Cognex Corporation

Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation

William H Equitz

Laurens Nunnink

Carl W Gerst

Justin Testa

Carl W Gerst, Iii

Sateesha Nadabar

Matthew D Engle

Sateesh Nadabar

Rene Delasauce

Andreas Weber

David J Michael

Michael C Moed

Robert Tremblay

Jens Ruetten

Paul Burrell

Bennet Heidekorn

Martijn Lambertus Peter Visser

Sateesh Nadahar

Joerg Kuechen

Carl W Iii Gerst

This invention provides a system for separating a field of view (FOV) of a scene imaged by a vision system camera assembly, in which a separating mirror assembly redirects a first optical path of at least a first optics with respect to at least a first image sensor in the camera assembly. A first reflecting assembly redirects the first optical path from the separating mirror toward a first FOV. The first optical path is extended free of splitting the image. The separating mirror assembly redirects a second optical path of a second optics with respect to a second image sensor in the camera assembly. A second reflecting assembly redirects the second optical path from the separating mirror toward a second FOV. The second optical path is extended free of splitting the image projected from the scene on the second image sensor.

System and method for expansion of field of view in a vision system

This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vison system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.) IDs on objects outside a defined range (presentation mode).

Lens assembly with integrated feedback loop and time-of-flight sensor

This invention provides a removably mountable lens assembly for a vision system camera that includes an integral auto-focusing liquid lens unit, in which the lens unit compensates for focus variations by employing a feedback control circuit that is integrated into the body of the lens assembly. The feedback control circuit receives motion information related to the bobbin of the lens from a position sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) and uses this information internally to correct for motion variations that deviate from the lens setting position at a desired lens focal distance setting. Illustratively, the feedback circuit can be interconnected with one or more temperature sensors that adjust the lens setting position for a particular temperature value. In addition, the feedback circuit can communicate with an accelerometer that reads a direction of gravity and thereby corrects for potential sag in the lens membrane based upon the spatial orientation of the lens.

Lens assembly with integrated feedback loop for focus adjustment

This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vision system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.) IDs on objects outside a defined range (presentation mode).

This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.

A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.

Fast vision system

This invention provides a vision system camera assembly and method for using the same that employs a light-field camera with an associated vision system image sensor and overlying microlens optics to acquire images of a scene. The camera generates a light field allowing object features at varying depths of field to be clearly imaged in a concurrent manner. In an illustrative embodiment a vision system, and associated method of use thereof, which images an object or other subject in a scene includes a vision system camera with an optics assembly and a light field sensor assembly. The camera is constructed and arranged to generate light field image data from light received through the optics assembly. A light field process analyzes the light field image data and that generates selected image information. A vision system processor then operates a vision system process on the selected image information to generate results therefrom.

Light field vision system camera and methods for using the same

Vision systems including a swappable camera and methods of making and using the swappable camera are disclosed. The swappable camera can include an alignment indicator storing alignment data representative of an array-housing alignment of a sensor array relative to a camera housing. The swappable camera can have a desired sensor array position. A region of interest that is concentric with the desired sensor array position can be determined using the alignment data and an image can be acquired using only pixels of the sensor array that are located within the region of interest.

Vision system with swappable camera having an alignment indicator, and methods of making and using the same

Systems and methods provide an illumination assembly for a mark reader. A light transmitter is arranged in a surrounding relationship to an interior area, with the light transmitter having a proximal end and a distal end. An illumination source provides a light for transmission into the light transmitter. The light transmitter distal end allows the light from within the light transmitter to pass through and out of the distal end to provide bright field illumination and dark field illumination. The light transmitter distal end may include a first portion and a second portion, where light from within the light transmitter passes through and out of the first portion to provide bright field illumination, and light from within the light transmitter passes through and out of the second portion to provide dark field illumination.

Integrated illumination assembly for symbology reader

A light transmitter (e.g., pipe) is constructed from polycarbonate for increased shock resistance and can define a rectangular cross section. A chamfered end of the light pipe is textured or frosted to further diffuse refracted light passing through the end to present a more even effect. A conical/tapered diffuser within the light pipe is illuminated by a reflector that reflects a plurality of rear-ward-directed illumination sources back into the diffuser. The reflector can direct light into the forwardmost, remote regions of the diffuser to generate a better spread of light and alleviate spotting effects. The illumination sources can be multi-colored sources that respond to a controller to project a color and/or blink in a pattern to indicate various conditions. The controller can operate individual portions of the ring so that only corresponding portions of the light pipe perimeter are illuminated in a particular color at a given time. Different quadrants may be simultaneously illuminated in different colors.

Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.

Growing community of inventors

Waban, MA, United States of America

William H Equitz