Jadak, LLC

Novanta Corporation

Mo Chen

Jeffrey A Pine

Chun Jia

Daniel Francis Godici

Kevin D Bower

Robert Mumford Gowans

A machine vision system that uses an imager to capture an optical image of a target object that may contain a liquid. The target object is illuminated by an illumination source positioned oppositely from the imager and a predetermined pattern is positioned between the illumination source and the target object so that the imager will capture optical images of the background pattern through any liquid positioned in the target object. A processor is programmed to analyze captured images to detect any distortions of the pattern that are attributable to the presence of a liquid in the target object.

Vial content detection using illuminated background pattern

An automatic process for calibrating the optical image exposure value to compensate for changes in machine vision systems to maintain optimal exposure of captured images and adjust for the different characteristics among cameras components, such as imaging sensor sensitivity, LED strength, external lighting, reflective functions of any background material, different external lighting conditions, possible changes or updates of the systems over the years, such as LED changes, and even the aging of camera sensor and LEDs over time. A series of images of a target are captured with a predetermined sequence of exposure values, the saturation exposure percentage of a region of interest is calculated in each of the images, and the saturation exposure percentages are compared to determine the exposure value that has a saturation exposure percentage that varies the least from the saturation exposure value of the preceding and following exposure values.

Automatic exposure calibration and compensation for machine vision

A machine vision system for controlling the alignment of an arm in a robotic handling system. The machine vision system includes an optical imager aligned to simultaneously capture an image that contains a view of the side of an object, such as a test tube, along with a view of the top of the object provided by a mirror appropriately positioned on the robotic arm. The machine vision system further includes a microcontroller or similar device for interpreting both portions of the image. For example, the microcontroller may be programmed to determine the location of the object in the reflected portion of the image and transpose that information into the location of the object relative to the robotic arm. The microcontroller may also be programmed to decode information positioned on the object by interpreting visual information contained in the other portion of the captured image.

System and method for multiple view machine vision target location

A system for capturing images of a target, such as a test tube, that is presented in front of an optical imager and rotated 360 degrees. The imager of the system captures a series of images which are then stitched together to form a panoramic image of the target. The panoramic image may then be processed to decode any barcode code information placed on the target, capture other information placed on the target, or obtain information about the target or the contents thereof.

System and method for panoramic image stitching

A system for identifying test tube types and properties in a sample handling machine using visual information automatically obtained by an optical imager and then processed using vision processing methods. The system includes an optical imager positioned to capture images containing one or more test tubes in a rack and a microcontroller programmed to extract predetermined regions of interest and interpret the optical information in the image to decipher the dimension of the test tubes, determine the presence or absence of caps on the test tubes, decode any encoded data, and interpret custom symbologies. The system may then determine the nature of the test tubes or other containers presented before the image and provide that information to the sample handling machine to assist with processing of samples.

System and method for test tube and cap identification

A system for automatically identifying a logo or trademark applied to a device and verifying that the logo or trademark is acceptably identifies a compatible device. The system uses an optical imager to capture optical images of the target device and a microcontroller interconnected to the imager for processing the optical image to extract image information and verify that the contents of the image reflect the appropriate manufacturer or supplied indicia required by a host device. The decision reached by the microcontroller may be provided externally to a host device, thereby precluding or allowing use of the device, or provided directly to a user via know means, such as a visual display or audible output.

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Liverpool, NY, United States of America

Mo Chen