Hermary’s 3D scanners are unparalleled in speed, resolution, and reliability. We pride ourselves in engineering excellent vision technologies that not only add value to our customers’ solutions but inspire great inventions.
Hermary’s first patent was issued in 1997 to the LPS-2016 electromagnetic profile scanner. The success of LPS-2016 paved the way for Hermary’s next-generation 3D scanners, the DPS coplanar electromagnetic profile scanner (known as the DPS line), in 1999. The immense scanning capabilities of the coplanar profile scanner revolutionized the sawmill/lumber industry. Since their inventions, both patents have been cited in over 280 cases in total. Hermary’s 3D scanning innovations became a beacon of technological importance that helped advance vision technologies in industrial and consumer products alike. Explore below what inventions referenced Hermary in their patents.
Co-planar electromagnetic profile scanner, 1999
This patent marks the birth of the LPS product line. A typical log travels down the conveyor at 500 ft/150 m per minute. The scanners incorporated coded structured light to achieve accurate data capturing of the fast-moving logs (objects). Hermary’s patented coded structured light technology use a patterned and coded beam of light, in such a manner that can be uniquely identified and associated with a specific portion of the scanning beam, and thus with the object being scanned. The unique coded structured light technology also made laser scanning more immune to ambient light.
The blue bubble in the center represents Hermary’s patents. Click on the blue bubble to explore the patent and read about the technology behind it.
The gray bubbles surrounding the blue bubble represent the patents that have cited Hermary’s patent as prior art.
Click on the gray bubbles to learn about patents referenced Hermary’s inventions.
Electromagnetic Profile Scanner, 1997
One of the founding inventions of Hermary, the “Electromagnetic profile scanner,” became the groundbreaking industrial 3D scanner known as LPS-2016 (discontinued).
The scanning system was designed to scan logs for optimal utilization in sawmill settings. The LPS-2016 generates a two-dimensional profile of the surface that intersects the scan plane. By linking the profiles to the speed of the transport system, the scanner profiles are combined in the host computer to show the three-dimensional shape. The LPS-2016 was the first of its kind to house all processing electronics in one sealed enclosure and operated with minimal maintenance.
The 3D measurement scanning technology elevated the standards of quality assurance and workplace safety in these traditionally labor-intensive plants. It revolutionized and transformed many forward-thinking sawmills and lumberyards ready to embrace modernization.
Enhanced imaging method and apparatus, 2016
This patented invention provides accurate, high-quality images of the scanned objects, addressing distortions and specular reflections. Most importantly, this groundbreaking 3D scanner was able to capture color raw data, adding an additional dimension to the usable data.
The scanner utilized Hermary’s patented coded structured light technology, which is a patterned and coded beam of light in such a manner that can be uniquely identified and associated with a specific portion of the scanning beam, and thus with the object being scanned. The unique coded structured light technology also made outdoor scanning possible. This technology was used to develop DPS-4024CV (discontinued), which were installed in some of the most technologically advanced sawmills in North America.
Device and Method to Establish Temporal Correspondence in Multiple Sensor Configurations, 2005
Developed to empower multiple-scanner applications, the patent is the underlining technology for the LRS-50, LRS-16HC, and later on, GIG-4PT. Both the LRS-16HC and GIG-4PT are peripheral devices, meaning they are to be used by connecting to a host computer. These concentrators centralize communication among all Hermary 3D scanners and typically a host computer. This enables downstream devices or applications to process combined data from multiple scanners as target objects pass through the scan zones. The invention of the concentrator also allowed for easy repair and maintenance with built-in LED indicators.
Co-planar electromagnetic profile scanner
A co-planar system for determining the shape and dimensions of a surface of an object includes a projector for projecting in a selected plane onto the object a spatially coded pattern of radiation, e.g., light. The system also includes a receiving device capable of imaging the reflected pattern in the selected plane, and a discriminator for determining which portion of the reflected pattern corresponds to which portion of the projected pattern. By this means, a received signal representing less than the complete reflection from the projected pattern can be correlated with a discrete portion of the scanned object. The object is moved relative to the selected plane and the procedure repeated to obtain enough reliable data to generate a reasonably reliable surface profile. The resulting set of received signals and correlations are used to calculate the shape and dimensions of the object.
Profile inspection system for threaded and axial components
A system for inspecting a component includes a fixture for holding the component, a light source disposed on one side of the component, and an optical detector disposed on the other side of the component. The detector images a portion of the outer edges of the component. A translation stage is operative to move the light source and detector in unison along the length of the component. The component is rotated through a predetermined angle about its axis.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Methods and apparatus for codeword boundary detection for generating depth maps
A structured light active sensing systems may be configured to transmit and received codewords to generate a depth map by analyzing disparities between the locations of the transmitted and received codewords. To determine the locations of received codewords, an image of the projected codewords is identified, from which one or more codeword boundaries are detected. The codeword boundaries may be detected based upon a particular codeword bit of each codeword. Each detected codeword boundary may be constrained from overlapping with other detected codeword boundaries, such that no pixel of the received image is associated with more than one codeword boundary.
Owned By: QUALCOMM Incorporated
Electronic apparatus, method of controlling electronic apparatus, and program
In an electronic apparatus that captures images, characters in an image are accurately recognized. The electronic apparatus includes an imaging section, a distance measurement section, a shape estimation section, and a coordinate conversion section. The imaging section images an object and captures image data. The distance measurement section measures distances from the imaging section to a plurality of measurement points on a surface of the object. The shape estimation section estimates a shape of the object from the measured distances. The coordinate conversion section performs coordinate conversion on the image data, the coordinate conversion including converting three-dimensional coordinates on the surface of the object into plane coordinates on a predetermined reference plane on the basis of the estimated shape.
Owned By: Sony Corporation
Method for capturing images of a preferably structured surface of an object and device for image capture
The invention relates to a method for capturing images of a preferably structured surface of an object, using at least one line-scan camera for scanning the surface, wherein the surface is illuminated in a structured manner and wherein for reconstruction of the surface a time-oriented evaluation and/or spatial evaluation of acquired images is effected optionally taking into account a relative movement between the line-scan camera and the surface. Said method is carried out by a device for capturing images of a preferably structured surface of an object.
