Tool, Workpiece, Or Mechanical Component Inspection Patents (Class 382/152)
  • Patent number: 10572989
    Abstract: According to various examples, techniques for detecting an off specification void in an item produced by an additive manufacturing process are presented. The techniques can utilize a system that includes cameras positioned to capture images of deposition of material in an additive manufacturing receptacle from multiple angles. The system can include at least one hardware electronic feature detector hard coded to detect features of elements of the material in image data derived from images. The system can further includes at least one electronic processor configured to perform a method of receiving feature data from the at least one hardware electronic feature detector, generating an electronic three-dimensional representation of the material in the additive manufacturing receptacle from the feature data, determining from the electronic three-dimensional representation of the material in the additive manufacturing receptacle that an off specification void exists, and providing an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 10573010
    Abstract: A measuring system having a measuring tool with a probe body and an optical marker, a camera for recording image data of the measuring tool, and an evaluation and control unit which is configured to evaluate the image data recorded by the camera and use the image data for determining, with the aid of the optical marker, position data of the probe body which contain the spatial position coordinates of the probe body. The evaluation and control unit is further configured to calculate speed data and/or acceleration data of the probe body from the position data of the probe body and to determine, on the basis of the speed data and/or acceleration data of the probe body, whether or not probing is present in which the probe body makes contact with a measurement object for the purpose of capturing a measuring point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Tobias Held
  • Patent number: 10482621
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for estimating match of a 3D alignment pose of a runtime 3D point cloud relative to a trained model 3D point cloud. It includes scoring a match of a candidate pose of the runtime 3D point cloud relative to the trained model 3D point cloud, including a visibility check that comprises (a) receiving a 3D camera optical center (b) receiving the trained model 3D point cloud; (c) receiving the runtime 3D point cloud; and (d) constructing a plurality of line segments from the optical center to a plurality of 3D points in the 3D point cloud at the runtime candidate pose. A system and method for determining an accurate representation of a 3D imaged object by omitting spurious points from a composite point cloud based on the presence or absence of such points in a given number of point clouds is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Hoelscher, Aaron S. Wallack, Adam Wagman, David J. Michael, Hongjun Jia
  • Patent number: 10480931
    Abstract: Provided is a dimension measuring apparatus which measures dimensions of a measurement target object without the need of complicated operations by a user. According to dimension measuring apparatus (100), laser (15) radiates laser beams to form at least two feature points on a measurement target object. Decoder (20) measures a distance from the measurement target object by using reflection light of at least two laser beams reflected on the measurement target object. Imaging sensor (10A) captures an image of the measurement target object to which at least the two laser beams are radiated. Dimension measurement section (30) measures a length of the measurement target object on a line connecting the two feature points on the basis of the distance from the measurement target object, a position of the measurement target object in the image, and positions of the two feature points in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutake Kawashima, Ken Fukuba
  • Patent number: 10432895
    Abstract: A communication terminal includes circuitry to cause a display to display a predetermined area image. The predetermined area image is an image of a part of a whole image that is shared with another communication terminal communicably connected to the communication terminal. The circuitry further transmits predetermined area information to be received by the other communication terminal. The predetermined area information indicates a predetermined area associated with the predetermined area image displayed with the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mayu Hakata, Yohhei Ohmura, Takuya Soneda, Kenichiro Morita, Takeshi Homma, Hiroyuki Kanda, Takafumi Takeda
  • Patent number: 10355445
    Abstract: A redundant optical radiant energy source, especially for metrology applications, including a redundant optical device for creating optical radiation including at least two semiconductor lasers, which are provided on a thermally conducting laser support, at least one thermal sensor configured to detect the temperature of the laser support or at least one of the semiconductor lasers, respectively; and a heating/cooling device thermally connected to or integrally provided with the laser support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ADVA Optical Networking SE
    Inventor: Patrick Berthoud
  • Patent number: 10304159
    Abstract: A computer displays a plurality of edge lines extracted from a shot image of a spatial structure that has been shot by an image shooting apparatus, and a plurality of ridge lines included in a model image represented by model information of the spatial structure, in a manner such that the edge lines and the ridge lines are selectable. Then, the computer accepts a selection instruction indicating an edge line and a ridge line of an overlay target. Finally, in accordance with the accepted selection instruction, the computer displays a superimposition image in which the model image has been superimposed onto the shot image in a manner such that the edge line and the ridge line of the overlay target overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Tomohiro Aoyagi, Yojiro Numata
