Abstract: The invention relates to a three-dimensional measurement system comprising a hardware part and a software part, in which the hardware part includes a mobile two-axis assembly (12) associated with a remote measurement device (13) installed on a fixed part (14), each axis being equipped with an angular encoder (22) restoring the direction of a sighting at any time, and in which the software part includes a control part at the input and an acquisition part at the output.

Abstract: Systems for acquiring an approximation of the surface geometry of a 3-dimensional object include a self-powered wireless, non-contact optical scanner, the location and orientation of which may be tracked with respect to an object coordinate system, and a processor configured for projecting a pattern of structured light on the object, moving the pattern with respect to the object, acquiring images of the intersection of the light on the object over time, determining local coordinates of points on the intersection with respect to the pattern, tracking the position of the pattern, transforming the local coordinates to object coordinates, and accumulating the points as a model of the surface of the object. The systems may wirelessly and possibly compactly transmit geometrical data which characterizes an intersection for a given position of the scanner with respect to the object.

Abstract: Provided are systems 10 and methods 100 for determining both the location and angular orientation of holes 12 with openings 14 on a surface 16 of an article 18 that are at least partially obstructed. In a method of the present invention, a scanning system 10 that includes a laser spot projector 40, a laser spot sensor 42, a memory device 48 and a processor 50 is provided. A laser beam 44 is projected onto the surface 16 of the article 18 in a region 24 containing at least one hole 12 and the spot sensor receives light reflections 46. A series of points 52 representing the scanned region is stored as a point cloud 54 in the memory device 48. The point cloud 54 is then manipulated to calculate the location and angular orientation of each hole in the region in relation to one or more pre-existing, article datums 22.

Abstract: A method for verifying scan precision of a laser measurement machine includes the steps of: preparing a transparent flat, of which the flatness of each plane is regarded as a flatness conventional true value; determining an optimum scanning mode; determining optimum scanning parameters under the optimum scanning mode; scanning the transparent flat under the optimum scanning mode and the optimum scanning parameters for certain times, and obtaining measuring data; calculating a plurality of flatness values using the measuring data; calculating an average value and a standard deviation of the flatness values, and a bias between the average value and the flatness conventional true value; evaluating the repetitiveness of the laser measurement machine according to the standard deviation; and evaluating the veracity of the laser measurement machine according to the bias.

Abstract: Methods for acquiring an approximation of the surface geometry of a 3-dimensional object include projecting pattern of structured light on the object, moving the pattern with respect to the object, acquiring images of the intersection of the light on the object over time, determining local coordinates of points on the intersection with respect to the pattern, tracking the position of the pattern, transforming the local coordinates to object coordinates, and accumulating the points as a model of the surface of the object. The methods include a step for wirelessly and possibly compactly transmitting geometrical data which characterizes an intersection for a given position of the scanner with respect to the object. Systems for embodying the method include a self-powered wireless, non-contact optical scanner, the location and orientation of which may be tracked with respect to an object coordinate system.

Abstract: An improved three-dimensional (3D) measuring apparatus for scanning an object and a measurement head of a measuring apparatus and a method for using the measuring apparatus for scanning an object.

Abstract: A non-contact surface configuration measuring method is provided which allows for accurate measurement of a surface which is at a steep angle to a laser probe. Specific areas including parts inclined ±30° or more from an optimum measurement state relative to the laser probe are measured after a workpiece is rotated such that the surface within the specific areas is less than ±30°. Therefore, accurately measured data on the specific areas can be obtained even in a different coordinate system from that of a general area.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ultrasonic testing system. The system tests a manufactured part for various physical attributes, including specific flaws, defects, or composition of materials. The part can be housed in a gantry system that holds the part stable. An energy generator illuminates the part within energy and the part emanates energy from that illumination. Based on the emanations from the part, the system can determined precisely where the part is in free space. The energy illumination device and the receptor have a predetermined relationship in free space. This means the location of the illumination mechanism and the reception mechanism is known. Additionally, the coordinates of the actual testing device also have a predetermined relationship to the illumination device, the reception device, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining a three dimensional image of the a moving object by means of reflecting means such as mirrors and a planar beam of light such as a laser light. As the object enters the light a two dimensional image of the object is captured, wherein the image comprises both the reflection of the beam of light from the object and also the reflection from the reflecting means. By transformation procedure a two dimensional image is transformed to a two dimensional object image and based on plurality of such images a three dimensional image is defined from which the volume can be calculated. This can be used to determine the weight distribution of the object, which is important for portioning.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring components has a manipulator, at least one measuring system in operative connection with the manipulator, the at least one measuring system including at least one contour measuring device associated with the manipulator and generating an optical sensing surface sweeping a measuring region, an at least one measuring object arranged in the measuring region and at least one reference feature associated with the measuring object; and a method of measurements is performed with the arrangement.