Owned By: INB Vision AG (Magdeburg, DE)
Apparatus and method for three-dimensional measurement and program for allowing computer to execute method for three-dimensional measurement
The present invention has a three-dimensional apparatus including a lattice pattern placed in an optical path and having a slit-like light transmitting portion formed of pitches set at fixed intervals, and a projecting optical system that projects a lattice pattern image formed by the lattice pattern on the sample so that the image is inclined at a predetermined angle. A lattice pitch is determined on the basis of set parameters including the magnification of an observing system. A pattern is formed by the lattice pitch. The pattern is used to pick up a deformed lattice pattern image using a TV camera. An image of each position is acquired while shifting the lattice pattern over several levels. A phase is determined. A height is then determined using the difference between the phase and a basic phase corresponding to a pre-provided magnification or the like. The height is then displayed.
Owned By: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)
Method and scanner for touch free determination of a position and 3-dimensional shape of products on a running surface
Line scanning of a radiated and defined strip pattern (2) facilitates determining a position of an edge of each strip (5) by taking images of the line pattern (2) from a different viewing angle and determining an elevation profile along an image line (3) therefrom and by concatenating determining the 3-D elevation profile over a surface (1).
Owned By: Gerhard Schubert GmbH
Measuring depth of a surface of a test object
A method for measuring the depth of a surface of a test object may include projecting a colored fringe pattern formed by a sequence of colored fringes onto a surface of the test object, and detecting and evaluating a fringe pattern reflected by the surface of the test object using an evaluation device. The colored fringe pattern and the evaluation device may be designed such that the depth of the surface of the test object is measured based on the sequence of colored fringes of the reflected fringe pattern and based on a sequence of fringe widths of the reflected fringe pattern.
Owned By: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (Munich, DE)
Range finder
A system and method for measuring a height of objects on a moving surface comprising providing a linear image sensor positioned transverse to a direction of travel of the moving surface, and at least one light source positioned collinear to the linear image sensor and proximate to an edge of the moving surface so that the light source projects a unique patterned light sequence across a width of the moving surface, detecting a transverse shift in a portion of the unique patterned light sequence with respect to the direction of travel of the moving surface as an object passes through the unique patterned light sequence, determining an amount of shift of the portion of the unique patterned light sequence, and determining a height of the object based on the portion of the unique patterned light sequence shift.
Owned By: DATALOGIC USA, INC.
Coplanar camera scanning system
A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.
Owned By: DATALOGIC USA, INC.
Diameter measurement of a roll of material in a winding system
A web winding and measuring system is provided. The system includes a rotatably-mounted spool onto which a web of material is wound to form a roll. The system additionally includes a light-emitting device configured to illuminate the roll by light, providing a line on a cylindrical surface of the roll in a cross-machine direction, a light-receiving device configured to detect the line and generate measurement data from the detected line, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the light-receiving device and configured to receive the measurement data and calculate a diameter of the roll.
Owned By: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. (Neenah, WI)
Infrared sensor integrated in a touch panel
An infrared source is configured to illuminate the underside of one or more objects on or above a touchable surface of a touch panel. Infrared light reflected from the underside of the object(s) is detected by an infrared sensor integrated in the touch panel below the touchable surface.
Owned By: Microsoft Corporation
Touch sensing using shadow and reflective modes
A touch panel is described which uses at least one infrared source and an array of infrared sensors to detect objects which are in contact with, or close to, the touchable surface of the panel. The panel may be operated in both reflective and shadow modes, in arbitrary per-pixel combinations which change over time. For example, if the level of ambient infrared is detected and if that level exceeds a threshold, shadow mode is used for detection of touch events over some or all of the display. If the threshold is not exceeded, reflective mode is used to detect touch events. The touch panel includes an infrared source and an array of infrared sensors.
Owned By: Microsoft Corporation
Dynamic range of a line scanner having a photosensitive array that provides variable exposure
A line scanner measures 3D coordinates of an object surface and includes a projector with a light source that projects a line of light at the object surface. The line scanner also has a camera with a 2D array of light sensors and electronics that controls the exposure and readout times of each light sensor, the exposure time being controlled in either rows or columns of the array in a non-sequential manner, the readout time being controlled in either rows or columns that are the same as the rows or columns whose exposure time is being controlled, each of the light sensors converts an amount of captured optical energy into a digital signal value, the captured optical energy being from a reflected line of light from the object surface. Further includes a processor that receives the digital signal values and calculates the 3D coordinates of the object surface.
Owned By: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Line scanner that uses a color image sensor to improve dynamic range
A method for measuring 3D coordinates of points on a surface of an object by providing an articulated arm connected to a laser line probe. The laser line probe having a color camera sends color images to a processor, which determines 3D surface coordinates using triangulation. The processor weights each of the colors received from the pixels to enable dark and bright regions of the surface to be measured simultaneously.