  • Patent number: 10282837
    Abstract: An image measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an imaging device that images a workpiece to acquire an image of this workpiece; and a processing device that performs measurement of the workpiece based on this image and outputs a measurement result. Moreover, the processing device sets a region in the image, sets a plurality of first points along a contour line of this region, sequentially moves these plurality of first points so that the plurality of first points approximate to the contour line included in the image, acquires the moved plurality of first points as a plurality of second points, and calculates the measurement result based on these plurality of second points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaki Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10258425
    Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tabish Mustufa, Nicola Diolaiti, David Q. Larkin
  • Patent number: 10242436
    Abstract: A non-destructive inspection apparatus is configured to perform non-destructive inspection of a bonded place between a base material and a bonding material of a gas turbine engine part formed by bonding the bonding material formed of a metal material to the base material formed of a fiber-strengthened material, and includes a moving apparatus configured to move the gas turbine engine part, a light source apparatus configured to emit a laser beam, an infrared imaging apparatus configured to image the gas turbine engine part to which the laser beam is radiated, and a control and arithmetic processing apparatus configured to store form data of the gas turbine engine part, control the moving apparatus such that the laser beam is radiated to the bonded place based on the form data, and obtain a result showing a state of the bonded place based on imaging data obtained by the infrared imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: IHI Corporation, KEN AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Koichi Inagaki, Kunihiko Takao
  • Patent number: 10234848
    Abstract: Methods for control of post-design free form deposition processes or joining processes are described that utilize machine learning algorithms to improve fabrication outcomes. The machine learning algorithms use real-time object property data from one or more sensors as input, and are trained using training data sets that comprise: i) past process simulation data, past process characterization data, past in-process physical inspection data, or past post-build physical inspection data, for a plurality of objects that comprise at least one object that is different from the object to be fabricated; and ii) training data generated through a repetitive process of randomly choosing values for each of one or more input process control parameters and scoring adjustments to process control parameters as leading to either undesirable or desirable outcomes, the outcomes based respectively on the presence or absence of defects detected in a fabricated object arising from the process control parameter adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Relativity Space, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Mehr, Tim Ellis, Jordan Noone
  • Patent number: 10228237
    Abstract: A method for determining a strain includes bonding first and second components together, at an elevated temperature, using a bonding agent. A strain is then measured in the first component using a strain measurement tool as the first component cools from the elevated temperature. The strain measurement tool is configured to detect movement the first component as the first component cools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Eileen Kutscha
  • Patent number: 10209200
    Abstract: A high-speed, 3-D method and system for optically inspecting parts are provided. The system includes a part transfer subsystem including a transfer mechanism adapted to support a part at a loading station and transfer the supported part from the loading station to an inspection station at which the part has a predetermined position and orientation for inspection. The system also includes an illumination assembly to simultaneously illuminate an end surface of the part and a peripheral surface of the part. The system further includes a lens and detector assembly to form an optical image of the illuminated end surface and an optical image of the illuminated peripheral surface of the part and to detect the optical images. The system still further includes a processor to process the detected optical images to obtain an end view of the part and a 3-D panoramic view of the peripheral surface of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Gil Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Nygaard, Gregory M. Nygaard
  • Patent number: 10133956
    Abstract: The image signature extraction device includes an image signature generation unit and an encoding unit. The image signature generation unit extracts region features from respective sub-regions in an image in accordance with a plurality of pairs of sub-regions in the image, the pairs of sub-regions including at least one pair of sub-regions in which both a combination of shapes of two sub-regions of the pair and a relative position between the two sub-regions of the pair differ from those of at least one of other pairs of sub-regions, and based on the extracted region features of the respective sub-regions, generates an image signature to be used for identifying the image. The encoding unit encodes the image signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kota Iwamoto, Ryoma Oami
  • Patent number: 10104313
