Mitutoyo Corporation

Yuhua Ding

Michael Nahum

Robert Kamil Bryll

Mark Lawrence Delaney

Joseph Daniel Tobiason

Paul Gerard Gladnick

Casey Edward Emtman

Michael Vilhauer

A super resolution bore imaging system is disclosed for imaging a cylindrical bore. The system includes a controller, a photodetector configuration having a known pixel geometry, and an imaging arrangement that images bore surface segments onto the photodetector. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to acquire respective combinable sets of raw bore segment image data using the pixels of the photodetector configuration positioned, relative to the bore segment, at respective imaging-Z coordinates which are separated along the bore axial direction by a subpixel shift. In some embodiments, the pixel geometry is configured to provide super resolution along the circumferential direction without a change in position along the circumferential direction between acquiring the respective sets of image data. The controller combines the sets of raw image data to form a super resolution image data for the bore segment.

Super resolution bore imaging system

A user interface for setting parameters for an edge location video tool is provided. In one implementation, the user interface includes a multi-dimensional parameter space representation with edge zones that allows a user to adjust a single parameter combination indicator in a zone in order to adjust multiple edge detection parameters for detecting a corresponding edge. The edge zones indicate the edge features that are detectable when the parameter combination indicator is placed within the edge zones. In another implementation, representations of multiple edge features that are detectable by different possible combinations of the edge detection parameters are automatically provided in one or more windows. When a user selects one of the edge feature representation, the corresponding combination of edge detection parameters is set as the parameters for the edge location video tool.

Edge measurement video tool and interface including automatic parameter set alternatives

A method for improving repeatability in edge location measurement results of a machine vision inspection system comprises: placing a workpiece in a field of view of the machine vision inspection system; providing an edge measurement video tool comprising an edge-referenced alignment compensation defining portion; operating the edge measurement video tool to define a region of interest of the video tool which includes an edge feature of the workpiece; operating the edge measurement video tool to automatically perform scan line direction alignment operations such that the scan line direction of the edge measurement video tool is aligned along a first direction relative to the edge feature, wherein the first direction is defined by predetermined alignment operations of the edge-referenced alignment compensation defining portion; and performing edge location measurement operations with the region of interest in that position.

Method for improving repeatability in edge location results of a machine vision inspection system

A user interface for setting parameters for an edge location video tool is provided. The user interface includes a multi-dimensional parameter space representation that allows a user to adjust a single parameter combination indicator in order to adjust multiple edge detection parameters at once. One or more edge feature representation windows may be provided which indicate the edge features detectable by the current configuration of the edge detection parameters.

Edge measurement video tool parameter-setting user interface

A high-intensity light source configuration has a long lifetime and can be modulated at a high rate. The configuration includes a movable member mounted to an actuator; a light-emitting phosphor region associated with the movable member; an input light source that illuminates the light-emitting phosphor region at a spot that is fixed relative to an emitted light output region; and a light source controller controlling the movable member actuator and the input light source. The input light source (e.g., laser) provides high-intensity input light to the illuminated spot, causing the light-emitting phosphor region to emit high-intensity output light. The light-emitting phosphor region is moved relative to the illuminated spot so as to reduce optical quenching and photobleaching, to thereby extend the life of the light source configuration. The phosphor region may emit broadband light and/or may include respective sub-regions having phosphors that emit respective peak wavelengths.

High intensity pulsed light source configurations

A low cost digital ruler with desirable ergonomic characteristics and accuracy. A low friction sliding position indicator includes a compliant element that forces its connection pads against the ruler's electronic scale contacts, to determining measurement positions. The position indicator includes an instrument receiving feature that engages a writing instrument and moves in conjunction with it, thereby measuring a line as it is drawn. A position indicator preload arrangement includes the compliant element, which is deflected to exert a preload that forces the sliding position indicator against a housing of the digital ruler. Alignment features of the position indicator and housing have cross sections that provide a self-aligning angled interference fit, which accurately aligns the sliding position indicator, under the action of the preload force. Misalignment constraint surfaces constrain the sliding position indicator in approximate alignment by, even if an external force overcomes the preload force.

Digital ruler with low-friction sliding contact

A method characterizes field of view (FOV) distortion and may correct machine vision measurements accordingly. A plurality of distorted images are acquired, with the same calibration target at a plurality of spaced-apart locations within the FOV. The method analyzes the images and determines distortion parameters that can correct the distortions in the images such that features included in the calibration target pattern achieve a sufficient or optimum degree of congruence between the various images. Distortion parameters may be determined for each optical configuration (e.g., lens combination, magnification, etc.) that is used by a machine vision inspection system. The distortion parameters may then be used to correct FOV distortion errors in subsequent inspection and measurement operations.

Robust field of view distortion calibration

A method for operating a video tool to perform precision edge detection in an image. The method includes determining estimated image intensity values corresponding to positions along a straight line aligned with a defined scan line orientation. The location of an edge point along the straight line is determined based on the estimated intensity values and their positions along the straight line. The method reduces sub-pixel orientation-dependent variations that may otherwise be present in edge measurements. Intensity values may be estimated by interpolating between nearest neighbor image pixel intensity values. When positions along the straight line are chosen to coincide with a pixel row or column, the interpolating may be linear interpolation between the intensities of just two adjacent pixels.

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Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Yuhua Ding