Owned By: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Code symbol reading system
An optical code symbol reading system includes a housing having a light transmission aperture, and at least one sound port formed in the housing. The system includes an optical code symbol reading subsystem for optically reading a code symbol in the field external to the light transmission aperture, and generating symbol character data representative of the read code symbol. An electro-acoustic transducer is disposed in the housing for producing sonic energy. Also, an acoustic-waveguide structure is disposed in the housing, for coupling the sonic energy produced from the electro-acoustic transducer, to the at least sound wave port formed the housing, to audibly signal the reading of a code symbol to the operator of the optical code symbol reading system.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (aka Honeywell)
Digital image capture and processing system employing an image formation and detection system having an area-type image detection array supporting single snap-shot and periodic snap-shot modes of image acquisition during object illumination and imaging operations
A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window, and an image formation and detection subsystem, disposed in the housing, having an area-type image detection array supporting a single snap-shot mode of image acquisition and a periodic snap-shot mode of image acquisition during object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object. By virtue of its single and periodic snap-shot modes of operation, the digital image capture and processing system of the present invention has the capacity to support pass-through as well as presentation type methods of digital image capture and processing at demanding POS environments without the use of traditional video modes of image acquisition.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (aka Honeywell)
Method of programming the system configuration parameters of a digital image capture and processing system during the implementation of its communication interface with a host system without reading programming-type bar code symbols
A method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system having a single array of LEDs disposed near and behind the upper edge portion of its imaging window, which is provided with an illumination-focusing lens structure integrated therein. During object detection, illumination and imaging operations on the countertop surface, typically at a retail point of sale (POS) station, visible illumination generated by the LEDs is focused and projected by the illumination-focusing lens structure so that the system maintains its illumination rays substantially within the field of view (FOV) of said system, and above which the field of view (FOV) of human operator and spectators are positioned, so that the field of illumination extends substantially across the working distance of the FOV of the system, and in a way to illuminate objects located anywhere within the working distance of said system, while minimizing annoyance to the system operator, as well as others in the vicinity thereof during system operation.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (aka Honeywell)
Laser beam generation system employing a laser diode and high-frequency modulation circuitry mounted on a flexible circuit
A laser beam generation system having an integrated coherence reduction mechanism. The system includes: a flexible circuit having a first end portion and a second end portion; a laser diode mounted on the first end portion of the flexible circuit, for producing a laser beam having a central characteristic wavelength; diode current drive circuitry for producing a diode drive current to drive the laser diode and produce said laser beam; and high frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry also mounted on the first end portion of the flexible circuit, for modulating the diode drive current at a sufficiently high frequency to cause the laser diode to produce a laser beam having a spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and thereby reducing the coherence as well as coherence length of the laser beam.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (aka Honeywell)
Recording method for obtaining an image of an object and recording device
A method for recording an image of an object includes projecting a strip pattern onto the object, recording the projected strip pattern as raw image data using a camera, and calculating an image of the object from the raw image data. A strip pattern having a duty cycle of less than 1 can be used to increase measuring precision during measurement of a translucent object, and can eliminate a need for additional contrast agents for a recording of the object.
Owned By: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
Apparatus and method for measuring three-dimensional shape of wood block
An apparatus and a method for measuring three-dimensional shape of a wood block are disclosed. A planar light beam is projected by a light emitting device against a wood block rotatably supported on its tentative spin axis in such a way that two continuous lines extending parallel to the tentative spin axis for the entire block length are illuminated on the outer peripheral surface of the block. The block with the illuminated lines is photographed at a plurality of its angular positions by a imaging device. Based on data of the photographed line images, distances between the tentative spin axis and each of the illuminated lines on the outer peripheral surface of the block are computed at a plurality of cross-sections of the block along the tentative spin axis. Distances from the tentative spin axis to the outer peripheral surface of the block, including shapes of various irregularities on the surface of the block, are measured.
Owned By: Meinan Machinery Works, Inc. (Obu-shi, JP)
Tunnel-type digital imaging-based self-checkout system for use in retail point-of-sale environments
A tunnel-type digital imaging-based self-checkout system capable of generating and projecting coplanar illumination and imaging planes into a 3D imaging volume within a tunnel structure. The tunnel structure is supported above a package conveyor in a retail POS environment, and employs automatic package identification, profiling and tracking techniques during self-checkout operations.
Owned By: Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA)
Hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system employing automatic object presence detection to control automatic generation of a linear targeting illumination beam within the field of view (FOV), and manual trigger switching to initiate illumination
A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object on an area-type image detection array. The system includes an object presence detection subsystem for automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. The system also includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the first trigger event signal. A manual trigger switch is integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a second trigger event, indicating that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. Also, the system includes an LED-based illumination subsystem, responsive to the second triggering event, for generating and projecting a field of illumination through the imaging window and within the FOV so that light transmitted through the imaging window and reflected/scattered off the object and detected by the area-type image detection array within the hand-supportable housing.
Owned By: Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA)
Camera enclosure assembly
An enclosure assembly for a camera is designed to be mounted on the frame of an optical inspection apparatus for scanning the profile of a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis, the profile being associated with a reference axis orthogonal to a reference plane parallel to the travel path axis. The camera is part of a profile sensor unit and has an optical sensing field directed toward the travel path axis to define a scanning zone associated with the surface as intersected by the optical sensing field, the profile unit further having a laser source directing at angle with the optical sensing field a fan-shaped laser beam toward the scanning zone to define an associated scanning plane transverse to the travel path axis, to generate sensor output data related the profile of the article surface. The enclosure assembly comprises an enclosure body secured to the apparatus frame and including a front end wall provided with an opening protected by an optical element made of light transparent material, and a device for mounting the camera within the enclosure body such that the camera has its optical sensing field directed toward the opening. The enclosure assembly further comprises a device mechanically coupled to the enclosure body for displacing thereof in a direction perpendicular to the profile reference axis and parallel to the scanning plane to adjust the position of the optical sensing field with respect to the scanning plane.
Owned By: Centre de Recherche-Industrielle du Qubec
System and method of monitoring the quality of cutting
A method and system for monitoring the quality of log cutting either off-line or in real-time is based on optical measurement of half-squared or full-squared cants characteristics as produced at primary or secondary cutting stage, so as to increase the proportion of high-value wood pieces that can be recovered from full squared-cants produced at the sawing stage. The log is fed lengthwise to a primary cutting station (canter) capable of producing the first pair of opposing cut faces, while guiding the log substantially in a direction of the machine axis. The profile of the peripheral log surface at a plurality of cross-sections along the machine axis is measured to generate corresponding post-cut profile data, from which an estimation of log raw profile characteristics is made, to generate corresponding raw profile data. Then, from post-cut and raw profile data, resulting data on at least one parameter related to the cutting quality of the log. The proposed monitoring system and method provide accurate control of target dimensions, while optimizing the adjustment of other quality related parameters such as faces parallelism and cant centering, as well as to measure the level of some surface defects generated at cutting such as knife marks, stripping and roughness, in order to obtain a more complete performance diagnostic.