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a turbine component includes inducing a thermal response of the component at an initial time, capturing a two-dimensional infrared image of the thermal response of the component with a thermal imaging device, wherein the two-dimensional infrared image comprises a plurality of infrared image pixels, generating a two-dimension to three-dimension mapping template to correlate two-dimensional infrared image data with three-dimensional locations on the component, mapping at least a subset of the plurality of infrared image pixels of the two-dimensional infrared image to three-dimensional coordinates using the mapping template, and generating a three-dimensional infrared image and infrared data of the component from the mapped infrared image pixels to three-dimensional coordinates, wherein the three-dimensional infrared image and infrared data is used to qualify the component for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas N. Slavens, Jeremy Styborski, Alex J. Schneider, Lea Kennard Castle, Rodney H. Warner, James Tilsley Auxier
  • Patent number: 10101263
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested superabrasive element, such as a polycrystalline diamond element. In an embodiment, a method of characterizing the relative strength of a superabrasive element is disclosed. A first superabrasive element and a second superabrasive element are positioned upper surface to upper surface, including an area of overlap between the upper surfaces. A load is applied while the first and second superabrasive elements are overlapped until failure of one or both of the first or second superabrasive elements fail. A relative strength is determined using at least the load during failure as a parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jason K. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 10057513
    Abstract: A flash thermography device for generating an infrared image of a turbine component located inside a turbine. The device includes a flash enclosure having an aperture. A flash source is located in the aperture wherein the flash source generates a light pulse that heats the turbine component. The device also includes an infrared sensor for detecting thermal energy radiated by the turbine component wherein the radiated thermal energy is transmitted through the aperture to the infrared sensor to enable generation of an infrared image of the turbine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Dustin C. Boudin, Clifford Hatcher, Jr., Anand A. Kulkarni, Kevin Licata
  • Patent number: 10024760
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a components include locating a plurality of machined surface features on the component, locating at least one reference point, and measuring a plurality of first distances between the plurality of machined surface features and the at least one reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Parvangada Ganapathy Bojappa, Jason Lee Burnside, Gregory Lee Hovis, William Farris Ranson, Jacob Andrew Salm
  • Patent number: 10019666
    Abstract: A conveyor element (2) of a conveyor device conveys bar-shaped products (1) orthogonal to a longitudinal direction (x) of the bar-shaped products (1) oriented in a conveying direction (y). A trigger device (3) provides a trigger signal (S) each time the conveyor element (2) has travelled a predetermined interval. Based upon the respective trigger signal (S), an image (B) is acquired by a camera (4). The image (B) shows front ends of the products (1) in a respective section of the conveyor element (2) corresponding at least to the predetermined interval. Based upon the acquired images (B), the number of bar-shaped products (1) conveyed by the conveyor element (2) is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Ruth Kirkwood Azmat, Christopher Ceccarini, Ritesh Manoria
  • Patent number: 9998729
    Abstract: The inventive systems and methods relate to the field of matching toolmarks for firearm forensics having a retrographic sensor to provide a three dimensional representation of a surface of an object for heatmapping analyzed matching geometric features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Lilien, Marcus Brubaker, Pierre Duez
  • Patent number: 9989486
    Abstract: A method for induction thermography includes acquiring a plurality of images or an object at each of a plurality of imaging directions, and deriving a combined Fourier-transformed image from the images taken at different imaging directions to detect defects in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Lukasz Adam Bienkowski, Matthias Goldammer, Christian Homma, Max Rothenfusser
  • Patent number: 9976967
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting defects on an object including forming an image representing the object from signals relating to the object, constructing subdivisions of the image according to auto-adaptive resolutions, and calculating differentials between various subdivisions in order to detect an abnormal subdivision indicating incipient failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: William Bense, Valerio Gerez
  • Patent number: 9961329
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising: an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image; a depth map acquisition unit configured to acquire a first depth map; a working range map generation unit configured to generate a working range map showing a working range in the image on the basis of the first depth map; a synthesizing unit configured to synthesize the image and the working range map and to generate a synthesized image; and a display unit configured to display the synthesized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Takahashi, Satoru Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9921132