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 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: The present invention provides an image detection system capable of picking up a high resolution image of the surface condition of a circuit pattern-formed wafer without being affected by steep pattern steps, discontinuous reflectance distributions and optically transparent substances which are formed after resist patterns are formed and removed. A defect detection apparatus using such an image detection apparatus is also provided by the invention.

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: The present invention relates to the field of measuring apparatuses in distribution systems allowing for measuring presence, position and/or shape of an object placed on a carrier and a method for such measuring.

Abstract: An object pattern is imaged by an imaging system onto the image plane of the imaging system at a location where a reference pattern suited to the object pattern is situated in order to measure the imaging fidelity of an optical imaging system, for example, an eyeglass lens, a photographic lens, or a projection lens, for use in the visible spectral range. The resultant, two-dimensional, superposition pattern is detected in a spatially resolved manner in order to determine imaging parameters therefrom. The object pattern is generated with the aid of at least one electronically controllable pattern generator that serves as a self-luminous, electronically configurable, incoherent light source and may, for example, have a color monitor. The measuring system allows rapidly, flexibly, checking optical imaging systems with minimal time and effort spent on the mechanical setup required.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium are provided for creating a quantitative, three-dimensional representation of a surface of a human subject. Data representing a physical appearance of a human subject is gathered using inverse synthetic aperture radar. A source signal is directed toward the human subject as the target rotates through a range of motion and a return signal is collected. The returned signal is transformed into a quantitative representation of the surface data. The quantitative representation can be added to an archive or can be checked against an archive to determine if the human target is indexed in the archive.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing position data of a light pattern created by a known light source on an object, comprising an optical system for collecting an incident light beam of the light pattern and transmitting the incident light beam to a beam splitter. The beam splitter has a known reflection/transmission ratio, such that the incident light beam from the light pattern received on the surface of the beam splitter results in a transmission channel, transmitted through the beam splitter, and a reflective channel, reflected from the beam splitter, with intensities of the transmission channel and the reflective channel varying as a function of a position of the incident light beam on the surface of the beam splitter. Detectors detect the intensities of the reflective channel and of the transmission channels. Dimensions of points of the light pattern on the object are calculable as a function of the intensity of the reflective channel and of the intensity of the transmission channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of using two or more capture methods to create three-dimensional representations of a target captured. Elements of the three-dimensional digital representation generated from the plural capture method are combined to yield a single digital three-dimensional representation having improved quality.

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: According to the invention, a method for identifying and determining die position of a metallurgical vessel for measuring its fireproof lining using electromagnetic radiation, an operator is defined in relation to a two or three dimensional structure with a known shape and size. Distance values and corresponding measuring angles are determined in the area of the structure and measured distance value and corresponding measuring angles are used to scale the operator. The dimension and resolution of the operator in the pixel coordinates system and the anticipated values of the operator are adapted to the measured polar coordinates. A result value is then formed from the differences between the anticipated values of the operator and the measured values and the location of the structure that is sought is determined from the position of the minimum result value.

Abstract: The start of the displacement movement is initiated by a software instruction when measuring surface topologies with microscopic resolution. Trigger pulses which serve to trigger the recording of measured values on the sensor are generated in discrete local intervals by a position transmitter. The measured values obtained are stored and then asynchronously transmitted to the controller.

Abstract: Calibration techniques are disclosed for determining the rigid-body coordinate transformation that will precisely align the coordinate frame of a laser scanner with the coordinate frames of several different motion axes. The theory and use of at least these concepts are introduced by examining how these concepts aid the construction and use of a non-contact laser scanning system.

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: Method and apparatus for measuring three dimensional information of a target placed in an interior space of a rotator type mirror by using the rotator type mirror in combination with an imaging apparatus disposed with its light receiving axis aligned with a center axis of the rotator type mirror. The invention includes projecting reference light toward the rotator type mirror from a position on the center axis, and scanning the target with mirror reflected reference light that is produced by reflecting the reference light on the rotator type mirror. The invention further includes obtaining the three dimensional information of the target, based on a physical quantity corresponding to the projection angle of the reference light and on a physical quantity corresponding to the position of a projected image obtained when the mirror reflected reference light that scanned the target is captured by the imaging apparatus via the rotator type mirror.