Owned By: Centre de Recherche-Industrielle du Qubec
Profile inspection system for threaded and axial components
A system and method are disclosed for inspecting a component having a length, a width, and an axis. The system includes a fixture for holding the component, a light source disposed on one side of the component, and an optical detector disposed on the other side of the component. In the preferred embodiment, the detector has a field of view wider than the width of the component, thereby enabling the detector to image a portion of the outer edges of the component. A translation stage is operative to move the light source and detector in unison along the length of the component and a processor, in communication with the detector and the translation stage, is operative to: a) receive electrical signals representative of the outer profile imaged by the detector; b) move the translation stage incrementally along the length of the component; and c) record the outer profile imaged by the detector at each increment and form a composite profile of the component. In the preferred embodiment, the processor is further operative to record the composite profile of the component at one or more angular orientations by rotating the component through a predetermined angle about its axis.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Method and system for optically inspecting parts
A method and apparatus that linearly scans at least one plane of radiation having a width wider than the diameter of the part onto an exterior side surface of the supported part so that the part occludes the at least one plane of radiation at a plurality of spaced apart locations. The invention includes forming a virtual representation of an outer profile of the part in a reference frame based on the input data and providing a virtual representation of an inner bore of a physical gauge in the reference frame. Then determining an interference position between the part and the gauge using the virtual representations wherein the interference position is a position along the axis where the bore diameter is substantially equal to the part diameter. Finally calculating a distance along the axis based on the interference position and storing the distance.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Method and system for automatically inspecting parts and for automatically generating calibration data for use in inspecting parts
A method and system for automatically inspecting parts and for automatically generating calibration data for use in inspecting parts are provided. The system includes a support for supporting a part to be inspected and/or a calibration device along a measurement axis. The system further includes a head apparatus including a plurality of radiation plane generators for directing an array of planes of radiation at the part and/or device so that the part and/or device occludes each of the planes of radiation to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the part and/or device. The head apparatus further includes a plurality of radiation plane receivers or cameras such as line scan cameras. Each of the cameras measures the amount of radiation present in an adjacent pair of unobstructed planar portions created from the same plane of radiation to obtain at least one measurement signal. The system still further includes a stage subsystem including a stage movable along a stage axis substantially parallel to the measurement axis and coupled to the head apparatus to move therewith for translating the head apparatus relative to the part and/or device along the stage axis so that the planes of radiation scan the part and/or device supported by the support substantially perpendicular to the stage and measurement axes. The system may further include one or more mechanisms for reducing radiation cross talk between neighboring cameras.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Apparatus for quickly retaining and releasing parts to be optically measured
An apparatus for quickly retaining and releasing parts having a wide range of sizes and designs at an optical measurement station is provided. The apparatus includes a rod having proximal and distal ends. The apparatus further includes a part-engaging first tip attached to the distal end of the rod to move therewith. The apparatus still further includes a part-engaging second tip. The apparatus includes a support structure for supporting the second tip and the rod. The apparatus further includes a quick-release, clamping mechanism for adjustably and releasably clamping the rod to the support structure so that the rod can move the first tip between a part-release position in which a part held between the tips is released for removal from the station and a part-retaining position in which a part is firmly held between the tips. Held parts having a wide range of sizes and designs can be optically measured at the station.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Optical method and system for generating calibration data for use in calibrating a part inspection system
An optical method and system for generating calibration data are provided. The calibration data is for use in calibrating a part inspection system. The method includes supporting a calibration device having a central axis and a plurality of regions which are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The method further includes scanning the device with an array of spaced planes of radiation so that the device occludes each of the planes of radiation at spaced locations along the central axis to create a corresponding array of unobstructed planar portions of the planes of radiation. Each of the unobstructed planar portions contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the device. The method still further includes measuring the amount of radiation present in each of the unobstructed planar portions to obtain measurement signals. The method includes processing the measurement signals to obtain calibration data for calibrating the system. The calibration data is capable of converting raw data to calibrated data.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Non-contact method and system for inspecting parts
A non-contact method and system for inspecting parts using two different types of machine vision methodologies are provided. The system has enhanced versatility and includes a triangulation-based subsystem to obtain triangulation-based sensor data, a radiation plane-based profile inspection subsystem to obtain shadowed radiation plane-based sensor data and a data processor for processing or fusing the triangulation-based sensor data and the shadowed radiation plane-based sensor data to obtain dimensional information related to the part.
Owned By: GII Acquisition LLC (Davisburg, MI)
Real-time structured light range scanning of moving scenes
A method for range scanning consists of projecting a sequence of radiation patterns onto a scene, capturing images of the scene, determining correspondences between image features and projection pattern features, and computing a range image of the scene by triangulation of the correspondences. Novel projection patterns allow tracking of pattern features between images, so that range images can be computed for moving scenes in real time. Global assumptions about surface continuity or reflectivity of the scene are not required for successful range scanning. Projection patterns may be based on two-stripe codes, parallel stripes of bright and dark intensity. In two-stripe coded patterns, pattern features are the boundaries between stripes, which take on values of either on-on, on-off, off-on, or off-off. A particular boundary's value over the entire pattern sequence defines its code, used to determine correspondences between the boundary image and its location in the projection pattern. The method is also useful for obtaining three-dimensional models of static objects. The object is slowly rotated while being imaged, and all resulting range images are aligned and merged to form the three-dimensional model. A system implementing the method can be mounted on a robot or vehicle for navigation in unknown environments.
Owned By: The Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford, CA)
Depth mapping using projected patterns
Apparatus for mapping an object includes an illumination assembly (30, 50), which includes a single transparency (36) containing a fixed pattern (60, 70, 80) of spots. A light source (34, 52) transilluminates the single transparency with optical radiation so as to project the pattern onto the object (28). An image capture assembly (32) captures an image of the pattern that is projected onto the object using the single transparency. A processor (24) processes the image captured by the image capture assembly so as to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) map of the object.
Owned By: Primesense Ltd. (Tel Aviv, IL)
Depth mapping using projected patterns
Apparatus for mapping an object includes an illumination assembly (30, 50), which includes a single transparency (36) containing a fixed pattern (60, 70, 80) of spots. A light source (34, 52) transilluminates the single transparency with optical radiation so as to project the pattern onto the object (28). An image capture assembly (32) captures an image of the pattern that is projected onto the object using the single transparency. A processor (24) processes the image captured by the image capture assembly so as to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) map of the object.