    Abstract: A system and method to inspect flaws associated with a part. The system includes a first image capturing device configured to capture a first set of images of the part and a computer operably associated with first image capturing device and configured to receive and analyze the first set of images. The method includes treating the part with a magnetic particle and fluorescent penetrant processing, capturing a first set of images of an outer surface of the part with the first image capturing device, and identifying a part defect with an algorithm associated with the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Nissen, Edward Hohman
  • Patent number: 9869596
    Abstract: A non-invasive method for estimation of strain profile and dynamic evolution of the strain at a location interposed inside a block of soft material, includes forming a tracer grid consisting of microscopic lines or regularly spaced microscopic dots on a single plane buried inside the soft block; preparation of a deformable object embedded with the tracer grid in three primary steps: i. preparing a block of crosslinked material by crosslinking a first predetermined quantity of a pre-polymer solution containing a monomer, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator and promoter all mixed in a solvent at a known stoichiometric weight ratio; ii. transferring a grid comprising of lines or dots onto the face by direct writing or transferring from an easy release surface; and iii. crosslinking a second predetermined quantity of the same pre-polymer solution on the gel surface, such that this second crosslinked material gets welded to the first one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignees: Indian Council of Medical Research, Indian Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Animangsu Ghatak, Susmita Das, Sukumar Laha
  • Patent number: 9864924
    Abstract: An image processing device includes an inscribed sphere acquiring section that acquires an inscribed sphere which intersects line segment and is inscribed in torus in calculation of an intersection of the torus and a line segment, a calculating section that calculates an intersection of the inscribed sphere and the line segment, a reacquiring section that acquires the position of a new inscribed sphere in such a manner that a contact circle between the new inscribed sphere and the torus gets closer to the intersection, a recalculating section that calculates an intersection of the new inscribed sphere and the line segment, and an intersection output section that outputs the intersection of the torus and the line segment on the basis of an intersection of the inscribed sphere and the line segment obtained by at least one time of calculation of the intersection of the new inscribed sphere and the line segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Matsuike
  • Patent number: 9842278
    Abstract: A method and an image analysis system including an orientation correction processor (OCP), a spatial sensor, and an analytics unit for detecting a target object from an image and validating the detection of the target object are provided. The OCP receives and processes image data from a series of image frames captured by an image sensor and spatial data from the spatial sensor. The OCP generates orientation data using the image data, the spatial data, timestamp data, and lens data of the image sensor. The OCP generates resultant image data by associating the generated orientation data with the received and processed image data simultaneously for each image frame. The analytics unit, in communication with the OCP, processes and analyzes the generated resultant image data with reference to an analytic dataset library to detect the target object from the image and validate the detection of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Tend Insights, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Cheng, Herman Yau
  • Patent number: 9830559
    Abstract: A machine learning unit capable of judging the necessity of replacement of a spindle of a machine tool. A machine learning unit includes a state observing section observing a state variable comprising processing volume data showing a number of processed workpieces, processing accuracy data showing a difference between an actual dimension of a processed workpiece and a dimension target value, interruption time data showing a time period of interruption of operation of the machine tool, and replacement determination data showing a judgment result of a necessity of spindle replacement; and a learning section provided with profit-and-loss data comprising a profit per unit time or a loss per unit time, generated by a production of the processed workpiece, and a loss per unit time generated due to the spindle replacement. The learning section uses the profit-and-loss data and the state variable and learns a condition associated with the spindle replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yohei Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9816938
    Abstract: A component inspection process includes positioning a component (e.g., a semiconductor component or other object) such that component sidewalls are disposed along an optical path corresponding to sidewall beam splitters configured for receiving sidewall illumination provided by a set of sidewall illuminators, and transmitting this sidewall illumination therethrough, toward and to component sidewalls. Sidewall illumination incident upon component sidewalls is reflected from the component sidewalls back toward the sidewall beam splitters, which reflect or redirect this reflected sidewall illumination along an optical path corresponding to an image capture device for sidewall image capture to enable component sidewall inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES & INSTRUMENTS PTE LTD
    Inventor: Ajharali Amanullah
  • Patent number: 9804997