Abstract: Methods for operating a laser scanning system are disclosed. The laser scanning system can be used in construction projects to generate a field survey. An architect or engineer can use the field survey to create construction drawings. In addition, relevant points from the construction drawings can be identified at the construction site with the scanning system. Further, earth moving equipment can be controlled using the same information. The laser scanning system can also be used to determine if two parts can be mated together by scanning and comparing the parts that are to be mated. The laser scanning system can further be used to determine if an object can be moved through an opening in a structure by comparing scan points of the structure with scan points from the object. The laser scanning system can additionally be used to identifying objects within the site, to build databases that have relevant information about the objects, and to guide reproducing machines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dimensioning system for determining the minimum size box necessary to enclose an object traveling on a moving conveyor. The dimensioning system is comprised of a light source which generates a scan beam that is moved by a mirrored wheel. A line scan camera whose field of view tracks the moving scan beam receives images of the scan beam and outputs a signal which is processed to compute a three dimensional box structure of the scanned object.

Abstract: Calibration techniques are disclosed for determining the rigid-body coordinate transformation that will precisely align the coordinate frame of a laser scanner with the coordinate frames of several different motion axes. The theory and use of at least these concepts are introduced by examining how these concepts aid the construction and use of a non-contact laser scanning system.

Abstract: A body scanning equipment includes at least two sets of apparatus located at a front and a read respectively of a body (2) to be scanned, and each set of apparatus has a scanning device (4), mirrors (5), (6) spaced on opposing sides of the scanning device for directing radiant energy to opposing sides of the body and a pivotable mirror (7) for directing radiant energy alternatively between the scanning device and the first mirror (5) and the second mirror (6); by providing one pair of sets of apparatus a complete 360° circumference of a body may be scanned. By providing a further pair of sets of apparatus at a different elevation to the first pair of sets, so a complete human body may be scanned The scanning apparatus is located in a booth (1) for installation in a store and output from the scanning apparatus is, preferably, provided to a garment material cutting apparatus (111).

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining three-dimensional shape data of an object including a controller for controlling a light beam, a scanning system for scanning an object by the controlled light beam, and an image receiving system for receiving the light reflected from the object in a prescribed range. A memory stores data for correction of illumination irregularities corresponding to positions in the prescribed range that the light reflected from the object is received, and the controller refers to the stored data according to the position where the reflected light is received by the image receiving system, in order to control the light beam used by the scanning system.

Abstract: A 3D shape-measuring apparatus using biaxial anamorphic magnification comprises a light source that projects a light onto an object surface to be sensed. Via an electrical image-grabbing device, such as CCD camera, the light reflected from the object is grabbed to determine the coordinate locations sensed on the object. Before the electrical image-grabbing device, the light reflected from the object passes respectively through a curved reflecting mirror or an assembly of telecentric cylindrical lenses to adjust an image magnification along the light projection direction, and an assembly of cylindrical lenses to adjust an image magnification along a direction perpendicular to the light projection direction. Thereby, resolution nonuniformity with respect to near and far distance is resolved while the observable range of the CCD camera can further be efficiently changed into a measurable field.