Owned By: Prime Sense Ltd. (Tel Aviv, IL)
Three dimensional vision device and method, and structured light bar-code patterns for use in the same
The present invention is a system and method for three dimensional machine vision including a projector and camera. The projector casts a structured light Quadratic Residue Bar Code on the surface to be mapped. The camera then images the surface. The projected image is shifted, and the process is repeated a number of times, according to the particular arrangement selected for the structured light Quadratic Residue Bar Code. The image data collected from this series of images is then processed by relatively simple matrix operations to determine the location of each camera pixel in three dimensional space.
Owned By: NEC Laboratories America, Inc. (Princeton, NJ)
Multiple axis multipoint non-contact measurement system
Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, easier discrimination and identification of the reflections is made possible.
Owned By: LMI Technologies Ltd. (Dublin, IE)
Systems and methods for measuring surface shape
A system for determining a surface shape of a test object includes a pattern having a plurality of first elements dispose about a central axis and defining an aperture containing the central axis. The first elements includes a plurality of common elements having a common form and a reference element having a reference form that is different than the common form. The system further comprises a detector array and an optical system. The optical system is adapted to provide an image of the first elements when light reflects off a surface of a test object, passes through the aperture, and is received by the detector array. The reference form may be configured to facilitate an association between the common elements and the spot images of the common elements.
Owned By: AMO Wavefront Sciences, LLC. (Abbott Laboratories)
Impression foam digital scanner
This disclosure provides for an impression scanner system having improved calibration having a housing and a calibration plate of known geometry. The calibration plate has a plurality of different shapes thereon. The system also has a radiation source for emitting radiation towards the shapes on the plate and a surface for reflecting images created by the radiation on the shapes. A sensor for receiving the images of the shapes as the plate moves relative to the housing is also provided. A processor compares known geometry of the plate to the images received by the sensor and calibrates the sensor based upon the known geometry and images to reduce system aberration and distortion.
Owned By: Amfit, Inc. (Vancouver, WA)
Camera with projector for selectively projecting pattern lights
A mechanism, employed for a camera, which obtains precise information upon a three-dimensional configuration of an object, without its being affected by nature of the object and/or by nature of a light with which the object is lit. The mechanism includes an image-taking apparatus, a projection apparatus for selectively projecting more than two types of pattern lights onto a photographing area, and a detecting apparatus for detecting a photographing condition about the object and/or the light. The projection apparatus selectively projects one of the pattern lights on the basis of a result of detection, executed by the detecting apparatus, of the photographing condition about the object and/or the light.
Owned By: Minolta Co., Ltd. (Osaka, JP)
Three-dimensional shape detecting device, three-dimensional shape detecting system, and three-dimensional shape detecting program
In a three-dimensional shape detecting system comprising a three-dimensional shape detecting device and an external calculating device, the three-dimensional shape detecting device includes: projection means which projects pattern light onto a subject; image data obtaining means which captures a pattern light projection image of the subject and thereby obtains image data of the pattern light projection image while capturing a pattern light non-projection image of the subject and thereby obtaining image data of the pattern light non-projection image; pattern light position extraction means which extracts a position of the pattern light projected on the subject based on the obtained image data; and three-dimensional shape calculation means which figures out three-dimensional shape data of the subject based on the position of the pattern light extracted by the pattern light position extraction means.
Method and apparatus for capturing stereoscopic images using image sensors
A method and apparatus to capture stereoscopic images is disclosed. A light source having a diffracting device to project a structured light unto a target object is provided. A plurality of imaging devices to capture images of the target object is provided.
Owned By: Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, CA)
Electromagnetic profile scanner
A system for determining the shape and dimensions of a surface of an object includes a projector for projecting onto the object a spatially coded pattern of radiation, e.g., light. The system also includes a receiving device capable of imaging the reflected pattern, and a discriminator for determining which portion of the reflected pattern corresponds to which portion of the projected pattern. By this means, a received signal representing less than the complete reflection from the projected pattern can be correlated with a discrete portion of the scanned object. The procedure is repeated to obtain enough reliable data to generate a reasonably reliable surface profile. The resulting set of received signals and correlations are used to calculate the shape and dimensions of the object.
Owned By:
Three-dimensional measurement method using feature amounts and device using the method
The relationship between space coordinates and a plurality of feature amounts gained from at least a pattern or a change in the pattern that has been projected from a plurality of projection units is found in advance, and the relationship between the feature amounts and the space coordinates is used in order to find the space coordinates of the surface of an object from the feature amounts that have been gained from a pattern or a change in the pattern projected from the plurality of projection units onto the surface of the object.
Owned By: UNIVERSITY OF FUKUI (Fukui, JP)
3D geometric modeling and 3D video content creation
A system, apparatus and method of obtaining data from a 2D image in order to determine the 3D shape of objects appearing in said 2D image, said 2D image having distinguishable epipolar lines, said method comprising: (a) providing a predefined set of types of features, giving rise to feature types, each feature type being distinguishable according to a unique bi-dimensional formation; (b) providing a coded light pattern comprising multiple appearances of said feature types; (c) projecting said coded light pattern on said objects such that the distance between epipolar lines associated with substantially identical features is less than the distance between corresponding locations of two neighboring features; (d) capturing a 2D image of said objects having said projected coded light pattern projected thereupon, said 2D image comprising reflected said feature types; and (e) extracting: (i) said reflected feature types according to the unique bi-dimensional formations; and (ii) locations of said reflected feature types on respective epipolar lines in said 2D image.
Owned By: MANTIS VISION LTD. (Tel Aviv, IL)
3D geometric modeling and motion capture using both single and dual imaging
A method and apparatus for obtaining an image to determine a three dimensional shape of a stationary or moving object using a bi dimensional coded light pattern having a plurality of distinct identifiable feature types. The coded light pattern is projected on the object such that each of the identifiable feature types appears at most once on predefined sections of distinguishable epipolar lines. An image of the object is captured and the reflected feature types are extracted along with their location on known epipolar lines in the captured image. Displacements of the reflected feature types along their epipolar lines from reference coordinates thereupon determine corresponding three dimensional coordinates in space and thus a 3D mapping or model of the shape of the object at any point in time.
