Abstract: A computing device debugs a computerized numerical control (CNC) machine. The computing device generates an average contour of a product. The computing device generates a reference contour according to the path points of a CNC program. The computing device calculates a coordinate difference between each path point of the reference contour and the corresponding contour point of the average contour. The computing device compensates each coordinate of the path points using the coordinate difference.

Abstract: A method for inspecting connectors of multi-fiber optical cables is disclosed. The method may include receiving a plurality of images of a plurality of areas of a connector and determining, via at least a processor, matching features in two or more images according to unique visual characteristics of the images. The method further may include aligning the images, according to unique matching features of the images, and combining the images such as to obtain a combined-image of the full connector or a desired area of the connector. The combined-image of the connector may be displayed on a monitor or a display.

Abstract: A guiding method includes obtaining data of a first image, detecting with a computer reference image data corresponding to a reference object in the data of the first image, calculating with the computer a first condition based on an appearance of the reference object in the first image, the first condition indicating an operational condition of an imaging apparatus when first image was captured, and for a second image to be captured, outputting guide information that indicates how to adjust the first condition to match a reference condition, the reference condition corresponds to an appearance of the reference object in a reference image captured under the reference condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique of improving a contrast of a lower-layer pattern in a multi layer by synthesizing detected signals from a plurality of detectors by using an appropriate allocation ratio in accordance with pattern arrangement. In a charged particle beam device capable of improving image quality by using detected images obtained from a plurality of detectors and in a method of improving the image quality, a method of generating one or more output images from detected images corresponding to respective outputs of the detectors that are arranged at different locations is controlled by using information of a pattern direction, an edge strength, or others calculated from a design data or the detected image.

Abstract: Apparatus (12) to measure blade vibration in a gas turbine engine (8). An illumination source (20) generates a sequence of illumination bursts in a field of view capturing a passing rotating blade (10) of the gas turbine engine. An imager (22) generates image data including a series of images capturing views of the passing rotating blade. The images are exposed in response to respective illumination bursts. A controller (30) is configured to process the series of images to identify one or more vibration modes of the rotating blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (300) for performing and visualizing a measurement of an object viewed in an image computed from image data, the system comprising an image unit (310) for visualizing the image data in the image for displaying in a display, a deployment unit (320) for deploying a caliper (21; 22; 23; 24) in an image data space based on the location of the object in the image data space, and a caliper unit (330) for visualizing the caliper (21; 22; 23; 24) in the image, wherein the caliper (21; 22; 23; 24) comprises a first planar surface (211) and a second planar surface (212) substantially parallel to the first planar surface (211), and wherein the measurement of the object is determined based on the distance between the planes of the first and second planar surface.

Abstract: A method for determining the proper placement of an absorbent article on an undergarment is provided. The method includes receiving a still or video image of the absorbent article in the undergarment, determining a central axis, a longitudinal axis, and a central point for the undergarment, the absorbent article, and the stains. The distance between the absorbent article longitudinal axis and the stain longitudinal axis is determined. The distance between the absorbent article central axis and the stain central axis is determined. The absorbent article is adjusted on the undergarment according to the distances determined between the stain axis and the absorbent article axis so that the center point of the stain is less than about 20 mm from the center point of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that processes a radiation image obtained from a detector in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged includes: an obtainment unit that obtains a radiation image; a control unit that controls, in accordance with radiation dose characteristics of a first pixel in the detector and a first pixel value of the first pixel in the radiation image, a weighting coefficient for the first pixel value of the first pixel and a weighting coefficient for second pixel values that are different from the first pixel value; and a correction unit that corrects the first pixel value in the obtained radiation image based on the weighting coefficients.

Abstract: A method for inspecting tire tread, having circumferentially juxtaposed elements separated by identically shaped boundaries and having patterns arranged in a predetermined sequence, includes: acquiring an image of a surface of the tire tread, the image including pixels associated with a light-intensity level; transforming the image by circumferentially offsetting pixels located axially at a same distance (x1, x2) from a given circumferential reference (OY), by an inverse (?y1, ?y2) of a circumferential offset (y1, y2) with respect to an axial line (OX) of a point (P1, P2) located on a boundary line of known shape at the same axial distance (x1, x2) from the circumferential reference (OY), such that boundaries between elements appear as straight traces orientated in an axial direction; and analyzing the image to identify points located on an axially orientated straight line, the points being treated as points located on a boundary line between two elements.