    Abstract: Methods manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data for an asset is received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model associated therewith is determined. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model, a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated, and information about the aligned NDE data is exported. Additionally, second NDE data associated with the at least a portion of the asset may also be received, at least one alignment algorithm to align the data determined, and the second NDE data aligned. Respective indications associated with the first and second NDE data may be determined and visually represented on the simulated model. Moreover, a shot descriptor file may be analyzed to determine whether additional NDE data is required to complete an alignment of NDE data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Etegent Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Sharp, Richard A. Roth, II, Uriah M. Liggett, Joseph M. Kesler
  • Patent number: 9682249
    Abstract: A compact and economical transcranial magnetic stimulation system has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to be used for providing magnetic stimulation to the head of patient. The generator has a magnetic coil for generating a variable magnetic field and a holder for holding the magnetic coil. The holder has positioning portions for positioning the holder against respective markings on the head of patient. The coil is placed into a suitable posture against certain position by aligning the positioning portions with the markings on the head of patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Tojo, Atsushi Asahina
  • Patent number: 9644950
    Abstract: A positioning unit includes two or more the laser light sources disposed around a point sensor. Laser light beams from the two or more the laser light sources intersect at an adjustment point separated from a detection point, which is away from the point sensor, by a predetermined distance. The adjustment point is positioned on a desired measurement start point on a work, the point sensor is moved close to the work by the predetermined distance, and a measurement scan of the work is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kotaro Hirano, Naoki Izumi, Hideki Shindo
  • Patent number: 9554094
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and/or determining the existence of displacement of a substrate with respect to a surrounding object uses a laser line that is free of contact with the object and that is received by an image sensor. A processor reads the line information in a series of image frames, and generates a range image with height information. The height information is provided to a 2D map. Differences between adjacent height measurements, and averages, are computed. Vision system tools are used to accurately locate features in the image and these are aligned with the height information. The height differences are interpreted, with missing height data due, for example, to specularity in the image being approximated. The height differences are compared to predetermined height parameters relative to identified locations, for example, wells, in the object to determine whether a substrate is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert Chiang, Robert Tremblay
  • Patent number: 9530249
    Abstract: When an image of a marker existing in a real space is taken by using an outer camera, an image of a plurality of virtual characters which is taken by a virtual camera is displayed on an upper LCD so as to be superimposed on a taken real image of the real space. The virtual characters are located in a marker coordinate system based on the marker, and when a button operation is performed by a user on a game apparatus, the position and the orientation of each virtual character are changed. Then, when a button operation indicating a photographing instruction is provided by the user, an image being displayed is stored in a storage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., HAL LABORATORY INC.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kawamoto, Shinya Fujiwara, Yuuki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9482754
    Abstract: A detection unit comprising a manipulator, a imaging unit, a light beam irradiation unit and a computing unit, the imaging unit and the light beam irradiation unit are provided on a manipulator. The detection apparatus includes a horizontal imaging plane, which includes an optical axis of the imaging unit, and a vertical imaging plane, which includes the optical axis of the imaging unit and 1) a projection of a light beam from the light beam irradiation unit on the horizontal imaging plane and 2) a projection of a light beam from the light beam irradiation unit on the vertical imaging plane respectively form an intersecting angle with the optical axis of the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KIKAI SEKKEI NAKAHATA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Nakahata, Hiroshi Nakahata
  • Patent number: 9392186
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to provide wireless communication; a camera; a flash; and a controller configured to capture, via the camera, a first image while controlling the flash to emit a first flash, capture, via the camera, a second image while controlling the flash to emit a second flash, and generate a third image by combining a first area of the first image and a second area of the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Suyoung Park
  • Patent number: 9390520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system to provide an improved signal representation of non-destructive test/inspection instruments by proper color display, in order to emulate as closely as possible, the visual rendering effect of those seen in the traditional non-electronic testing, including penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing. The foregoing object of the invention is preferably realized by providing an eddy current or phased array instrument with a color palette module that allows the deployment of an array of color representation system typically used in traditional non-electronic testing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS AMERICAS INC.