Owned By: MANTIS VISION LTD. (Tel Aviv, IL)
Range finder
A system and method for measuring a height of objects on a moving surface comprising providing a linear image sensor positioned transverse to a direction of travel of the moving surface, and at least one light source positioned collinear to the linear image sensor and proximate to an edge of the moving surface so that the light source projects a unique patterned light sequence across a width of the moving surface, detecting a transverse shift in a portion of the unique patterned light sequence with respect to the direction of travel of the moving surface as an object passes through the unique patterned light sequence, determining an amount of shift of the portion of the unique patterned light sequence, and determining a height of the object based on the portion of the unique patterned light sequence shift.
Owned By: DATALOGIC USA, INC. (Eugene, OR)
Process and apparatus for measuring the volume of an object by means of a laser scanner
The process uses information from the scan sweeps of a laser scanner to obtain a set of stipulated areas which correspond to successive cross-sections of the object and are reckoned by moving the object relative to the scanner. The volume is obtained by multiplying each of these areas by the feed distance of the object. The angles of inclination of the scan plan can selectively be taken into account, or ignored when sufficiently small. The volume measurement may be taken at the same time as an optical code provided on the object is read.
Owned By: Datalogic S.p.A. (Bologna, IT)
Non-contact 3D measuring system
A non-contact 3D measuring system is configured to provide a combined three-dimensional shape of an object to be imaged based on a frame image, which has been captured by a camera while a measuring head is being scanned in an optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and the information on the position at which the image has been acquired. The system includes: a position detector for detecting a scanning position of the measuring head while a plurality of raw images are captured; and a computer for generating an interpolation image by linear interpolation for the captured raw image using the information of the scanning position as well as generating a combined frame image using the interpolation image.
Owned By: MITUTOYO CORPORATION (Kawasaki, JP)
Measuring shape of specular objects by local projection of coded patterns
The shape of a specular object is measured by illumination of the object by a light field generated by two or more spaced apart layers controllable to display multiple patterns that are predetermined relative to a bounding volume within which the object is positioned. The patterns code a sparse subset of the multitude of light rays that can be generated by the layers to those that can actually reach the bounding volume. A process is described by which a sparse coding of the light rays can be derived.
Owned By: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA (Tokyo, JP)
Three-dimensional measurement apparatus, three-dimensional measurement method and program
A pattern having identification features on measurement lines of a multi-slit is projected to an object, and an image is acquired. Based on positions of identification features detected from the image, a measurement line number is identified for each identification feature. Based on a position of a selected identification feature on the image, a position and a slope of an epipolar line in a coordinate system of the pattern are calculated. The position and slope of the epipolar line are calculated by projecting a straight line extending from the position of the selected identification feature to a line-of-sight direction onto the coordinate system. Because the position of the selected identification feature in the coordinate system is on the epipolar line, a measurement line having an identification feature on the epipolar line is searched on the pattern to identify the measurement line number for the selected identification feature.
Owned By: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA (Tokyo, JP)
Protocol-based inspection system
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.
A system including a positioning system with a component manipulator structured to position a component in response to a positioning algorithm; a scanning system capable of producing a set of light waves directed at a surface of the component, detecting a set of reflected light waves from the surface of the component, and producing a reflectivity data set in response to the set of reflected light waves; and a microprocessor structured to apply a fuzzy logic algorithm to the reflectivity signal to determine a solution set and produce a grain structure characterization in response to the solution set.
Apparatus and method of measuring distance using structured light
Provided are an apparatus and method of measuring a distance using structured light. The apparatus includes a binarization unit binarizing an image, an image identification unit identifying an image having connected pixels in the binarized image, a length ratio calculation unit obtaining the length ratio of the major axis of the image having the connected pixels to a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, a pixel mean calculation unit obtaining the mean of pixel values of the image having the connected pixels, and an image extraction unit extracting an image formed by the light irradiated from the light source, from the images having connected pixels using the length ratio and the mean of the pixel values.
System and method of monitoring the quality of cutting
A method and system for monitoring the quality of log cutting either off-line or in real-time is based on optical measurement of half-squared or full-squared cants characteristics as produced at primary or secondary cutting stage, so as to increase the proportion of high-value wood pieces that can be recovered from full squared-cants produced at the sawing stage. The log is fed lengthwise to a primary cutting station (canter) capable of producing the first pair of opposing cut faces, while guiding the log substantially in a direction of the machine axis. The profile of the peripheral log surface at a plurality of cross-sections along the machine axis is measured to generate corresponding post-cut profile data, from which an estimation of log raw profile characteristics is made, to generate corresponding raw profile data. Then, from post-cut and raw profile data, resulting data on at least one parameter related to the cutting quality of the log. The proposed monitoring system and method provide accurate control of target dimensions, while optimizing the adjustment of other quality related parameters such as faces parallelism and cant centering, as well as to measure the level of some surface defects generated at cutting such as knife marks, stripping and roughness, in order to obtain a more complete performance diagnostic.
Owned By: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Quebec (Quebec, QC, CA)
Image processing device, singular spot detection method, and recording medium upon which singular spot detection program is recorded
This image processing device comprises a distance image capture device which captures a distance image based upon three dimensional coordinate values obtained for various points upon object surfaces by a distance sensor; a plane detection device which detects planes from said three dimensional coordinate values upon said object surfaces obtained from said distance image; an edge detection device which detects edges from said distance image; a singular spot decision device which decides whether or not said edges include singular spots, according to whether or not the edges which have been detected by said edge detection device and the planes which have been detected by said plane detection device satisfy predetermined conditions; and a singular spot map storage device which stores said singular spots, based upon the results from said singular spot decision device.
An infrared source is configured to illuminate the underside of one or more objects on or above a touchable surface of a touch panel. Infrared light reflected from the underside of the object(s) is detected by an infrared sensor integrated in the touch panel below the touchable surface.
Owned By: Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA)
Touch sensing using shadow and reflective modes
A touch panel is described which uses at least one infrared source and an array of infrared sensors to detect objects which are in contact with, or close to, the touchable surface of the panel. The panel may be operated in both reflective and shadow modes, in arbitrary per-pixel combinations which change over time. For example, if the level of ambient infrared is detected and if that level exceeds a threshold, shadow mode is used for detection of touch events over some or all of the display. If the threshold is not exceeded, reflective mode is used to detect touch events. The touch panel includes an infrared source and an array of infrared sensors.
