Abstract: Provided are a shape inspection device, a processing device, a height image processing method, and a height image processing program capable of accurately inspecting a measurement object. A profile data generation unit sequentially generates a plurality of pieces of profile data as the measurement object relatively moves in a Y-axis direction. A height image generation unit extracts characteristic points for the respective pieces of profile data, and moves the respective pieces of profile data in a plane intersecting with a Y axis such that the extracted characteristic points are aligned in a line in a direction corresponding to the Y axis. Then, the height image generation unit arranges the moved profile data in a direction corresponding to the Y axis to correct a height image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external parameter calibration method for robot sensors as well as an apparatus, robot and storage medium with the same. The method includes: obtaining first sensor data and second sensor data obtained through a first sensor and a second sensor of the robot by collecting position information of a calibration reference object and converting to a same coordinate system to obtain corresponding first converted sensor data and second converted sensor data, thereby determining a first coordinate and a second coordinate of a reference point of the calibration reference object; using the first coordinate and the second coordinate are as a set of coordinate data; repeating the above-mentioned steps to obtain N sets of the coordinate data to calculate the external parameter between the first sensor and the second sensor in response to a relative positional relationship between the robot and the calibration reference object being changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an online measurement system and method for multiple parameters of a wheel based on structured light. The measurement system comprises a wheel sensor, a first wheel online measurement device and a second wheel online measurement device, and is characterized in that both the first wheel online measurement device and the second wheel online measurement device comprise a tread structured light unit, a profile structured light unit and a two-dimensional image sensor. The tread structured light unit and the profile structured light unit project a profile contour curve and a tread contour curve on the wheel, the two-dimensional image sensor takes images, three-dimensional reconstruction is performed on the images to obtain tread contour information and profile contour information, and the wheel diameter, the wheel flange height and the wheel flange thickness are acquired according to the obtained contour information.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of using image data to estimate motion of a vehicle observed within camera images, such as images captured by a vehicle navigation system of a host vehicle. Various embodiments may include a camera capturing a sequence of images including the observed vehicle, and a processor performing image processing to identify a wheel of the observed vehicle, and determining a rate of rotation of the wheel based on changes in orientation of the wheel between at least two images within the sequence of images. The processor may further determine a speed of the observed vehicle based on the wheel's rate of rotation and diameter. The processor may further determine a direction of travel and/or turning rate of the observed vehicle by determining relative angles of wheels of the observed vehicle in at least one image.

Abstract: A display device and a mobile information terminal including the same are disclosed. The display device includes a display panel on which a fingerprint is touched, and a fingerprint sensor coupled to the display panel configured to sense light reflected from the fingerprint on a display area of the display panel. The fingerprint sensor is attached obliquely on the display panel at a predetermined angle to a reference line parallel to a long axis of the display panel.

Abstract: A motion compensation method and apparatus applicable to laser point cloud data includes acquiring laser point cloud data of a frame; using an acquisition time of a start point as a target time; interpolating coordinate transformation relations and an end laser point, to obtain coordinate transformation relations of other laser points, and transforming coordinates of the other laser points to the coordinates at the target time. During motion compensation on each frame of laser point cloud data, the coordinate transformation relations corresponding to only the start and end laser points are obtained, and the coordinate transformation relations corresponding to the two points are interpolated to obtain transformation relations corresponding to other laser points, thus performing motion compensation. Therefore, the processing speed is improved and meets high real-time requirements on systems such as autopilot control systems.

Abstract: At an imaging site an imaging device (14) generates an image of a subject (4) and an imaging light markers generation device (6) generates light markers at locations on a surface of the subject before an interventional procedure is performed. At an interventional site an interventional light markers generation device (17) generates light markers at the locations on the surface of the subject (4) and a localization device (25, 27) determines the position of a catheter during the interventional procedure. A position determination unit (29) then determines the position of the catheter within the pre-interventional image based on the position of the catheter determined by the localization device and provided spatial relations between the devices used for generating the image and the light markers and for localizing the catheter. This allows showing the position of the catheter within the pre-interventional image without necessarily using x-rays.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a projector and a camera. The projector includes a light source unit and a projector lens barrel unit. The camera includes a camera lens barrel unit. As viewed in a direction that is orthogonal to a direction toward which an optical axis of the projector travels, the projector lens barrel unit is arranged to overlap with the camera lens barrel unit, and the light source unit is arranged so as not to overlap with the camera. A duct via which air to be blown to the light source travels is arranged in such a manner that the air travels in a direction orthogonal to the direction toward which the optical axis of the projector travels.