    Inventor: Tommy Bourgelas
  • Patent number: 9329271
    Abstract: In a method for optically scanning and measuring an environment, a laser scanner emits an emission light beam, receives a reception light beam reflected from an object, and determines for a multiplicity of measurement points at least the distance from the object to a center of the laser scanner, and in which at least some of the measurement points are displayed on a display device, the measurement points are assigned to pixels of a plane and their distances to the plane are assigned to respective depths, at least the pixels between the pixels which are assigned to the measurement points are filled with values in dependence on the depth, by selecting pixels, by searching for pixels which are adjacent to the selected pixels and have a smaller depth, and by filling the selected pixels depending on the values of the adjacent pixels and on their depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Ossig, Dag Frommhold, Daniel Flohr
  • Patent number: 9228958
    Abstract: One form of the present application provides a system comprising an illumination source capable of providing an electromagnetic illumination of an engine component, an imaging system structured to capture illumination of the engine component, a component manipulation system structured to position the engine component in a variety of orientations relative to one of the illumination source and the imaging system, a computer based user interface capable of identifying an inspection protocol defined to acquire an image of the engine component at the variety of positions using the illumination system, the imaging system and the component manipulation system, and a processor configured to process the inspection protocol for the purposes of analyzing the acquired image in response to the inspection protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Amir Shirkhodaie, Robert Moriarty, Kong Ma
  • Patent number: 9222796
    Abstract: A map display system including a unit that stores map information including information about a facility icon, a display unit, a position detecting unit that detects a touch position on the screen of the display unit when the screen is touched, and a scroll control unit that performs follow scrolling in which a map image on the display unit is scrolled following movement of the touch position detected by the position detecting unit, and that performs inertial scrolling in which the map image is scrolled on the basis of a moving direction and speed of the touch position when touching the screen is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidenori Nagasaka, Takayasu Tanaka, Hiroyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9208582
    Abstract: An image analysis system that analyzes an image of an object's organ having an anatomically symmetric shape includes: an image data read means that reads image data of the organ, a memory means that is connected to the image data read means, and stores the read image data, a display means that is connected to the memory means, and displays the image data as an image, a centerline setting means that is connected to the memory means, and sets a centerline of the organ in the image displayed on the display means, a region-of-interest setting means that is connected to the memory means, and uses the centerline to set a plurality of or at least one pair of regions of interest at anatomically symmetric opposite positions in the image of the organ, and an input means that is connected to the region-of-interest setting means, and inputs conditions for setting of the regions of interest in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuo Omi, Ryo Takagi, Osamu Miyazaki, Yoshiaki Sugaya
  • Patent number: 9180552
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for identifying a defect in a weld joint through an X-Ray image. An image capturing module captures the X-Ray image of the weld joint. The X-Ray image comprises dark areas and bright areas. An image processing module executes a gamma correction algorithm on the X-Ray image by using a standard power law transform in order to enhance contrast of the dark areas and the bright areas. The image processing module further passes the X-Ray image through one or more de-noising filters in order to remove noise from the X-Ray image. An analysis module identifies a fragment of the X-Ray image that comprises one or more dark area with respect to neighboring areas adjacent to the one or more dark area. The analysis module further segments the X-Ray image into one or more segments in order to identify the defect in the weld joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: THINKSMART IT SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Nilesh Madanlal Bhattad, Sagar Shankar Patil
  • Patent number: 9183625
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for processing a radiograph which is capable of precisely detecting a region of interest. The apparatus includes: an inputter that outputs an input image obtained by irradiating radioactive rays; and a line detector that performs a Hough transform on the input image, senses at least one edge line based on the Hough-transformed input image, performs a Radon transform in a region in which the at least one edge line is sensed, and obtains an edge line of the at least one edge line as a first collimation line one based on a result of the Radon transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-geun Park, Ho-kyung Kang, Jae-chool Lee, Hyun-seung Lee, Hae-kyung Jung