Abstract: A method of evaluating one or more kernels of an ear of maize using digital imagery includes acquiring a digital image of the one or more kernels of the ear of maize, processing the digital image to estimate at least one physical property of the one or more kernels of the ear of maize from the digital image, and evaluating the at least one kernel of maize using the estimate of the at least one physical property of the at least one kernel of maize.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging is used to monitor quality parameters of pharmaceutical products in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: System (1) and method (100) for detecting and repairing a defect in an electrochromic device (30) may include acquiring a thermal image of the electrochromic device (30) when the device is in an operating state. In addition, the system and method may include processing thermal imaging data representative of the thermal image to detect a defect in the electrochromic device by comparing a thermal amplitude detected at one or more pixels of the thermal image with a predetermined value, and to determine a location of the electrochromic device corresponding to the detected defect.

Abstract: A tire tread, having circumferentially juxtaposed elements separated from one another by identically shaped boundaries and having a least one basic pattern, is inspected by: producing an image of the tire tread; identifying tread wear indicators on the image; grouping together sub-sets of the indicators according to the basic pattern(s) included in the indicators; determining a characteristic point of each of the sub-sets of the indicators; determining a sequence of distances by computing distances between the characteristics points of each of the sub-sets of the indicators; comparing and the sequence of distances with a known sequence of distances between characteristic points of the basic pattern(s) to confirm coincidence thereof; and projecting a shape of a boundary between elements of the tire tread onto a surface to be inspected according to the known sequence of distances between characteristic points of the basic pattern(s).

Abstract: A method of determining relief elements on a tire surface includes capturing a three-dimensional image of the surface and assigning to each pixel (i, j) of the image a grey-level value proportional to a topographic elevation of a point corresponding to the pixel, so as to obtain a starting image (ƒ). The method also includes transforming the starting image (ƒ) by a first top-hat operation, with aid of a first structuring element, so as to obtain an image (ƒ1) flattened by differencing, (ƒ1=ƒ—?3,150(ƒ)). The method further includes performing a thresholding operation on the image flattened by differencing, so as to obtain a segmented image, (T<1,30>(ƒ1)=seg1) in which relief elements appear white on a black background.

Abstract: A reference image to serve as a reference for a non-defective determination is previously stored in association with identification information for identifying an inspection object. An image of the inspection object is displayed side by side with the reference image of corresponding identification information. A drawn position of the reference image and a drawn position of the acquired image are aligned, adjustment is made so as to make brightness of the reference image coincide with brightness of the acquired image, and adjustment is made so as to make a focus on the reference image coincide with a focus on the acquired image. Adjustment is made so as to make a focus of the reference image coincide with a focus of the acquired image.

Abstract: Method for detecting an anomaly on the surface of a tire comprising the following steps in the course of which: A—the image of a given anomaly present on the surface of at least one tire is produced, B—with the aid of a collection of filters, a multivariate image of the said surface is constructed in a space of the filters, in which each pixel is represented in the form of a pixel vector, the components of each pixel vector having a value corresponding to the value of this pixel in the image transformed with the aid of each of the filters of the said collection, C—with the aid of a linear function, this multivariate image is transformed from the space of the filters into a spectral space of given dimension whose variables are the filters or combinations of filters of the said collection, so as to form a spectral image, D—a classifier is constructed by determining, for this anomaly, those zones representative of the spectral space which contain, in a statistically representative manner, the points of the spect

Abstract: A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems.

