公开(公告)号：WO1998021687A1

公开(公告)日：1998-05-22

申请号：PCT/US1997020432

申请日：1997-11-07

Applicant: ROBOTIC VISION SYSTEMS, INC.

Inventor： ROBOTIC VISION SYSTEMS, INC. ,  STERN, Howard ,  MAALI, Fereydoun

IPC: G06K09/00

CPC classification number: G06T5/50 ,  G01N21/8806 ,  G01N21/9501 ,  G01N21/95607 ,  G01N2021/8825 ,  G01N2021/95646 ,  G02B21/367 ,  G06T1/00 ,  G06T1/0007 ,  G06T7/0002 ,  G06T7/0004 ,  G06T2200/32 ,  G06T2207/30148 ,  G06T2207/30152

Abstract: A system for simultaneously obtaining (PD1-n) a plurality of images of an object (501) from a plurality of different viewpoints. With such a system, bright-field images and dark-field images may be simultaneously obtained. This is accomplished by positioning a plurality of light receiving devices (PD1-n) are spaced substantially equally along at least a portion of a surface of an imaginary hemisphere surrounding the object. Another aspect of the invention generates composite images from simultaneously obtained images. Equivalent regions of each image, corresponding to geographically identical subpictures, are compared. The subpicture having the highest entropy is selected and stored, with the process continuing until all subpictures have been considered.

Abstract translation: 一种用于从多个不同视点同时获取（PD1-n）多个对象图像的系统。 利用这样的系统，可以同时获得亮场图像和暗视场图像。 这通过定位多个光接收装置（PD1-n）沿着围绕物体的假想半球的表面的至少一部分间隔大致平行而实现。 本发明的另一方面从同时获得的图像生成合成图像。 对应于地理上相同的子图像的每个图像的等效区域进行比较。 选择并存储具有最高熵的子图像，该过程继续进行，直到考虑了所有子图。

公开(公告)号：EP1269157A1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-02

申请号：EP01911105.3

申请日：2001-02-22

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： STERN, Howard

IPC: G01N21/55 ,  G01N21/47 ,  G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10732

Abstract: An imager (30) for illuminating and imaging encoded symbology to facilitate decoding of the symbology and which provides both 'bright field' and 'dark field' illumination patterns is provided with an illumination directing device to direct the 'bright field' illumination pattern into an alternative 'dark field' illumination pattern. In one embodiment the illumination directing device takes the configuration of a disc that is selectively positionable in front of the imager (30) and removable therefrom depending upon whether or not the illumination pattern is to be changed. The disc snap fits into a position at the front of the imager housing (32) and includes a fresnel configured outer ring, a light blocking inner ring, and a light transmissive center. The fresnel configuration (520) receives light and redirects the light forward of the imager and towards a centerline passing through the device to provide the alternative illumination pattern.

公开(公告)号：EP1016028A1

公开(公告)日：2000-07-05

申请号：EP97946611.7

申请日：1997-11-07

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： STERN, Howard ,  MAALI, Fereydoun

IPC: G06K9/00

CPC classification number: G06T5/50 ,  G01N21/8806 ,  G01N21/9501 ,  G01N21/95607 ,  G01N2021/8825 ,  G01N2021/95646 ,  G02B21/367 ,  G06T1/00 ,  G06T1/0007 ,  G06T7/0002 ,  G06T7/0004 ,  G06T2200/32 ,  G06T2207/30148 ,  G06T2207/30152

Abstract: A system for simultaneously obtaining (PD1-n) a plurality of images of an object (501) from a plurality of different viewpoints. With such a system, bright-field images and dark-field images may be simultaneously obtained. This is accomplished by positioning a plurality of light receiving devices (PD1-n) are spaced substantially equally along at least a portion of a surface of an imaginary hemisphere surrounding the object. Another aspect of the invention generates composite images from simultaneously obtained images. Equivalent regions of each image, corresponding to geographically identical subpictures, are compared. The subpicture having the highest entropy is selected and stored, with the process continuing until all subpictures have been considered.

公开(公告)号：EP1131851A1

公开(公告)日：2001-09-12

申请号：EP99954592.4

申请日：1999-09-10

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： STERN, Howard ,  DOWLING, John, H.

IPC: H01L27/14 ,  G06F13/36 ,  H04N7/01

CPC classification number: H04N5/3454 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  H04N5/23245 ,  H04N5/3728

Abstract: A method of operating a charge coupled device in an accelerated mode is provided, and in particular in connection with an optical symbology imager (10), so as to minimize variations in the position of the imager relative to the code. The CCD (93) has two horizontal shift registers, each receiving every other scan line so that the output of each horizontal shift register equals the number of scan lines for normal television signals (262). The method skips through multiple lines of image data (fig. 22), then provides a black reference signal then images a series of lines at a slower speed, these lines being the lines of interest (fig. 23) for focusing and illumination operations in the optical symbology imager. Finally, the remaining lines are passed through quickly. The imager goes back into reset mode after either normal or fast mode operation, and is thereby immediately ready to perform another scan. The fast mode operation enables the imager to obtain the approximately ten lines of image data of concern in only approximately 5.5 milliseconds, a significant time savings. This operation can be performed for some or all of the multiple optical positions.