Abstract: A measurement system comprises an illumination module, an image pickup device, an angle adjustment module, and a control unit. The illumination module is configured to illuminate an object. The image pickup device is configured to pick up an image of the object. The angle adjustment module is configured to adjust an relative angle between the object and the image pickup device. The control unit is electrically connected to the image pickup device and the angle adjustment module and configured to receive an image signal from the image pickup device. The control unit is configured to command the angle adjustment module to adjust the relative angle to at least three values. The image pickup device is configured to pick up images of the object respectively corresponding to the at least three values. The control unit is configured to calculate the relative angle between the object and the image pickup device.

Abstract: There is provided a form measuring apparatus including: an imager configured to take an image of a object, an irradiator configured to irradiate a measurement light from a projection direction different from the direction along which the imager performs imaging to form a predetermined light amount distribution on the object, a reference light generator configured to generate a reference light to irradiate the object, and a detector configured to detect a target area for form measurement of the object based on a pickup image taken by the imager as the reference light is irradiated on the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot ankle and lower leg. The apparatus includes an alignment structure that orientates the foot for imaging. The alignment structure includes at least one support member that engages the plantar surface of the foot substantially only in the immediate area of the lateral metatarsal heads of the foot, preferably the fifth metatarsal head. The support generates a dorsally-directed force that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment structure further includes a saddle that engages the rearfoot and a laser beam for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that imaging is able to produce an accurate measurement of the subject areas of the foot, ankle and lower leg without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for confocal imaging of a non-flat specimen comprising a coherent light source for producing a light beam, imaging optics adapted to focus the light beam into at least one spot on a surface of a specimen, and a detector adapted to receive and detect light reflected from the specimen surface. The imaging optics comprise at least one optical component located so that the light reflected from the specimen surface passes therethrough on its way to the detector. The optical component is movable so as to move the at least one spot, within a range of movement, to a number of distinct locations in a plane perpendicular to the apparatus' optical axis, within the detector's integration time.

Abstract: A depth camera computing device is provided, including a depth camera and a data-holding subsystem holding instructions executable by a logic subsystem. The instructions are configured to receive a raw image from the depth camera, convert the raw image into a processed image according to a weighting function, and output the processed image. The weighing function is configured to vary test light intensity information generated by the depth camera from a native image collected by the depth camera from a calibration scene toward calibration light intensity information of a reference image collected by a high-precision test source from the calibration scene.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging unit includes a plurality of image pickup devices that image an image and a rotation drive device which rotates the image pickup devices and adjusts optical axes such that reflections of an object to be measured in a space to be measured have a predetermined amount of overlap. An association calculating unit calculates position association information of pixels when a required measurement point is mapped onto a plurality of images. A three-dimensional shape calculating unit calculates a three-dimensional shape of the object to be measured using the position association information and rotational information of the rotation drive device. A three-dimensional shape estimation calculating unit estimates, from the three-dimensional shape, a three-dimensional shape of a region of the object to be measured where the three-dimensional shape is not obtained.

Abstract: An optical sensor assembly in which a four axis gimbal and dual coelostat mirror configuration provide pointing of the sensor line of sight in azimuth and elevation, stabilized for platform pitch. One example of a sensor system includes a first optical sub-system including a first plurality of optical elements, and a second optical sub-system configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the first optical sub-system. The second optical sub-system includes afocal foreoptics configured to direct a collimated beam of electromagnetic radiation to the first optical sub-system, a first coelostat minor configured to rotate about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a second coelostat mirror configured to rotate about a third axis substantially perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, and to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected by the first coelostat minor and to direct the electromagnetic radiation to the afocal foreoptics.

Abstract: A method for depth mapping includes illuminating an object with a time-coded pattern and capturing images of the time-coded pattern on the object using a matrix of detector elements. The time-coded pattern in the captured images is decoded using processing circuitry embedded in each of the detector elements so as to generate respective digital shift values, which are converted into depth coordinates.

Abstract: A laser scanner measures 3D coordinates from a first position and a second position and uses a sensor unit that includes at least an accelerometer and gyroscope to register the 3D coordinates, the registration based at least in part on comparison to a measured sensor displacement to a preferred displacement value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning probe (100) for the dimensional acquisition of an object (400) by irradiating the object (400) with light and detecting reflected light comprising: a detection unit (120) comprising an imaging sensor (122) and a sensor lens assembly (124) for detecting the reflected light, a light projecting unit (141) comprising a light source (142) for generating light, and source optics (145) for focusing the light, and light plane generating optics (143) for generating a light plane (149) for irradiating the object, and an adjustment mechanism (155) comprised in the light projecting unit (141), for adjusting the position or orientation of the light plane relative to the detection unit. It further relates to a method for assembly of a scanning probe (100).