Abstract: A template matching module is configured to program a processor to apply multiple differently-tuned object detection classifier sets in parallel to a digital image to determine one or more of an object type, configuration, orientation, pose or illumination condition, and to dynamically switch between object detection templates to match a determined object type, configuration, orientation, pose, blur, exposure and/or directional illumination condition.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for finding a Ro image providing data corresponding to possible orthogonal distances to possible lines on a pallet in an image. The method comprises: acquiring a grey scale image including one or more pallets; determining, using a computer, a horizontal gradient image by convolving the grey scale image and a first convolution kernel; determining, using the computer, a vertical gradient image by convolving the grey scale image and a second convolution kernel; and determining, using the computer, respective pixel values of a first Ro image providing data corresponding to a possible orthogonal distance from an origin point of the grey scale image to one or more possible lines on one or more possible pallets in the grey scale image.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating a superabrasive material by a three-dimensional model generated using a computed tomography scanner. The model is analyzed to identify a superabrasive matrix within the model and at least one performance characteristic of the superabrasive material is determined according to at least one property of the superabrasive matrix. Methods are also disclosed for characterizing crystal-to-crystal bonding regions and non-superabrasive material within an interstitial matrix of the superabrasive matrix.

Abstract: An image measurement apparatus includes: an imager section, an obtainment section, an outline detection section, a setting section, and a measurement section. The imager section takes an image of a subject to be measured. The obtainment section obtains a taken image of the subject taken by the imager section. The outline detection section detects, by a Hough transformation, outline of a graphic included in the image obtained by the obtainment section. The setting section sets an edge detection tool on the outline detected by the outline detection section. The measurement section measures, by the edge detection tool set by the setting section, graphic information concerning the graphic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.

Abstract: Methods are presented for improved detection of persistent or systematic defects induced during the manufacture of a product. In particular, the methods are directed to the detection of defects induced systematically in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells and modules. Images acquired from a number of samples are combined, enhancing the systematic defects and suppressing random features such as variations in material quality. Once a systematic defect is identified, steps can be taken to locate and rectify its cause.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to machines for manufacturing a flexible pouch that sterilizes the flexible pouch material, seals the fitment within the pouch, and inspects the fitment installation. A sterilization chamber in the machine a box having an oxygen supplied entry compartment, a hydrogen peroxide supplied center compartment, and an oxygen supplied exit compartment. To a secure the fitment within the flexible pouch, a seal bar including a center cavity disposed between a pair of sideways L-shaped portions is used. After the fitment is installed into the flexible pouch, it is inspected with a digital photograph analysis apparatus.

Abstract: Provide is a process monitoring device in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus that can readily and reliably monitor the process in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. The process monitoring device includes a storage unit that stores a normal state moving image data indicating a normal state of the process; an image capturing unit that captures an image of a state of the process to be monitored to acquire a moving image data; an abnormality level calculation unit configured to extract a feature amount for each frame of the moving image data and the normal state moving image data, and calculate an abnormality level based on the extracted feature amount; and a display unit that displays the abnormality level calculated by the abnormality level calculation unit in association with a frame position of the moving image data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: Block-to-block reticle inspection includes acquiring a swath image of a portion of a reticle with a reticle inspection sub-system, identifying a first occurrence of a block in the swatch image and at least a second occurrence of the block in the swath image substantially similar to the first occurrence of the block and determining at least one of a location, one or more geometrical characteristics of the block and a spatial offset between the first occurrence of the block and the at least a second occurrence of the block.

Abstract: A visual inspection system includes a database storing a wireframe model of an object and a portable electronic device equipped with an imaging device and a display. The portable electronic device is in communication with the database. The portable electronic device is configured to show on the display the wireframe model as an overlay to an image of the object taken by the imaging device. The display is configured to accept input of a trace of a defect on the display, and displays the trace on the image. A method of transmitting electronic data from an unsecure device to a secure database is also described.

Abstract: A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.

