Abstract: The invention relates to connection of corresponding points measured by a computer vision system. The points are indicated by an illuminator (LASER), by means of which several points can be illuminated on the surface of the object at the same time. A camera system (CAM1, CAM2) measures the positions of the points. Using a data system (DTE), projection images are generated from a three-dimensional model of the object, in which images the positions of the points are calculated. To locate the actual point in the image perceived by the cameras, a search is performed in an area in the neighborhood of coordinates calculated from the point in the projection image. The point thus located can be connected to the perceptions of the other cameras by the aid of the projection images. After the corresponding points have been found, the actual three-dimensional coordinates of the measured point are calculated.

Abstract: The shape of a three-dimensional object is determined from uncalibrated stereo images by first determining the projection of the point on a reference plane. The distance of each point from the reference plane is obtained by a technique that makes use of a calibration based on two known points visible in each camera's field of view. The method requires only one high precision measurement, which is the depth of the two calibration points from a reference plane. These may be supplied in a setup apparatus thereby avoiding the need for a user to make measurements. The rest of the required calibration data may be derived directly from the images of the cameras.

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: A non-contacting mensuration system including a light source for projecting light on a target; an imager having an image plane; a first optical subsystem configured to project a first image of the light on the target onto a first portion of the image plane of the imager; and a second optical subsystem configured to project a second image of the light on the target onto a second portion of the image plane of the imager so that two different images are obtained from different aspects simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to digitize three-dimensional objects. A projection assembly is retained in fixed relation to an imaging assembly. The projection assembly projects a fixed gradient light pattern into a focal zone of the imaging assembly. The imaging assembly integrates the illumination over time such that the fixed gradient reveals the features of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: A machine vision system includes an apparatus for registering an input image of an object, such as an aircraft engine blade, to a reference image comprising ideal specifications for the object in order to detect flaws in the object. The system includes one or more imaging devices for obtaining the input image representing the object. The system further includes a processor for registering the input image to the reference image. The processor includes a patch determining device for identifying low curvature portions of the reference image off-line. A transformation estimator matches the low curvature portions of the reference image to corresponding low curvature portions of the object, and provides a transformation matrix which maps points on the reference image 11 to corresponding points on the input image for precise and fast registration.

Abstract: An image processing system includes: image capture apparatuses 10P and 10Q for capturing images of an object T; a light emitting apparatus 20 having a plurality of light emitting units L1 through L8 and a controller 21 for controlling on/off of the light emitting units L1 through L8; and an image processing apparatus 30 capable of performing image processing. The image processing apparatus 30 extracts feature points on the basis of an optical image formed on the object T by light emitted from the light emitting apparatus 20, correlates feature points on a plurality of images with each other, and calculates positions and orientations of the image capture apparatuses 10P and 10Q on the basis of the correlated feature points. With the image processing apparatus, image processing system and the image processing method using them, extraction of feature points from images and correlation of them can be easily performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the combined shadow-free illumination of a pre-definable area and for referencing three-dimensional spatial co-ordinates, and to an active or passive referencing system, each in particular for referencing surgical or medical instruments. The system is characterized in that at least two cameras and the light source (operation lamp) are held together such that the optical signals detected by the cameras, for referencing three-dimensional spatial co-ordinates in the area illuminated by the light source, can be evaluated. Since the field of view of the light source, in its conventional use, is not obscured or only negligibly obscured, this field of view can simultaneously be used for optical navigation by the cameras held together with the light source. In accordance with the invention, the cameras are automatically aligned optimally for optical navigation.

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.