公开(公告)号：EP1119867A1

公开(公告)日：2001-08-01

申请号：EP99952893.8

申请日：1999-09-10

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： FANTONE, Stephen, D. ,  IMRIE, David, A. ,  PLUMMER, William, T. ,  VAN TASSELL, Jon, E. ,  McKINLEY, Philip, E. ,  McKINLEY, Harry, R. ,  FIGARELLA, Luis, A. ,  STERN, Howard ,  DOWLING, John, H. ,  MEISTER, Steve

IPC: H01J3/14 ,  H04N5/235 ,  G06K7/10 ,  G06K5/00

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  G06K7/10881

Abstract: Diffuse 'dark field' illumination (90) and 'bright field' illumination (162, 164) are each provided for a hand-held encoded symbology imager/reader; to be projected therefrom upon symbology disposed on a target (component part, goods, package, etc.). The imager/reader (30) is encased in a housing ergonomically configured to be gripped in more than one manner and to thus facilitate holding the imager/reader steady. The symbology to be imaged (40, 42, 44) is targeted by a line that not only spots the symbology, but by extending a length commensurate with that of the symbology, indicates that the symbology is in the field of view of the imager/reader. A CCD (252), disposed to receive light reflected from the symbology, has its readout controlled so that only selected portions of the CCD need to be analyzed for illumination and focusing purposes. To optimize imaging and decoding time, and to optimize use of power, readout from some portions of the CCD is accomplished in relatively rapid time by speeding up the readout of the CCD in some of its active area; while reverting back to a slower readout for data to be analyzed for illumination and focusing control and decoding purposes. In addition, special application of entropy principles facilitate determining the optimum focus and illumination conditions for the imager/reader.

公开(公告)号：EP1112547B1

公开(公告)日：2006-07-05

申请号：EP99952892.0

申请日：1999-09-10

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： DOWLING, John, H. ,  STERN, Howard ,  FIGARELLA, Luis, Alberto ,  McKINLEY, Harry, R. ,  McKINLEY, Philip, E. ,  LEE, Jason, J.

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10811

Abstract: A hand-held imager (10) which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager (10) relative to the code becoming a negative factor, in which can operate in environment where the imager (10) is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 16 inches from the code. The imager (10) includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system (82), and a two-dimensional photodetector (93) which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector (93) to determine the optimum focus.

公开(公告)号：EP1112483A1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-04

申请号：EP99951377.3

申请日：1999-09-10

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： STERN, Howard

IPC: G01N21/55 ,  G01N21/47 ,  G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10732

Abstract: An illumination apparatus (80) is provided for a hand-held imager (30) preferably to provide diffuse illumination for encoded symbology carried directly upon an article, component, etc., or upon a substrate carried by an article. The illumination apparatus (80) is disposed proximate the front of the hand-held imager (30) and is configured to permit light reflected from the target to pass through the illumination apparatus (80) and onto a CCD image receiver (60). An array of unlensed LEDs (114) is disposed to cast approximately or substantially lambertian illumination in a direction away from the target to be imaged and into the hand-held housing (32) to impinge upon surfaces of an illuminator (82) to receive the illumination and, in turn, project efficient and diffuse dark field illumination through the array of unlensed LEDs (114) and towards and onto a location where a target to be imaged would be disposed. The illumination apparatus (80) further includes a bright field illumination source (166) including a plurality of forward facing, towards the target, lensed LEDs (162).

公开(公告)号：EP1112548A1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-04

申请号：EP99952911.8

申请日：1999-09-13

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： FIGARELLA, Luis, A. ,  IMRIE, David, A. ,  MCKINLEY, Harry ,  STERN, Howard ,  VAN TASSELL, Jon, E.

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10811

Abstract: A hand held, omnidirectional symbology or bar code reader (10) images linear and two-dimensional bar codes (28; 34; 40; 52; 54) over relatively long working distances. The reader (10) includes an imaging system including a focusing objective taking lens (92) and a two-dimensional photodetector (93) that forms an image of a bar code in X and Y directions simultaneously and generates an electrical signal representative of the code for subsequent downstream processing. Focusing is achieved via a rotating disk (94) that carries a plurality of optical shims (130) or other light controlling surfaces for different focus zones. A through-the-lens (TTL) targeting system is provided to visually assist the user in positioning the reader (10) for a variety of code modalities to assure that a bar code will be captured within the field of view and be sharply imaged on the photodetector (93) when the lens (92) is focused. Two different forms of artificial illumination are provided to accommodate nearby codes that may be either specular or partially diffuse and more distant codes where the reflection characteristics have less impact on code contrast. All of the reader's components are housed in an ergonomically designed shell (12) to reduce user repetitive stress injuries while providing access to a user interface and a protective cover for the reader's various systems.

公开(公告)号：EP1112547A1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-04

申请号：EP99952892.0

申请日：1999-09-10

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： DOWLING, John, H. ,  STERN, Howard ,  FIGARELLA, Luis, Alberto ,  McKINLEY, Harry, R. ,  McKINLEY, Philip, E. ,  LEE, Jason, J.

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10811

Abstract: A hand-held imager (10) which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager (10) relative to the code becoming a negative factor, in which can operate in environment where the imager (10) is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 16 inches from the code. The imager (10) includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system (82), and a two-dimensional photodetector (93) which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector (93) to determine the optimum focus.

公开(公告)号：EP0665972A1

公开(公告)日：1995-08-09

申请号：EP93924961.0

申请日：1993-10-20

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： STERN, Howard

IPC: B64D15 ,  G08B19

CPC classification number: G08B19/02 ,  B64D15/20

Abstract: For detecting the presence of a substance such as ice or snow on a surface such as the wing of an aircraft, light is emitted from an unpolarized source (13). The unpolarized light passes through a linear polarizer (11) which has a vertical polarization axis. The vertically polarized light passes through a quarter wave retarder plate (12), which changes the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. The quarter wave retarder plate (12) has its slow and fast axes both at 45 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the linear polarizer (11). A specular surface (14) reflects the incident circularly polarized light back along path (23). If surface (14) is ice-free, the reflected light will result in an image viewed by the eye (26) alternating between dark and bright, respectively. Any ice or snow covering a portion of surface (14) will cause that portion of the image to maintain the same brightness.