  • Patent number: 9168104
    Abstract: Intra-operative systems for identifying surgical sharp objects are provided. Aspects of the systems include an intra-operative imaging device for obtaining intra-operative surgical sharp object image data; and a surgical sharp object automated shape recognition module configured to identify a surgical sharp object from intra-operative surgical sharp object image data. Systems of the invention may further include additional components, such as surgical instrument and/or sponge identification and tracking devices. Systems of the invention find use in a variety of methods and applications, including tracking of surgical items during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: John Richard Dein
  • Patent number: 9144861
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for laser peening hidden surfaces. In one embodiment, a laser processing pen is provided, the laser processing pen comprising: an elongated member, comprising: a laser pulse entry portion; a laser pulse exit portion, wherein the laser pulse exit portion includes at least one optical lens; and at least one tape guide capable of channeling at least a non-adhesive tape overlay in proximity of the laser pulse exit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: LSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Sokol, Jeff L. Dulaney, Nickolas K. McCoy
  • Patent number: 9141105
    Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring one or more machine tool systems is disclosed. The system may monitor a plurality of machine tool systems which are associated with different customers and at a plurality of facilities. A remote user may access information regarding the machine tool system through a user interface and specific that notifications be sent upon the occurrence of various conditions. A system for updating software of a machine tool system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Hurco Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew David Trepina, Elias G Pavlakos, Gregory S Volovic, John Christopher Allen, James D. Fabris
  • Patent number: 9134724
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for providing an assembly formed of a first piece and a best fitted second piece is described. The manufacturing process is carried out by performing at least the following operations: receiving the first piece characterized in accordance with at least a first attribute, selecting the best fitted second piece from a buffer, the selecting based in part upon a best matching value of a second attribute in relation to the first attribute replacing the selected best fitted second piece with another second piece such that the number of second pieces in the buffer remains about the same, and forming the assembly the first part and the second part to form the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley N. Saulsbury, Nicholas I. Reid
  • Patent number: 9131126
    Abstract: A method for repairing scratch impairments in which brightness values for a set of points within a narrow region of the impaired input image that is aligned with an expected scratch direction are modified in a scratch repair process; and the scratch repair process is controlled in dependence upon the relationship between the impaired brightness values and corresponding modified brightness values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Snell Limited
    Inventor: Martin Weston
  • Patent number: 9122048
    Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus and an image processing program which are capable of selectively and readily acquiring a geometrical physical quantity of a desired measuring portion. An object image is displayed based on object image data, and a measuring portion designating image corresponding to a specific portion of the object image is displayed based on designating image data. By operation of an operation part by a user, the displayed measuring portion designating image is moved relatively to the object image. When the measuring portion designating image is moved to a specific portion of the object image, a geometrical physical quantity of a measuring portion of the measuring object, previously set so as to correspond to that specific portion, is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Matsumura, Woobum Kang
  • Patent number: 9109887
    Abstract: Provided are: a correction object determining section which determines whether, on an imaging plane in image data obtained by imaging an object irradiated with diffusion light from a light source by a camera, a region regarded to be in a state where a rod-like object has been irradiated with the diffusion light exists; a measurement point calculating section which estimates a light source center position of the diffusion light based on information of a luminance distribution of the diffusion light in the image data to set it as a first measurement point; and a distance calculating section which calculates a distance between the object at the first measurement point and the camera according to triangulation based on a horizontal distance between the center of the imaging plane and the first measurement point, the positions of the camera and light source, and an imaging direction angle of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignees: Renesas Electronics Corporation, Future University Hakodate
    Inventors: So Otsuka, Takeshi Nagasaki, Masashi Toda