Abstract: A method for inspecting structures formed of composite materials during the fabrication thereof including imaging multiple individual plies of a structure, whereby the locations and orientations of edge joints between adjacent courses of each ply are recorded, ascertaining mutual offsets in the locations of mutually parallel ones of the edge joints in the multiple individual plies and providing an output indication when at least one mutual offset of the edge joints is less than a predetermined minimum offset.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating a possible pallet structure. The method comprises: providing a gray scale image comprising one or more possible lines; providing respective pixel locations in the gray scale image for an estimated upper left corner and an estimated upper right corner; calculating, using a computer, a value h based on the estimated upper left corner location and the estimated upper right corner location; estimating, using the computer, a first hole with a first rectangle having a height h; estimating, using the computer, a second hole with a second rectangle having the height h; and estimating, using the computer, the possible center stringer with a third rectangle having the height h.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed for determining a pixel-to-length ratio between a number of pixels disposed over a predetermined length of a reference object within an image of a siding sample and the predetermined length of the reference object. A first and second distance between respective first and second pairs of points within the image corresponding to respective first and second length measurements of the siding sample are determined, as well as a first and second number of pixels disposed between the first and second pair of points, respectively. Furthermore, the method, system, and computer readable medium disclose determining the first length measurement based on the pixel-to-length ratio and the first number of pixels, determining the second length measurement based on the pixel-to-length ratio and the second number of pixels, and identifying a siding product associated with the first and second length measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for package dimensioning is provided. The package-dimensioning system includes an image capturing subsystem for acquiring information about an object within the image-capturing subsystem's field of view. A features-computation module analyzes object information and compiles a feature set describing the object's surface features. A classification module analyzes the feature set and categorizes the object's shape. A shape-estimation module estimates the dimensions of the object.

Abstract: Profiling a manufactured part during its service life, including capturing by an optical scanner images of the part, the part characterized by an expected service life and by attributes with specifications of design values, including capturing the images at more than one time during an actual service life of the part; measuring by a data processor operatively coupled to the scanner, based upon the captured images, actual values of one or more of the attributes when the images are captured; storing, in a database by the data processor operatively coupled to the scanner, the measurements of the actual values of the attributes; and making a determination, from the stored actual values by a data processor operatively coupled to the database, whether the part continues to comply with its specification during the actual service life of the part.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, there are disclosed a method and an apparatus for detecting defect of a backlight module. Images that show components in the backlight module are acquired with a plurality of preset angles relative to a surface of the backlight module. The acquired images that show the components in the backlight module are analyzed, so as to determine whether a defect presents in the components in the backlight module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that includes a classifier that distinguishes objects based on their color shades. A moving window based operator looks at the color class of the adjacent objects and determines if an adjustment is necessary. If at least one of the objects is the type of interest and the color classes of the objects meet the criteria, then the boundary between the objects is subject to be adjusted. Two adjustment modes are discussed: “adjust-tagging” mode and “adjust-color” mode. In the adjust-tagging mode, a specific tag is sent down to the print engine to force the use of high addressability halftones for the boundary pixels in the darker object. In the adjust-color mode, a color lighter (usually white) than that of the lighter object is assigned to the boundary pixels in the lighter object. The width of the modified pixels along the boundary is configurable.

Abstract: The user interaction system comprises a portable pointing device (101) connected to a camera (102) and sending pictures to a digital signal processor (120), capable of recognizing an object (130) and a command given by the user (100) by moving the pointing device (101) in a specific way, and controlling an electrical apparatus (110) on the basis of this recognition.

Abstract: A method of generating a comprehensive image (87) of interior surfaces (78, 80) of machine components such as a gas turbine combustor basket (59) and transition duct (34) by digitally stitching together multiple photographs (82) thereof, and analyzing the comprehensive image by contouring (91, 95A-B) of colors and shadings thereon, and quantifying and tracking aspects of the contours (A, B, C) over time for indications of degradation (89) of the interior surfaces. A scope (58) may be inserted into a port (56) in the combustor with a camera (72, 74) in a rotatable end (70) of the scope for obtaining a circumferential set (84) of photos at each axial position along a length of the combustor and transition duct. A 3D surface scanning device (76) in the scope may define the geometry of the interior surface for 3D photographic modeling thereof providing a virtual walk-through inspection.

Abstract: A method for applying accuracy compensation to a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine can compensate control program that controls the CNC machine. The method recognizes an actual outline of the product using an image of product produced by the CNC machine controlled by the control program, and further obtains an ideal outline of the product. The method obtains compensation values by computing coordinate differences between points of the actual outline and points on the ideal outline, and compensates the control program using the compensation values.

