improving the accuracy of an appearance inspection. A target surface in the sidewall region (21) of a tire (20) is illuminated by a red slit light from a first illuminating means (11) disposed in the direction of 45 degrees with respect to the normal line to the target surface. At the same time, the target surface is illuminated by a blue slit light from a second illuminating means (12) disposed in the direction of ?45 degrees with respect to the normal line. The illuminated surface is shot by a line camera (13) from the direction of the normal line. An R-component image and a B-component image are produced from the original image, and their respective luminance distribution waveforms are obtained. The surface unevenness formed on the target surface is detected on the basis of the luminance distribution waveforms.

Abstract: A three-dimensional scanner according to one aspect of the embodiments includes an irradiation unit, an imaging unit, a position detecting unit, and a scanning-region determining unit. The irradiation unit emits a slit-shaped light beam while changing an irradiation position with respect to a measuring object. The imaging unit sequentially captures images of the measuring object irradiated with the light beam. The position detecting unit detects a position of the light beam in an image captured by the imaging unit by scanning the image. The scanning-region determining unit determines a scanning region in an image as a scanning target by the position detecting unit based on a position of the light beam in an image captured by the imaging unit before the image as a scanning target.

Abstract: An apparatus is operated to determine the location of at least one object on a touch surface of a light transmissive panel. In the apparatus, an illumination arrangement introduces radiation into the panel for propagation by internal reflection between the touch surface and the opposite surface, so as to generate a grid of intersecting radiation paths in a sensing area, and a detection arrangement measures the transmitted energy in the radiation paths. A data processor then determines, based on the transmitted energy, the location based on an attenuation of two or more radiation paths caused by the object touching the touch surface within the sensing area. In the apparatus, the illumination arrangement generates at least a subset of the radiation paths by sweeping at least one beam of radiation along the touch surface.

Abstract: A system for simultaneous real-time three-dimensional geometry and color texture acquisition. The system includes a system processor for generating at least three phase shifted black and white fringe patterns with a phase shift of 2 ?/3, a light projector adapted to project the fringe patterns onto an object, the projector being electrically connected with the system processor, and a color camera for capturing the fringe patterns to generate at least three raw fringe images. The fringe images are used to calculate a black and white texture image which is further converted to a color image by employing a demosaicing algorithm. The fringe images are also used to calculate a wrapped phase map that is further processed to generate a continuous unwrapped phase map by employing a phase unwrapping algorithm and the unwrapped phase map is converted to co-ordinates using calibrated system parameters for point-by-point three-dimensional shape measurement.

Abstract: A shape measurement apparatus includes a distance measurement meter configured to emit and receive the beam in relation to the object; a beam deflection mechanism configured to deflect the beam from the distance measurement meter; and a control unit configured to determine at least one of a maximum beam deflection angle due to the beam deflection mechanism and the distance between a detected surface and the beam deflection mechanism when the beam is incident perpendicularly to the detected surface of the object, so that an error of a first measurement error that depends on a change in a spot diameter of the beam on the detected surface and a second measurement error that depends on an incidence angle on the detected surface of the beam is no more than a threshold value of a permitted error.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for imaging documents such as bank notes. The method comprises passing a document past an image sensor such as a line scan camera while sequentially illuminating the document using multi-mode illumination. Two or more light sources are used, each one producing a different mode of illumination. A lookup table divides documents into discrete successive sections (i.e. scan lines) and specifies a mode of illumination (e.g., color, azimuth, reflective, transmissive) for each section of a document during imaging. As the document passes the image sensor, the light sources are activated according to the sequence specified in the lookup table, producing an interleaved, multi-mode image of the document.

Abstract: A method is provided for classifying incoming products (e.g., chicken butterflies) to be portioned into two or more types of end products (e.g., sandwich portions, strips, nuggets, etc.) to meet production goals. The method includes generally five steps. First, information on incoming products is received. Second, for each incoming product, a parameter value (e.g., the weight of an end product to be produced from the incoming product) is calculated for each of the two or more types of end products that may be produced from the incoming product. Third, the calculated parameter values for the incoming products for the two or more types of end products, respectively, are normalized so as to meet the production goals while at the same time achieving optimum parameter values. Fourth, for each incoming product, the end product with the best (e.g., largest) normalized parameter value is selected as the end product to be produced from the incoming product.