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: An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of a threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a shoe is enhanced by creating 3-D models of shoe parts. For example, a laser beam may be projected onto a shoe-part surface, such that a projected laser line appears on the shoe part. An image of the projected laser line may be analyzed to determine coordinate information, which may be converted into geometric coordinate values usable to create a 3-D model of the shoe part. Once a 3-D model is known and is converted to a coordinate system recognized by shoe-manufacturing tools, certain manufacturing steps may be automated.

Abstract: A method is provided for measurement of the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of a pipeline at least partly filled with a medium including hydrocarbons, the medium being for instance oil or natural gas, wherein the method includes: projecting infrared light onto the inner wall of the pipeline along a line corresponding to the intersection between the inner wall of the pipeline and a cross-sectional plane of the pipeline; registering an image of the infrared light projected on the inner wall of the pipeline; and determining the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of the pipeline based on the registered image.

Abstract: An inspection device and an inspection method for boiler furnace water wall tubes. The inspection device includes a scanner including columns placed upright and fixed by magnets onto the surfaces of multiple water wall tubes extending in the up-down direction on the inner wall surfaces of the boiler furnace, a support frame fixed to the columns to support a displacement sensor producing laser light to be irradiated onto the surface of a water wall tube, and a moving mechanism for moving the displacement sensor in the axial direction of the water wall tube relative to the support frame. A signal processing unit calculates the amount of reduced wall thickness of the water wall tube from a difference between the cross-sectional surface shape of the water wall tube based on a signal from the displacement sensor and a reference shape without reduction in wall thickness.

Abstract: Dimensions of a surface feature are determined by capturing an image of the surface feature and determining a scale associated with the image. Structured light may be projected onto the surface, such that the position of structured light in the captured image allows determination of scale. A non-planar surface may be unwrapped. The surface may alternatively be projected into a plane to correct for the scene being tilted with respect to the camera axis. A border of the surface feature may be input manually by a user. An apparatus and system for implementing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement method for thread parameters for a threaded object (3), by means of a measurement device (1) defining a spatial reference system (X, Y, Z) incorporating an optical sensor (5) to retrieve the shape of the threaded object, and defining a spatial reference system (X?, Y?, Z?), the measurement device (1) having a computer to assemble a first matrix that describes the quadratic form representing the threaded object in the spatial reference system (X, Y, Z), thus providing the relationship between the two spatial reference systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a laser scanner, comprising a main unit and a rotating unit rotatably mounted on the main unit, wherein the rotating unit has a deflection member for projecting the pulsed beams by deflecting the beams perpendicularly to center axis of the rotating unit. The main unit comprises a plurality of light emitting sources disposed in a two-dimensional arrangement for emitting a plurality of pulsed beams, an optical system for projecting and receiving the pulsed beams, a rotation angle detecting unit, a plurality of photodetectors for receiving a reflection light from an object via the deflection member and being disposed respectively at positions conjugate to the light emitting sources, a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance based on a photodetection signal from the photodetector, and a control arithmetic unit for calculating projecting directions of the pulsed laser beams projected from the deflection member.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pulsed time-of-flight laser range finding system used to obtain vehicle classification information. The sensor determines a distance range to portions of a vehicle traveling within a sensing zone of the sensor. A scanning mechanism made of a four facet cube, having reflective surfaces, is used to collimate and direct the laser toward traveling vehicles. A processing system processes the respective distance range data and angle range data for determining the three-dimensional shape of the vehicle.

Abstract: A measurement system comprising a light source unit, a projection unit and an optics unit is disclosed. The light source unit is configured to generate a plurality of modulated phase shifted light beams. The projection unit is configured to reflect the modulated phase shifted light beams onto an object surface. The optics unit is configured to capture the modulated phase shifted light beams from the object surface. The measurement system further comprises a photodetector and a processor. The photodetector is configured to receive the modulated phase shifted light beams from the optics unit to generate electrical signals. The processor is configured to retrieve position information of the object surface based on the electrical signals from the photodetector. A measurement method is also presented.

Abstract: An original document size detection device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a document reading table, a light source which irradiates an original document placed on the document reading table, a cover body which covers the original document, a light detection unit which detects a reflected light that a light from the light source is reflected by the original document and an external light that enters the surface of the document reading table when the cover body is lifted, a masking unit which masks an output signal based on the external light in the output signal of the light detection unit based on the reflected light and the external light, and a determination unit which determines a size of the original document in a main scanning direction based on the output signal of the light detection unit that is masked by the masking unit.

