Cognex Corporation

Saul Sanz Rodriguez

Laurens Nunnink

Pepe Fernandez-Dorado

Kai Fluegge

Torsten Kempf

Richard Reuter

Jose Fernandez Dorado

Yasin Salih Ciftci

Jens Ruetten

János Kállay

Andreas Weber

Esther Oteo

Zoltan Farkas

Jose Dorado Fernandez

Imaging device with cover plate

An image based code reader comprises an image sensor. The image sensor is configured to acquire an image of a code. Additionally, the image based code reader includes a lens configured to project an image scene including the code onto the image sensor, the lens comprising a variable optical power that controls a focus distance of the image based code reader. The image based code reader further includes a processor operatively coupled to the image sensor and the lens. The processor is configured to acquire the image of the code using only pixels located within a region of interest of the sensor, and a size of the region of interest is selected based on the focus distance of the reader.

Code reader with extended reading range

Systems and methods are provided for acquiring images of objects using an imaging device and a controllable mirror. The controllable mirror can be controlled to change a field of view for the imaging device, including so as to acquire images of different locations, of different parts of an object, or with different degrees of zoom.

Machine vision system and method with steerable mirror

A computer-implemented method for scanning a side of an object to identify a region of interest is provided. The method can include determining, using one or more computing devices, a distance between a side of an object and an imaging device, determining, using the one or more computing devices, a scanning pattern for an imaging device that includes a controllable mirror, based on the distance between the side of the object and the imaging device, moving a controllable mirror according to the scanning pattern to acquire, using the one or more computing device and the imaging device, a plurality of images of the side of the object, and identifying, using the one or more computing devices, the region of interest based on the plurality of images.

Systems and methods reduce temperature induced drift effects on a liquid lens used in a vision system. A feedback loop receives a temperature value from a temperature sensor, and based on the received temperature value, controls a power to the heating element based on a difference between the measured temperature of the liquid lens and a predetermined control temperature to maintain the temperature value within a predetermined control temperature range to reduce the effects of drift. A processor can also control a bias signal applied to the lens or a lens actuator to control temperature variations and the associated induced drift effects. An image sharpness can also be determined over a series of images, alone or in combination with controlling the temperature of the liquid lens, to adjust a focal distance of the lens.

Systems and methods to reduce temperature induced drift effects on a liquid lens

A modular vision system that can include a housing with a faceplate and a first and second optical module mounted to the faceplate. Each of the first and second optical modules can include a mounting body, a rectangular image sensor, and an imaging lens that defines an optical axis and a field of view. The first optical module can be configured to be mounted to the faceplate in a first plurality of mounting orientations and the second optical module can be configured to be mounted to the faceplate in a second plurality of mounting orientations. The first and second optical modules can thus collectively provide a plurality of imaging configurations.

Modular vision systems and methods

This invention provides an aimer assembly for a vision system that is coaxial (on-axis) with the camera optical axis, thus providing an aligned aim point at a wide range of working distances. The aimer includes a projecting light element located aside the camera optical axis. The beam and received light from the imaged (illuminated) scene are selectively reflected or transmitted through a dichoric mirror assembly in a manner that permits the beam to be aligned with the optical axis and projected to the scene while only light from the scene is received by the sensor. The aimer beam and illuminator employ differing light wavelengths. In a further embodiment, an internal illuminator includes a plurality of light sources below the camera optical axis. Some of the light sources are covered by a prismatic structure for close distance, and other light sources are collimated, projecting over a longer distance.

On-axis aimer for vision system and multi-range illuminator for same

This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.

Handheld ID-reading system with integrated illumination assembly

A base station or handheld device can be equipped with a latch system or a multi-hinge arrangement for electrical contacts. The latch system can be adjustable between different latching configurations in which the base station and handheld device are retained together by different degrees. The multi-hinge arrangement can provide rotation about multiple axes to provide rolling contact between electrical contacts of the base station and the handheld device.

Latch and hinge systems for base stations and handheld devices

A trigger arrangement for a scanning system can include a sealed housing configured to support a scanning device, a trigger, and an actuation device configured to control functionality of the scanning device. A first magnet can be positioned outside of the sealed housing and can be configured to be selectively moved by the trigger. A second magnet configured to be repelled by the first magnet can be positioned inside of the sealed housing. A connecting member that supports the second magnet can be configured to transfer force from the second magnet to the actuation device. Some configurations can provide tactile feedback to a user when the trigger is used.

Magnetic trigger arrangement

Vision systems and methods for acquiring an image of an image scene and/or measuring a three-dimensional location of an object are disclosed. The vision systems can include a single image sensor, a first optical path, and a second optical path. The first optical path can be selectively transmissive of a first light, the second optical path can be selectively transmissive of a second light, and the first and second light can have a different distinguishing characteristic.

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Aachen, Germany

Saul Sanz Rodriguez