Abstract: A sensor for determining a profile of an object surface relative to a reference plane includes a radiation source, a collector, a processor, first and second reflectors and at least one reflective element comprising third and fourth reflectors secured in mutual angular relation. The radiation source projects a launch beam for impingement onto the object surface. The collector detects at least a portion of a return beam reflected by the object surface. The processor determines the profile of the object surface at a point of impingement of the launch beam onto the object surface from at least one characteristic of the at least a portion of the return beam.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for laser profiling that simplifies the task of setting up and using laser profiling systems and associated applications by providing a profiler assembly that includes a predetermined arrangement of lens and spaced-apart laser in which the geometry and calibration parameters are predetermined. The profiler assembly is adapted to mount directly into the camera mount (typically threaded) of a conventional vision system camera. All components needed to perform the profiling task can be integrated into the profiler assembly. The integration of components in a single interchangeable/exchangeable assembly makes it straightforward to optimize/adapt the assembly for a particular profiling application.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for laser profiling that simplifies the task of setting up and using laser profiling systems and associated applications by providing a profiler assembly that includes a predetermined arrangement of lens and spaced-apart laser in which the geometry and calibration parameters are predetermined. The profiler assembly is adapted to mount directly into the camera mount (typically threaded) of a conventional vision system camera. All components needed to perform the profiling task can be integrated into the profiler assembly. The integration of components in a single interchangeable/exchangeable assembly makes it straightforward to optimize/adapt the assembly for a particular profiling application.

Abstract: An intensity modulating element for a probe having a plurality of light emitters for phase-shift analysis and measurement is disclosed. The intensity modulating element comprises a plurality of columns of a plurality of grating elements formed by two opposing patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a shape of a surface, comprises a measurement head which measures at least one of a distance between a reference point and the surface and a direction of a normal from the surface to the reference point, a scanning mechanism which scans the measurement head, and a processor which calculates the shape of the surface based on a measurement result measured using the measurement head and coordinates of the reference point, wherein the coordinates of the reference point are calibrated using a measurement result measured by scanning the measurement head along a scanning path in association with a first surface to be measured, and a shape of a second surface to be measured is calculated based on a measurement result measured by scanning the measurement head along the same scanning path in association with the second surface, and the calibrated coordinates of the reference point.

Abstract: An optical measuring device for monitoring a joint seam, joining head and laser welding head. The optical measuring device monitors a joining region in a workpiece and has at least one light-section device with a first light source for casting a light fan in the direction of the workpiece to be joined, making a triangulation light line within the joining region which intersects a joint seam. An illumination device with a second light source homogeneously illuminates the joining region. A first optical sensor with a first observation beam path for spatially resolved imaging of the triangulation light line is projected onto the joint seam. A second optical sensor with a second observation beam path for spatially resolved imaging of the joint seam is coaxially coupled with the first observation beam path. The readout rate of the first and second optical sensors is >1 kHz and <500 Hz, respectively.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of sections of extrados or intrados curves of an elongated workpiece travelling in a bending machine along a forwarding direction, the elongated workpiece having cross-sections each of which is separated by a neutral axis in both an extended portion and a compressed portion when the elongated workpiece is subjected to bending, and at least a neutral cross-section, i.e. not subjected to bending, neutral cross-section beyond which the bending of the elongated workpiece begins along the forwarding direction thereof, provides a measuring instrument positioned so that it engages either an extrados or an intrados point of the elongated workpiece near the neutral cross-section, but displaced therefrom in the forwarding direction of the elongated workpiece. Further, a measuring instrument on a bending machine that embodies the method is described.

Abstract: An imaging system (10) and method (200) for reading residential and/or commercial meters. The system and method comprise a transmission element (12) that attaches to an external location of a meter (24). The transmission element (12) selectively communicates a reading signal (40) corresponding to a meter value. The system and method further comprise an imaging unit (14) located within the transmission element (12) that images the meter value at a prescribed frequency. The system and method also comprise a transceiving arrangement (16) that receives the reading signal (40) communication from the transmission element. The transceiving arrangement (16) also comprises a converter (44) that analyzes and converts the reading signal (40) communication to a use signal (46).