Abstract: A method of inspecting bumps provided on a surface of an object to be inspected includes the steps of: (a) irradiating a first irradiation beam on said object in an oblique direction and (b) imaging a first reflected beam from said object so as to obtain a first reflection image including a first reflection region and a height data of said bump corresponding to said first regular reflection region produced by a part of the first reflected beam reflected near an apex of the bump. The method further includes the steps of (c) shifting a position of said first regular reflection region in said first reflection image in accordance with a value derived from said height data and said predetermined angle, (d) extracting said first regular reflection region within a predetermined region from said first reflection image after said step c), and (e) detecting a height of said bump based on said height data corresponding to the extracted first regular reflection region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting three-dimensional data are provided, in which operation for obtaining incident angles is not required and accuracy of three-dimensional data can be improved. The method includes steps of irradiating a reference light beam from a first starting point A to an object by a first angle &thgr;A, irradiating a reference light beam from a second starting point B separated from the first starting point A to the object by a second angle &thgr;B, moving the first and the second starting points A, B in one direction so as to perform sub scanning of an imaginary plane VS, detecting time points TA, TB when the reference light beam reflected by the object Q passes each sampling section of the imaginary plane; and calculating the position of the object for each sampling section in accordance with positions of the first and second starting points A, B in each of the detected time points TA, TB and first and second angles &thgr;A, &thgr;B.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for measuring the diameter and out-of-roundness of elongate workpieces, particularly those of round products advanced in their longitudinal direction in rolling mill trains. A reliable discrimination of orbiform-curved contours is required in measuring such workpieces. In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus is suggested with three or more laser triangulation devices, which measure the distance from the workpiece surface wherein the lasers of the triangulation device are directed to a common point of intersection which corresponds to the workpiece center and the laser beams of which span a common plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and which are at angular distances which are substantially equal.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: In the context of a machine-vision system for inspecting a part, a method and apparatus to provide high-speed high accuracy 3D (three-dimensional) inspection of manufactured parts by reducing vibration. One system includes a machine-base unit and a table-base portion supported by the base unit. At least two upright portions are connected to the table-base portion. A first scanner support is coupled to the upright portions. An imager head is coupled to the scanner support, wherein the scanner support moves the imager head in a linear motion to scan the object. A connecting member including at least one vibration-absorbing portion connects to the upright portions to absorb vibrations of the upright portions.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: A method for improving integrated circuit by using a patterned bump layout on a layer of the integrated circuit is provided. The method creates various bump structures by varying an angle between a line from a reference bump to a first bump and a line from the reference bump to a second bump. By varying the angle, a designer may generate a particular bump structure that meets the needs of a particular design. Further, a particular bump placement may be repeated across all or a portion of the metal layer in order to create a patterned bump layout.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: Device for determining a desired contour of a ground surface, for instance a road surface, relative to the actual contour of that ground surface, at least comprising measuring unit for generating along a determined distance from a ground surface actual values for the height and position of a number of points of that ground surface relative to a determined reference point, wherein the measuring unit comprise a laser light source which can be placed at a measuring point above the ground surface and which is adapted to generate a laser beam moving over the determined distance from the ground surface, sensor for detecting the laser beam reflected by the ground surface to the measuring point, time-measuring unit for determining the transit time of said laser beam between the laser light source and the sensor, and processing system for generating from signals from the laser light source, the sensor and the time-measuring unit of actual values for the height and the position of a number of points of this ground

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for detecting a fault in a flowing liquid sheet and in particular in a coating curtain. The process comprises the following steps: transmitting an electromagnetic beam to the sheet so as to irradiate approximately the entire width of the sheet in a direction approximately transverse to the sheet; recovering a beam reflected by the sheet by way of a collector; defining a reference position of the reflected beam on the collector; and noting the deviations of the reflected beam in relation to the previously defined reference position.

Abstract: A three-dimensional data input apparatus has a first and a second modes. In the first mode, images of an object are taken from two view points being apart from each other, the position of the object is calculated with high accuracy in accordance with the distance between the view points and the directions from each view point to the irradiated part of the object by the method of triangulation, and the calculated data or the data for calculation is output. In the second mode, the position of a part of the object is calculated in accordance with the irradiation angle and the reception angle in the same way as the conventional method of triangulation. In the first mode that does not use the irradiation angle information for calculating the position.

Abstract: When a scanning start position set signal is input in an area image sensor, the content is transferred to a vertical scanning circuit, and the scan start position is set. Image of a desired row is read by horizontal scanning. Then, one shift signal for vertical scanning is input, the position of scanning is shifted by one row, and horizontal scanning is performed. Thus image of the next row is read. By repeating this operation, a desired strip-shaped image is read. The shape of the object is determined and when a portion is determined to have complicated shape, the image data is input by means of a lens having long focal length, and image data of other portions are input by means of a lens having short focal length. By putting together a plurality of input image data, image data as a whole is generated.

Abstract: A method and a device for opto-electrically acquiring the shape of a surface by illuminating the surface (S) with light beams (10) having different wavelengths and which converge at different points on the axial illumination direction (Y) in the vicinity of the surface (S), by spectral analysis of the light reflected or backscattered by the surface (S) in the direction (Y) and by determining distances of points on the surface (S) relative to a reference plane (X, Y) from the wavelength and/or the spectral widths of the light analyzed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for highly efficient imaging of selected object features utilizing, in combination, a 2D imaging subsystem and a 3D imaging subsystem wherein data from the 2D imaging subsystem is used to predetermine areas containing 3D features of interest such that delay attributable to imaging of areas of non-interest for 3D features is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three-dimensional optical imaging techniques and, more particularly, to the detection and three-dimensional imaging of absorbing and/or scattering structures in complex random media, such as human body tissue, by detecting scattered light emerging from the medium.