Abstract: A method for determining a flatness characteristic for a facet of a polygon assembly includes a) rotating a polygon assembly with facets at a desired speed, b) directing a light beam from a light source toward the polygon assembly so light is reflected by consecutive facets during revolutions of the polygon assembly, reflected light passing through a focusing lens that directs a spot light toward a target with spaced-apart bars arranged in a grating pattern that block a portion of the reflected light and allows another portion to pass through another focusing lens that directs another spot light toward a light sensor, the light sensor detecting intensity of the spot light, and c) measuring the intensity over time during revolutions of the polygon assembly to obtain measurements for each facet. An associated test setup includes a fixture, motor controller, light source, light sensor, two focusing lens, target, and system controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle treatment installation with a drive-in area for a vehicle to be treated, a treatment gantry that can move along a drive-in direction, and at least one camera for creating an image of the drive-in area and vehicle. Such known vehicle treatment installations often fail and/or are maintenance-intensive. The task of providing an installation and also a method for its operation that simplifies, with simple means, the drive-in process into the correct treatment position for the driver of a vehicle to be treated is achieved by a display device that is visible to the driver of the vehicle during the drive-in process, and at least one mark. The subject matter of the invention is also a method for the operation of the vehicle treatment installation.

Abstract: A method for measuring the internal space of an elongate body. The elongate body has in a global xyz-coordinate system a longitudinal axis x. A laser profile scan is carried out, in which a laser scanner, which carries out scans in a plane, is moved through the internal space of the elongate body. The scan plane is tilted about the y-axis by a tilt angle ? or about the z-axis by a tilt angle ?. Preferably, the scan plane is tilted about the y-axis and the z-axis corresponding to the global coordinate system of the internal space. An apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method and a device for inspecting the quality of a formed thermoplastic fiber-reinforced plastic component wherein the component is tested by means of a sensor unit with a downstream electronic evaluation unit for analysis of the measuring result acquired by sensor technology by means of sample comparison, wherein by means of the optical sensor unit the surface roughness of the plastic component is measured after forming, which surface roughness is analyzed by means of the evaluation unit by a comparison with a stored reference pattern in such a manner that increased surface roughness is interpreted as increased internal materials porosity.

Abstract: A scanning microscope includes an acousto-optic scanner that produces a scanned beam. A beam separator based on total internal reflection or angle tuning of a dielectric filter separates an unscanned portion of an excitation light flux from a scanned portion. The scanned beam is directed to a specimen, and optical radiation generated in response to the scanned beam is directed to a detector that produces a detected signal that can be used to determine an image. The scanned beam can be directed to the specimen without formation of any intermediate focusing.

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: Structure and function for inputting information preferably includes a display device having two cameras in respective corners thereof. At least one computer readable medium preferably has program instructions configured to cause at least one processing structure to: (i) extract an object located on a plane of the display device from an image that includes the plane of the object, (ii) determine whether the object is a writing implement by determining, when a plurality of objects are extracted from the image, that one of the plurality of objects that satisfies a prescribed condition is the writing implement, (iii) calculate a position of a contact point between the writing implement and the plane as information to be input if the object has been determined as the writing implement, and (iv) input the information representing a position on the plane indicated by the object.

Abstract: In a method and system for measuring wear in the lining of a vessel by a laser contouring system having an electromagnetic radiation emitting and receiving device. The laser contouring system references permanent marks and temporary marks positioned outside, on, or within the vessel. The distances and direction from the electromagnetic radiation emitting and receiving device to the fixed and temporary marks is determined during an initial measurement by the electromagnetic radiation emitting and receiving device from a first scanning position. The electromagnetic radiation emitting and receiving device is then moved along a path from the first scanning position to a second scanning position wherein some of the marks which were scanned from the first scanning position are scanned again to determine the relative position of the vessel and points on the internal lining of the vessel to determine the contour of the lining.

Abstract: A method for analyzing probe mark, the method includes: scanning the probe mark by multiple spots; evaluating a probe mark characteristic in response to detection signals generated by multiple sensors of the chromatic confocal system that is characterized by a sub-micron axial resolution.