Owned By: Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA)
Contrast spot scanning for a storage library
Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.
Owned By: Oracle International Corporation (Redwood City, CA)
Topographic spot scanning for a storage library
Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.
Owned By: Oracle International Corporation (Redwood City, CA)
Hybrid sensor
A sensor system for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume. The sensor system includes a laser source and a sensor. The first laser source projects a laser line into the sensing volume and onto the feature forming a laser stripe on the feature. The sensor images the laser stripe where the laser line intersects with the feature. The relationship between the sensor and the first laser source is precalibrated. The sensor uses the laser stripe to determine the position and/or orientation of the feature.
Owned By: Perceptron, Inc. (Plymouth, MI)
System and method for dynamic windowing
A sensor system and method for analyzing a feature in a sensing volume is provided. The system receives image data from a sensor, where the image data including peaks corresponding to the intersection of laser lines with the feature. The system generates a dynamic window based on the entropy of the peaks.
Owned By: Perceptron, Inc. (Plymouth, MI)
Sensor system and reverse clamping mechanism
A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.
Owned By: Perceptron, Inc. (Plymouth, MI)
Apparatus and method for three-dimensional measurement and program for allowing computer to execute method for three-dimensional measurement
The present invention has a three-dimensional apparatus including a lattice pattern placed in an optical path and having a slit-like light transmitting portion formed of pitches set at fixed intervals, and a projecting optical system that projects a lattice pattern image formed by the lattice pattern on the sample so that the image is inclined at a predetermined angle. A lattice pitch is determined on the basis of set parameters including the magnification of an observing system. A pattern is formed by the lattice pitch. The pattern is used to pick up a deformed lattice pattern image using a TV camera. An image of each position is acquired while shifting the lattice pattern over several levels. A phase is determined. A height is then determined using the difference between the phase and a basic phase corresponding to a pre-provided magnification or the like. The height is then displayed.
Owned By: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)
3D image acquisition apparatus and 3D image acquisition method
A 3D image acquisition apparatus comprises a pattern projection section which projects a pattern on an object to be measured, an imaging section which is disposed at a distance from the pattern projection section and images the object on which the pattern has been projected, and a depth calculation section which detects the projection pattern projected on the object on the basis of an image acquired by the imaging section, collates the detected pattern and the projected pattern, and calculates a depth of respective parts of the object on the basis of the correspondency of the collation. The projected pattern is stripes/matrix formed by alternately arranging areas with local maximum/minimum luminance values. Thus, stripes/matrix boundaries can be exactly extracted from the pattern projection image, and correct decoding is performed from the encoded projection image even where the object is not a white-based color one or a low-saturation color one.
Owned By: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)
Device for biometrically controlling a face surface
A device for biometrically controlling a face surface includes a camera, a unit for displaying a face position, a computer and an illumination unit. The illumination unit includes a transparency and an objective lens for projecting the transparency image on the face, which is located in such a way that the optical axes of the objective of the illumination unit and of the camera are disposed on the same plane at an angle with respect to each other. The unit for displaying the face position is embodied and disposed in such a way that it makes it possible to display the symmetrical face position with respect to the plane formed by the optical axes of the objective lenses of the illumination unit and the camera.
Owned By: Bioscrypt, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA)
Device for contactlessly controlling the surface profile of objects
The invention relates to the devices for contactlessly measuring surface profiles and can be used for person identification in security systems. The inventive device for contactlessly controlling surface profile comprises a pulse illumination unit which is provided with a transparency and forms a transparency image on an object surface, and image recording unit and a computer. Said device also comprises a control unit which is connected to the image recording unit in the form of a TV camera with field interlacing, the pulse illumination unit and to the computer for synchronizing the illumination of the object surface by said pulse illumination unit with the TV camera field and for synchronizing the image processing by the computer with the TV interlacing. The transparency is embodied in the form of a line screen provided with an aperiodical different width band structure and a uniform transmission along each band, thereby making it possible to identify the sequence of the line screen images on the object surface.
Owned By: Bioscrypt, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA)
System and method for mapping a surface
In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, an image is projected upon a surface. The image can include a pattern having a plurality of individual shapes used to measure and map the surface. The plurality of individual shapes include features that are detectable in a direction parallel to the plane formed by a projection axis of the projected shapes and a point associated with a view axis. The image further comprises a feature containing an encoding information for identifying the plurality of shapes individually. The feature containing encoding information can be a separate feature from each of the plurality of individual shapes, or may be a feature integral to the plurality of individual shapes. The feature containing encoding information is oriented such that the encoding information is retrieved along a line perpendicular to a plane formed by the projection axis and the point along the view axis. The use of the feature is used to perform multiframe reference independent scanning.
Owned By: OraMetrix, Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Method of producing digital images of objects using planar laser illumination beams and electronic image detection arrays
Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams (PLIBs) having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend throughout the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each PLIB is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising a plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD), a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged with each PLIM, which is adjustable relative to other PLIMs so as to permit precise positioning of each PLIM relative to the optical axis of the imaging optics of the image formation and detection module. The individual PLIB components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (Blackwood, NJ)
Imaging engine employing planar light illumination and linear imaging
An imaging engine includes a plurality of linear imaging arrays, image formation optics, at least one illumination module and supporting circuitry that are embodied within a modular engine housing. The plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics are mounted on an optical bench (which is integral to the engine housing) and provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. The at least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. The supporting circuitry includes: timing signal generation circuitry that supplies timing signals to the linear imaging arrays in order to read out the row image data produced by such arrays and converts the row image data supplied thereto into digital form.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (Blackwood, NJ)
Hand-supportable code symbol reader employing coplanar laser illumination and linear imaging
A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes an image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional digital image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital image.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (Blackwood, NJ)
Planar laser illumination and imaging device employing laser current modulation to generate spectral components and reduce temporal coherence of laser beam, so as to achieve a reduction in speckle-pattern noise during time-averaged detection of images of objects illuminated thereby during imaging operations
An imaging device including at least one imaging array and image formation optics that provide a field of view corresponding to the imaging array. At least one illumination module (which includes at least one source of coherent illumination) produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of view corresponding to the imaging array. Illumination control circuitry modulates the power level of illumination produced by the source of coherent illumination during each photo-integration time period of the imaging array to thereby reduce speckle noise in images captured by the imaging array. The illumination control circuitry preferably modulates the power level of illumination by controlling the number and/or duration of time periods corresponding to different power levels of illumination produced by the source of coherent illumination during each photo-integration time period of the imaging array.