Abstract: Measuring a volume of space including providing a laser scanner having a transmitter, a receiver, a beam steering mechanism, and a display unit integral to the laser scanner. A plurality of distances to measuring points are determined based at least in part on propagation times of measuring beams sent from the beam steering mechanism and reflected beams. Gray-scale values representative of the measuring points are determined and assigned to elements of a measuring point array, and the measuring point array is transformed into a display point array that corresponds to a first number of display points. The measuring point array corresponds to a second number of measuring points greater than the first number. The transforming includes assigning display gray-scale values to elements of the display point array. For each display point, a pixel of the display unit is illuminated, with the level of illumination depending on the display gray-scale value.

Abstract: A system and method for determining rail seat abrasion of a rail road track is disclosed. An inspection system comprises lasers, cameras, and processors adapted to determine whether rail seat abrasion is present along the track. The processor employs a mathematics based algorithm which compensates for tilt encountered as the inspection system moves along the track.

Abstract: An interface that allows a user to explore complex three dimensional datasets. The user manipulates a physical modeling material that defines the geometry of a surface that intersects a voxel dataset and the intersected voxel values are projected back onto the surface of the physical material as image data. A position sensor captures position data specifying the geometry of the surface, a processor compares the array of data values with the captured position data to identify selected ones of these data values whose position in the array corresponds to the geometry of the surface, and a projector for illuminates the surface with an image representative of the data at the array/surface intersection.

Abstract: A feature of a workpiece can be identified. Two-dimensional data of at least a region of a workpiece and three-dimensional data of a portion of the region of the workpiece are acquired, such as by illuminating at least the region with at least a first light source disposed at a first angle of incidence relative to a plane of the region and illuminating the portion with a second light source, such as at least one laser, disposed at a second angle of incidence greater than the first angle of incidence. An estimated location of an attribute of a feature of the workpiece is determined from the three-dimensional data, and the feature is identified by analyzing the two-dimensional data in an area surrounding the estimated location of the attribute. Attributes of features can include without limitation a point along a line of an edge.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for grouping individual products such as industrially baked products that travel past a visiometry station into lots for counting them. In a viewing zone of a conveyor belt, a laser triangulation visiometry system is used. The method and apparatus also uses a signal processor associated with the camera that deduces from the images acquired thereby at least one piece of information on the location of the products on the conveyor belt as well as height information thereon. This information is then used by the signal processor to automatically distinguish between the presence of a product and the presence of contaminating material (for example flour or chocolate particles) on the conveyor belt and to distinguish the presence of several partially or fully overlapping products from the presence of a single product on said conveyor belt. Preferably, two cameras are disposed symmetrically relative to a laser plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the viewing zone.

Abstract: The acquisition and reproduction units of the system are interconnected by means of a network in order to survey and regenerate the outline of any kind of object and to reproduced it either virtually in a CAD 3D system or materially in plastic, composite or papery material.

Abstract: A light-emitting hand-held surface profiler for scanning and profiling the surfaces of objects has a transparent housing, a focusable light source, a conical mirror aligned to redirect light emitted by the light source onto a surface to be profiled, an imaging sensor and a lens aligned to redirect toward the imaging sensor light reflected by the surface onto the lens. The light source, conical mirror, imaging sensor and lens are mounted within the housing and positionally referentially coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An intensity modulating element for a probe having a plurality of light emitters for phase-shift analysis and measurement is disclosed. The intensity modulating element comprises a plurality of columns of a plurality of grating elements formed by two opposing patterns.

Abstract: A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.

Abstract: A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for obtaining additional information from an object and a method for surface imaging and three-dimensional imaging. Single lens, single aperture, single sensor system and stereo optic systems are enhanced via selective filtering, use of defocusing information, use of an addressable pattern, image matching, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A probe includes an insertion tube and a plurality of light emitters disposed on the distal end of the insertion tube. The probe further includes at least one intensity modulating element through which light from the plurality of light emitters is passed to project a plurality of fringe sets onto a surface. Each of the plurality of fringe sets intern have a structured-light pattern that is projected when one emitter group of at least one of the plurality of light emitters is emitting. The probe further includes an imager for obtaining at least one image of the surface and a processing unit that is configured to perform phase-shift analysis on the at least one image. A method for projecting a plurality of fringe sets suitable for phase-shift analysis on a surface using a probe is also presented.