Abstract: Automated systems, methods and tools that automatically extract and select portions of an image to automatically generate a premium finish mask specific to the image which require little or no human intervention are presented. Graphical user interface tools allowing a user to provide an image and to indicate regions of the image for application of premium finish are also presented.

Abstract: A computerized rating tool is described that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. The rating tool provides mechanisms for visualizing the training images in an intuitive and configurable fashion, including clustering and ordering the training images. In some embodiments, the rating tool provides an easy-to-use interface for exploring multiple types of defects represented in the data and efficiently assigning expert ratings. In other embodiments, the computer automatically assigns ratings (i.e., labels) to the individual clusters containing the large collection of digital images representing the samples.

Abstract: A first simulated inspection is conducted to provide a first waveform data set associated with the at least one irregularity parameter. The first simulated inspection is conducted using a first evaluation setting. A first image is produced based on the first waveform set, and it is determined whether a quality of the first image satisfies a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designating a portion of a machine-vision analysis to be performed on a worker. A set of machine-vision algorithms is obtained for analyzing a digital image of a product. An overall time estimate is determined that represents the processing time to analyze the digital image using the entire set of machine-vision algorithms. If the overall time estimate is greater than a threshold value, then an algorithm time estimate for each of two or more algorithms of the set of machine-vision algorithms is obtained. A rank associated with each of the two or more algorithms is computed based on the algorithm time estimates. A designated algorithm to be performed on the worker is selected based on the rank associated with each of the two or more algorithms. The digital image may then be analyzed on the worker using the designated algorithm.

Abstract: The invention embodies methods and apparatuses to monitor and control the characteristics of a creping process. The method involves measuring optical properties of various points along a creped paper sheet and converting those measurements into characteristic defining data. The invention allows for determining the magnitude and distribution of crepe structures and their frequency and distribution. This allows for the generation of information that is accurate and is much more reliable than the coarse guessing that is currently used in the industry. Feeding this information to papermaking process equipment can result in increases in both quality and efficiency in papermaking.

Abstract: A defect inspection method comprising: picking up an image of a subject under inspection to thereby acquire an inspection image; extracting multiple templates corresponding to multiple regions, respectively from design data of the subject under inspection; finding a first misregistration amount between the inspection image and the design data using a first template as any one template selected from among the plural templates; finding a second misregistration amount between the inspection image and the design data using a second template other than the first template, the second template being selected from among the plural templates, and the first misregistration-amount; and converting the design data, misregistration thereof being corrected using the first misregistration-amount, and the second misregistration-amount, into a design data image, and comparing the design data image with the inspection image to thereby detect a defect of the subject under inspection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for inspecting an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle is disclosed. An optical inspection tool is used to obtain a phase defect map for the EUV reticle before a pattern is formed on the EUV reticle, and the phase defect map identifies a position of each phase defect on the EUV reticle. After the pattern is formed on the EUV reticle, a charged particle tool is used to obtain an image of each reticle portion that is proximate to each position of each phase defect as identified in the phase defect map. The phase defect map and one or images of each reticle portion that is proximate to each position of each phase defect are displayed or stored so as to facilitate analysis of whether to repair or discard the EUV reticle.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and an equipment of inspecting the quality of an LCD are provided, the method includes: obtaining optical parameters of the LCD; capturing images of the LCD; and determining that the LCD is defective after determining that the optical parameters are not in the range of the preset optical parameters and/or the captured images of the LCD are not consistent with the pre-stored images. Through the technical solution of the present invention, it can effectively differentiate the defect types of a product and record the defect position of the product, thereby it can effectively reduce misjudgment or miss test caused by the visual differences between operators to improve the quality and yield of manufactured LCD.

Abstract: A quality control method for a machine for processing flat objects for producing packaging: A prepress file for packaging is used to define, in an extremely simple and quick way, masked zones which define which parts of the surface of the object are the parts in which the defects are not to be considered.

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.