Owned By: Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (Blackwood, NJ)
Enhanced imaging method and apparatus
This invention provides accurate, high quality images for the identification of the surface characteristics of an object, that may be used as an input to suitable industrial process. It involves acquiring a first raw scan of a portion of a target object across a scan line in a scan zone with a first camera and simultaneously acquiring a second raw scan of the same portion of the target object across the scan line in the scan zone with a second camera. The raw scans are converted to digital and then processed with flattening coefficients derived from measurements of variations in illumination. The first and second cameras sets of flattened image data are then gridized to compensate for parallax, make them orthographic sets of image data that can be compared on a pixel-by-pixel basis with a known or measured geometric profile of the target. A selection of enhanced pixel value for a surface coordinate can then be made, based on both sets of data. The obscuring of surface features by specular reflection can thus be effectively eliminated.
Owned By:
Custom lighting
A method of specifying a lighting effect to be emitted by an illumination source in order to illuminate a target object. The method comprises: placing a camera at a position at which the illumination source is installed or to be installed, or elsewhere on a straight line between that position and the target object; directing the camera along this line toward the target object; with the camera so placed and directed, using the camera to capture at least one image of the target object; automatically determining one or more parameters of the target object based on the at least one captured image; automatically specifying one or more properties for the lighting effect in dependence on the one or more parameters of the target object as determined based on the at least one captured image; and instigating creation of the lighting effect to include the one or more specified properties.
Owned By: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V. (Eindhoven, NL)
System and method for determining a camera pose
A system and method determining a camera pose. The method comprises receiving a first image and a second image, the first and second images being associated with a camera pose and a height map for pixels in each corresponding image, and determining a mapping between the first image and the second image using the corresponding height maps, the camera pose and a mapping of the second image to an orthographic view. The method further comprises determining alignment data between the first image transformed using the determined mapping and the second image and determining a refined camera pose based on the determined alignment data and alignment data associated with at least one other camera pose.
Owned By: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo, JP)
Articulated arm coordinate measuring machine having a color laser line probe
A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) for measuring the coordinates of an object in space and a method of operating the AACMM is provided. The AACMM includes a laser line probe is having a projector and a camera, the projector projecting a line of light, the camera having a lens assembly and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly having a filter disposed between a photosensitive array and the lens assembly. The filter has a plurality of red, green and blue pixels in a predetermined arrangement. A controller causes the camera to acquire a metrology image and a color image. 3D coordinates of points on a surface are determined based on the metrology image and a color is assigned to the points based on the color image. The exposure time for the color image is adjusted based on an Exposure To The Right or a Mid-gray color model.
Owned By: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Lake Mary, FL)
Registration of multiple laser scans
A method of determining a registration between Scanworlds may include determining a first viewpoint of a setting based on first point data of a first Scanworld. The first Scanworld may include information about the setting as taken by a first laser scanner at a first location. The method may further include determining a second viewpoint of the setting based on second point data of a second Scanworld. The second Scanworld may include information about the setting as taken by a second laser scanner at a second location. The method may further include generating a first rectified image based on the first viewpoint and generating a second rectified image based on the second viewpoint. Additionally, the method may include determining a registration between the first Scanworld and the second Scanworld based on the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint.
Owned By: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH (Heerbrugg, CH)
Device and method to establish temporal correspondence in multiple sensor configurations
A sensor concentrating system centralizes communication between multiple parameter sensing devices and an application host. As a peripheral device, the sensor concentrating unit establishes a temporal correspondence between range data acquired from multiple optical range sensors with position data acquired from a shaft encoder. The parameter data are read and sampled according to a user specified criteria such as the time division multiplexing technique. The sampled data is correlated with a data tag generated by the sensor concentrating unit. The correlated data is packeted transmitted from the sensor concentrating unit to a downstream application host for subsequent analysis. The sensor concentrating unit also provides operating parameters for individual parameter sensing devices.
Owned By:
Diameter measurement of a roll of material in a winding system
A web winding and measuring system is provided. The system includes a rotatably-mounted spool onto which a web of material is wound to form a roll. The system additionally includes a light-emitting device configured to illuminate the roll by light, providing a line on a cylindrical surface of the roll in a cross-machine direction, a light-receiving device configured to detect the line and generate measurement data from the detected line, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the light-receiving device and configured to receive the measurement data and calculate a diameter of the roll.
Owned By: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. (Neenah, WI)
Sensor polling unit for microprocessor integration
A sensor polling unit for microprocessor integration comprises a configuration logic block associated with each of a plurality of external sensor devices. Each configuration logic block issues a read command for predetermined sensor data registers of the associated external sensor device via a read trigger supplied by a trigger generator. A global timer based on a microprocessor clock signal supplies a global time value to the trigger generators. A polling state machine is operatively coupled to the configuration logic blocks for receipt of respective read commands, and issues a corresponding read command to the external sensor device through a standardized bi-directional data communication interface connected to the external sensor device. The polling state machine receives register data transmitted by the external sensor device in response to the read command and transmits the received register data to a microprocessor accessible data memory area for storage.
Owned By: Analog Devices, Inc. (Norwood, MA)
Monitor system
An apparatus for remotely monitoring variables comprising: one or more independently powered remote monitoring devices having means for sensing variables coupled to a microprocessor for receiving and processing variable data and means for transmitting the variable data to a control device; a control device having a means for receiving variable data from the one or more remote monitoring devices, coupled to a microprocessor for processing variable data and means for transmitting data to the one or more remote monitoring devices; the one or more remote monitoring devices being momentarily activated at programmed intervals, wherein during activation, the one or more remote monitoring devices transmit a beacon signal to the control device and/or further transmits processed variable data from the and/or a previous activation period, the one or more remote monitoring devices resuming a sleep mode after such transmission(s) and at the end of the activation period, the activation period being extendible.
Owned By: Leck, Michael John (Lancaster, GB)
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