Abstract: A reference sphere detecting device used for a reference sphere position detecting device comprises an optical unit having a laser light source, a collective lens for collecting light from the laser light source and irradiating the light to a reference sphere positioned at or near a front focal position, a first image pickup device for receiving and detecting reflected light from the reference sphere, the first image pickup device being disposed at a rear focal position of the collective lens; driving units for rotationally moving the optical unit about a reference point; and a control unit for controlling the driving units on the basis of the position at which the reflected light is received and rotationally moving the optical unit so that the reflected light reaches a predetermined reference position of the first image pickup device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape measurement photographing apparatus, including a plurality of photographing units for obtaining a measurement image group of a plurality of measurement images for measuring a three-dimensional shape of a subject, an emission unit for emitting light, including pattern light, within an angle of view of the photographing units, a photographing control unit for controlling the photographing units to obtain a pre-image of the subject before obtaining the measurement image group and to obtain the measurement images of the subject illuminated by the pattern light, a determination unit for setting a plurality of areas on the pre-image and determining whether to emit the pattern light with respect to each of the areas, and an emission control unit for controlling the emission unit such that the pattern light is emitted only to an area for which a determination has been made to emit the pattern light.

Abstract: A system and method provide a dual beam chromatic point sensor (CPS) system operable to simultaneously measure two surface regions. In one embodiment, a single beam CPS optical pen may have a dual beam assembly attached. First and second measurement beams of the system may be positioned on respective first and second surface regions, and both reflect light through a confocal aperture of the dual beam CPS. At least one set of measurements is determined, comprising a first and second measurement arising from the first and second measurement beams, respectively. At least the first surface region may be moved to acquire sets of measurements at various positions. Each measurement may be determined with extremely fine resolution (e.g., at least as fine as 10 nm). The system and method satisfy applications that require such resolution and accuracy without the use of an interferometer or other costly and complex elements.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a parameter detection system for detecting in a non-mechanical manner at least one parameter of an object (1) to be examined. The parameter detection system includes a mounting device (2) for holding the object, and a mobile unit (14) which is freely movable and adapted for indicating a position on the object. A sensing means is provided for sensing the position on the object indicated by the mobile unit and for outputting corresponding detection signals indicative of the sensed position. A calculation means (13) is provided for calculating the at least one parameter from the position on object based on the detection signals.

Abstract: The invention is related to an apparatus for the representation of a geometrical figure on the surface of a patient's body that is situated on a support, comprising at least one projection device, by which a given geometrical figure can be projected onto the three-dimensional surface of the patient's body, at least one control device and at least one optical sensor device, by which the geometrical figure projected onto the surface of the patient's body can be acquired and the acquired data can be supplied to the control device, wherein the control device is realized to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the geometrical figure projected onto the patient's body from the data acquired by the sensor device, and wherein the control device is realized to compare the determined three-dimensional coordinates of the geometrical figure projected onto the patient's body with desired three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: An optical device intended for the analysis of a scattering medium, including at least one light source distant from the scattering medium and capable of providing an incident light beam intended to illuminate the scattering medium; at least one sensor capable of detecting a radiation emitted by the scattering medium; a support of the scattering medium at least partially non-absorbing for the incident light beam and the scattered radiation. All or part of the support is formed of a scattering material having a decreased scattering coefficient greater than 0.1 cm?1 and smaller than 700 cm?1.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the inner space of a container provides for the measurement of the wear of the lining of a container such as a torpedo ladle optionally while the ladle is still hot. The interior lining of the container is scanned by a scanner head from a first position in the container which is at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container. The scanner head is placed in a second position in the container at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container and from the second position the scanner head scans the portions of the interior lining of the container which were not scanned during the first position scan. By comparing the scanning measurements of the lining from the first position scan and the second position scan after the container has been loaded and unloaded with an initial reference measurement of the lining the wear of the lining can be measured.

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: Laser scanning systems and methods are disclosed herein that can provide quick and efficient measurement of extruded ceramic logs, particularly related to log shape, during manufacture. Two two-dimensional laser scans from respective laser scanners are performed and the resulting laser scan data is combined to form a three-dimensional surface shape measurement of the ceramic log. The systems and methods disclosed herein enable a non-contact measurement of the extruded ceramic log, which reduces the risk of physically damaging the log. The measurement results can be used to adjust the extrusion process of the extruder that forms the extruded ceramic logs.

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 apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot ankle and lower leg. The apparatus includes an alignment structure that orientates the foot for imaging. The alignment structure includes at least one support member that engages the plantar surface of the foot substantially only in the immediate area of the lateral metatarsal heads of the foot, preferably the fifth metatarsal head. The support generates a dorsally-directed force that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment structure further includes a saddle that engages the rearfoot and a laser beam for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that imaging is able to produce an accurate measurement of the subject areas of the foot, ankle and lower leg without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure.