The Lick-Gaertner automatic measuring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasilevskis, S.; Popov, W. A.

1971-01-01

The Lick-Gaertner automatic equipment has been designed mainly for the measurement of stellar proper motions with reference to galaxies, and consists of two main components: the survey machine and the automatic measuring engine. The survey machine is used for initial inspection and selection of objects for subsequent measurement. Two plates, up to 17 x 17 inches each, are surveyed simultaneously by means of projection on a screen. The approximate positions of objects selected are measured by two optical screws: helical lines cut through an aluminum coating on glass cylinders. These approximate coordinates to a precision of the order of 0.03mm are transmitted to a card punch by encoders connected with the cylinders.

High-throughput automatic defect review for 300mm blank wafers with atomic force microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zandiatashbar, Ardavan; Kim, Byong; Yoo, Young-kook; Lee, Keibock; Jo, Ahjin; Lee, Ju Suk; Cho, Sang-Joon; Park, Sang-il

2015-03-01

While feature size in lithography process continuously becomes smaller, defect sizes on blank wafers become more comparable to device sizes. Defects with nm-scale characteristic size could be misclassified by automated optical inspection (AOI) and require post-processing for proper classification. Atomic force microscope (AFM) is known to provide high lateral and the highest vertical resolution by mechanical probing among all techniques. However, its low throughput and tip life in addition to the laborious efforts for finding the defects have been the major limitations of this technique. In this paper we introduce automatic defect review (ADR) AFM as a post-inspection metrology tool for defect study and classification for 300 mm blank wafers and to overcome the limitations stated above. The ADR AFM provides high throughput, high resolution, and non-destructive means for obtaining 3D information for nm-scale defect review and classification.

Space-Based Identification of Archaeological Illegal Excavations and a New Automatic Method for Looting Feature Extraction in Desert Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasaponara, Rosa; Masini, Nicola

2018-06-01

The identification and quantification of disturbance of archaeological sites has been generally approached by visual inspection of optical aerial or satellite pictures. In this paper, we briefly summarize the state of the art of the traditionally satellite-based approaches for looting identification and propose a new automatic method for archaeological looting feature extraction approach (ALFEA). It is based on three steps: the enhancement using spatial autocorrelation, unsupervised classification, and segmentation. ALFEA has been applied to Google Earth images of two test areas, selected in desert environs in Syria (Dura Europos), and in Peru (Cahuachi-Nasca). The reliability of ALFEA was assessed through field surveys in Peru and visual inspection for the Syrian case study. Results from the evaluation procedure showed satisfactory performance from both of the two analysed test cases with a rate of success higher than 90%.

High Resolution X-Ray Micro-CT of Ultra-Thin Wall Space Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Rauser, R. W.; Bowman, Randy R.; Bonacuse, Peter; Martin, Richard E.; Locci, I. E.; Kelley, M.

2012-01-01

A high resolution micro-CT system has been assembled and is being used to provide optimal characterization for ultra-thin wall space components. The Glenn Research Center NDE Sciences Team, using this CT system, has assumed the role of inspection vendor for the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) project at NASA. This article will discuss many aspects of the development of the CT scanning for this type of component, including CT system overview; inspection requirements; process development, software utilized and developed to visualize, process, and analyze results; calibration sample development; results on actual samples; correlation with optical/SEM characterization; CT modeling; and development of automatic flaw recognition software. Keywords: Nondestructive Evaluation, NDE, Computed Tomography, Imaging, X-ray, Metallic Components, Thin Wall Inspection

Algorithm design of liquid lens inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsieh, Lu-Lin; Wang, Chun-Chieh

2008-08-01

In mobile lens domain, the glass lens is often to be applied in high-resolution requirement situation; but the glass zoom lens needs to be collocated with movable machinery and voice-coil motor, which usually arises some space limits in minimum design. In high level molding component technology development, the appearance of liquid lens has become the focus of mobile phone and digital camera companies. The liquid lens sets with solid optical lens and driving circuit has replaced the original components. As a result, the volume requirement is decreased to merely 50% of the original design. Besides, with the high focus adjusting speed, low energy requirement, high durability, and low-cost manufacturing process, the liquid lens shows advantages in the competitive market. In the past, authors only need to inspect the scrape defect made by external force for the glass lens. As to the liquid lens, authors need to inspect the state of four different structural layers due to the different design and structure. In this paper, authors apply machine vision and digital image processing technology to administer inspections in the particular layer according to the needs of users. According to our experiment results, the algorithm proposed can automatically delete non-focus background, extract the region of interest, find out and analyze the defects efficiently in the particular layer. In the future, authors will combine the algorithm of the system with automatic-focus technology to implement the inside inspection based on the product inspective demands.

A Virtual Instrument System for Determining Sugar Degree of Honey

PubMed Central

Wu, Qijun; Gong, Xun

2015-01-01

This study established a LabVIEW-based virtual instrument system to measure optical activity through the communication of conventional optical instrument with computer via RS232 port. This system realized the functions for automatic acquisition, real-time display, data processing, results playback, and so forth. Therefore, it improved accuracy of the measurement results by avoiding the artificial operation, cumbersome data processing, and the artificial error in optical activity measurement. The system was applied to the analysis of the batch inspection on the sugar degree of honey. The results obtained were satisfying. Moreover, it showed advantages such as friendly man-machine dialogue, simple operation, and easily expanded functions. PMID:26504615

Accurate and automatic extrinsic calibration method for blade measurement system integrated by different optical sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Wantao; Li, Zhongwei; Zhong, Kai; Shi, Yusheng; Zhao, Can; Cheng, Xu

2014-11-01

Fast and precise 3D inspection system is in great demand in modern manufacturing processes. At present, the available sensors have their own pros and cons, and hardly exist an omnipotent sensor to handle the complex inspection task in an accurate and effective way. The prevailing solution is integrating multiple sensors and taking advantages of their strengths. For obtaining a holistic 3D profile, the data from different sensors should be registrated into a coherent coordinate system. However, some complex shape objects own thin wall feather such as blades, the ICP registration method would become unstable. Therefore, it is very important to calibrate the extrinsic parameters of each sensor in the integrated measurement system. This paper proposed an accurate and automatic extrinsic parameter calibration method for blade measurement system integrated by different optical sensors. In this system, fringe projection sensor (FPS) and conoscopic holography sensor (CHS) is integrated into a multi-axis motion platform, and the sensors can be optimally move to any desired position at the object's surface. In order to simple the calibration process, a special calibration artifact is designed according to the characteristics of the two sensors. An automatic registration procedure based on correlation and segmentation is used to realize the artifact datasets obtaining by FPS and CHS rough alignment without any manual operation and data pro-processing, and then the Generalized Gauss-Markoff model is used to estimate the optimization transformation parameters. The experiments show the measurement result of a blade, where several sampled patches are merged into one point cloud, and it verifies the performance of the proposed method.

Automatic thermographic image defect detection of composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Bin; Liebenberg, Bjorn; Raymont, Jeff; Santospirito, SP

2011-05-01

Detecting defects, and especially reliably measuring defect sizes, are critical objectives in automatic NDT defect detection applications. In this work, the Sentence software is proposed for the analysis of pulsed thermography and near IR images of composite materials. Furthermore, the Sentence software delivers an end-to-end, user friendly platform for engineers to perform complete manual inspections, as well as tools that allow senior engineers to develop inspection templates and profiles, reducing the requisite thermographic skill level of the operating engineer. Finally, the Sentence software can also offer complete independence of operator decisions by the fully automated "Beep on Defect" detection functionality. The end-to-end automatic inspection system includes sub-systems for defining a panel profile, generating an inspection plan, controlling a robot-arm and capturing thermographic images to detect defects. A statistical model has been built to analyze the entire image, evaluate grey-scale ranges, import sentencing criteria and automatically detect impact damage defects. A full width half maximum algorithm has been used to quantify the flaw sizes. The identified defects are imported into the sentencing engine which then sentences (automatically compares analysis results against acceptance criteria) the inspection by comparing the most significant defect or group of defects against the inspection standards.

Automatically high accurate and efficient photomask defects management solution for advanced lithography manufacture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jun; Chen, Lijun; Ma, Lantao; Li, Dejian; Jiang, Wei; Pan, Lihong; Shen, Huiting; Jia, Hongmin; Hsiang, Chingyun; Cheng, Guojie; Ling, Li; Chen, Shijie; Wang, Jun; Liao, Wenkui; Zhang, Gary

2014-04-01

Defect review is a time consuming job. Human error makes result inconsistent. The defects located on don't care area would not hurt the yield and no need to review them such as defects on dark area. However, critical area defects can impact yield dramatically and need more attention to review them such as defects on clear area. With decrease in integrated circuit dimensions, mask defects are always thousands detected during inspection even more. Traditional manual or simple classification approaches are unable to meet efficient and accuracy requirement. This paper focuses on automatic defect management and classification solution using image output of Lasertec inspection equipment and Anchor pattern centric image process technology. The number of mask defect found during an inspection is always in the range of thousands or even more. This system can handle large number defects with quick and accurate defect classification result. Our experiment includes Die to Die and Single Die modes. The classification accuracy can reach 87.4% and 93.3%. No critical or printable defects are missing in our test cases. The missing classification defects are 0.25% and 0.24% in Die to Die mode and Single Die mode. This kind of missing rate is encouraging and acceptable to apply on production line. The result can be output and reloaded back to inspection machine to have further review. This step helps users to validate some unsure defects with clear and magnification images when captured images can't provide enough information to make judgment. This system effectively reduces expensive inline defect review time. As a fully inline automated defect management solution, the system could be compatible with current inspection approach and integrated with optical simulation even scoring function and guide wafer level defect inspection.

Expert Knowledge-Based Automatic Sleep Stage Determination by Multi-Valued Decision Making Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bei; Sugi, Takenao; Kawana, Fusae; Wang, Xingyu; Nakamura, Masatoshi

In this study, an expert knowledge-based automatic sleep stage determination system working on a multi-valued decision making method is developed. Visual inspection by a qualified clinician is adopted to obtain the expert knowledge database. The expert knowledge database consists of probability density functions of parameters for various sleep stages. Sleep stages are determined automatically according to the conditional probability. Totally, four subjects were participated. The automatic sleep stage determination results showed close agreements with the visual inspection on sleep stages of awake, REM (rapid eye movement), light sleep and deep sleep. The constructed expert knowledge database reflects the distributions of characteristic parameters which can be adaptive to variable sleep data in hospitals. The developed automatic determination technique based on expert knowledge of visual inspection can be an assistant tool enabling further inspection of sleep disorder cases for clinical practice.

Algorithms and applications of aberration correction and American standard-based digital evaluation in surface defects evaluating system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Fan; Cao, Pin; Yang, Yongying; Li, Chen; Chai, Huiting; Zhang, Yihui; Xiong, Haoliang; Xu, Wenlin; Yan, Kai; Zhou, Lin; Liu, Dong; Bai, Jian; Shen, Yibing

2016-11-01

The inspection of surface defects is one of significant sections of optical surface quality evaluation. Based on microscopic scattering dark-field imaging, sub-aperture scanning and stitching, the Surface Defects Evaluating System (SDES) can acquire full-aperture image of defects on optical elements surface and then extract geometric size and position information of defects with image processing such as feature recognization. However, optical distortion existing in the SDES badly affects the inspection precision of surface defects. In this paper, a distortion correction algorithm based on standard lattice pattern is proposed. Feature extraction, polynomial fitting and bilinear interpolation techniques in combination with adjacent sub-aperture stitching are employed to correct the optical distortion of the SDES automatically in high accuracy. Subsequently, in order to digitally evaluate surface defects with American standard by using American military standards MIL-PRF-13830B to judge the surface defects information obtained from the SDES, an American standard-based digital evaluation algorithm is proposed, which mainly includes a judgment method of surface defects concentration. The judgment method establishes weight region for each defect and adopts the method of overlap of weight region to calculate defects concentration. This algorithm takes full advantage of convenience of matrix operations and has merits of low complexity and fast in running, which makes itself suitable very well for highefficiency inspection of surface defects. Finally, various experiments are conducted and the correctness of these algorithms are verified. At present, these algorithms have been used in SDES.

Computer automation of ultrasonic testing. [inspection of ultrasonic welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, B. G. W.; Kerlin, E. E.; Gardner, A. H.; Dunmyer, D.; Wells, T. G.; Robinson, A. R.; Kunselman, J. S.; Walker, T. C.

1974-01-01

Report describes a prototype computer-automated ultrasonic system developed for the inspection of weldments. This system can be operated in three modes: manual, automatic, and computer-controlled. In the computer-controlled mode, the system will automatically acquire, process, analyze, store, and display ultrasonic inspection data in real-time. Flaw size (in cross-section), location (depth), and type (porosity-like or crack-like) can be automatically discerned and displayed. The results and pertinent parameters are recorded.

Comparison of optical coherence tomography and fundus photography for measuring the optic disc size.

PubMed

Neubauer, Aljoscha S; Krieglstein, Tina R; Chryssafis, Christos; Thiel, Martin; Kampik, Anselm

2006-01-01

To assess the agreement and repeatability of optic nerve head (ONH) size measurements by optical coherence tomography (OCT) as compared to conventional planimetry of fundus photographs in normal eyes. For comparison with planimetry the absolute size of the ONH of 25 eyes from 25 normal subjects were measured by both OCT and digital fundus photography (Zeiss FF camera 450). Repeatability of automated Stratus OCT measurements were investigated by repeatedly measuring the optic disc in five normal subjects. Mean disc size was 1763 +/- 186 vertically and 1632 +/- 160 microm horizontally on planimetry. On OCT, values of 1772 +/- 317 microm vertically (p = 0.82) and a significantly smaller horizontal diameter of 1492 +/- 302 microm (p = 0.04) were obtained. The 95% limits of agreement were (-546 microm; +527 microm) for vertical and (-502 microm; +782 microm) for horizontal planimetric compared to OCT measurements. In some cases large discrepancies existed. Repeatability of automatic measurements of the optic disc by OCT was moderately good with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.78 horizontally and 0.83 vertically. The coefficient of repeatability indicating instrument precision was 80 microm for horizontal and 168 microm for vertical measurements. OCT can be used to determine optic disc margins in moderate agreement with planimetry in normal subjects. However, in some cases significant disagreement with photographic assessment may occur making manual inspection advisable. Automatic disc detection by OCT is moderately repeatable.

Development of high sensitivity and high speed large size blank inspection system LBIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohara, Shinobu; Yoshida, Akinori; Hirai, Mitsuo; Kato, Takenori; Moriizumi, Koichi; Kusunose, Haruhiko

2017-07-01

The production of high-resolution flat panel displays (FPDs) for mobile phones today requires the use of high-quality large-size photomasks (LSPMs). Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays use several transistors on each pixel for precise current control and, as such, the mask patterns for OLED displays are denser and finer than the patterns for the previous generation displays throughout the entire mask surface. It is therefore strongly demanded that mask patterns be produced with high fidelity and free of defect. To enable the production of a high quality LSPM in a short lead time, the manufacturers need a high-sensitivity high-speed mask blank inspection system that meets the requirement of advanced LSPMs. Lasertec has developed a large-size blank inspection system called LBIS, which achieves high sensitivity based on a laser-scattering technique. LBIS employs a high power laser as its inspection light source. LBIS's delivery optics, including a scanner and F-Theta scan lens, focus the light from the source linearly on the surface of the blank. Its specially-designed optics collect the light scattered by particles and defects generated during the manufacturing process, such as scratches, on the surface and guide it to photo multiplier tubes (PMTs) with high efficiency. Multiple PMTs are used on LBIS for the stable detection of scattered light, which may be distributed at various angles due to irregular shapes of defects. LBIS captures 0.3mμ PSL at a detection rate of over 99.5% with uniform sensitivity. Its inspection time is 20 minutes for a G8 blank and 35 minutes for G10. The differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope on the inspection head of LBIS captures high-contrast review images after inspection. The images are classified automatically.

46 CFR 61.30-20 - Automatic control and safety tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Automatic control and safety tests. 61.30-20 Section 61... TESTS AND INSPECTIONS Tests and Inspections of Fired Thermal Fluid Heaters § 61.30-20 Automatic control and safety tests. Operational tests and checks of all safety and limit controls, combustion controls...

An automatic chip structure optical inspection system for electronic components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Zhichao; Xue, Bindang; Liang, Jiyuan; Wang, Ke; Chen, Junzhang; Liu, Yunhe

2018-01-01

An automatic chip structure inspection system based on machine vision is presented to ensure the reliability of electronic components. It consists of four major modules, including a metallographic microscope, a Gigabit Ethernet high-resolution camera, a control system and a high performance computer. An auto-focusing technique is presented to solve the problem that the chip surface is not on the same focusing surface under the high magnification of the microscope. A panoramic high-resolution image stitching algorithm is adopted to deal with the contradiction between resolution and field of view, caused by different sizes of electronic components. In addition, we establish a database to storage and callback appropriate parameters to ensure the consistency of chip images of electronic components with the same model. We use image change detection technology to realize the detection of chip images of electronic components. The system can achieve high-resolution imaging for chips of electronic components with various sizes, and clearly imaging for the surface of chip with different horizontal and standardized imaging for ones with the same model, and can recognize chip defects.

Automatic visual inspection system for microelectronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Micka, E. Z. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A system for automatically inspecting an integrated circuit was developed. A device for shining a scanning narrow light beam at an integrated circuit to be inspected and another light beam at an accepted integrated circuit was included. A pair of photodetectors that receive light reflected from these integrated circuits, and a comparing system compares the outputs of the photodetectors.

An intelligent system for real time automatic defect inspection on specular coated surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jinhua; Parker, Johné M.; Hou, Zhen

2005-07-01

Product visual inspection is still performed manually or semi automatically in most industries from simple ceramic tile grading to complex automotive body panel paint defect and surface quality inspection. Moreover, specular surfaces present additional challenge to conventional vision systems due to specular reflections, which may mask the true location of objects and lead to incorrect measurements. There are some sophisticated visual inspection methods developed in recent years. Unfortunately, most of them are highly computational. Systems built on those methods are either inapplicable or very costly to achieve real time inspection. In this paper, we describe an integrated low-cost intelligent system developed to automatically capture, extract, and segment defects on specular surfaces with uniform color coatings. The system inspects and locates regular surface defects with lateral dimensions as small as a millimeter. The proposed system is implemented on a group of smart cameras using its on-board processing ability to achieve real time inspection. The experimental results on real test panels demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of proposed system.

46 CFR 61.30-20 - Automatic control and safety tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Automatic control and safety tests. 61.30-20 Section 61.30-20 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS Tests and Inspections of Fired Thermal Fluid Heaters § 61.30-20 Automatic control and safety tests. Operational tests and check...

Panoramic optical-servoing for industrial inspection and repair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sallinger, Christian; O'Leary, Paul; Retschnig, Alexander; Kammerhofer, Martin

2004-05-01

Recently specialized robots were introduced to perform the task of inspection and repair in large cylindrical structures such as ladles, melting furnaces and converters. This paper reports on the image processing system and optical servoing for one such a robot. A panoramic image of the vessels inner surface is produced by performing a coordinated robot motion and image acquisition. The level of projective distortion is minimized by acquiring a high density of images. Normalized phase correlation calculated via the 2D Fourier transform is used to calculate the shift between the single images. The narrow strips from the dense image map are then stitched together to build the panorama. The mapping between the panoramic image and the positioning of the robot is established during the stitching of the images. This enables optical feedback. The robots operator can locate a defect on the surface by selecting the area of the image. Calculation of the forward and inverse kinematics enable the robot to automatically move to the location on the surface requiring repair. Experimental results using a standard 6R industrial robot have shown the full functionality of the system concept. Finally, were test measurements carried out successfully, in a ladle at a temperature of 1100° C.

Laser Scanning In Inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, Patricia; Baker, Lionel R.

1989-03-01

This paper is a review of the applications of laser scanning in inspection. The reasons for the choice of a laser in flying spot scanning and the optical properties of a laser beam which are of value in a scanning instrument will be given. The many methods of scanning laser beams in both one and two dimensions will be described. The use of one dimensional laser scanners for automatic surface inspection for transmitting and reflective products will be covered in detail, with particular emphasis on light collection techniques. On-line inspection applications which will be mentioned include: photographic film web, metal strip products, paper web, glass sheet, car body paint surfaces and internal cylinder bores. Two dimensional laser scanning is employed in applications where increased resolution, increased depth of focus, and better contrast are required compared with conventional vidicon TV or solid state array cameras. Such examples as special microscope laser scanning systems and a TV compatible system for use in restricted areas of a nuclear reactor will be described. The technical and economic benefits and limitations of laser scanning video systems will be compared with conventional TV and CCD array devices.

46 CFR 61.35-1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS Design Verification and Periodic Testing for Automatic Auxiliary Boilers § 61.35-1 General. (a) All automatic... equipment must be tested and inspected to verify their proper design, construction, installation, and...

Photonics: From target recognition to lesion detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, E. Michael

1994-01-01

Since 1989, Martin Marietta has invested in the development of an innovative concept for robust real-time pattern recognition for any two-dimensioanal sensor. This concept has been tested in simulation, and in laboratory and field hardware, for a number of DOD and commercial uses from automatic target recognition to manufacturing inspection. We have now joined Rose Health Care Systems in developing its use for medical diagnostics. The concept is based on determining regions of interest by using optical Fourier bandpassing as a scene segmentation technique, enhancing those regions using wavelet filters, passing the enhanced regions to a neural network for analysis and initial pattern identification, and following this initial identification with confirmation by optical correlation. The optical scene segmentation and pattern confirmation are performed by the same optical module. The neural network is a recursive error minimization network with a small number of connections and nodes that rapidly converges to a global minimum.

A PLM-based automated inspection planning system for coordinate measuring machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Haibin; Wang, Junying; Wang, Boxiong; Wang, Jianmei; Chen, Huacheng

2006-11-01

With rapid progress of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) in manufacturing industry, automatic generation of inspection planning of product and the integration with other activities in product lifecycle play important roles in quality control. But the techniques for these purposes are laggard comparing with techniques of CAD/CAM. Therefore, an automatic inspection planning system for Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) was developed to improve the automatization of measuring based on the integration of inspection system in PLM. Feature information representation is achieved based on a PLM canter database; measuring strategy is optimized through the integration of multi-sensors; reasonable number and distribution of inspection points are calculated and designed with the guidance of statistic theory and a synthesis distribution algorithm; a collision avoidance method is proposed to generate non-collision inspection path with high efficiency. Information mapping is performed between Neutral Interchange Files (NIFs), such as STEP, DML, DMIS, XML, etc., to realize information integration with other activities in the product lifecycle like design, manufacturing and inspection execution, etc. Simulation was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system. As a result, the inspection process is becoming simpler and good result can be got based on the integration in PLM.

Improving reticle defect disposition via fully automated lithography simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, Raunak; Goodman, Eliot; Lao, Keith; Ha, Steven; Vacca, Anthony; Fiekowsky, Peter; Fiekowsky, Dan

2016-03-01

Most advanced wafer fabs have embraced complex pattern decoration, which creates numerous challenges during in-fab reticle qualification. These optical proximity correction (OPC) techniques create assist features that tend to be very close in size and shape to the main patterns as seen in Figure 1. A small defect on an assist feature will most likely have little or no impact on the fidelity of the wafer image, whereas the same defect on a main feature could significantly decrease device functionality. In order to properly disposition these defects, reticle inspection technicians need an efficient method that automatically separates main from assist features and predicts the resulting defect impact on the wafer image. Analysis System (ADAS) defect simulation system[1]. Up until now, using ADAS simulation was limited to engineers due to the complexity of the settings that need to be manually entered in order to create an accurate result. A single error in entering one of these values can cause erroneous results, therefore full automation is necessary. In this study, we propose a new method where all needed simulation parameters are automatically loaded into ADAS. This is accomplished in two parts. First we have created a scanner parameter database that is automatically identified from mask product and level names. Second, we automatically determine the appropriate simulation printability threshold by using a new reference image (provided by the inspection tool) that contains a known measured value of the reticle critical dimension (CD). This new method automatically loads the correct scanner conditions, sets the appropriate simulation threshold, and automatically measures the percentage of CD change caused by the defect. This streamlines qualification and reduces the number of reticles being put on hold, waiting for engineer review. We also present data showing the consistency and reliability of the new method, along with the impact on the efficiency of in-fab reticle qualification.

Automatic Inspection Of Heat Seals Between Plastic Sheets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rai, Kula R.; Lew, Thomas M.; Sinclair, Robert B.

1995-01-01

Automatic inspection apparatus detects flaws in heat seals between films of polyethylene or other thermoplastic material. Heat-sealed strip in multilayer plastic sheet continuously moved lengthwise over illuminators. Variations in light transmitted through sheet interpreted to find flaws in heat seal. Site of flaw marked to facilitate subsequent manual inspection. Heat sealing used to join plastic films in manufacturing of variety of products, including inflatable toys and balloons carrying scientific instruments to high altitudes.

Automatic welding of stainless steel tubing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clautice, W. E.

1978-01-01

The use of automatic welding for making girth welds in stainless steel tubing was investigated as well as the reduction in fabrication costs resulting from the elimination of radiographic inspection. Test methodology, materials, and techniques are discussed, and data sheets for individual tests are included. Process variables studied include welding amperes, revolutions per minute, and shielding gas flow. Strip chart recordings, as a definitive method of insuring weld quality, are studied. Test results, determined by both radiographic and visual inspection, are presented and indicate that once optimum welding procedures for specific sizes of tubing are established, and the welding machine operations are certified, then the automatic tube welding process produces good quality welds repeatedly, with a high degree of reliability. Revised specifications for welding tubing using the automatic process and weld visual inspection requirements at the Kennedy Space Center are enumerated.

Benefits And Humanisation Of The Working Environment By Using Laser Inspection Systems In The Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Peter; Pietzsch, Karl; Feige, Christian

1989-02-01

At a time of rapid development, introduction of new technologies, and increasing world-wide competition, the quality specifications for products and materials becoming even more demanding. This also applies with regard to the avoidance of defects in the surfaces of materials. Consequently there is a need for systems which allow 100% in-line testing of materials and surfaces during the production of, e.g. textiles, data storage media, papers, films and metals. Thanks to its optical and electronical precision, its unlimited applications - even under the most severe conditions-and its absolutely constant acuity, compared with visual inspection, the Sick-Scan-System is an excellent means for improving quality and profits in industrial manufacture, reducing rejects production and thus providing even more customer satisfaction. Here we describe briefly our laser scanner technology. It will set new standards in the area of automatic inspection, and the term laser tested will stablish itself as a mark of quality. In the last few years laser scanning inspection systems have been further developed in collaboration with a large number of materials manufacturers. These systems have been adopted in modern production lines and demonstrate their economy.

Automatic Welding of Stainless Steel Tubing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clautice, W. E.

1978-01-01

To determine if the use of automatic welding would allow reduction of the radiographic inspection requirement, and thereby reduce fabrication costs, a series of welding tests were performed. In these tests an automatic welder was used on stainless steel tubing of 1/2, 3/4, and 1/2 inch diameter size. The optimum parameters were investigated to determine how much variation from optimum in machine settings could be tolerate and still result in a good quality weld. The process variables studied were the welding amperes, the revolutions per minute as a function of the circumferential weld travel speed, and the shielding gas flow. The investigation showed that the close control of process variables in conjunction with a thorough visual inspection of welds can be relied upon as an acceptable quality assurance procedure, thus permitting the radiographic inspection to be reduced by a large percentage when using the automatic process.

Computer vision for general purpose visual inspection: a fuzzy logic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y. H.

In automatic visual industrial inspection, computer vision systems have been widely used. Such systems are often application specific, and therefore require domain knowledge in order to have a successful implementation. Since visual inspection can be viewed as a decision making process, it is argued that the integration of fuzzy logic analysis and computer vision systems provides a practical approach to general purpose visual inspection applications. This paper describes the development of an integrated fuzzy-rule-based automatic visual inspection system. Domain knowledge about a particular application is represented as a set of fuzzy rules. From the status of predefined fuzzy variables, the set of fuzzy rules are defuzzified to give the inspection results. A practical application where IC marks (often in the forms of English characters and a company logo) inspection is demonstrated, which shows a more consistent result as compared to a conventional thresholding method.

Automated Segmentation Methods of Drusen to Diagnose Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening in Retinal Images.

PubMed

Kim, Young Jae; Kim, Kwang Gi

2018-01-01

Existing drusen measurement is difficult to use in clinic because it requires a lot of time and effort for visual inspection. In order to resolve this problem, we propose an automatic drusen detection method to help clinical diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration. First, we changed the fundus image to a green channel and extracted the ROI of the macular area based on the optic disk. Next, we detected the candidate group using the difference image of the median filter within the ROI. We also segmented vessels and removed them from the image. Finally, we detected the drusen through Renyi's entropy threshold algorithm. We performed comparisons and statistical analysis between the manual detection results and automatic detection results for 30 cases in order to verify validity. As a result, the average sensitivity was 93.37% (80.95%~100%) and the average DSC was 0.73 (0.3~0.98). In addition, the value of the ICC was 0.984 (CI: 0.967~0.993, p < 0.01), showing the high reliability of the proposed automatic method. We expect that the automatic drusen detection helps clinicians to improve the diagnostic performance in the detection of drusen on fundus image.

ILT based defect simulation of inspection images accurately predicts mask defect printability on wafer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deep, Prakash; Paninjath, Sankaranarayanan; Pereira, Mark; Buck, Peter

2016-05-01

At advanced technology nodes mask complexity has been increased because of large-scale use of resolution enhancement technologies (RET) which includes Optical Proximity Correction (OPC), Inverse Lithography Technology (ILT) and Source Mask Optimization (SMO). The number of defects detected during inspection of such mask increased drastically and differentiation of critical and non-critical defects are more challenging, complex and time consuming. Because of significant defectivity of EUVL masks and non-availability of actinic inspection, it is important and also challenging to predict the criticality of defects for printability on wafer. This is one of the significant barriers for the adoption of EUVL for semiconductor manufacturing. Techniques to decide criticality of defects from images captured using non actinic inspection images is desired till actinic inspection is not available. High resolution inspection of photomask images detects many defects which are used for process and mask qualification. Repairing all defects is not practical and probably not required, however it's imperative to know which defects are severe enough to impact wafer before repair. Additionally, wafer printability check is always desired after repairing a defect. AIMSTM review is the industry standard for this, however doing AIMSTM review for all defects is expensive and very time consuming. Fast, accurate and an economical mechanism is desired which can predict defect printability on wafer accurately and quickly from images captured using high resolution inspection machine. Predicting defect printability from such images is challenging due to the fact that the high resolution images do not correlate with actual mask contours. The challenge is increased due to use of different optical condition during inspection other than actual scanner condition, and defects found in such images do not have correlation with actual impact on wafer. Our automated defect simulation tool predicts printability of defects at wafer level and automates the process of defect dispositioning from images captured using high resolution inspection machine. It first eliminates false defects due to registration, focus errors, image capture errors and random noise caused during inspection. For the remaining real defects, actual mask-like contours are generated using the Calibre® ILT solution [1][2], which is enhanced to predict the actual mask contours from high resolution defect images. It enables accurate prediction of defect contours, which is not possible from images captured using inspection machine because some information is already lost due to optical effects. Calibre's simulation engine is used to generate images at wafer level using scanner optical conditions and mask-like contours as input. The tool then analyses simulated images and predicts defect printability. It automatically calculates maximum CD variation and decides which defects are severe to affect patterns on wafer. In this paper, we assess the printability of defects for the mask of advanced technology nodes. In particular, we will compare the recovered mask contours with contours extracted from SEM image of the mask and compare simulation results with AIMSTM for a variety of defects and patterns. The results of printability assessment and the accuracy of comparison are presented in this paper. We also suggest how this method can be extended to predict printability of defects identified on EUV photomasks.

Automatically Inspecting Thin Ceramics For Pinholes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honaker, James R.

1988-01-01

Proposed apparatus for inspecting prefired ceramic materials detects minute flaws that might escape ordinary visual inspections. Method detects flaws and marks locations. Intended for such thin ceramic parts as insulation in capacitors and some radio-frequency filters.

Development of an Automatic Testing Platform for Aviator's Night Vision Goggle Honeycomb Defect Inspection.

PubMed

Jian, Bo-Lin; Peng, Chao-Chung

2017-06-15

Due to the direct influence of night vision equipment availability on the safety of night-time aerial reconnaissance, maintenance needs to be carried out regularly. Unfortunately, some defects are not easy to observe or are not even detectable by human eyes. As a consequence, this study proposed a novel automatic defect detection system for aviator's night vision imaging systems AN/AVS-6(V)1 and AN/AVS-6(V)2. An auto-focusing process consisting of a sharpness calculation and a gradient-based variable step search method is applied to achieve an automatic detection system for honeycomb defects. This work also developed a test platform for sharpness measurement. It demonstrates that the honeycomb defects can be precisely recognized and the number of the defects can also be determined automatically during the inspection. Most importantly, the proposed approach significantly reduces the time consumption, as well as human assessment error during the night vision goggle inspection procedures.

Optical Method For Monitoring Tool Control For Green Burnishing With Using Of Algorithms With Adaptive Settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukyanov, A. A.; Grigoriev, S. N.; Bobrovskij, I. N.; Melnikov, P. A.; Bobrovskij, N. M.

2017-05-01

With regard to the complexity of the new technology and increase its reliability requirements laboriousness of control operations in industrial quality control systems increases significantly. The importance of quality management control due to the fact that its promotes the correct use of production conditions, the relevant requirements are required. Digital image processing allows to reach a new technological level of production (new technological way). The most complicated automated interpretation of information is the basis for decision-making in the management of production processes. In the case of surface analysis of tools used for processing with the using of metalworking fluids (MWF) it is more complicated. The authors suggest new algorithm for optical inspection of the wear of the cylinder tool for burnishing, which used in surface plastic deformation without using of MWF. The main advantage of proposed algorithm is the possibility of automatic recognition of images of burnisher tool with the subsequent allocation of its boundaries, finding a working surface and automatically allocating the defects and wear area. Software that implements the algorithm was developed by the authors in Matlab programming environment, but can be implemented using other programming languages.

49 CFR 236.825 - System, automatic train control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false System, automatic train control. 236.825 Section..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.825 System, automatic train control. A system so arranged that its operation will automatically...

49 CFR 236.825 - System, automatic train control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false System, automatic train control. 236.825 Section..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.825 System, automatic train control. A system so arranged that its operation will automatically...

49 CFR 236.552 - Insulation resistance; requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic... control system, or automatic train stop system shall be not less than one megohm, and that of an... system, automatic train control system, or automatic train stop system, and 20,000 ohms for an...

Sensor fusion of phase measuring profilometry and stereo vision for three-dimensional inspection of electronic components assembled on printed circuit boards.

PubMed

Hong, Deokhwa; Lee, Hyunki; Kim, Min Young; Cho, Hyungsuck; Moon, Jeon Il

2009-07-20

Automatic optical inspection (AOI) for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly plays a very important role in modern electronics manufacturing industries. Well-developed inspection machines in each assembly process are required to ensure the manufacturing quality of the electronics products. However, generally almost all AOI machines are based on 2D image-analysis technology. In this paper, a 3D-measurement-method-based AOI system is proposed consisting of a phase shifting profilometer and a stereo vision system for assembled electronic components on a PCB after component mounting and the reflow process. In this system information from two visual systems is fused to extend the shape measurement range limited by 2pi phase ambiguity of the phase shifting profilometer, and finally to maintain fine measurement resolution and high accuracy of the phase shifting profilometer with the measurement range extended by the stereo vision. The main purpose is to overcome the low inspection reliability problem of 2D-based inspection machines by using 3D information of components. The 3D shape measurement results on PCB-mounted electronic components are shown and compared with results from contact and noncontact 3D measuring machines. Based on a series of experiments, the usefulness of the proposed sensor system and its fusion technique are discussed and analyzed in detail.

Automatic Coal-Mining System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, E. R., Jr.

1985-01-01

Coal cutting and removal done with minimal hazard to people. Automatic coal mine cutting, transport and roof-support movement all done by automatic machinery. Exposure of people to hazardous conditions reduced to inspection tours, maintenance, repair, and possibly entry mining.

49 CFR 236.506 - Release of brakes after automatic application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.506 Release of brakes after automatic application. The automatic train stop or train control apparatus shall prevent release of the...

49 CFR 236.826 - System, automatic train stop.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false System, automatic train stop. 236.826 Section 236..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.826 System, automatic train stop. A system so arranged that its operation will automatically...

49 CFR 236.506 - Release of brakes after automatic application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.506 Release of brakes after automatic application. The automatic train stop or train control apparatus shall prevent release of the...

49 CFR 236.826 - System, automatic train stop.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false System, automatic train stop. 236.826 Section 236..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.826 System, automatic train stop. A system so arranged that its operation will automatically...

Hardware Neural Network for a Visual Inspection System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chun, Seungwoo; Hayakawa, Yoshihiro; Nakajima, Koji

The visual inspection of defects in products is heavily dependent on human experience and instinct. In this situation, it is difficult to reduce the production costs and to shorten the inspection time and hence the total process time. Consequently people involved in this area desire an automatic inspection system. In this paper, we propose a hardware neural network, which is expected to provide high-speed operation for automatic inspection of products. Since neural networks can learn, this is a suitable method for self-adjustment of criteria for classification. To achieve high-speed operation, we use parallel and pipelining techniques. Furthermore, we use a piecewise linear function instead of a conventional activation function in order to save hardware resources. Consequently, our proposed hardware neural network achieved 6GCPS and 2GCUPS, which in our test sample proved to be sufficiently fast.

Automation of the Image Analysis for Thermographic Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plotnikov, Yuri A.; Winfree, William P.

1998-01-01

Several data processing procedures for the pulse thermal inspection require preliminary determination of an unflawed region. Typically, an initial analysis of the thermal images is performed by an operator to determine the locations of unflawed and the defective areas. In the present work an algorithm is developed for automatically determining a reference point corresponding to an unflawed region. Results are obtained for defects which are arbitrarily located in the inspection region. A comparison is presented of the distributions of derived values with right and wrong localization of the reference point. Different algorithms of automatic determination of the reference point are compared.

Industrial applications of shearography for inspections of aircraft components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupka, Rene; Waltz, T.; Ettemeyer, Andreas

2003-05-01

Shearography has been validated as fast and reliable inspection technique for aerospace components. Following several years phase of evaluation of the technique, meanwhile, shearography has entered the industrial production inspection. The applications basically range from serial inspection in the production line to field inspection in assembly and to applications in the maintenance and repair area. In all applications, the main advantages of shearography, as very fast and full field inspection and high sensitivity even on very complex composite materials have led to the decision for laser shearography as inspection tool. In this paper, we present examples of recent industrial shearography inspection systems in the field of aerospace. One of the first industrial installations of laser shearography in Europe was a fully automatic inspection system for helicopter rotorblades. Complete rotor blades are inspected within 10 minutes on delaminations and debondings in the composite structure. In case of more complex components, robotic manipulation of the shearography camera has proven to be the optimum solution. An industry 6-axis robot gives utmost flexibility to position the camera in any angle and distance. Automatic defect marking systems have also been introduced to indicate the exact position of the defect directly on the inspected component. Other applications cover the inspection of abradable seals in jet engines and portable shearography inspection systems for maintenance and repair inspection in the field.

Industrial applications of shearography for inspection of aircraft components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupka, Rene; Walz, Thomas; Ettemeyer, Andreas

2005-04-01

Shearography has been validated as fast and reliable inspection technique for aerospace components. Following several years phase of evaluation of the technique, meanwhile, shearography has entered the industrial production inspection. The applications basically range from serial inspection in the production line to field inspection in assembly and to applications in the maintenance and repair area. In all applications, the main advantages of shearography, as very fast and full field insection and high sensitivity even on very complex on composite materials have led to the decision for laser shearography as inspection tool. In this paper, we present some highlights of industrial shearography inspection. One of the first industrial installations of laser shearography in Europe was a fully automatic inspection system for helicopter rotorblades. Complete rotor blades are inspected within 10 minutes on delaminations and debondingg in the composite structure. In case of more complex components, robotic manipulation of the shearography camera has proven to be the optimal solution. An industry 6-axis robot give utmost flexibility to position the camera in any angle and distance. Automatic defect marking systems have also been introduced to indicate the exact position of the defect directly on the inspected component. Other applications are shearography inspection systems for abradable seals in jet engines and portable shearography inspection systems for maintenance and repair inspection in the field. In this paper, recent installations of automatice inspection systems in aerospace industries are presented.

Multi-view line-scan inspection system using planar mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holländer, Bransilav; Štolc, Svorad; Huber-Mörk, Reinhold

2013-04-01

We demonstrate the design, setup, and results for a line-scan stereo image acquisition system using a single area- scan sensor, single lens and two planar mirrors attached to the acquisition device. The acquired object is moving relatively to the acquisition device and is observed under three different angles at the same time. Depending on the specific configuration it is possible to observe the object under a straight view (i.e., looking along the optical axis) and two skewed views. The relative motion between an object and the acquisition device automatically fulfills the epipolar constraint in stereo vision. The choice of lines to be extracted from the CMOS sensor depends on various factors such as the number, position and size of the mirrors, the optical and sensor configuration, or other application-specific parameters like desired depth resolution. The acquisition setup presented in this paper is suitable for the inspection of a printed matter, small parts or security features such as optical variable devices and holograms. The image processing pipeline applied to the extracted sensor lines is explained in detail. The effective depth resolution achieved by the presented system, assembled from only off-the-shelf components, is approximately equal to the spatial resolution and can be smoothly controlled by changing positions and angles of the mirrors. Actual performance of the device is demonstrated on a 3D-printed ground-truth object as well as two real-world examples: (i) the EUR-100 banknote - a high-quality printed matter and (ii) the hologram at the EUR-50 banknote { an optical variable device.

Detection of defects in laser powder deposition (LPD) components by pulsed laser transient thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santospirito, S. P.; Słyk, Kamil; Luo, Bin; Łopatka, Rafał; Gilmour, Oliver; Rudlin, John

2013-05-01

Detection of defects in Laser Powder Deposition (LPD) produced components has been achieved by laser thermography. An automatic in-process NDT defect detection software system has been developed for the analysis of laser thermography to automatically detect, reliably measure and then sentence defects in individual beads of LPD components. A deposition path profile definition has been introduced so all laser powder deposition beads can be modeled, and the inspection system has been developed to automatically generate an optimized inspection plan in which sampling images follow the deposition track, and automatically control and communicate with robot-arms, the source laser and cameras to implement image acquisition. Algorithms were developed so that the defect sizes can be correctly evaluated and these have been confirmed using test samples. Individual inspection images can also be stitched together for a single bead, a layer of beads or multiple layers of beads so that defects can be mapped through the additive process. A mathematical model was built up to analyze and evaluate the movement of heat throughout the inspection bead. Inspection processes were developed and positional and temporal gradient algorithms have been used to measure the flaw sizes. Defect analysis is then performed to determine if the defect(s) can be further classified (crack, lack of fusion, porosity) and the sentencing engine then compares the most significant defect or group of defects against the acceptance criteria - independent of human decisions. Testing on manufactured defects from the EC funded INTRAPID project has successful detected and correctly sentenced all samples.

Machine Vision-Based Measurement Systems for Fruit and Vegetable Quality Control in Postharvest.

PubMed

Blasco, José; Munera, Sandra; Aleixos, Nuria; Cubero, Sergio; Molto, Enrique

Individual items of any agricultural commodity are different from each other in terms of colour, shape or size. Furthermore, as they are living thing, they change their quality attributes over time, thereby making the development of accurate automatic inspection machines a challenging task. Machine vision-based systems and new optical technologies make it feasible to create non-destructive control and monitoring tools for quality assessment to ensure adequate accomplishment of food standards. Such systems are much faster than any manual non-destructive examination of fruit and vegetable quality, thus allowing the whole production to be inspected with objective and repeatable criteria. Moreover, current technology makes it possible to inspect the fruit in spectral ranges beyond the sensibility of the human eye, for instance in the ultraviolet and near-infrared regions. Machine vision-based applications require the use of multiple technologies and knowledge, ranging from those related to image acquisition (illumination, cameras, etc.) to the development of algorithms for spectral image analysis. Machine vision-based systems for inspecting fruit and vegetables are targeted towards different purposes, from in-line sorting into commercial categories to the detection of contaminants or the distribution of specific chemical compounds on the product's surface. This chapter summarises the current state of the art in these techniques, starting with systems based on colour images for the inspection of conventional colour, shape or external defects and then goes on to consider recent developments in spectral image analysis for internal quality assessment or contaminant detection.

Optical fiber inspection system

DOEpatents

Moore, Francis W.

1987-01-01

A remote optical inspection system including an inspection head. The inspection head has a passageway through which pellets or other objects are passed. A window is provided along the passageway through which light is beamed against the objects being inspected. A plurality of lens assemblies are arranged about the window so that reflected light can be gathered and transferred to a plurality of coherent optical fiber light guides. The light guides transfer the light images to a television or other image transducer which converts the optical images into a representative electronic signal. The electronic signal can then be displayed on a signal viewer such as a television monitor for inspection by a person. A staging means can be used to support the objects for viewing through the window. Routing means can be used to direct inspected objects into appropriate exit passages for accepted or rejected objects. The inspected objects are advantageously fed in a singular manner to the staging means and routing means. The inspection system is advantageously used in an enclosure when toxic or hazardous materials are being inspected.

Optical fiber inspection system

DOEpatents

Moore, F.W.

1985-04-05

A remote optical inspection system including an inspection head. The inspection head has a passageway through which pellets or other objects are passed. A window is provided along the passageway through which light is beamed against the objects being inspected. A plurality of lens assemblies are arranged about the window so that reflected light can be gathered and transferred to a plurality of coherent optical fiber light guides. The light guides transfer the light images to a television or other image transducer which converts the optical images into a representative electronic signal. The electronic signal can then be displayed on a signal viewer such as a television monitor for inspection by a person. A staging means can be used to support the objects for viewing through the window. Routing means can be used to direct inspected objects into appropriate exit passages for accepted or rejected objects. The inspected objects are advantageously fed in a singular manner to the staging means and routing means. The inspection system is advantageously used in an enclosure when toxic or hazardous materials are being inspected. 10 figs.

Searching for Ultra-cool Objects at the Limits of Large-scale Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinfield, D. J.; Patel, K.; Zhang, Z.; Gomes, J.; Burningham, B.; Day-Jones, A. C.; Jenkins, J.

2011-12-01

We have made a search (to Y=19.6) of the UKIDSS Large Area Survey (LAS DR7) for objects detected only in the Y-band. We have identified and removed contamination due to solar system objects, dust specs in the WFCAM optical path, persistence in the WFCAM detectors, and other sources of spurious single source Y-detections in the UKIDSS LAS data-base. In addition to our automated selection procedure we have visually inspected the ˜600 automatically selected candidates to provide an additional level of quality filtering. This has resulted in 55 good candidates that await follow-up observations to confirm their nature. Ultra-cool LAS Y-only objects would have blue Y-J colours combined with very red optical-NIR SEDs - characteristics shared by Jupiter, and suggested by an extrapolation of the Y-J colour trend seen for the latest T dwarfs currently known.

Optical inspection system for cylindrical objects

DOEpatents

Brenden, Byron B.; Peters, Timothy J.

1989-01-01

In the inspection of cylindrical objects, particularly O-rings, the object is translated through a field of view and a linear light trace is projected on its surface. An image of the light trace is projected on a mask, which has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape which the image would have if the surface of the object were perfect. If there is a defect, light will pass the mask and be sensed by a detector positioned behind the mask. Preferably, two masks and associated detectors are used, one mask being convex to pass light when the light trace falls on a projection from the surface and the other concave, to pass light when the light trace falls on a depression in the surface. The light trace may be either dynamic, formed by a scanned laser beam, or static, formed by such a beam focussed by a cylindrical lens. Means are provided to automatically keep the illuminating receiving systems properly aligned.

Fast Industrial Inspection of Optical Thin Film Using Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Shirazi, Muhammad Faizan; Park, Kibeom; Wijesinghe, Ruchire Eranga; Jeong, Hyosang; Han, Sangyeob; Kim, Pilun; Jeon, Mansik; Kim, Jeehyun

2016-01-01

An application of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was demonstrated for a fast industrial inspection of an optical thin film panel. An optical thin film sample similar to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel was examined. Two identical SD-OCT systems were utilized for parallel scanning of a complete sample in half time. Dual OCT inspection heads were utilized for transverse (fast) scanning, while a stable linear motorized translational stage was used for lateral (slow) scanning. The cross-sectional and volumetric images of an optical thin film sample were acquired to detect the defects in glass and other layers that are difficult to observe using visual inspection methods. The rapid inspection enabled by this setup led to the early detection of product defects on the manufacturing line, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality assurance of industrial products. PMID:27690043

Inspection of the interior surface of cylindrical vessels using optic fiber shearography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bin; Wei, Quan; Tu, Jun; Arola, Dwayne D.; Zhang, Dongsheng

2017-09-01

In this study, a shearography system integrated with a coherent fiber-optic illumination and a fiber-optic imaging bundle is presented to inspect the quality of the interior surface of a cylindrical vessel for safety purposes. The specific optical arrangement is designed for the inspection of a certain area at a small working distance. The optical arrangement of the system was assembled and an aluminum honeycomb sample was evaluated to demonstrate the capability of the system. The important relationship between the image quality and the working distance, as well as the field of view, is discussed. The system has been applied for the inspection of the interior surface of a cylindrical vessel. The experimental results suggest that the shearography system integrated with optical and image fibers can effectively minimize the size of the inspection device and be capable of evaluating the interior surface of cylindrical structures.

49 CFR 236.577 - Test, acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Roadway § 236.577 Test...

49 CFR 236.504 - Operation interconnected with automatic block-signal system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.504... or train control system shall operate in connection with an automatic block signal system and shall...

49 CFR 236.824 - System, automatic block signal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false System, automatic block signal. 236.824 Section..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.824 System, automatic block signal. A block signal system wherein the use of each block is...

49 CFR 236.824 - System, automatic block signal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false System, automatic block signal. 236.824 Section..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.824 System, automatic block signal. A block signal system wherein the use of each block is...

49 CFR 236.824 - System, automatic block signal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false System, automatic block signal. 236.824 Section..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.824 System, automatic block signal. A block signal system wherein the use of each block is...

Automatic inspection system for nuclear fuel pellets or rods

DOEpatents

Miller, Jr., William H.; Sease, John D.; Hamel, William R.; Bradley, Ronnie A.

1978-01-01

An automatic inspection system is provided for determining surface defects on cylindrical objects such as nuclear fuel pellets or rods. The active element of the system is a compound ring having a plurality of pneumatic jet units directed into a central bore. These jet units are connected to provide multiple circuits, each circuit being provided with a pressure sensor. The outputs of the sensors are fed to a comparator circuit whereby a signal is generated when the difference of pressure between pneumatic circuits, caused by a defect, exceeds a pre-set amount. This signal may be used to divert the piece being inspected into a "reject" storage bin or the like.

Differential Laser Doppler based Non-Contact Sensor for Dimensional Inspection with Error Propagation Evaluation

PubMed Central

Mekid, Samir; Vacharanukul, Ketsaya

2006-01-01

To achieve dynamic error compensation in CNC machine tools, a non-contact laser probe capable of dimensional measurement of a workpiece while it is being machined has been developed and presented in this paper. The measurements are automatically fed back to the machine controller for intelligent error compensations. Based on a well resolved laser Doppler technique and real time data acquisition, the probe delivers a very promising dimensional accuracy at few microns over a range of 100 mm. The developed optical measuring apparatus employs a differential laser Doppler arrangement allowing acquisition of information from the workpiece surface. In addition, the measurements are traceable to standards of frequency allowing higher precision.

Automatic assembly of micro-optical components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gengenbach, Ulrich K.

1996-12-01

Automatic assembly becomes an important issue as hybrid micro systems enter industrial fabrication. Moving from a laboratory scale production with manual assembly and bonding processes to automatic assembly requires a thorough re- evaluation of the design, the characteristics of the individual components and of the processes involved. Parts supply for automatic operation, sensitive and intelligent grippers adapted to size, surface and material properties of the microcomponents gain importance when the superior sensory and handling skills of a human are to be replaced by a machine. This holds in particular for the automatic assembly of micro-optical components. The paper outlines these issues exemplified at the automatic assembly of a micro-optical duplexer consisting of a micro-optical bench fabricated by the LIGA technique, two spherical lenses, a wavelength filter and an optical fiber. Spherical lenses, wavelength filter and optical fiber are supplied by third party vendors, which raises the question of parts supply for automatic assembly. The bonding processes for these components include press fit and adhesive bonding. The prototype assembly system with all relevant components e.g. handling system, parts supply, grippers and control is described. Results of first automatic assembly tests are presented.

Automatic Sleep Stage Determination by Multi-Valued Decision Making Based on Conditional Probability with Optimal Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bei; Sugi, Takenao; Wang, Xingyu; Nakamura, Masatoshi

Data for human sleep study may be affected by internal and external influences. The recorded sleep data contains complex and stochastic factors, which increase the difficulties for the computerized sleep stage determination techniques to be applied for clinical practice. The aim of this study is to develop an automatic sleep stage determination system which is optimized for variable sleep data. The main methodology includes two modules: expert knowledge database construction and automatic sleep stage determination. Visual inspection by a qualified clinician is utilized to obtain the probability density function of parameters during the learning process of expert knowledge database construction. Parameter selection is introduced in order to make the algorithm flexible. Automatic sleep stage determination is manipulated based on conditional probability. The result showed close agreement comparing with the visual inspection by clinician. The developed system can meet the customized requirements in hospitals and institutions.

Groping for quantitative digital 3-D image analysis: an approach to quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization in thick tissue sections of prostate carcinoma.

PubMed

Rodenacker, K; Aubele, M; Hutzler, P; Adiga, P S

1997-01-01

In molecular pathology numerical chromosome aberrations have been found to be decisive for the prognosis of malignancy in tumours. The existence of such aberrations can be detected by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The gain or loss of certain base sequences in the desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be estimated by counting the number of FISH signals per cell nucleus. The quantitative evaluation of such events is a necessary condition for a prospective use in diagnostic pathology. To avoid occlusions of signals, the cell nucleus has to be analyzed in three dimensions. Confocal laser scanning microscopy is the means to obtain series of optical thin sections from fluorescence stained or marked material to fulfill the conditions mentioned above. A graphical user interface (GUI) to a software package for display, inspection, count and (semi-)automatic analysis of 3-D images for pathologists is outlined including the underlying methods of 3-D image interaction and segmentation developed. The preparative methods are briefly described. Main emphasis is given to the methodical questions of computer-aided analysis of large 3-D image data sets for pathologists. Several automated analysis steps can be performed for segmentation and succeeding quantification. However tumour material is in contrast to isolated or cultured cells even for visual inspection, a difficult material. For the present a fully automated digital image analysis of 3-D data is not in sight. A semi-automatic segmentation method is thus presented here.

Application of ESPI techniques for the study of dynamic vibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupka, Rene

2004-06-01

Full field optical measurement techniques have already entered into various fields of industrial applications covering static as well as dynamic phenomena. The electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) allows the non contact, sensitive and three dimensional measurement of displacements in the sub micron range of objects with dimensions from mm2 to m2. For dynamic and transient phenomena, the use of pulsed laser have already been reported for various applications and successfully proven for the determination of the structural response of different components. In this paper we would like to present recent developments in the field of pulsed ESPI applications where emphasis is put onto the full field measurement result. The use of a completely computer controlled system allows easy access to mode shape characterization, deformation measurements and the characterization of transient events like shock wave propagation. Recent developments of the 3D-PulseESPI technique led to a very compact and complete system with improved characteristics regarding robustness and operation. The integrated design of the illumination laser and sensors for image acquisition allows easy aiming and adjustments with respect to the object of inspection. The laser is completely computer controlled which is advantageously used in a completely automatic brake squeal inspection system, which captures the squealing signal, automatically fires the laser and provides the complete deformation map of the component under test. Examples of recent applications in the field of dynamic structure response, with an emphasis in the field of automotive applications are given.

Testing & Evaluation of Close-Range SAR for Monitoring & Automatically Detecting Pavement Conditions

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

This report summarizes activities in support of the DOT contract on Testing & Evaluating Close-Range SAR for Monitoring & Automatically Detecting Pavement Conditions & Improve Visual Inspection Procedures. The work of this project was performed by Dr...

46 CFR 61.40-1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS Design Verification and Periodic Testing of Vital System Automation § 61.40-1 General. (a) All automatically or... tests and inspections to evaluate the operation and reliability of controls, alarms, safety features...

ZnSe(Te)-based crystals and detectors for nondestructive testing and cargo inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seminozhenko, V. P.; Ryzhikov, V. D.; Opolonin, A. D.; Lisetska, O. K.; Galkin, S. N.; Voronkin, E. F.; Kostyukevich, S. A.

2006-08-01

Due to disadvantages of scintillator ZnSe(Te) - poor transparence to own emission (10 -1 cm -1), long decay time, low density and Z eff-this material had no practical applications in the ranges of X-ray energies about 120-140 keV. After the development of dual energy X-ray inspection scanners, CT and digital radiography situation changed on the contrary at whole. Both theory and experiments show that now it is the best material for low energy array detectors. The pilot-industrial production of ZnSe(Te) crystals is organized, their usage in CT and inspection X-rays scanners being already started. It has become possible to get tomography imaging simultaneously with automatic recognition of dangerous objects and substances, which is due to the unique parameters of ZnSe(Te). Presently several leading western companies look for possibilities to use ZnSe(Te) for medical X-ray CT. Our aim was to unveil the nature of luminescence centers and the emission mechanism in crystals of ZnSe(Te) compounds with isovalent dopants from the results of our studies of optical, spectroscopic and kinetic characteriestics of these crystals. Basing on the obtained understanding of the emission centers, we aimed at creation of a reproducible production technology of scintillators for application in inspection and medical equipment. The research described in this publication was made possible in part by INTAS Project Ref. Nr. 05-104-7519.

Plane development of lateral surfaces for inspection systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francini, F.; Fontani, D.; Jafrancesco, D.; Mercatelli, L.; Sansoni, P.

2006-08-01

The problem of developing the lateral surfaces of a 3D object can arise in item inspection using automated imaging systems. In an industrial environment, these control systems typically work at high rate and they have to assure a reliable inspection of the single item. For compactness requirements it is not convenient to utilise three or four CCD cameras to control all the lateral surfaces of an object. Moreover it is impossible to mount optical components near the object if it is placed on a conveyor belt. The paper presents a system that integrates on a single CCD picture the images of both the frontal surface and the lateral surface of an object. It consists of a freeform lens mounted in front of a CCD camera with a commercial lens. The aim is to have a good magnification of the lateral surface, maintaining a low aberration level for exploiting the pictures in an image processing software. The freeform lens, made in plastics, redirects the light coming from the object to the camera lens. The final result is to obtain on the CCD: - the frontal and lateral surface images, with a selected magnification (even with two different values for the two images); - a gap between these two images, so an automatic method to analyse the images can be easily applied. A simple method to design the freeform lens is illustrated. The procedure also allows to obtain the imaging system modifying a current inspection system reducing the cost.

Automatic design of optical systems by digital computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casad, T. A.; Schmidt, L. F.

1967-01-01

Computer program uses geometrical optical techniques and a least squares optimization method employing computing equipment for the automatic design of optical systems. It evaluates changes in various optical parameters, provides comprehensive ray-tracing, and generally determines the acceptability of the optical system characteristics.

Optical inspection of NGL masks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettibone, Donald W.; Stokowski, Stanley E.

2004-12-01

For the last five years KLA-Tencor and our joint venture partners have pursued a research program studying the ability of optical inspection tools to meet the inspection needs of possible NGL lithographies. The NGL technologies that we have studied include SCALPEL, PREVAIL, EUV lithography, and Step and Flash Imprint Lithography. We will discuss the sensitivity of the inspection tools and mask design factors that affect tool sensitivity. Most of the work has been directed towards EUV mask inspection and how to optimize the mask to facilitate inspection. Our partners have succeeded in making high contrast EUV masks ranging in contrast from 70% to 98%. Die to die and die to database inspection of EUV masks have been achieved with a sensitivity that is comparable to what can be achieved with conventional photomasks, approximately 80nm defect sensitivity. We have inspected SCALPEL masks successfully. We have found a limitation of optical inspection when applied to PREVAIL stencil masks. We have run inspections on SFIL masks in die to die, reflected light, in an effort to provide feedback to improve the masks. We have used a UV inspection system to inspect both unpatterned EUV substrates (no coatings) and blanks (with EUV multilayer coatings). These inspection results have proven useful in driving down the substrate and blank defect levels.

System and method for online inspection of turbines using an optical tube with broadspectrum mirrors

DOEpatents

Baleine, Erwan

2015-12-22

An optical inspection system for nondestructive internal visual inspection and non-contact infra-red (IR) temperature monitoring of an online, operating power generation turbine. The optical inspection system includes an optical tube having a viewing port, at least one reflective mirror or a mirror array having a reflectivity spectral range from 550 nm to 20 .mu.m, and capable of continuous operation at temperatures greater than 932 degrees Fahrenheit (500 degrees Celsius), and a transparent window with high transmission within the same spectral range mounted distal the viewing port. The same optical mirror array may be used to measure selectively surface temperature of metal turbine blades in the near IR range (approximately 1 .mu.m wavelength) and of thermal barrier coated turbine blades in the long IR range (approximately 10 .mu.m wavelength).

The use of optical pyrometers in axial flow turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellers, R. R.; Przirembel, H. R.; Clevenger, D. H.; Lang, J. L.

1989-07-01

An optical pyrometer system that can be used to measure metal temperatures over an extended range of temperature has been developed. Real-time flame discrimination permits accurate operation in the gas turbine environment with high flame content. This versatile capability has been used in a number of ways. In experimental engines, a fixed angle pyrometer has been used for turbine health monitoring for the automatic test stand abort system. Turbine blade creep capability has been improved by tailoring the burner profile based on measured blade temperatures. Fixed and traversing pyrometers were used extensively during engine development to map blade surface temperatures in order to assess cooling effectiveness and identify optimum configurations. Portable units have been used in turbine field inspections. A new low temperature pyrometer is being used as a diagnostic tool in the alternate turbopump design for the Space Shuttle main engine. Advanced engine designs will incorporate pyrometers in the engine control system to limit operation to safe temperatures.

A coloured oil level indicator detection method based on simple linear iterative clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tianli; Li, Dongsong; Jiao, Zhiming; Liang, Tao; Zhou, Hao; Yang, Guoqing

2017-12-01

A detection method of coloured oil level indicator is put forward. The method is applied to inspection robot in substation, which realized the automatic inspection and recognition of oil level indicator. Firstly, the detected image of the oil level indicator is collected, and the detected image is clustered and segmented to obtain the label matrix of the image. Secondly, the detection image is processed by colour space transformation, and the feature matrix of the image is obtained. Finally, the label matrix and feature matrix are used to locate and segment the detected image, and the upper edge of the recognized region is obtained. If the upper limb line exceeds the preset oil level threshold, the alarm will alert the station staff. Through the above-mentioned image processing, the inspection robot can independently recognize the oil level of the oil level indicator, and instead of manual inspection. It embodies the automatic and intelligent level of unattended operation.

An Automated Classification Technique for Detecting Defects in Battery Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDowell, Mark; Gray, Elizabeth

2006-01-01

Battery cell defect classification is primarily done manually by a human conducting a visual inspection to determine if the battery cell is acceptable for a particular use or device. Human visual inspection is a time consuming task when compared to an inspection process conducted by a machine vision system. Human inspection is also subject to human error and fatigue over time. We present a machine vision technique that can be used to automatically identify defective sections of battery cells via a morphological feature-based classifier using an adaptive two-dimensional fast Fourier transformation technique. The initial area of interest is automatically classified as either an anode or cathode cell view as well as classified as an acceptable or a defective battery cell. Each battery cell is labeled and cataloged for comparison and analysis. The result is the implementation of an automated machine vision technique that provides a highly repeatable and reproducible method of identifying and quantifying defects in battery cells.

Thickness and topographic inspection of RPG contact lenses by optical triangulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Manuel F. M.

2001-06-01

Optical triangulation as a non-destructive test method extensively proved its usefulness on the dimensional and topographic inspection of a large range of objects and surfaces. In this communication the issue of microtopographic and thickness inspection of hard contact lenses (RPG) is addressed. The use of optical triangulation is discussed based on the results of the application of our MICROTOP.03.MFC microtopographer to this kind of tasks will be presented.

Automatic Inspection In Car Industry : User Point-Of-View

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salesse, Robert

1986-11-01

Many equipments for automatic inspection with vision have been incorporated in production lines of nearly all car manufacturers. RENAULT also has now a three years of experience with automated vision and some rules have been established. Our most important contributions have been : - Examples of applications, some now operating, some waiting for integration in complete systems. - How to establish a good "request to quote" ? - How to examine and compare suppliers'offers ? What selection criterias and important questions to ask for ? - What can be expected from the new vision equipment and what are the needs in hardware and software.

Method to Enhance the Operation of an Optical Inspection Instrument Using Spatial Light Modulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trolinger, James; Lal, Amit; Jo, Joshua; Kupiec, Stephen

2012-01-01

For many aspheric and freeform optical components, existing interferometric solutions require a custom computer-generated hologram (CGH) to characterize the part. The overall objective of this research is to develop hardware and a procedure to produce a combined, dynamic, Hartmann/ Digital Holographic interferometry inspection system for a wide range of advanced optical components, including aspheric and freeform optics. This new instrument would have greater versatility and dynamic range than currently available measurement systems. The method uses a spatial light modulator to pre-condition wavefronts for imaging, interferometry, and data processing to improve the resolution and versatility of an optical inspection instrument. Existing interferometers and Hartmann inspection systems have either too small a dynamic range or insufficient resolution to characterize conveniently unusual optical surfaces like aspherical and freeform optics. For interferometers, a specially produced, computer-generated holographic optical element is needed to transform the wavefront to within the range of the interferometer. A new hybrid wavefront sensor employs newly available spatial light modulators (SLMs) as programmable holographic optical elements (HOEs). The HOE is programmed to enable the same instrument to inspect an optical element in stages, first by a Hartmann measurement, which has a very large dynamic range but less resolution. The first measurement provides the information required to precondition a reference wave that avails the measurement process to the more precise phase shifting interferometry. The SLM preconditions a wavefront before it is used to inspect an optical component. This adds important features to an optical inspection system, enabling not just wavefront conditioning for null testing and dynamic range extension, but also the creation of hybrid measurement procedures. This, for example, allows the combination of dynamic digital holography and Hartmann sensing procedures to cover a virtually unlimited dynamic range with high resolution. Digital holography technology brings all of the power and benefits of digital holographic interferometry to the requirement, while Hartmann-type wavefront sensors bring deflectometry technologies to the solution. The SLM can be used to generate arbitrary wavefronts in one leg of the interferometer, thereby greatly simplifying its use and extending its range. The SLM can also be used to modify the system into a dynamic Shack-Hartmann system, which is useful for optical components with large amounts of slope. By integrating these capabilities into a single instrument, the system will have tremendous flexibility to measure a variety of optical shapes accurately.

49 CFR 236.507 - Brake application; full service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.507 Brake application; full service. The automatic train stop or train control apparatus shall, when operated, cause a full service...

49 CFR 236.507 - Brake application; full service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.507 Brake application; full service. The automatic train stop or train control apparatus shall, when operated, cause a full service...

49 CFR 236.590 - Pneumatic apparatus.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Pneumatic apparatus. 236.590 Section 236.590..., Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.590 Pneumatic apparatus. Automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal pneumatic apparatus shall be inspected, cleaned, and the...

49 CFR 236.590 - Pneumatic apparatus.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Pneumatic apparatus. 236.590 Section 236.590..., Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.590 Pneumatic apparatus. Automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal pneumatic apparatus shall be inspected, cleaned, and the...

Development of an automatic test equipment for nano gauging displacement transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yung-Chen; Jywe, Wen-Yuh; Liu, Chien-Hung

2005-01-01

In order to satisfy the increasing demands on the precision in manufacturing technology, nanaometrology gradually becomes more important in manufacturing process. To ensure the precision of manufacture, precise measuring instruments and sensors play a decesive role for the accurate characterization and inspection of products. For linear length inspection, high precision gauging displacement transducers, i.e. nano gauging displacement transducers (NGDT), have been often utilized, which have been often utilized, which have the resolution in the nanometer range and can achieve an accuracy of less than 100 nm. Such measurement instruments include transducers based on electronic as well as optical measurement principles, e.g. inductive, incremental-optical or interference optical. To guarantee the accuracy and the traceability to the definition of the meter, calibration and test of NGDT are essential. Currently, there are some methods and machines for test of NGDT, but they suffer from various disadvantages. Some of them permit only manual test procedures which are time-consuming, e.g. with high accurate gauge blocks as material measures. Other tests can reach higher accuracy only in the micrometer range or result in uncertainties of more than 100 nm in the large measuring ranges. To realize the test of NGDT with a high resolution as well as a large measuring range, an automatic test equipment was constructed, that has a resolution of 1.24 nm, a measuring range of up to 20 nm (60 mm) and a measuring uncertainty of approximate ±10 nm can fulfil the requirements of high resolution within the nanometer range while simultaneously covering a large measuring range in the order of millimeters. The test system includes a stable frame, a polarization interferometer, an angle sensor, an angular control, a drive system and piezo translators. During the test procedure, the angular control and piezo translators minimize the Abbe error. For the automation of the test procedure a measuring program adhering to the measurement principle outlined in VDI/VDE 2617 guidelines was designed. With this program NGDT can be tested in less than thirty minutes with eleven measuring points and five repetitions. By mean of theoretical and experimental investigations it can be proved that the automatic test system achieves a test uncertainty of approx. ±10 nm at the measuring range of 18 mm, that corresponds to a relative uncertainty of approximately ±5 × 10-7. With small uncertainty, the minimization of the Abbe error and short test time, this system can be regarded as a universal and efficient precision test equipment, which is available for the accurate test of arbitrary high precision gauging displacement transducers.

A novel automatic full-scale inspecting system for banknote printing plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Feng, Li; Lu, Jibing; Qin, Qingwang; Liu, Liquan; Liu, Huina

2018-01-01

Quality assurance of banknote printing plates is an important issue for the corporation which produces them. Every plate must be checked carefully and entirely before it's sent to the banknote printing factory. Previously the work is done by specific workers, usually with the help of powder and magnifiers, and often lasts for 3 to 4 hours for a 5*7 plate with the size of about 650*500 square millimeters. Now we have developed an automatic inspecting system to replace human work. The system mainly includes a stable platform, an electrical subsystem and an inspecting subsystem. A microscope held by the crossbeam can move around in the x-y-z space over the platform. A digital camera combined with the microscope captures gray digital images of the plate. The size of each digital image is 2672*4008, and each pixel corresponds to about 2.9*2.9 square microns area of the plate. The plate is inspected by each unit, and corresponding images are captured at the same relative position. Thousands of images are captured for one plate (for example, 4200 (120*5*7) for a 5*7 plate). The inspecting model images are generated from images of qualified plates, and then used to inspect indeterminate plates. The system costs about 64 minutes to inspect a plate, and identifies obvious defects.

Eddy-Current Inspection Of Tab Seals On Beverage Cans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph

1994-01-01

Eddy-current inspection system monitors tab seals on beverage cans. Device inspects all cans at usual production rate of 1,500 to 2,000 cans per minute. Automated inspection of all units replaces visual inspection by microscope aided by mass spectrometry. System detects defects in real time. Sealed cans on conveyor pass near one of two coils in differential eddy-current probe. Other coil in differential eddy-current probe positioned near stationary reference can on which tab seal is known to be of acceptable quality. Signal of certain magnitude at output of probe indicates defective can, automatically ejected from conveyor.

Real-time inspection by submarine images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tascini, Guido; Zingaretti, Primo; Conte, Giuseppe

1996-10-01

A real-time application of computer vision concerning tracking and inspection of a submarine pipeline is described. The objective is to develop automatic procedures for supporting human operators in the real-time analysis of images acquired by means of cameras mounted on underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROV) Implementation of such procedures gives rise to a human-machine system for underwater pipeline inspection that can automatically detect and signal the presence of the pipe, of its structural or accessory elements, and of dangerous or alien objects in its neighborhood. The possibility of modifying the image acquisition rate in the simulations performed on video- recorded images is used to prove that the system performs all necessary processing with an acceptable robustness working in real-time up to a speed of about 2.5 kn, widely greater than that the actual ROVs and the security features allow.

Study on Classification Accuracy Inspection of Land Cover Data Aided by Automatic Image Change Detection Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, W.-J.; Zhang, L.; Chen, H.-P.; Zhou, J.; Mao, W.-J.

2018-04-01

The purpose of carrying out national geographic conditions monitoring is to obtain information of surface changes caused by human social and economic activities, so that the geographic information can be used to offer better services for the government, enterprise and public. Land cover data contains detailed geographic conditions information, thus has been listed as one of the important achievements in the national geographic conditions monitoring project. At present, the main issue of the production of the land cover data is about how to improve the classification accuracy. For the land cover data quality inspection and acceptance, classification accuracy is also an important check point. So far, the classification accuracy inspection is mainly based on human-computer interaction or manual inspection in the project, which are time consuming and laborious. By harnessing the automatic high-resolution remote sensing image change detection technology based on the ERDAS IMAGINE platform, this paper carried out the classification accuracy inspection test of land cover data in the project, and presented a corresponding technical route, which includes data pre-processing, change detection, result output and information extraction. The result of the quality inspection test shows the effectiveness of the technical route, which can meet the inspection needs for the two typical errors, that is, missing and incorrect update error, and effectively reduces the work intensity of human-computer interaction inspection for quality inspectors, and also provides a technical reference for the data production and quality control of the land cover data.

Image formation simulation for computer-aided inspection planning of machine vision systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irgenfried, Stephan; Bergmann, Stephan; Mohammadikaji, Mahsa; Beyerer, Jürgen; Dachsbacher, Carsten; Wörn, Heinz

2017-06-01

In this work, a simulation toolset for Computer Aided Inspection Planning (CAIP) of systems for automated optical inspection (AOI) is presented along with a versatile two-robot-setup for verification of simulation and system planning results. The toolset helps to narrow down the large design space of optical inspection systems in interaction with a system expert. The image formation taking place in optical inspection systems is simulated using GPU-based real time graphics and high quality off-line-rendering. The simulation pipeline allows a stepwise optimization of the system, from fast evaluation of surface patch visibility based on real time graphics up to evaluation of image processing results based on off-line global illumination calculation. A focus of this work is on the dependency of simulation quality on measuring, modeling and parameterizing the optical surface properties of the object to be inspected. The applicability to real world problems is demonstrated by taking the example of planning a 3D laser scanner application. Qualitative and quantitative comparison results of synthetic and real images are presented.

49 CFR 236.534 - Entrance to equipped territory; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.534... not exceed restricted speed, the automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal device shall be...

49 CFR 236.562 - Minimum rail current required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Locomotives § 236.562 Minimum... continuous inductive automatic train stop or train control device to normal condition or to obtain a proceed...

49 CFR 236.534 - Entrance to equipped territory; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.534... not exceed restricted speed, the automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal device shall be...

49 CFR 236.587 - Departure test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.587 Departure test. (a) The automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus on each locomotive, except a locomotive or a...

49 CFR 236.562 - Minimum rail current required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Locomotives § 236.562 Minimum... continuous inductive automatic train stop or train control device to normal condition or to obtain a proceed...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

Automated Signal Processing Applied to Volatile-Based Inspection of Greenhouse Crops

PubMed Central

Jansen, Roel; Hofstee, Jan Willem; Bouwmeester, Harro; van Henten, Eldert

2010-01-01

Gas chromatograph–mass spectrometers (GC-MS) have been used and shown utility for volatile-based inspection of greenhouse crops. However, a widely recognized difficulty associated with GC-MS application is the large and complex data generated by this instrument. As a consequence, experienced analysts are often required to process this data in order to determine the concentrations of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of interest. Manual processing is time-consuming, labour intensive and may be subject to errors due to fatigue. The objective of this study was to assess whether or not GC-MS data can also be automatically processed in order to determine the concentrations of crop health associated VOCs in a greenhouse. An experimental dataset that consisted of twelve data files was processed both manually and automatically to address this question. Manual processing was based on simple peak integration while the automatic processing relied on the algorithms implemented in the MetAlign™ software package. The results of automatic processing of the experimental dataset resulted in concentrations similar to that after manual processing. These results demonstrate that GC-MS data can be automatically processed in order to accurately determine the concentrations of crop health associated VOCs in a greenhouse. When processing GC-MS data automatically, noise reduction, alignment, baseline correction and normalisation are required. PMID:22163594

Fiber-Optic Sensing for In-Space Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pena, Francisco; Richards, W. Lance; Piazza, Anthony; Parker, Allen R.; Hudson, Larry D.

2014-01-01

This presentation provides examples of fiber optic sensing technology development activities performed at NASA Armstrong. Examples of current and previous work that support in-space inspection techniques and methodologies are highlighted.

Inspection of imprint lithography patterns for semiconductor and patterned media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resnick, Douglas J.; Haase, Gaddi; Singh, Lovejeet; Curran, David; Schmid, Gerard M.; Luo, Kang; Brooks, Cindy; Selinidis, Kosta; Fretwell, John; Sreenivasan, S. V.

2010-03-01

Imprint lithography has been shown to be an effective technique for replication of nano-scale features. Acceptance of imprint lithography for manufacturing will require demonstration that it can attain defect levels commensurate with the requirements of cost-effective device production. This work summarizes the results of defect inspections of semiconductor masks, wafers and hard disks patterned using Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography (J-FILTM). Inspections were performed with optical and e-beam based automated inspection tools. For the semiconductor market, a test mask was designed which included dense features (with half pitches ranging between 32 nm and 48 nm) containing an extensive array of programmed defects. For this work, both e-beam inspection and optical inspection were used to detect both random defects and the programmed defects. Analytical SEMs were then used to review the defects detected by the inspection. Defect trends over the course of many wafers were observed with another test mask using a KLA-T 2132 optical inspection tool. The primary source of defects over 2000 imprints were particle related. For the hard drive market, it is important to understand the defectivity of both the template and the imprinted disk. This work presents a methodology for automated pattern inspection and defect classification for imprint-patterned media. Candela CS20 and 6120 tools from KLA-Tencor map the optical properties of the disk surface, producing highresolution grayscale images of surface reflectivity, scattered light, phase shift, etc. Defects that have been identified in this manner are further characterized according to the morphology

49 CFR 236.586 - Daily or after trip test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.586 Daily or after trip test..., each locomotive equipped with an automatic cab signal or train stop or train control device operating...

49 CFR 236.588 - Periodic test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.588 Periodic test. Except as provided in § 236.586, periodic test of the automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus...

49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and... with circuit controller is used, the resultant restrictive condition of an automatic train stop or...

49 CFR 236.509 - Two or more locomotives coupled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.509 Two or more locomotives coupled. The automatic train stop, train control or cab signal apparatus shall be arranged so that when two or...

49 CFR 236.514 - Interconnection of cab signal system with roadway signal system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.514 Interconnection of cab signal system with roadway signal system. The automatic cab signal system shall be...

49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and... with circuit controller is used, the resultant restrictive condition of an automatic train stop or...

49 CFR 236.557 - Receiver; location with respect to rail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Locomotives § 236.557 Receiver... automatic cab signal, train stop, or train control device of locomotive equipped with onboard test equipment...

49 CFR 236.554 - Rate of pressure reduction; equalizing reservoir or brake pipe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions... pressure or brake-pipe pressure reduction during an automatic brake application shall be at a rate not less...

49 CFR 236.511 - Cab signals controlled in accordance with block conditions stopping distance in advance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards... automatic cab signal system shall be arranged so that cab signals will be continuously controlled in...

49 CFR 236.586 - Daily or after trip test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.586 Daily or after trip test..., each locomotive equipped with an automatic cab signal or train stop or train control device operating...

49 CFR 236.554 - Rate of pressure reduction; equalizing reservoir or brake pipe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions... pressure or brake-pipe pressure reduction during an automatic brake application shall be at a rate not less...

49 CFR 236.509 - Two or more locomotives coupled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.509 Two or more locomotives coupled. The automatic train stop, train control or cab signal apparatus shall be arranged so that when two or...

High-performance camera module for fast quality inspection in industrial printing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fürtler, Johannes; Bodenstorfer, Ernst; Mayer, Konrad J.; Brodersen, Jörg; Heiss, Dorothea; Penz, Harald; Eckel, Christian; Gravogl, Klaus; Nachtnebel, Herbert

2007-02-01

Today, printing products which must meet highest quality standards, e.g., banknotes, stamps, or vouchers, are automatically checked by optical inspection systems. Typically, the examination of fine details of the print or security features demands images taken from various perspectives, with different spectral sensitivity (visible, infrared, ultraviolet), and with high resolution. Consequently, the inspection system is equipped with several cameras and has to cope with an enormous data rate to be processed in real-time. Hence, it is desirable to move image processing tasks into the camera to reduce the amount of data which has to be transferred to the (central) image processing system. The idea is to transfer relevant information only, i.e., features of the image instead of the raw image data from the sensor. These features are then further processed. In this paper a color line-scan camera for line rates up to 100 kHz is presented. The camera is based on a commercial CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) area image sensor and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). It implements extraction of image features which are well suited to detect print flaws like blotches of ink, color smears, splashes, spots and scratches. The camera design and several image processing methods implemented on the FPGA are described, including flat field correction, compensation of geometric distortions, color transformation, as well as decimation and neighborhood operations.

Results from a new 193nm die-to-database reticle inspection platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broadbent, William H.; Alles, David S.; Giusti, Michael T.; Kvamme, Damon F.; Shi, Rui-fang; Sousa, Weston L.; Walsh, Robert; Xiong, Yalin

2010-05-01

A new 193nm wavelength high resolution reticle defect inspection platform has been developed for both die-to-database and die-to-die inspection modes. In its initial configuration, this innovative platform has been designed to meet the reticle qualification requirements of the IC industry for the 22nm logic and 3xhp memory generations (and shrinks) with planned extensions to the next generation. The 22nm/3xhp IC generation includes advanced 193nm optical lithography using conventional RET, advanced computational lithography, and double patterning. Further, EUV pilot line lithography is beginning. This advanced 193nm inspection platform has world-class performance and the capability to meet these diverse needs in optical and EUV lithography. The architecture of the new 193nm inspection platform is described. Die-to-database inspection results are shown on a variety of reticles from industry sources; these reticles include standard programmed defect test reticles, as well as advanced optical and EUV product and product-like reticles. Results show high sensitivity and low false and nuisance detections on complex optical reticle designs and small feature size EUV reticles. A direct comparison with the existing industry standard 257nm wavelength inspection system shows measurable sensitivity improvement for small feature sizes

Fast and precise dense grid size measurement method based on coaxial dual optical imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jiping; Peng, Xiang; Yu, Jiping; Hao, Jian; Diao, Yan; Song, Tao; Li, Ameng; Lu, Xiaowei

2015-10-01

Test sieves with dense grid structure are widely used in many fields, accurate gird size calibration is rather critical for success of grading analysis and test sieving. But traditional calibration methods suffer from the disadvantages of low measurement efficiency and shortage of sampling number of grids which could lead to quality judgment risk. Here, a fast and precise test sieve inspection method is presented. Firstly, a coaxial imaging system with low and high optical magnification probe is designed to capture the grid images of the test sieve. Then, a scaling ratio between low and high magnification probes can be obtained by the corresponding grids in captured images. With this, all grid dimensions in low magnification image can be obtained by measuring few corresponding grids in high magnification image with high accuracy. Finally, by scanning the stage of the tri-axis platform of the measuring apparatus, whole surface of the test sieve can be quickly inspected. Experiment results show that the proposed method can measure the test sieves with higher efficiency compare to traditional methods, which can measure 0.15 million grids (gird size 0.1mm) within only 60 seconds, and it can measure grid size range from 20μm to 5mm precisely. In a word, the presented method can calibrate the grid size of test sieve automatically with high efficiency and accuracy. By which, surface evaluation based on statistical method can be effectively implemented, and the quality judgment will be more reasonable.

Redundant drive current imbalance problem of the Automatic Radiator Inspection Device (ARID)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latino, Carl D.

1992-01-01

The Automatic Radiator Inspection Device (ARID) is a 4 Degree of Freedom (DOF) robot with redundant drive motors at each joint. The device is intended to automate the labor intensive task of space shuttle radiator inspection. For safety and redundancy, each joint is driven by two independent motor systems. Motors driving the same joint, however, draw vastly different currents. The concern was that the robot joints could be subjected to undue stress. It was the objective of this summer's project to determine the cause of this current imbalance. In addition it was to determine, in a quantitative manner, what was the cause, how serious the problem was in terms of damage or undue wear to the robot and find solutions if possible. It was concluded that most problems could be resolved with a better motor control design. This document discusses problems encountered and possible solutions.

The interactive electrode localization utility: software for automatic sorting and labeling of intracranial subdural electrodes

PubMed Central

Tang, Wei; Peled, Noam; Vallejo, Deborah I.; Borzello, Mia; Dougherty, Darin D.; Eskandar, Emad N.; Widge, Alik S.; Cash, Sydney S.; Stufflebeam, Steven M.

2018-01-01

Purpose Existing methods for sorting, labeling, registering, and across-subject localization of electrodes in intracranial encephalography (iEEG) may involve laborious work requiring manual inspection of radiological images. Methods We describe a new open-source software package, the interactive electrode localization utility which presents a full pipeline for the registration, localization, and labeling of iEEG electrodes from CT and MR images. In addition, we describe a method to automatically sort and label electrodes from subdural grids of known geometry. Results We validated our software against manual inspection methods in twelve subjects undergoing iEEG for medically intractable epilepsy. Our algorithm for sorting and labeling performed correct identification on 96% of the electrodes. Conclusions The sorting and labeling methods we describe offer nearly perfect performance and the software package we have distributed may simplify the process of registering, sorting, labeling, and localizing subdural iEEG grid electrodes by manual inspection. PMID:27915398

Optical microtopographic inspection of asphalt pavement surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Manuel F. M.; Freitas, E. F.; Torres, H.; Cerezo, V.

2017-08-01

Microtopographic and rugometric characterization of surfaces is routinely and effectively performed non-invasively by a number of different optical methods. Rough surfaces are also inspected using optical profilometers and microtopographer. The characterization of road asphalt pavement surfaces produced in different ways and compositions is fundamental for economical and safety reasons. Having complex structures, including topographically with different ranges of form error and roughness, the inspection of asphalt pavement surfaces is difficult to perform non-invasively. In this communication we will report on the optical non-contact rugometric characterization of the surface of different types of road pavements performed at the Microtopography Laboratory of the Physics Department of the University of Minho.

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269..., Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out circuits. Each cut-out circuit shall be... of this section, a cut-out circuit is any circuit which overrides the operation of automatic warning...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269..., Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out circuits. Each cut-out circuit shall be... of this section, a cut-out circuit is any circuit which overrides the operation of automatic warning...

Fine grained recognition of masonry walls for built heritage assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oses, N.; Dornaika, F.; Moujahid, A.

2015-01-01

This paper presents the ground work carried out to achieve automatic fine grained recognition of stone masonry. This is a necessary first step in the development of the analysis tool. The built heritage that will be assessed consists of stone masonry constructions and many of the features analysed can be characterized according to the geometry and arrangement of the stones. Much of the assessment is carried out through visual inspection. Thus, we apply image processing on digital images of the elements under inspection. The main contribution of the paper is the performance evaluation of the automatic categorization of masonry walls from a set of extracted straight line segments. The element chosen to perform this evaluation is the stone arrangement of masonry walls. The validity of the proposed framework is assessed on real images of masonry walls using machine learning paradigms. These include classifiers as well as automatic feature selection.

Optical benchmarking of security document readers for automated border control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valentín, Kristián.; Wild, Peter; Å tolc, Svorad; Daubner, Franz; Clabian, Markus

2016-10-01

Authentication and optical verification of travel documents upon crossing borders is of utmost importance for national security. Understanding the workflow and different approaches to ICAO 9303 travel document scanning in passport readers, as well as highlighting normalization issues and designing new methods to achieve better harmonization across inspection devices are key steps for the development of more effective and efficient next- generation passport inspection. This paper presents a survey of state-of-the-art document inspection systems, showcasing results of a document reader challenge investigating 9 devices with regards to optical characteristics.

High-resolution imaging optomechatronics for precise liquid crystal display module bonding automated optical inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Guangming; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Jing; Liu, Juanxiu; Liu, Yong

2018-01-01

With the development of the liquid crystal display (LCD) module industry, LCD modules become more and more precise with larger sizes, which demands harsh imaging requirements for automated optical inspection (AOI). Here, we report a high-resolution and clearly focused imaging optomechatronics for precise LCD module bonding AOI inspection. It first presents and achieves high-resolution imaging for LCD module bonding AOI inspection using a line scan camera (LSC) triggered by a linear optical encoder, self-adaptive focusing for the whole large imaging region using LSC, and a laser displacement sensor, which reduces the requirements of machining, assembly, and motion control of AOI devices. Results show that this system can directly achieve clearly focused imaging for AOI inspection of large LCD module bonding with 0.8 μm image resolution, 2.65-mm scan imaging width, and no limited imaging width theoretically. All of these are significant for AOI inspection in the LCD module industry and other fields that require imaging large regions with high resolution.

Automatic 3D inspection metrology for high-temperature objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Liya; Li, Zhongwei; Zhong, Kai; Yi, Jie; Shi, Yusheng; Cheng, Xu; Zhan, Guomin; Chen, Ran

2017-06-01

3D Visual Inspection for high-temperature objects has attracted more and more attention in the industrial and manufacture field. Until now it is still difficult to measure the shape of high-temperature objects due to the following problems: 1) the radiation and heat transfer through the air seriously affect both human and measurement equipment, so the manual measurement is not capable in this situation. 2) Because of the difficulties to handle the surfaces of the hot objects, it is hard to use artificial markers to align different pieces of data. In order to solve these problems, an automatic 3D shape measurement system for high-temperature objects is proposed by combing an industrial robot with a structured blue light 3D scanner. In this system, the route for inspection is planned with the cooled object and then executed automatically with the same object in hot state to avoid artificial operations. The route is carefully planned to reduce the exposure time of the measurement equipment under the high-temperature situation. Then different pieces of data are premapped during the planning procedure. In the executing procedure, they can be aligned accurately thanks to the good repeatability of the industrial robot. Finally, different pieces of data are merged without artificial markers and the results are better than methods with traditional hand-eye calibration. Experiments verify that the proposed system can conduct the inspection of forging parts under the temperature of 900°C and the alignment precision is 0.0013rad and 0.28mm.

Automatic SAR/optical cross-matching for GCP monograph generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nutricato, Raffaele; Morea, Alberto; Nitti, Davide Oscar; La Mantia, Claudio; Agrimano, Luigi; Samarelli, Sergio; Chiaradia, Maria Teresa

2016-10-01

Ground Control Points (GCP), automatically extracted from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images through 3D stereo analysis, can be effectively exploited for an automatic orthorectification of optical imagery if they can be robustly located in the basic optical images. The present study outlines a SAR/Optical cross-matching procedure that allows a robust alignment of radar and optical images, and consequently to derive automatically the corresponding sub-pixel position of the GCPs in the optical image in input, expressed as fractional pixel/line image coordinates. The cross-matching in performed in two subsequent steps, in order to gradually gather a better precision. The first step is based on the Mutual Information (MI) maximization between optical and SAR chips while the last one uses the Normalized Cross-Correlation as similarity metric. This work outlines the designed algorithmic solution and discusses the results derived over the urban area of Pisa (Italy), where more than ten COSMO-SkyMed Enhanced Spotlight stereo images with different beams and passes are available. The experimental analysis involves different satellite images, in order to evaluate the performances of the algorithm w.r.t. the optical spatial resolution. An assessment of the performances of the algorithm has been carried out, and errors are computed by measuring the distance between the GCP pixel/line position in the optical image, automatically estimated by the tool, and the "true" position of the GCP, visually identified by an expert user in the optical images.

Speech input system for meat inspection and pathological coding used thereby

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Shozo

Meat inspection is one of exclusive and important jobs of veterinarians though it is not well known in general. As the inspection should be conducted skillfully during a series of continuous operations in a slaughter house, development of automatic inspecting systems has been required for a long time. We employed a hand-free speech input system to record the inspecting data because inspecters have to use their both hands to treat the internals of catles and check their health conditions by necked eyes. The data collected by the inspectors are transfered to a speech recognizer and then stored as controlable data of each catle inspected. Control of terms such as pathological conditions to be input and their coding are also important in this speech input system and practical examples are shown.

49 CFR 236.560 - Contact element, mechanical trip type; location with respect to rail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and.... Contact element of automatic train stop device of the mechanical trip type shall be maintained at a height...

49 CFR 236.567 - Restrictions imposed when device fails and/or is cut out en route.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions... restricted speed or if an automatic block signal system is in operation according to signal indication but...

49 CFR 236.508 - Interference with application of brakes by means of brake valve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.508 Interference with application of brakes by means of brake valve. The automatic train stop, train control, or...

49 CFR 236.508 - Interference with application of brakes by means of brake valve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards § 236.508 Interference with application of brakes by means of brake valve. The automatic train stop, train control, or...

Automatic internal crack detection from a sequence of infrared images with a triple-threshold Canny edge detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Gaochao; Tse, Peter W.; Yuan, Maodan

2018-02-01

Visual inspection and assessment of the condition of metal structures are essential for safety. Pulse thermography produces visible infrared images, which have been widely applied to detect and characterize defects in structures and materials. When active thermography, a non-destructive testing tool, is applied, the necessity of considerable manual checking can be avoided. However, detecting an internal crack with active thermography remains difficult, since it is usually invisible in the collected sequence of infrared images, which makes the automatic detection of internal cracks even harder. In addition, the detection of an internal crack can be hindered by a complicated inspection environment. With the purpose of putting forward a robust and automatic visual inspection method, a computer vision-based thresholding method is proposed. In this paper, the image signals are a sequence of infrared images collected from the experimental setup with a thermal camera and two flash lamps as stimulus. The contrast of pixels in each frame is enhanced by the Canny operator and then reconstructed by a triple-threshold system. Two features, mean value in the time domain and maximal amplitude in the frequency domain, are extracted from the reconstructed signal to help distinguish the crack pixels from others. Finally, a binary image indicating the location of the internal crack is generated by a K-means clustering method. The proposed procedure has been applied to an iron pipe, which contains two internal cracks and surface abrasion. Some improvements have been made for the computer vision-based automatic crack detection methods. In the future, the proposed method can be applied to realize the automatic detection of internal cracks from many infrared images for the industry.

Optic for industrial endoscope/borescope with narrow field of view and low distortion

DOEpatents

Stone, Gary F.; Trebes, James E.

2005-08-16

An optic for the imaging optics on the distal end of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope or rigid borescope inspection tool. The image coverage is over a narrow (<20 degrees) field of view with very low optical distortion (<5% pin cushion or barrel distortion), compared to the typical <20% distortion. The optic will permit non-contact surface roughness measurements using optical techniques. This optic will permit simultaneous collection of selected image plane data, which data can then be subsequently optically processed. The image analysis will yield non-contact surface topology data for inspection where access to the surface does not permit a mechanical styles profilometer verification of surface topology. The optic allows a very broad spectral band or range of optical inspection. It is capable of spectroscopic imaging and fluorescence induced imaging when a scanning illumination source is used. The total viewing angle for this optic is 10 degrees for the full field of view of 10 degrees, compared to 40-70 degrees full angle field of view of the conventional gradient index or GRIN's lens systems.

Optical Automatic Car Identification (OACI) Field Test Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-05-01

The results of the Optical Automatic Car Identification (OACI) tests at Chicago conducted from August 16 to September 4, 1975 are presented. The main purpose of this test was to determine the suitability of optics as a principle of operation for an a...

[Study on Intelligent Automatic Tracking Radiation Protection Curtain].

PubMed

Zhao, Longyang; Han, Jindong; Ou, Minjian; Chen, Jinlong

2015-09-01

In order to overcome the shortcomings of traditional X-ray inspection taking passive protection mode, this paper combines the automatic control technology, puts forward a kind of active protection X-ray equipment. The device of automatic detection of patients receiving X-ray irradiation part, intelligent adjustment in patients and shooting device between automatic tracking radiation protection device height. The device has the advantages of automatic adjustment, anti-radiation device, reduce the height of non-irradiated area X-ray radiation and improve the work efficiency. Testing by the professional organization, the device can decrease more than 90% of X-ray dose for patients with non-irradiated area.

Biologically inspired robotic inspectors: the engineering reality and future outlook (Keynote address)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph

2005-04-01

Human errors have long been recognized as a major factor in the reliability of nondestructive evaluation results. To minimize such errors, there is an increasing reliance on automatic inspection tools that allow faster and consistent tests. Crawlers and various manipulation devices are commonly used to perform variety of inspection procedures that include C-scan with contour following capability to rapidly inspect complex structures. The emergence of robots has been the result of the need to deal with parts that are too complex to handle by a simple automatic system. Economical factors are continuing to hamper the wide use of robotics for inspection applications however technology advances are increasingly changing this paradigm. Autonomous robots, which may look like human, can potentially address the need to inspect structures with configuration that are not predetermined. The operation of such robots that mimic biology may take place at harsh or hazardous environments that are too dangerous for human presence. Biomimetic technologies such as artificial intelligence, artificial muscles, artificial vision and numerous others are increasingly becoming common engineering tools. Inspired by science fiction, making biomimetic robots is increasingly becoming an engineering reality and in this paper the state-of-the-art will be reviewed and the outlook for the future will be discussed.

Quality assurance in the production of pipe fittings by automatic laser-based material identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moench, Ingo; Peter, Laszlo; Priem, Roland; Sturm, Volker; Noll, Reinhard

1999-09-01

In plants of the chemical, nuclear and off-shore industry, application specific high-alloyed steels are used for pipe fittings. Mixing of different steel grades can lead to corrosion with severe consequential damages. Growing quality requirements and environmental responsibilities demand a 100% material control in the production of the pipe fittings. Therefore, LIFT, an automatic inspection machine, was developed to insure against any mix of material grades. LIFT is able to identify more than 30 different steel grades. The inspection method is based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometry (LIBS). An expert system, which can be easily trained and recalibrated, was developed for the data evaluation. The result of the material inspection is transferred to an external handling system via a PLC interface. The duration of the inspection process is 2 seconds. The graphical user interface was developed with respect to the requirements of an unskilled operator. The software is based on a realtime operating system and provides a safe and reliable operation. An interface for the remote maintenance by modem enables a fast operational support. Logged data are retrieved and evaluated. This is the basis for an adaptive improvement of the configuration of LIFT with respect to changing requirements in the production line. Within the first six months of routine operation, about 50000 pipe fittings were inspected.

Optical Radiation: Susceptibility and Countermeasures

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-12-01

1995). "Early Visual Acuity Side Effects After Laser Retinal Photocoagulation in Diabetic Retinopathy ," W.D. Kosnik, L. Marouf, and M. Myers...tests. The automatic positioner (AMPS) coupled with the automatic optical test system (PEATS) permits timely and consistent evaluation of candidate...Science and Engineering OR:S&C Optical Radiation: Susceptibility and Countermeasures OSADS Optical Signature, Acquisition, and Detection System

Indoor Multi-Sensor Acquisition System for Projects on Energy Renovation of Buildings.

PubMed

Armesto, Julia; Sánchez-Villanueva, Claudio; Patiño-Cambeiro, Faustino; Patiño-Barbeito, Faustino

2016-05-28

Energy rehabilitation actions in buildings have become a great economic opportunity for the construction sector. They also constitute a strategic goal in the European Union (EU), given the energy dependence and the compromises with climate change of its member states. About 75% of existing buildings in the EU were built when energy efficiency codes had not been developed. Approximately 75% to 90% of those standing buildings are expected to remain in use in 2050. Significant advances have been achieved in energy analysis, simulation tools, and computer fluid dynamics for building energy evaluation. However, the gap between predictions and real savings might still be improved. Geomatics and computer science disciplines can really help in modelling, inspection, and diagnosis procedures. This paper presents a multi-sensor acquisition system capable of automatically and simultaneously capturing the three-dimensional geometric information, thermographic, optical, and panoramic images, ambient temperature map, relative humidity map, and light level map. The system integrates a navigation system based on a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) approach that allows georeferencing every data to its position in the building. The described equipment optimizes the energy inspection and diagnosis steps and facilitates the energy modelling of the building.

Indoor Multi-Sensor Acquisition System for Projects on Energy Renovation of Buildings

PubMed Central

Armesto, Julia; Sánchez-Villanueva, Claudio; Patiño-Cambeiro, Faustino; Patiño-Barbeito, Faustino

2016-01-01

Energy rehabilitation actions in buildings have become a great economic opportunity for the construction sector. They also constitute a strategic goal in the European Union (EU), given the energy dependence and the compromises with climate change of its member states. About 75% of existing buildings in the EU were built when energy efficiency codes had not been developed. Approximately 75% to 90% of those standing buildings are expected to remain in use in 2050. Significant advances have been achieved in energy analysis, simulation tools, and computer fluid dynamics for building energy evaluation. However, the gap between predictions and real savings might still be improved. Geomatics and computer science disciplines can really help in modelling, inspection, and diagnosis procedures. This paper presents a multi-sensor acquisition system capable of automatically and simultaneously capturing the three-dimensional geometric information, thermographic, optical, and panoramic images, ambient temperature map, relative humidity map, and light level map. The system integrates a navigation system based on a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) approach that allows georeferencing every data to its position in the building. The described equipment optimizes the energy inspection and diagnosis steps and facilitates the energy modelling of the building. PMID:27240379

Electromagnetic microforging apparatus for low-cost fabrication of molds for microlens arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pribošek, Jaka; Diaci, Janez

2015-06-01

This study addresses the problem of low-cost microlens fabrication and outlines the development of a novel microforging apparatus for microlens mold fabrication. The apparatus consists of an electromagnetic impact tool which strikes a piston with a hardened steel ball into a workpiece. The impact creates a spherical indentation which serves as a lens cavity. The microforging apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor control unit communicating with a personal computer and enables on-the-fly variation of electromagnetic excitation to control the microforging process. We studied the effects of process parameters on the diameter of the fabricated lens cavities inspected by a custom automatic image processing algorithm. Different microforging regimes are analyzed and discussed. The surface quality of fabricated cavities has been inspected by confocal microscopy and the influence of fill factor on sphericity error has been studied. The proposed microforging method enables the fabrication of molds with 100% fill factor, surface roughness as low as Ra 0.15 µm and sphericity error lower than 0.5 µm. The fabricated microlens arrays exhibit nearly diffraction-limited performance, offering a wide range of possible applications. We believe this study provides access to microoptical technology for smaller optical and computer vision laboratories.

Real-Time Inspection Of Currency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blazek, Henry

1986-12-01

An automatic inspection machine, designed and manufactured by the Perkin-Elmer Corporation for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, is capable of real-time inspection of currency at rates compatible with the output of modern high-speed printing presses. Inspection is accomplished by comparing test notes (in 32-per-sheet format) with reference notes stored in the memory of a digital computer. This paper describes the development of algorithms for detecting defective notes, one of the key problems solved during the development of the inspection system. Results achieved on an analytical model, used for predicting probability of false alarms and probability of detecting typically defective notes, are compared to those obtained by system simulation.

Automated boundary segmentation and wound analysis for longitudinal corneal OCT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fei; Shi, Fei; Zhu, Weifang; Pan, Lingjiao; Chen, Haoyu; Huang, Haifan; Zheng, Kangkeng; Chen, Xinjian

2017-03-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been widely applied in the examination and diagnosis of corneal diseases, but the information directly achieved from the OCT images by manual inspection is limited. We propose an automatic processing method to assist ophthalmologists in locating the boundaries in corneal OCT images and analyzing the recovery of corneal wounds after treatment from longitudinal OCT images. It includes the following steps: preprocessing, epithelium and endothelium boundary segmentation and correction, wound detection, corneal boundary fitting and wound analysis. The method was tested on a data set with longitudinal corneal OCT images from 20 subjects. Each subject has five images acquired after corneal operation over a period of time. The segmentation and classification accuracy of the proposed algorithm is high and can be used for analyzing wound recovery after corneal surgery.

Real-time Monitoring of Subsea Gas Pipelines, Offshore Platforms, and Ship Inspection Scores Using an Automatic Identification System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artana, K. B.; Pitana, T.; Dinariyana, D. P.; Ariana, M.; Kristianto, D.; Pratiwi, E.

2018-06-01

The aim of this research is to develop an algorithm and application that can perform real-time monitoring of the safety operation of offshore platforms and subsea gas pipelines as well as determine the need for ship inspection using data obtained from automatic identification system (AIS). The research also focuses on the integration of shipping database, AIS data, and others to develop a prototype for designing a real-time monitoring system of offshore platforms and pipelines. A simple concept is used in the development of this prototype, which is achieved by using an overlaying map that outlines the coordinates of the offshore platform and subsea gas pipeline with the ship's coordinates (longitude/latitude) as detected by AIS. Using such information, we can then build an early warning system (EWS) relayed through short message service (SMS), email, or other means when the ship enters the restricted and exclusion zone of platforms and pipelines. The ship inspection system is developed by combining several attributes. Then, decision analysis software is employed to prioritize the vessel's four attributes, including ship age, ship type, classification, and flag state. Results show that the EWS can increase the safety level of offshore platforms and pipelines, as well as the efficient use of patrol boats in monitoring the safety of the facilities. Meanwhile, ship inspection enables the port to prioritize the ship to be inspected in accordance with the priority ranking inspection score.

Noncontacting Optical Measurement And Inspection Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asher, Jeffrey A.; Jackson, Robert L.

1986-10-01

Product inspection continues to play a growing role in the improvement of quality and reduction of scrap. Recent emphasis on precision measurements and in-process inspection have been a driving force for the development of noncontacting sensors. Noncontacting sensors can provide long term, unattended use due to the lack of sensor wear. Further, in applications where, sensor contact can damage or geometrically change the part to be measured or inspected, noncontacting sensors are the only technical approach available. MTI is involved in the development and sale of noncontacting sensors and custom inspection systems. This paper will review the recent advances in noncontacting sensor development. Machine vision and fiber optics sensor systems are finding a wide variety of industrial inspection applications. This paper will provide detailed examples of several state-of-the-art applications for these noncontacting sensors.

Sub-cell turning to accomplish micron-level alignment of precision assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumler, James J.; Buss, Christian

2017-08-01

Higher performance expectations for complex optical systems demand tighter alignment requirements for lens assembly alignment. In order to meet diffraction limited imaging performance over wide spectral bands across the UV and visible wavebands, new manufacturing approaches and tools must be developed if the optical systems will be produced consistently in volume production. This is especially applicable in the field of precision microscope objectives for life science, semiconductor inspection and laser material processing systems. We observe a rising need for the improvement in the optical imaging performance of objective lenses. The key challenge lies in the micron-level decentration and tilt of each lens element. One solution for the production of high quality lens systems is sub-cell assembly with alignment turning. This process relies on an automatic alignment chuck to align the optical axis of a mounted lens to the spindle axis of the machine. Subsequently, the mount is cut with diamond tools on a lathe with respect to the optical axis of the mount. Software controlled integrated measurement technology ensures highest precision. In addition to traditional production processes, further dimensions can be controlled in a very precise manner, e.g. the air gaps between the lenses. Using alignment turning simplifies further alignment steps and reduces the risk of errors. This paper describes new challenges in microscope objective design and manufacturing, and addresses difficulties with standard production processes. A new measurement and alignment technique is described, and strengths and limitations are outlined.

Increasing reticle inspection efficiency and reducing wafer printchecks at 14nm using automated defect classification and simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paracha, Shazad; Goodman, Eliot; Eynon, Benjamin G.; Noyes, Ben F.; Ha, Steven; Kim, Jong-Min; Lee, Dong-Seok; Lee, Dong-Heok; Cho, Sang-Soo; Ham, Young M.; Vacca, Anthony D.; Fiekowsky, Peter J.; Fiekowsky, Daniel I.

2014-10-01

IC fabs inspect critical masks on a regular basis to ensure high wafer yields. These requalification inspections are costly for many reasons including the capital equipment, system maintenance, and labor costs. In addition, masks typically remain in the "requal" phase for extended, non-productive periods of time. The overall "requal" cycle time in which reticles remain non-productive is challenging to control. Shipping schedules can slip when wafer lots are put on hold until the master critical layer reticle is returned to production. Unfortunately, substituting backup critical layer reticles can significantly reduce an otherwise tightly controlled process window adversely affecting wafer yields. One major requal cycle time component is the disposition process of mask inspections containing hundreds of defects. Not only is precious non-productive time extended by reviewing hundreds of potentially yield-limiting detections, each additional classification increases the risk of manual review techniques accidentally passing real yield limiting defects. Even assuming all defects of interest are flagged by operators, how can any person's judgment be confident regarding lithographic impact of such defects? The time reticles spend away from scanners combined with potential yield loss due to lithographic uncertainty presents significant cycle time loss and increased production costs An automatic defect analysis system (ADAS), which has been in fab production for numerous years, has been improved to handle the new challenges of 14nm node automate reticle defect classification by simulating each defect's printability under the intended illumination conditions. In this study, we have created programmed defects on a production 14nm node critical-layer reticle. These defects have been analyzed with lithographic simulation software and compared to the results of both AIMS optical simulation and to actual wafer prints.

A Computer-Controlled Laser Bore Scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Charles C.

1980-08-01

This paper describes the design and engineering of a laser scanning system for production applications. The laser scanning techniques, the timing control, the logic design of the pattern recognition subsystem, the digital computer servo control for the loading and un-loading of parts, and the laser probe rotation and its synchronization will be discussed. The laser inspection machine is designed to automatically inspect the surface of precision-bored holes, such as those in automobile master cylinders, without contacting the machined surface. Although the controls are relatively sophisticated, operation of the laser inspection machine is simple. A laser light beam from a commercially available gas laser, directed through a probe, scans the entire surface of the bore. Reflected light, picked up through optics by photoelectric sensors, generates signals that are fed to a mini-computer for processing. A pattern recognition techniques program in the computer determines acceptance or rejection of the part being inspected. The system's acceptance specifications are adjustable and are set to the user's established tolerances. However, the computer-controlled laser system is capable of defining from 10 to 75 rms surface finish, and voids or flaws from 0.0005 to 0.020 inch. Following the successful demonstration with an engineering prototype, the described laser machine has proved its capability to consistently ensure high-quality master brake cylinders. It thus provides a safety improvement for the automotive braking system. Flawless, smooth cylinder bores eliminate premature wearing of the rubber seals, resulting in a longer-lasting master brake cylinder and a safer and more reliable automobile. The results obtained from use of this system, which has been in operation about a year for replacement of a tedious, manual operation on one of the high-volume lines at the Bendix Hydraulics Division, have been very satisfactory.

76 FR 8620 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D-209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-15

... inspection AD 97-17-04R1, and to allow automatic eddy current inspection per engine manual Section 72-33-31.... That AD currently requires revisions to the engine manufacturer's time limits section (TLS) to include... modifies the TLS of the manufacturer's engine manual and an air carrier's approved continuous airworthiness...

Enabling inspection solutions for future mask technologies through the development of massively parallel E-Beam inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malloy, Matt; Thiel, Brad; Bunday, Benjamin D.; Wurm, Stefan; Jindal, Vibhu; Mukhtar, Maseeh; Quoi, Kathy; Kemen, Thomas; Zeidler, Dirk; Eberle, Anna Lena; Garbowski, Tomasz; Dellemann, Gregor; Peters, Jan Hendrik

2015-09-01

The new device architectures and materials being introduced for sub-10nm manufacturing, combined with the complexity of multiple patterning and the need for improved hotspot detection strategies, have pushed current wafer inspection technologies to their limits. In parallel, gaps in mask inspection capability are growing as new generations of mask technologies are developed to support these sub-10nm wafer manufacturing requirements. In particular, the challenges associated with nanoimprint and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask inspection require new strategies that enable fast inspection at high sensitivity. The tradeoffs between sensitivity and throughput for optical and e-beam inspection are well understood. Optical inspection offers the highest throughput and is the current workhorse of the industry for both wafer and mask inspection. E-beam inspection offers the highest sensitivity but has historically lacked the throughput required for widespread adoption in the manufacturing environment. It is unlikely that continued incremental improvements to either technology will meet tomorrow's requirements, and therefore a new inspection technology approach is required; one that combines the high-throughput performance of optical with the high-sensitivity capabilities of e-beam inspection. To support the industry in meeting these challenges SUNY Poly SEMATECH has evaluated disruptive technologies that can meet the requirements for high volume manufacturing (HVM), for both the wafer fab [1] and the mask shop. Highspeed massively parallel e-beam defect inspection has been identified as the leading candidate for addressing the key gaps limiting today's patterned defect inspection techniques. As of late 2014 SUNY Poly SEMATECH completed a review, system analysis, and proof of concept evaluation of multiple e-beam technologies for defect inspection. A champion approach has been identified based on a multibeam technology from Carl Zeiss. This paper includes a discussion on the need for high-speed e-beam inspection and then provides initial imaging results from EUV masks and wafers from 61 and 91 beam demonstration systems. Progress towards high resolution and consistent intentional defect arrays (IDA) is also shown.

Optical Inspection In Hostile Industrial Environments: Single-Sensor VS. Imaging Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cielo, P.; Dufour, M.; Sokalski, A.

1988-11-01

On-line and unsupervised industrial inspection for quality control and process monitoring is increasingly required in the modern automated factory. Optical techniques are particularly well suited to industrial inspection in hostile environments because of their noncontact nature, fast response time and imaging capabilities. Optical sensors can be used for remote inspection of high temperature products or otherwise inaccessible parts, provided they are in a line-of-sight relation with the sensor. Moreover, optical sensors are much easier to adapt to a variety of part shapes, position or orientation and conveyor speeds as compared to contact-based sensors. This is an important requirement in a flexible automation environment. A number of choices are possible in the design of optical inspection systems. General-purpose two-dimensional (2-D) or three-dimensional (3-D) imaging techniques have advanced very rapidly in the last years thanks to a substantial research effort as well as to the availability of increasingly powerful and affordable hardware and software. Imaging can be realized using 2-D arrays or simpler one-dimensional (1-D) line-array detectors. Alternatively, dedicated single-spot sensors require a smaller amount of data processing and often lead to robust sensors which are particularly appropriate to on-line operation in hostile industrial environments. Many specialists now feel that dedicated sensors or clusters of sensors are often more effective for specific industrial automation and control tasks, at least in the short run. This paper will discuss optomechanical and electro-optical choices with reference to the design of a number of on-line inspection sensors which have been recently developed at our institute. Case studies will include real-time surface roughness evaluation on polymer cables extruded at high speed, surface characterization of hot-rolled or galvanized-steel sheets, temperature evaluation and pinhole detection in aluminum foil, multi-wavelength polymer sheet thickness gauging and thermographic imaging, 3-D lumber profiling, line-array inspection of textiles and glassware, as well as on-line optical inspection for the control of automated arc welding. In each case the design choices between single or multiple-element detectors, mechanical vs. electronic scanning, laser vs. incoherent illumination, etc. will be discussed in terms of industrial constraints such as speed requirements, protection against the environment or reliability of the sensor output.

Online damage inspection of optics for ATP system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jing; Jiang, Yu; Mao, Yao; Gan, Xun; Liu, Qiong

2016-09-01

In the Electro-Optical acquisition-tracking-pointing system (ATP), the optical components will be damaged with the several influencing factors. In this situation, the rate will increase sharply when the arrival of damage to some extent. As the complex processing techniques and long processing cycle of optical components, the damage will cause the great increase of the system development cost and cycle. Therefore, it is significant to detect the laser-induced damage in the ATP system. At present, the major research on the on-line damage detection technology of optical components is for the large optical system in the international. The relevant detection systems have complicated structures and many of components, and require enough installation space reserved, which do not apply for ATP system. To solve the problem mentioned before, This paper use a method based on machine vision to detect the damage on-line for the present ATP system. To start with, CCD and PC are used for image acquisition. Secondly, smoothing filters are used to restrain false damage points produced by noise. Then, with the shape feature included in the damage image, the OTSU Method which can define the best segmentation threshold automatically is used to achieve the goal to locate the damage regions. At last, we can supply some opinions for the lifetime of the optical components by analyzing the damage data, such as damage area, damage position. The method has the characteristics of few-detectors and simple-structures which can be installed without any changes of the original light path. With the method, experimental results show that it is stable and effective to achieve the goal of detecting the damage of optical components on-line in the ATP system.

Optics for Processes, Products and Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mather, George

1999-04-01

Optical physics has a variety of applications in industry, including process inspection, coatings development, vision instrumentation, spectroscopy, and many others. Optics has been used extensively in the design of solar energy collection systems and coatings, for example. Also, with the availability of good CCD cameras and fast computers, it has become possible to develop real-time inspection and metrology devices that can accommodate the high throughputs encountered in modern production processes. More recently, developments in moiré interferometry show great promise for applications in the basic metals and electronics industries. The talk will illustrate applications of optics by discussing process inspection techniques for defect detection, part dimensioning, birefringence measurement, and the analysis of optical coatings in the automotive, glass, and optical disc industries. In particular, examples of optical techniques for the quality control of CD-R, MO, and CD-RW discs will be presented. In addition, the application of optical concepts to solar energy collector design and to metrology by moiré techniques will be discussed. Finally, some of the modern techniques and instruments used for qualitative and quantitative material analysis will be presented.

Semi-automatic knee cartilage segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dam, Erik B.; Folkesson, Jenny; Pettersen, Paola C.; Christiansen, Claus

2006-03-01

Osteo-Arthritis (OA) is a very common age-related cause of pain and reduced range of motion. A central effect of OA is wear-down of the articular cartilage that otherwise ensures smooth joint motion. Quantification of the cartilage breakdown is central in monitoring disease progression and therefore cartilage segmentation is required. Recent advances allow automatic cartilage segmentation with high accuracy in most cases. However, the automatic methods still fail in some problematic cases. For clinical studies, even if a few failing cases will be averaged out in the overall results, this reduces the mean accuracy and precision and thereby necessitates larger/longer studies. Since the severe OA cases are often most problematic for the automatic methods, there is even a risk that the quantification will introduce a bias in the results. Therefore, interactive inspection and correction of these problematic cases is desirable. For diagnosis on individuals, this is even more crucial since the diagnosis will otherwise simply fail. We introduce and evaluate a semi-automatic cartilage segmentation method combining an automatic pre-segmentation with an interactive step that allows inspection and correction. The automatic step consists of voxel classification based on supervised learning. The interactive step combines a watershed transformation of the original scan with the posterior probability map from the classification step at sub-voxel precision. We evaluate the method for the task of segmenting the tibial cartilage sheet from low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of knees. The evaluation shows that the combined method allows accurate and highly reproducible correction of the segmentation of even the worst cases in approximately ten minutes of interaction.

Method for wafer edge profile extraction using optical images obtained in edge defect inspection process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, Hiroaki; Sakaguchi, Naoshi; Hayano, Fuminori

2010-03-01

It is becoming increasingly important to monitor wafer edge profiles in the immersion lithography era. A Nikon edge defect inspection tool acquires the circumferential optical images of the wafer edge during its inspection process. Nikon's unique illumination system and optics make it possible to then convert the brightness data of the captured images to quantifiable edge profile information. During this process the wafer's outer shape is also calculated. Test results show that even newly shipped bare wafers may not have a constant shape over 360 degree. In some cases repeated deformations with 90 degree pitch are observed.

Automatic welding detection by an intelligent tool pipe inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arizmendi, C. J.; Garcia, W. L.; Quintero, M. A.

2015-07-01

This work provide a model based on machine learning techniques in welds recognition, based on signals obtained through in-line inspection tool called “smart pig” in Oil and Gas pipelines. The model uses a signal noise reduction phase by means of pre-processing algorithms and attribute-selection techniques. The noise reduction techniques were selected after a literature review and testing with survey data. Subsequently, the model was trained using recognition and classification algorithms, specifically artificial neural networks and support vector machines. Finally, the trained model was validated with different data sets and the performance was measured with cross validation and ROC analysis. The results show that is possible to identify welding automatically with an efficiency between 90 and 98 percent.

[Automatic Sleep Stage Classification Based on an Improved K-means Clustering Algorithm].

PubMed

Xiao, Shuyuan; Wang, Bei; Zhang, Jian; Zhang, Qunfeng; Zou, Junzhong

2016-10-01

Sleep stage scoring is a hotspot in the field of medicine and neuroscience.Visual inspection of sleep is laborious and the results may be subjective to different clinicians.Automatic sleep stage classification algorithm can be used to reduce the manual workload.However,there are still limitations when it encounters complicated and changeable clinical cases.The purpose of this paper is to develop an automatic sleep staging algorithm based on the characteristics of actual sleep data.In the proposed improved K-means clustering algorithm,points were selected as the initial centers by using a concept of density to avoid the randomness of the original K-means algorithm.Meanwhile,the cluster centers were updated according to the‘Three-Sigma Rule’during the iteration to abate the influence of the outliers.The proposed method was tested and analyzed on the overnight sleep data of the healthy persons and patients with sleep disorders after continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)treatment.The automatic sleep stage classification results were compared with the visual inspection by qualified clinicians and the averaged accuracy reached 76%.With the analysis of morphological diversity of sleep data,it was proved that the proposed improved K-means algorithm was feasible and valid for clinical practice.

Automatic interpretation and writing report of the adult waking electroencephalogram.

PubMed

Shibasaki, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Masatoshi; Sugi, Takenao; Nishida, Shigeto; Nagamine, Takashi; Ikeda, Akio

2014-06-01

Automatic interpretation of the EEG has so far been faced with significant difficulties because of a large amount of spatial as well as temporal information contained in the EEG, continuous fluctuation of the background activity depending on changes in the subject's vigilance and attention level, the occurrence of paroxysmal activities such as spikes and spike-and-slow-waves, contamination of the EEG with a variety of artefacts and the use of different recording electrodes and montages. Therefore, previous attempts of automatic EEG interpretation have been focussed only on a specific EEG feature such as paroxysmal abnormalities, delta waves, sleep stages and artefact detection. As a result of a long-standing cooperation between clinical neurophysiologists and system engineers, we report for the first time on a comprehensive, computer-assisted, automatic interpretation of the adult waking EEG. This system analyses the background activity, intermittent abnormalities, artefacts and the level of vigilance and attention of the subject, and automatically presents its report in written form. Besides, it also detects paroxysmal abnormalities and evaluates the effects of intermittent photic stimulation and hyperventilation on the EEG. This system of automatic EEG interpretation was formed by adopting the strategy that the qualified EEGers employ for the systematic visual inspection. This system can be used as a supplementary tool for the EEGer's visual inspection, and for educating EEG trainees and EEG technicians. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fiber optic crossbar switch for automatically patching optical signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, C. H. (Inventor)

1983-01-01

A system for automatically optically switching fiber optic data signals between a plurality of input optical fibers and selective ones of a plurality of output fibers is described. The system includes optical detectors which are connected to each of the input fibers for converting the optic data signals appearing at the respective input fibers to an RF signal. A plurality of RF to optical signal converters are arranged in rows and columns. The output of each of the optical detectors are each applied to a respective row of optical signal converted for being converters back to an optical signal when the particular optical signal converter is selectively activated by a dc voltage.

Optical Automatic Car Identification (OACI) : Volume 1. Advanced System Specification.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-12-01

A performance specification is provided in this report for an Optical Automatic Car Identification (OACI) scanner system which features 6% improved readability over existing industry scanner systems. It also includes the analysis and rationale which ...

Detecting Submicron Pattern Defects On Optical Photomasks Using An Enhanced El-3 Electron-Beam Lithography Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, R. A.; Davis, D. E.

1982-09-01

This paper describes techniques to detect submicron pattern defects on optical photomasks with an enhanced direct-write, electron-beam lithographic tool. EL-3 is a third generation, shaped spot, electron-beam lithography tool developed by IBM to fabricate semiconductor devices and masks. This tool is being upgraded to provide 100% inspection of optical photomasks for submicron pattern defects, which are subsequently repaired. Fixed-size overlapped spots are stepped over the mask patterns while a signal derived from the back-scattered electrons is monitored to detect pattern defects. Inspection does not require pattern recognition because the inspection scan patterns are derived from the original design data. The inspection spot is square and larger than the minimum defect to be detected, to improve throughput. A new registration technique provides the beam-to-pattern overlay required to locate submicron defects. The 'guard banding" of inspection shapes prevents mask and system tolerances from producing false alarms that would occur should the spots be mispositioned such that they only partially covered a shape being inspected. A rescanning technique eliminates noise-related false alarms and significantly improves throughput. Data is accumulated during inspection and processed offline, as required for defect repair. EL-3 will detect 0.5 um pattern defects at throughputs compatible with mask manufacturing.

Application of color mixing for safety and quality inspection of agricultural products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Fujian; Chen, Yud-Ren; Chao, Kuanglin

2005-11-01

In this paper, color-mixing applications for food safety and quality was studied, including two-color mixing and three-color mixing. It was shown that the chromaticness of the visual signal resulting from two- or three-color mixing is directly related to the band ratio of light intensity at the two or three selected wavebands. An optical visual device using color mixing to implement the band ratio criterion was presented. Inspection through human vision assisted by an optical device that implements the band ratio criterion would offer flexibility and significant cost savings as compared to inspection with a multispectral machine vision system that implements the same criterion. Example applications of this optical color mixing technique were given for the inspection of chicken carcasses with various diseases and for the detection of chilling injury in cucumbers. Simulation results showed that discrimination by chromaticness that has a direct relation with band ratio can work very well with proper selection of the two or three narrow wavebands. This novel color mixing technique for visual inspection can be implemented on visual devices for a variety of applications, ranging from target detection to food safety inspection.

Scanning electron microscope automatic defect classification of process induced defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolfe, Scott; McGarvey, Steve

2017-03-01

With the integration of high speed Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) based Automated Defect Redetection (ADR) in both high volume semiconductor manufacturing and Research and Development (R and D), the need for reliable SEM Automated Defect Classification (ADC) has grown tremendously in the past few years. In many high volume manufacturing facilities and R and D operations, defect inspection is performed on EBeam (EB), Bright Field (BF) or Dark Field (DF) defect inspection equipment. A comma separated value (CSV) file is created by both the patterned and non-patterned defect inspection tools. The defect inspection result file contains a list of the inspection anomalies detected during the inspection tools' examination of each structure, or the examination of an entire wafers surface for non-patterned applications. This file is imported into the Defect Review Scanning Electron Microscope (DRSEM). Following the defect inspection result file import, the DRSEM automatically moves the wafer to each defect coordinate and performs ADR. During ADR the DRSEM operates in a reference mode, capturing a SEM image at the exact position of the anomalies coordinates and capturing a SEM image of a reference location in the center of the wafer. A Defect reference image is created based on the Reference image minus the Defect image. The exact coordinates of the defect is calculated based on the calculated defect position and the anomalies stage coordinate calculated when the high magnification SEM defect image is captured. The captured SEM image is processed through either DRSEM ADC binning, exporting to a Yield Analysis System (YAS), or a combination of both. Process Engineers, Yield Analysis Engineers or Failure Analysis Engineers will manually review the captured images to insure that either the YAS defect binning is accurately classifying the defects or that the DRSEM defect binning is accurately classifying the defects. This paper is an exploration of the feasibility of the utilization of a Hitachi RS4000 Defect Review SEM to perform Automatic Defect Classification with the objective of the total automated classification accuracy being greater than human based defect classification binning when the defects do not require multiple process step knowledge for accurate classification. The implementation of DRSEM ADC has the potential to improve the response time between defect detection and defect classification. Faster defect classification will allow for rapid response to yield anomalies that will ultimately reduce the wafer and/or the die yield.

Automatic reference selection for quantitative EEG interpretation: identification of diffuse/localised activity and the active earlobe reference, iterative detection of the distribution of EEG rhythms.

PubMed

Wang, Bei; Wang, Xingyu; Ikeda, Akio; Nagamine, Takashi; Shibasaki, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Masatoshi

2014-01-01

EEG (Electroencephalograph) interpretation is important for the diagnosis of neurological disorders. The proper adjustment of the montage can highlight the EEG rhythm of interest and avoid false interpretation. The aim of this study was to develop an automatic reference selection method to identify a suitable reference. The results may contribute to the accurate inspection of the distribution of EEG rhythms for quantitative EEG interpretation. The method includes two pre-judgements and one iterative detection module. The diffuse case is initially identified by pre-judgement 1 when intermittent rhythmic waveforms occur over large areas along the scalp. The earlobe reference or averaged reference is adopted for the diffuse case due to the effect of the earlobe reference depending on pre-judgement 2. An iterative detection algorithm is developed for the localised case when the signal is distributed in a small area of the brain. The suitable averaged reference is finally determined based on the detected focal and distributed electrodes. The presented technique was applied to the pathological EEG recordings of nine patients. One example of the diffuse case is introduced by illustrating the results of the pre-judgements. The diffusely intermittent rhythmic slow wave is identified. The effect of active earlobe reference is analysed. Two examples of the localised case are presented, indicating the results of the iterative detection module. The focal and distributed electrodes are detected automatically during the repeating algorithm. The identification of diffuse and localised activity was satisfactory compared with the visual inspection. The EEG rhythm of interest can be highlighted using a suitable selected reference. The implementation of an automatic reference selection method is helpful to detect the distribution of an EEG rhythm, which can improve the accuracy of EEG interpretation during both visual inspection and automatic interpretation. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fiber-handling robot and optical connection mechanisms for automatic cross-connection of multiple optical connectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizukami, Masato; Makihara, Mitsuhiro

2013-07-01

Conventionally, in intelligent buildings in a metropolitan area network and in small-scale facilities in the optical access network, optical connectors are joined manually using an optical connection board and a patch panel. In this manual connection approach, mistakes occur due to discrepancies between the actual physical settings of the connections and their management because these processes are independent. Moreover, manual cross-connection is time-consuming and expensive because maintenance personnel must be dispatched to remote places to correct mistakes. We have developed a fiber-handling robot and optical connection mechanisms for automatic cross-connection of multiple optical connectors, which are the key elements of automatic optical fiber cross-connect equipment. We evaluate the performance of the equipment, such as its optical characteristics and environmental specifications. We also devise new optical connection mechanisms that enable the automated optical fiber cross-connect module to handle and connect angled physical contact (APC) optical connector plugs. We evaluate the performance of the equipment, such as its optical characteristics. The evaluation results confirm that the automated optical fiber cross-connect equipment can connect APC connectors with low loss and high return loss, indicating that the automated optical fiber cross-connect equipment is suitable for practical use in intelligent buildings and optical access networks.

Developing an App by Exploiting Web-Based Mobile Technology to Inspect Controlled Substances in Patient Care Units

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We selected iOS in this study as the App operation system, Objective-C as the programming language, and Oracle as the database to develop an App to inspect controlled substances in patient care units. Using a web-enabled smartphone, pharmacist inspection can be performed on site and the inspection result can be directly recorded into HIS through the Internet, so human error of data translation can be minimized and the work efficiency and data processing can be improved. This system not only is fast and convenient compared to the conventional paperwork, but also provides data security and accuracy. In addition, there are several features to increase inspecting quality: (1) accuracy of drug appearance, (2) foolproof mechanism to avoid input errors or miss, (3) automatic data conversion without human judgments, (4) online alarm of expiry date, and (5) instant inspection result to show not meted items. This study has successfully turned paper-based medication inspection into inspection using a web-based mobile device. PMID:28286761

Developing an App by Exploiting Web-Based Mobile Technology to Inspect Controlled Substances in Patient Care Units.

PubMed

Lu, Ying-Hao; Lee, Li-Yao; Chen, Ying-Lan; Cheng, Hsing-I; Tsai, Wen-Tsung; Kuo, Chen-Chun; Chen, Chung-Yu; Huang, Yaw-Bin

2017-01-01

We selected iOS in this study as the App operation system, Objective-C as the programming language, and Oracle as the database to develop an App to inspect controlled substances in patient care units. Using a web-enabled smartphone, pharmacist inspection can be performed on site and the inspection result can be directly recorded into HIS through the Internet, so human error of data translation can be minimized and the work efficiency and data processing can be improved. This system not only is fast and convenient compared to the conventional paperwork, but also provides data security and accuracy. In addition, there are several features to increase inspecting quality: (1) accuracy of drug appearance, (2) foolproof mechanism to avoid input errors or miss, (3) automatic data conversion without human judgments, (4) online alarm of expiry date, and (5) instant inspection result to show not meted items. This study has successfully turned paper-based medication inspection into inspection using a web-based mobile device.

Inspection and characterization of flexo-printing plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahlweg, Cornelius; Pescoller, Lukas; Zhao, Wenjing

2013-09-01

In continuation of last year's paper on distorting optics for inspection of 2 1/2D surfaces with convex or elevated elements - like braille paper and other special printing products - the present paper is dedicated to the quality control and characterization of flexo-printing plates. The need for high optical resolution contradicts the need for depth of field. A rugged optical system for gathering a series of microscopic images at various planes of focus is discussed.

Evaluation Model for Pavement Surface Distress on 3d Point Clouds from Mobile Mapping System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, K.; Yamamoto, K.; Shimamura, H.

2012-07-01

This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the pavement surface distress for maintenance planning of road pavement using 3D point clouds from Mobile Mapping System (MMS). The issue on maintenance planning of road pavement requires scheduled rehabilitation activities for damaged pavement sections to keep high level of services. The importance of this performance-based infrastructure asset management on actual inspection data is globally recognized. Inspection methodology of road pavement surface, a semi-automatic measurement system utilizing inspection vehicles for measuring surface deterioration indexes, such as cracking, rutting and IRI, have already been introduced and capable of continuously archiving the pavement performance data. However, any scheduled inspection using automatic measurement vehicle needs much cost according to the instruments' specification or inspection interval. Therefore, implementation of road maintenance work, especially for the local government, is difficult considering costeffectiveness. Based on this background, in this research, the methodologies for a simplified evaluation for pavement surface and assessment of damaged pavement section are proposed using 3D point clouds data to build urban 3D modelling. The simplified evaluation results of road surface were able to provide useful information for road administrator to find out the pavement section for a detailed examination and for an immediate repair work. In particular, the regularity of enumeration of 3D point clouds was evaluated using Chow-test and F-test model by extracting the section where the structural change of a coordinate value was remarkably achieved. Finally, the validity of the current methodology was investigated by conducting a case study dealing with the actual inspection data of the local roads.

Automatic real time evaluation of red blood cell elasticity by optical tweezers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moura, Diógenes S.; Silva, Diego C. N.; Williams, Ajoke J.; Bezerra, Marcos A. C.; Fontes, Adriana; de Araujo, Renato E.

2015-05-01

Optical tweezers have been used to trap, manipulate, and measure individual cell properties. In this work, we show that the association of a computer controlled optical tweezers system with image processing techniques allows rapid and reproducible evaluation of cell deformability. In particular, the deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a key role in the transport of oxygen through the blood microcirculation. The automatic measurement processes consisted of three steps: acquisition, segmentation of images, and measurement of the elasticity of the cells. An optical tweezers system was setup on an upright microscope equipped with a CCD camera and a motorized XYZ stage, computer controlled by a Labview platform. On the optical tweezers setup, the deformation of the captured RBC was obtained by moving the motorized stage. The automatic real-time homemade system was evaluated by measuring RBCs elasticity from normal donors and patients with sickle cell anemia. Approximately 150 erythrocytes were examined, and the elasticity values obtained by using the developed system were compared to the values measured by two experts. With the automatic system, there was a significant time reduction (60 × ) of the erythrocytes elasticity evaluation. Automated system can help to expand the applications of optical tweezers in hematology and hemotherapy.

Development of an optical inspection platform for surface defect detection in touch panel glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Ming; Chen, Bo-Cheng; Gabayno, Jacque Lynn; Chen, Ming-Fu

2016-04-01

An optical inspection platform combining parallel image processing with high resolution opto-mechanical module was developed for defect inspection of touch panel glass. Dark field images were acquired using a 12288-pixel line CCD camera with 3.5 µm per pixel resolution and 12 kHz line rate. Key features of the glass surface were analyzed by parallel image processing on combined CPU and GPU platforms. Defect inspection of touch panel glass, which provided 386 megapixel image data per sample, was completed in roughly 5 seconds. High detection rate of surface scratches on the touch panel glass was realized with minimum defects size of about 10 µm after inspection. The implementation of a custom illumination source significantly improved the scattering efficiency on the surface, therefore enhancing the contrast in the acquired images and overall performance of the inspection system.

Sub-surface defects detection of by using active thermography and advanced image edge detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tse, Peter W.; Wang, Gaochao

2017-05-01

Active or pulsed thermography is a popular non-destructive testing (NDT) tool for inspecting the integrity and anomaly of industrial equipment. One of the recent research trends in using active thermography is to automate the process in detecting hidden defects. As of today, human effort has still been using to adjust the temperature intensity of the thermo camera in order to visually observe the difference in cooling rates caused by a normal target as compared to that by a sub-surface crack exists inside the target. To avoid the tedious human-visual inspection and minimize human induced error, this paper reports the design of an automatic method that is capable of detecting subsurface defects. The method used the technique of active thermography, edge detection in machine vision and smart algorithm. An infrared thermo-camera was used to capture a series of temporal pictures after slightly heating up the inspected target by flash lamps. Then the Canny edge detector was employed to automatically extract the defect related images from the captured pictures. The captured temporal pictures were preprocessed by a packet of Canny edge detector and then a smart algorithm was used to reconstruct the whole sequences of image signals. During the processes, noise and irrelevant backgrounds exist in the pictures were removed. Consequently, the contrast of the edges of defective areas had been highlighted. The designed automatic method was verified by real pipe specimens that contains sub-surface cracks. After applying such smart method, the edges of cracks can be revealed visually without the need of using manual adjustment on the setting of thermo-camera. With the help of this automatic method, the tedious process in manually adjusting the colour contract and the pixel intensity in order to reveal defects can be avoided.

An image engineering system for the inspection of transparent construction materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinz, S.; Stephani, M.; Schiemann, L.; Zeller, K.

This article presents a modular photogrammetric recording and image analysis system for inspecting the material characteristics of transparent foils, in particular Ethylen-TetraFluorEthylen-Copolymer (ETFE) foils. The foils are put under increasing air pressure and are observed by a stereo camera system. Determining the time-variable 3D shape of transparent material imposes a number of challenges: especially the automatic point transfer between stereo images and, in temporal domain, from one image pair to the next. We developed an automatic approach that accommodates for these particular circumstances and allows reconstruction of the 3D shape for each epoch as well as determining 3D translation vectors between epochs by feature tracking. Examples including numerical results and accuracy measures prove the applicability of the system.

Application of polarization in high speed, high contrast inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novak, Matthew J.

2017-08-01

Industrial optical inspection often requires high speed and high throughput of materials. Engineers use a variety of techniques to handle these inspection needs. Some examples include line scan cameras, high speed multi-spectral and laser-based systems. High-volume manufacturing presents different challenges for inspection engineers. For example, manufacturers produce some components in quantities of millions per month, per week or even per day. Quality control of so many parts requires creativity to achieve the measurement needs. At times, traditional vision systems lack the contrast to provide the data required. In this paper, we show how dynamic polarization imaging captures high contrast images. These images are useful for engineers to perform inspection tasks in some cases where optical contrast is low. We will cover basic theory of polarization. We show how to exploit polarization as a contrast enhancement technique. We also show results of modeling for a polarization inspection application. Specifically, we explore polarization techniques for inspection of adhesives on glass.

An Analysis of Eruptions Detected by the LMSAL Eruption Patrol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurlburt, N. E.; Higgins, P. A.; Jaffey, S.

2014-12-01

Observations of the solar atmosphere reveals a wide range of real and apparent motions, from small scale jets and spicules to global-scale coronal mass ejections. Identifying and characterizing these motions are essential to advance our understanding the drivers of space weather. Automated and visual identifications are used in identifying CMEs. To date, the precursors to these — eruptions near the solar surface — have been identified primarily by visual inspection. Here we report on an analysis of the eruptions detected by the Eruption Patrol, a data mining module designed to automatically identify eruptions from data collected by Solar Dynamics Observatory's Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (SDO/AIA). We describe the module and use it both to explore relations with other solar events recorded in the Heliophysics Event Knowledgebase and to identify and access data collected by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) and Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) on Hinode for further analysis.

Evaluation of Contamination Inspection and Analysis Methods through Modeling System Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seasly, Elaine; Dever, Jason; Stuban, Steven M. F.

2016-01-01

Contamination is usually identified as a risk on the risk register for sensitive space systems hardware. Despite detailed, time-consuming, and costly contamination control efforts during assembly, integration, and test of space systems, contaminants are still found during visual inspections of hardware. Improved methods are needed to gather information during systems integration to catch potential contamination issues earlier and manage contamination risks better. This research explores evaluation of contamination inspection and analysis methods to determine optical system sensitivity to minimum detectable molecular contamination levels based on IEST-STD-CC1246E non-volatile residue (NVR) cleanliness levels. Potential future degradation of the system is modeled given chosen modules representative of optical elements in an optical system, minimum detectable molecular contamination levels for a chosen inspection and analysis method, and determining the effect of contamination on the system. By modeling system performance based on when molecular contamination is detected during systems integration and at what cleanliness level, the decision maker can perform trades amongst different inspection and analysis methods and determine if a planned method is adequate to meet system requirements and manage contamination risk.

Latest developments in on- and off-line inspection of bank notes during production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Stephen C.

2004-06-01

The inspection of bank notes is a highly labour intensive process where traditionally every note on every sheet is inspected manually. However with the advent of more and more sophisticated security features, both visible and invisible, and the requirement of cost reduction in the printing process, it is clear that automation is required. Machines for the automatic inspection of bank notes have been on the market for the past 10 to 12 years, but recent developments in technology have enabled a new generation of detectors and machines to be developed. This paper focuses on the latest developments in both the off-line and on-line inspection of bank notes covering not only the visible spectrum but also a new range of detectors for inspection some of the more common invisible features used as covert features in today's bank notes.

Ultrasonic inspection and deployment apparatus

DOEpatents

Michaels, Jennifer E.; Michaels, Thomas E.; Mech, Jr., Stephen J.

1984-01-01

An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for the inspection of metal structures, especially installed pipes. The apparatus combines a specimen inspection element, an acoustical velocity sensing element, and a surface profiling element, all in one scanning head. A scanning head bellows contains a volume of oil above the pipe surface, serving as acoustical couplant between the scanning head and the pipe. The scanning head is mounted on a scanning truck which is mobile around a circular track surrounding the pipe. The scanning truck has sufficient motors, gears, and position encoders to allow the scanning head six degrees of motion freedom. A computer system continually monitors acoustical velocity, and uses that parameter to process surface profiling and inspection data. The profiling data is used to automatically control scanning head position and alignment and to define a coordinate system used to identify and interpret inspection data. The apparatus is suitable for highly automated, remote application in hostile environments, particularly high temperature and radiation areas.

Exploring combined dark and bright field illumination to improve the detection of defects on specular surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forte, Paulo M. F.; Felgueiras, P. E. R.; Ferreira, Flávio P.; Sousa, M. A.; Nunes-Pereira, Eduardo J.; Bret, Boris P. J.; Belsley, Michael S.

2017-01-01

An automatic optical inspection system for detecting local defects on specular surfaces is presented. The system uses an image display to produce a sequence of structured diffuse illumination patterns and a digital camera to acquire the corresponding sequence of images. An image enhancement algorithm, which measures the local intensity variations between bright- and dark-field illumination conditions, yields a final image in which the defects are revealed with a high contrast. Subsequently, an image segmentation algorithm, which compares statistically the enhanced image of the inspected surface with the corresponding image for a defect-free template, allows separating defects from non-defects with an adjusting decision threshold. The method can be applied to shiny surfaces of any material including metal, plastic and glass. The described method was tested on the plastic surface of a car dashboard system. We were able to detect not only scratches but also dust and fingerprints. In our experiment we observed a detection contrast increase from about 40%, when using an extended light source, to more than 90% when using a structured light source. The presented method is simple, robust and can be carried out with short cycle times, making it appropriate for applications in industrial environments.

49 CFR 236.576 - Roadway element.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Roadway § 236.576 Roadway element. Roadway...

49 CFR 236.576 - Roadway element.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Roadway § 236.576 Roadway element. Roadway...

Gated high speed optical detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, S. I.; Carson, L. M.; Neal, G. W.

1973-01-01

The design, fabrication, and test of two gated, high speed optical detectors for use in high speed digital laser communication links are discussed. The optical detectors used a dynamic crossed field photomultiplier and electronics including dc bias and RF drive circuits, automatic remote synchronization circuits, automatic gain control circuits, and threshold detection circuits. The equipment is used to detect binary encoded signals from a mode locked neodynium laser.

Methodology Investigation Automatic Magnetic Recording Borescope.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

or other brushless signal coupling devices to the extent possible and feasible to reduce or eliminate the need for slip ring and brush type signal...the inspection head, is used to magnetically couple the necessary energy across the rotary interface. Because there is (1) an appreciable air gap in...were written. (2) As required by the contract, the signal conditioners in the MB employ automatic gain control to compensate for the changes in

Automatic high throughput empty ISO container verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chalmers, Alex

2007-04-01

Encouraging results are presented for the automatic analysis of radiographic images of a continuous stream of ISO containers to confirm they are truly empty. A series of image processing algorithms are described that process real-time data acquired during the actual inspection of each container and assigns each to one of the classes "empty", "not empty" or "suspect threat". This research is one step towards achieving fully automated analysis of cargo containers.

49 CFR 236.527 - Roadway element insulation resistance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.527 Roadway...

49 CFR 236.527 - Roadway element insulation resistance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.527 Roadway...

Machine vision method for online surface inspection of easy open can ends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariño, Perfecto; Pastoriza, Vicente; Santamaría, Miguel

2006-10-01

Easy open can end manufacturing process in the food canning sector currently makes use of a manual, non-destructive testing procedure to guarantee can end repair coating quality. This surface inspection is based on a visual inspection made by human inspectors. Due to the high production rate (100 to 500 ends per minute) only a small part of each lot is verified (statistical sampling), then an automatic, online, inspection system, based on machine vision, has been developed to improve this quality control. The inspection system uses a fuzzy model to make the acceptance/rejection decision for each can end from the information obtained by the vision sensor. In this work, the inspection method is presented. This surface inspection system checks the total production, classifies the ends in agreement with an expert human inspector, supplies interpretability to the operators in order to find out the failure causes and reduce mean time to repair during failures, and allows to modify the minimum can end repair coating quality.

Built-in-test by signature inspection (bitsi)

DOEpatents

Bergeson, Gary C.; Morneau, Richard A.

1991-01-01

A system and method for fault detection for electronic circuits. A stimulus generator sends a signal to the input of the circuit under test. Signature inspection logic compares the resultant signal from test nodes on the circuit to an expected signal. If the signals do not match, the signature inspection logic sends a signal to the control logic for indication of fault detection in the circuit. A data input multiplexer between the test nodes of the circuit under test and the signature inspection logic can provide for identification of the specific node at fault by the signature inspection logic. Control logic responsive to the signature inspection logic conveys information about fault detection for use in determining the condition of the circuit. When used in conjunction with a system test controller, the built-in test by signature inspection system and method can be used to poll a plurality of circuits automatically and continuous for faults and record the results of such polling in the system test controller.

AGILE integration into APC for high mix logic fab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatefait, M.; Lam, A.; Le Gratiet, B.; Mikolajczak, M.; Morin, V.; Chojnowski, N.; Kocsis, Z.; Smith, I.; Decaunes, J.; Ostrovsky, A.; Monget, C.

2015-09-01

For C040 technology and below, photolithographic depth of focus control and dispersion improvement is essential to secure product functionality. Critical 193nm immersion layers present initial focus process windows close to machine control capability. For previous technologies, the standard scanner sensor (Level sensor - LS) was used to map wafer topology and expose the wafer at the right Focus. Such optical embedded metrology, based on light reflection, suffers from reading issues that cannot be neglected anymore. Metrology errors are correlated to inspected product area for which material types and densities change, and so optical properties are not constant. Various optical phenomena occur across the product field during wafer inspection and have an effect on the quality and position of the reflected light. This can result in incorrect heights being recorded and exposures possibly being done out of focus. Focus inaccuracy associated to aggressive process windows on critical layers will directly impact product realization and therefore functionality and yield. ASML has introduced an air gauge sensor to complement the optical level sensor and lead to optimal topology metrology. The use of this new sensor is managed by the AGILE (Air Gauge Improved process LEveling) application. This measurement with no optical dependency will correct for optical inaccuracy of level sensor, and so improve best focus dispersion across the product. Due to the fact that stack complexity is more and more important through process steps flow, optical perturbation of standard Level sensor metrology is increasing and is becoming maximum for metallization layers. For these reasons AGILE feature implementation was first considered for contact and all metal layers. Another key point is that standard metrology will be sensitive to layer and reticle/product density. The gain of Agile will be enhanced for multiple product contribution mask and for complex System on Chip. Into ST context (High mix logic Fab) in term of product and technology portfolio AGILE corrects for up to 120nm of product topography error on process layer with less than 50nm depth of focus Based on tool functionalities delivered by ASML and on high volume manufacturing requirement, AGILE integration is a real challenge. Regarding ST requirements "Automatic AGILE" functionality developed by ASML was not a turnkey solution and a dedicated functionality was needed. A "ST homemade AGILE integration" has been fully developed and implemented within ASML and ST constraints. This paper describes this integration in our Advanced Process Control platform (APC).

Three-color mixing for classifying agricultural products for safety and quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Fujian; Chen, Yud-Ren; Chao, Kuanglin; Kim, Moon S.

2006-05-01

A three-color mixing application for food safety inspection is presented. It is shown that the chromaticness of the visual signal resulting from the three-color mixing achieved through our device is directly related to the three-band ratio of light intensity at three selected wavebands. An optical visual device using three-color mixing to implement the three-band ratio criterion is presented. Inspection through human vision assisted by an optical device that implements the three-band ratio criterion would offer flexibility and significant cost savings as compared to inspection with a multispectral machine vision system that implements the same criterion. Example applications of this optical three-color mixing technique are given for the inspection of chicken carcasses with various diseases and for apples with fecal contamination. With proper selection of the three narrow wavebands, discrimination by chromaticness that has a direct relation with the three-band ratio can work very well. In particular, compared with the previously presented two-color mixing application, the conditions of chicken carcasses were more easily identified using the three-color mixing application. The novel three-color mixing technique for visual inspection can be implemented on visual devices for a variety of applications, ranging from target detection to food safety inspection.

Semi-automatic, octave-spanning optical frequency counter.

PubMed

Liu, Tze-An; Shu, Ren-Huei; Peng, Jin-Long

2008-07-07

This work presents and demonstrates a semi-automatic optical frequency counter with octave-spanning counting capability using two fiber laser combs operated at different repetition rates. Monochromators are utilized to provide an approximate frequency of the laser under measurement to determine the mode number difference between the two laser combs. The exact mode number of the beating comb line is obtained from the mode number difference and the measured beat frequencies. The entire measurement process, except the frequency stabilization of the laser combs and the optimization of the beat signal-to-noise ratio, is controlled by a computer running a semi-automatic optical frequency counter.

Technology for robotic surface inspection in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Volpe, Richard; Balaram, J.

1994-01-01

This paper presents on-going research in robotic inspection of space platforms. Three main areas of investigation are discussed: machine vision inspection techniques, an integrated sensor end-effector, and an orbital environment laboratory simulation. Machine vision inspection utilizes automatic comparison of new and reference images to detect on-orbit induced damage such as micrometeorite impacts. The cameras and lighting used for this inspection are housed in a multisensor end-effector, which also contains a suite of sensors for detection of temperature, gas leaks, proximity, and forces. To fully test all of these sensors, a realistic space platform mock-up has been created, complete with visual, temperature, and gas anomalies. Further, changing orbital lighting conditions are effectively mimicked by a robotic solar simulator. In the paper, each of these technology components will be discussed, and experimental results are provided.

49 CFR 236.555 - Repaired or rewound receiver coil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Locomotives § 236.555 Repaired...

49 CFR 236.529 - Roadway element inductor; height and distance from rail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions...

49 CFR 236.529 - Roadway element inductor; height and distance from rail.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions...

49 CFR 236.555 - Repaired or rewound receiver coil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Locomotives § 236.555 Repaired...

49 CFR 236.202 - Signal governing movements over hand-operated switch.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.202 Signal governing movements over hand...

Precision Targeting With a Tracking Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

automatic high- resolution mosaic generation, and automatic blink detection and tracking re-lock were also tested. The system has the potential to become an...structures can lead to earlier detection of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Combined...optics systems sense perturbations in the detected wave-front and apply corrections to an optical element that flatten the wave-front and allow near

49 CFR 236.532 - Strap iron inductor; use restricted.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.532 Strap iron...

49 CFR 236.204 - Track signaled for movements in both directions, requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.204 Track signaled for movements in both...

49 CFR 236.204 - Track signaled for movements in both directions, requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.204 Track signaled for movements in both...

49 CFR 236.532 - Strap iron inductor; use restricted.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.532 Strap iron...

Optical inspection methods and their applications in the manufactured industrial sector: knowledge transfer to Panamanian industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pino, Abdiel O.; Pladellorens, Josep

2014-07-01

A means of facilitating the transfer of Optical inspection methods knowledge and skills from academic institutions and their research partners into Panama optics and optical research groups is described. The process involves the creation of an Integrated Knowledge Group Research (IKGR), a partnership led by Polytechnic University of Panama with the support of the SENACYT and Optics and Optometry Department, Polytechnic University of Catalonia. This paper describes the development of the Project for knowledge transfer "Implementation of a method of optical inspection of low cost for improving the surface quality of rolled material of metallic and nonmetallic industrial use", this project will develop a method for measuring the surface quality using texture analysis speckle pattern formed on the surface to be characterized. The project is designed to address the shortage of key skills in the field of precision engineering for optical applications. The main issues encountered during the development of the knowledge transfer teaching and learning are discussed, and the outcomes from the first four months of knowledge transfer activities are described. In overall summary, the results demonstrate how the Integrated Knowledge Group Research and new approach to knowledge transfer has been effective in addressing the engineering skills gap in precision optics for manufactured industrial sector.

Through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) with adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jun Ho; Park, Gyunam; Jeong, Junhee; Park, Chris

2018-03-01

Through-focus optical microscopy (TSOM) with nanometer-scale lateral and vertical sensitivity levels matching those of scanning electron microscopy has been demonstrated to be useful both for 3D inspections and metrology assessments. In 2014, funded by two private companies (Nextin/Samsung Electronics) and the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), a research team from four universities in South Korea set out to investigate core technologies for developing in-line TSOM inspection and metrology tools, with the respective teams focusing on optics implementation, defect inspection, computer simulation and high-speed metrology matching. We initially confirmed the reported validity of the TSOM operation through a computer simulation, after which we implemented the TSOM operation by throughfocus scanning of existing UV (355nm) and IR (800nm) inspection tools. These tools have an identical sampling distance of 150 nm but have different resolving distances (310 and 810 nm, respectively). We initially experienced some improvement in the defect inspection sensitivity level over TSV (through-silicon via) samples with 6.6 μm diameters. However, during the experiment, we noted sensitivity and instability issues when attempting to acquire TSOM images. As TSOM 3D information is indirectly extracted by differentiating a target TSOM image from reference TSOM images, any instability or mismatch in imaging conditions can result in measurement errors. As a remedy to such a situation, we proposed the application of adaptive optics to the TSOM operation and developed a closed-loop system with a tip/tilt mirror and a Shack-Hartmann sensor on an optical bench. We were able to keep the plane position within in RMS 0.4 pixel by actively compensating for any position instability which arose during the TSOM scanning process along the optical axis. Currently, we are also developing another TSOM tool with a deformable mirror instead of a tip/tilt mirror, in which case we will not require any mechanical scanning.

Computer vision barrel inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolfe, William J.; Gunderson, James; Walworth, Matthew E.

1994-02-01

One of the Department of Energy's (DOE) ongoing tasks is the storage and inspection of a large number of waste barrels containing a variety of hazardous substances. Martin Marietta is currently contracted to develop a robotic system -- the Intelligent Mobile Sensor System (IMSS) -- for the automatic monitoring and inspection of these barrels. The IMSS is a mobile robot with multiple sensors: video cameras, illuminators, laser ranging and barcode reader. We assisted Martin Marietta in this task, specifically in the development of image processing algorithms that recognize and classify the barrel labels. Our subsystem uses video images to detect and locate the barcode, so that the barcode reader can be pointed at the barcode.

14 CFR Appendix E to Part 43 - Altimeter System Test and Inspection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... (v) Case leak. The leakage of the altimeter case, when the pressure within it corresponds to an...) Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting Equipment and ATC Transponder System Integration Test. The test must...

14 CFR Appendix E to Part 43 - Altimeter System Test and Inspection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... (v) Case leak. The leakage of the altimeter case, when the pressure within it corresponds to an...) Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting Equipment and ATC Transponder System Integration Test. The test must...

14 CFR Appendix E to Part 43 - Altimeter System Test and Inspection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... (v) Case leak. The leakage of the altimeter case, when the pressure within it corresponds to an...) Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting Equipment and ATC Transponder System Integration Test. The test must...

Using artificial intelligence strategies for process-related automated inspection in the production environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anding, K.; Kuritcyn, P.; Garten, D.

2016-11-01

In this paper a new method for the automatic visual inspection of metallic surfaces is proposed by using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). The different combinations of network parameters were developed and tested. The obtained results of CNN were analysed and compared with the results of our previous investigations with color and texture features as input parameters for a Support Vector Machine. Advantages and disadvantages of the different classifying methods are explained.

Mapping the opacity of paint layers in paintings with coloured grounds using optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ping; Hall-Aquitania, Moorea; Hermens, Erma; Groves, Roger M.

2017-07-01

Optical diagnostics techniques are becoming important for technical art history (TAH) as well as for heritage conservation. In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been increasingly used as a novel technique for the inspection of artwork, revealing the stratigraphy of paintings. It has also shown to be an effective tool for vanish layer inspection. OCT is a contactless and non-destructive technique for microstructural imaging of turbid media, originally developed for medical applications. However current OCT instruments have difficulty in paint layer inspection due to the opacity of most pigments. This paper explores the potential of OCT for the investigation of paintings with coloured grounds. Depth scans were processed to determine the light penetration depth at the optical wavelength based on a 1/e light attenuation calculation. The variation in paint opacity was mapped based on the microstructural images and 3D penetration depth profiles was calculated and related back to the construction of the artwork. By determining the light penetration depth over a range of wavelengths the 3D depth perception of a painting with coloured grounds can be characterized optically.

Acousto-optical tunable filter for combined wideband, spectral, and optical coherence microscopy.

PubMed

Machikhin, Alexander S; Pozhar, Vitold E; Viskovatykh, Alexander V; Burmak, Ludmila I

2015-09-01

A multimodal technique for inspection of microscopic objects by means of wideband optical microscopy, spectral microscopy, and optical coherence microscopy is described, implemented, and tested. The key feature is the spectral selection of light in the output arm of an interferometer with use of the specialized imaging acousto-optical tunable filter. In this filter, two interfering optical beams are diffracted via the same ultrasound wave without destruction of interference image structure. The basic requirements for the acousto-optical tunable filter are defined, and mathematical formulas for calculation of its parameters are derived. Theoretical estimation of the achievable accuracy of the 3D image reconstruction is presented and experimental proofs are given. It is demonstrated that spectral imaging can also be accompanied by measurement of the quantitative reflectance spectra. Examples of inspection of optically transparent and nontransparent samples demonstrate the applicability of the technique.

Tip/tilt-compensated through-focus scanning optical microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jun Ho; Park, Jun Hyung; Jeong, Dohwan; Shin, Eun Ji; Park, Chris

2016-11-01

Through-Focus Optical Microscopy (TSOM), with nanometer scale lateral and vertical sensitivity matching those of scanning electron microscopy, has been demonstrated to be utilized for 3D inspection and metrology. There have been sensitivity and instability issues in acquiring through-focus images because TSOM 3D information is indirectly extracted by differentiating a target TSOM image from reference TSOM images. This paper first reports on the optical axis instability that occurs during the scanning process of TSOM when implemented in an existing patterned wafer inspection tool by moving the wafer plane; this is followed by quantitative confirmation of the optical/mechanical instability using a new TSOM tool on an optical bench with a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and a tip/tilt sensor. Then, this paper proposes two tip/tilt compensated TSOM optical acquisition methods that can be applied with adaptive optics. The first method simply adopts a tip/tilt mirror with a quad cell in a simple closed loop, while the second method adopts a highorder deformable mirror with a Shack-Hartmann sensor. The second method is able to correct high-order residual aberrations as well as to perform through-focus scanning without z-axis movement, while the first method is easier to implement in pre-existing wafer inspection systems with only minor modification.

Development of an ultrasonic inspection robot using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer for a Lamb wave and an SH-plate wave.

PubMed

Murayama, Riichi; Makiyama, Shunnichi; Kodama, Mitutoshi; Taniguchi, Yasutoshi

2004-04-01

For inspection of a storage tank and pipeline in service, the application of an automatic inspection system (nondestructive inspection robot) is desirable, because manual inspection is difficult to perfectly and exactly perform due to the enormous amount of inspection needed. However, an ultrasonic nondestructive inspection robot with a piezoelectric oscillator needs to touch only the material surface to be directly inspected using a coupling medium. That is, the material surface and the sensor must always be held by constant pressure in the vertical direction on the material side. Actually, it is difficult to overcome these problems; thus an ultrasonic inspection robot could not be widely applied. We then tried to develop an ultrasonic inspection robot with an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) which did not require a coupling medium to inspect the circumferential pipe parts. We developed a special EMAT that could transmit and receive alternately a Lamb wave with high sensitivity and a SH-plate wave without influence by the welded part. The method by which the inspection robot turned around the direction of the steel pipe surroundings was executed by observing the tape pasted in the direction of the steel pipe surroundings with an installed CCD camera. In this report, the basic mechanism of this inspection robot and an examination of results are described.

Surface contamination analysis technology team overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, H. Dewitt, Jr.

1996-11-01

The surface contamination analysis technology (SCAT) team was originated as a working roup of NASA civil service, Space Shuttle contractor, and university groups. Participating members of the SCAT Team have included personnel from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Materials and Processes Laboratory and Langley Research Center's Instrument Development Group; contractors-Thiokol Corporation's Inspection Technology Group, AC Engineering support contractor, Aerojet, SAIC, and Lockheed MArtin/Oak Ridge Y-12 support contractor and Shuttle External Tank prime contractor; and the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Center for Robotics and Automation. The goal of the SCAT team as originally defined was to develop and integrate a multi-purpose inspection head for robotic application to in-process inspection of contamination sensitive surfaces. One area of interest was replacement of ozone depleting solvents currently used for surface cleanliness verification. The team approach brought together the appropriate personnel to determine what surface inspection techniques were applicable to multi-program surface cleanliness inspection. Major substrates of interest were chosen to simulate space shuttle critical bonding surface or surfaces sensitive to contamination such as fuel system component surfaces. Inspection techniques evaluated include optically stimulated electron emission or photoelectron emission; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; near infrared fiber optic spectroscopy; and, ultraviolet fluorescence. Current plans are to demonstrate an integrated system in MSFC's Productivity Enhancement Complex within five years from initiation of this effort in 1992. Instrumentation specifications and designs developed under this effort include a portable diffuse reflectance FTIR system built by Surface Optics Corporation and a third generation optically stimulated electron emission system built by LaRC. This paper will discuss the evaluation of the various techniques on a number of substrate materials contaminated with hydrocarbons, silicones, and fluorocarbons. Discussion will also include standards development for instrument calibration and testing.

International Seminar on Laser and Opto-Electronic Technology in Industry: State-of-the-Art Review, Xiamen, People's Republic of China, June 25-28, 1986, Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Jingtang; Pryputniewicz, Ryszard J.

Various papers on the state of the art in laser and optoelectronic technology in industry are presented. Individual topics addressed include: wavelength compensation for holographic optical element, optoelectronic techniques for measurement and inspection, new optical measurement methods in Western Europe, applications of coherent optics at ISL, imaging techniques for gas turbine development, the Rolls-Royce experience with industrial holography, panoramic holocamera for tube and borehole inspection, optical characterization of electronic materials, optical strain measurement of rotating components, quantitative interpretation of holograms and specklegrams, laser speckle technique for hydraulic structural model test, study of holospeckle interferometry, common path shearing fringe scanning interferometer, and laser interferometry applied to nondestructive testing of tires.

Contribution a l'inspection automatique des pieces flexibles a l'etat libre sans gabarit de conformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sattarpanah Karganroudi, Sasan

The competitive industrial market demands manufacturing companies to provide the markets with a higher quality of production. The quality control department in industrial sectors verifies geometrical requirements of products with consistent tolerances. These requirements are presented in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards. However, conventional measuring and dimensioning methods for manufactured parts are time-consuming and costly. Nowadays manual and tactile measuring methods have been replaced by Computer-Aided Inspection (CAI) methods. The CAI methods apply improvements in computational calculations and 3-D data acquisition devices (scanners) to compare the scan mesh of manufactured parts with the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model. Metrology standards, such as ASME-Y14.5 and ISO-GPS, require implementing the inspection in free-state, wherein the part is only under its weight. Non-rigid parts are exempted from the free-state inspection rule because of their significant geometrical deviation in a free-state with respect to the tolerances. Despite the developments in CAI methods, inspection of non-rigid parts still remains a serious challenge. Conventional inspection methods apply complex fixtures for non-rigid parts to retrieve the functional shape of these parts on physical fixtures; however, the fabrication and setup of these fixtures are sophisticated and expensive. The cost of fixtures has doubled since the client and manufacturing sectors require repetitive and independent inspection fixtures. To eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming inspection fixtures, fixtureless inspection methods of non-rigid parts based on CAI methods have been developed. These methods aim at distinguishing flexible deformations of parts in a free-state from defects. Fixtureless inspection methods are required to be automatic, reliable, reasonably accurate and repeatable for non-rigid parts with complex shapes. The scan model, which is acquired as point clouds, represent the shape of a part in a free-state. Afterward, the inspection of defects is performed by comparing the scan and CAD models, but these models are presented in different coordinate systems. Indeed, the scan model is presented in the measurement coordinate system whereas the CAD model is introduced in the designed coordinate system. To accomplish the inspection and facilitate an accurate comparison between the models, the registration process is required to align the scan and CAD models in a common coordinate system. The registration includes a virtual compensation for the flexible deformation of the parts in a free-state. Then, the inspection is implemented as a geometrical comparison between the CAD and scan models. This thesis focuses on developing automatic and accurate fixtureless CAI methods for non-rigid parts along with assessing the robustness of the methods. To this end, an automatic fixtureless CAI method for non-rigid parts based on filtering registration points is developed to identify and quantify defects more accurately on the surface of scan models. The flexible deformation of parts in a free-state in our developed automatic fixtureless CAI method is compensated by applying FE non-rigid Registration (FENR) to deform the CAD model towards the scan mesh. The displacement boundary conditions (BCs) for FENR are determined based on the corresponding sample points, which are generated by the Generalized Numerical Inspection Fixture (GNIF) method on the CAD and scan models. These corresponding sample points are evenly distributed on the surface of the models. The comparison between this deformed CAD model and the scan mesh intend to evaluate and quantify the defects on the scan model. However, some sample points can be located close or on defect areas which result in an inaccurate estimation of defects. These sample points are automatically filtered out in our CAI method based on curvature and von Mises stress criteria. Once filtered out, the remaining sample points are used in a new FENR, which allows an accurate evaluation of defects with respect to the tolerances. The performance and robustness of all CAI methods are generally required to be assessed with respect to the actual measurements. This thesis also introduces a new validation metric for Verification and Validation (V&V) of CAI methods based on ASME recommendations. The developed V&V approach uses a nonparametric statistical hypothesis test, namely the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test. In addition to validating the defects size, the K-S test allows a deeper evaluation based on distance distribution of defects. The robustness of CAI method with respect to uncertainties such as scanning noise is quantitatively assessed using the developed validation metric. Due to the compliance of non-rigid parts, a geometrically deviated part can still be assembled in the assembly-state. This thesis also presents a fixtureless CAI method for geometrically deviated (presenting defects) non-rigid parts to evaluate the feasibility of mounting these parts in the functional assembly-state. Our developed Virtual Mounting Assembly-State Inspection (VMASI) method performs a non-rigid registration to virtually mount the scan mesh in assembly-state. To this end, the point clouds of scan model representing the part in a free-state is deformed to meet the assembly constraints such as fixation position (e.g. mounting holes). In some cases, the functional shape of a deviated part can be retrieved by applying assembly loads, which are limited to permissible loads, on the surface of the part. The required assembly loads are estimated through our developed Restraining Pressures Optimization (RPO) aiming at displacing the deviated scan model to achieve the tolerance for mounting holes. Therefore, the deviated scan model can be assembled if the mounting holes on the predicted functional shape of scan model attain the tolerance range. Different industrial parts are used to evaluate the performance of our developed methods in this thesis. The automatic inspection for identifying different types of small (local) and big (global) defects on the parts results in an accurate evaluation of defects. The robustness of this inspection method is also validated with respect to different levels of scanning noise, which shows promising results. Meanwhile, the VMASI method is performed on various parts with different types of defects, which concludes that in some cases the functional shape of deviated parts can be retrieved by mounting them on a virtual fixture in assembly-state under restraining loads.

Large optics inspection, tilting, and washing stand

DOEpatents

Ayers, Marion Jay [Brentwood, CA; Ayers, Shannon Lee [Brentwood, CA

2010-08-24

A large optics stand provides a risk free means of safely tilting large optics with ease and a method of safely tilting large optics with ease. The optics are supported in the horizontal position by pads. In the vertical plane the optics are supported by saddles that evenly distribute the optics weight over a large area.

Large optics inspection, tilting, and washing stand

DOEpatents

Ayers, Marion Jay; Ayers, Shannon Lee

2012-10-09

A large optics stand provides a risk free means of safely tilting large optics with ease and a method of safely tilting large optics with ease. The optics are supported in the horizontal position by pads. In the vertical plane the optics are supported by saddles that evenly distribute the optics weight over a large area.

Crackscope : automatic pavement cracking inspection system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-08-01

The CrackScope system is an automated pavement crack rating system consisting of a : digital line scan camera, laser-line illuminator, and proprietary crack detection and classification : software. CrackScope is able to perform real-time pavement ins...

Precision optical device of freeform defects inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meguellati, S.

2015-09-01

This method of optical scanning presented in this paper is used for precision measurement deformation in shape or absolute forms in comparison with a reference component form, of optical or mechanical components, on reduced surfaces area that are of the order of some mm2 and more. The principle of the method is to project the image of the source grating to palpate optically surface to be inspected, after reflection; the image of the source grating is printed by the object topography and is then projected onto the plane of reference grating for generate moiré fringe for defects detection. The optical device used allows a significant dimensional surface magnification of up to 1000 times the area inspected for micro-surfaces, which allows easy processing and reaches an exceptional nanometric imprecision of measurements. According to the measurement principle, the sensitivity for displacement measurement using moiré technique depends on the frequency grating, for increase the detection resolution. This measurement technique can be used advantageously to measure the deformations generated by the production process or constraints on functional parts and the influence of these variations on the function. The optical device and optical principle, on which it is based, can be used for automated inspection of industrially produced goods. It can also be used for dimensional control when, for example, to quantify the error as to whether a piece is good or rubbish. It then suffices to compare a figure of moiré fringes with another previously recorded from a piece considered standard; which saves time, money and accuracy. The technique has found various applications in diverse fields, from biomedical to industrial and scientific applications.

Geometrical pose and structural estimation from a single image for automatic inspection of filter components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yonghuai; Rodrigues, Marcos A.

2000-03-01

This paper describes research on the application of machine vision techniques to a real time automatic inspection task of air filter components in a manufacturing line. A novel calibration algorithm is proposed based on a special camera setup where defective items would show a large calibration error. The algorithm makes full use of rigid constraints derived from the analysis of geometrical properties of reflected correspondence vectors which have been synthesized into a single coordinate frame and provides a closed form solution to the estimation of all parameters. For a comparative study of performance, we also developed another algorithm based on this special camera setup using epipolar geometry. A number of experiments using synthetic data have shown that the proposed algorithm is generally more accurate and robust than the epipolar geometry based algorithm and that the geometric properties of reflected correspondence vectors provide effective constraints to the calibration of rigid body transformations.

Cargo identification algorithms facilitating unmanned/unattended inspection at high throughput portals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chalmers, Alex

2007-10-01

A simple model is presented of a possible inspection regimen applied to each leg of a cargo containers' journey between its point of origin and destination. Several candidate modalities are proposed to be used at multiple remote locations to act as a pre-screen inspection as the target approaches a perimeter and as the primary inspection modality at the portal. Information from multiple data sets are fused to optimize the costs and performance of a network of such inspection systems. A series of image processing algorithms are presented that automatically process X-ray images of containerized cargo. The goal of this processing is to locate the container in a real time stream of traffic traversing a portal without impeding the flow of commerce. Such processing may facilitate the inclusion of unmanned/unattended inspection systems in such a network. Several samples of the processing applied to data collected from deployed systems are included. Simulated data from a notional cargo inspection system with multiple sensor modalities and advanced data fusion algorithms are also included to show the potential increased detection and throughput performance of such a configuration.

Automatic 3D power line reconstruction of multi-angular imaging power line inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wuming; Yan, Guangjian; Wang, Ning; Li, Qiaozhi; Zhao, Wei

2007-06-01

We develop a multi-angular imaging power line inspection system. Its main objective is to monitor the relative distance between high voltage power line and around objects, and alert if the warning threshold is exceeded. Our multi-angular imaging power line inspection system generates DSM of the power line passage, which comprises ground surface and ground objects, for example trees and houses, etc. For the purpose of revealing the dangerous regions, where ground objects are too close to the power line, 3D power line information should be extracted at the same time. In order to improve the automation level of extraction, reduce labour costs and human errors, an automatic 3D power line reconstruction method is proposed and implemented. It can be achieved by using epipolar constraint and prior knowledge of pole tower's height. After that, the proper 3D power line information can be obtained by space intersection using found homologous projections. The flight experiment result shows that the proposed method can successfully reconstruct 3D power line, and the measurement accuracy of the relative distance satisfies the user requirement of 0.5m.

Continuous integration and quality control for scientific software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neidhardt, A.; Ettl, M.; Brisken, W.; Dassing, R.

2013-08-01

Modern software has to be stable, portable, fast and reliable. This is going to be also more and more important for scientific software. But this requires a sophisticated way to inspect, check and evaluate the quality of source code with a suitable, automated infrastructure. A centralized server with a software repository and a version control system is one essential part, to manage the code basis and to control the different development versions. While each project can be compiled separately, the whole code basis can also be compiled with one central “Makefile”. This is used to create automated, nightly builds. Additionally all sources are inspected automatically with static code analysis and inspection tools, which check well-none error situations, memory and resource leaks, performance issues, or style issues. In combination with an automatic documentation generator it is possible to create the developer documentation directly from the code and the inline comments. All reports and generated information are presented as HTML page on a Web server. Because this environment increased the stability and quality of the software of the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell tremendously, it is now also available for scientific communities. One regular customer is already the developer group of the DiFX software correlator project.

Near Real-Time Automatic Data Quality Controls for the AERONET Version 3 Database: An Introduction to the New Level 1.5V Aerosol Optical Depth Data Product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giles, D. M.; Holben, B. N.; Smirnov, A.; Eck, T. F.; Slutsker, I.; Sorokin, M. G.; Espenak, F.; Schafer, J.; Sinyuk, A.

2015-12-01

The Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) has provided a database of aerosol optical depth (AOD) measured by surface-based Sun/sky radiometers for over 20 years. AERONET provides unscreened (Level 1.0) and automatically cloud cleared (Level 1.5) AOD in near real-time (NRT), while manually inspected quality assured (Level 2.0) AOD are available after instrument field deployment (Smirnov et al., 2000). The growing need for NRT quality controlled aerosol data has become increasingly important. Applications of AERONET NRT data include the satellite evaluation (e.g., MODIS, VIIRS, MISR, OMI), data synergism (e.g., MPLNET), verification of aerosol forecast models and reanalysis (e.g., GOCART, ICAP, NAAPS, MERRA), input to meteorological models (e.g., NCEP, ECMWF), and field campaign support (e.g., KORUS-AQ, ORACLES). In response to user needs for quality controlled NRT data sets, the new Version 3 (V3) Level 1.5V product was developed with similar quality controls as those applied by hand to the Version 2 (V2) Level 2.0 data set. The AERONET cloud screened (Level 1.5) NRT AOD database can be significantly impacted by data anomalies. The most significant data anomalies include AOD diurnal dependence due to contamination or obstruction of the sensor head windows, anomalous AOD spectral dependence due to problems with filter degradation, instrument gains, or non-linear changes in calibration, and abnormal changes in temperature sensitive wavelengths (e.g., 1020nm) in response to anomalous sensor head temperatures. Other less common AOD anomalies result from loose filters, uncorrected clock shifts, connection and electronic issues, and various solar eclipse episodes. Automatic quality control algorithms are applied to the new V3 Level 1.5 database to remove NRT AOD anomalies and produce the new AERONET V3 Level 1.5V AOD product. Results of the quality control algorithms are presented and the V3 Level 1.5V AOD database is compared to the V2 Level 2.0 AOD database.

Value of Spaceborne Remotely Sensed Data Products in the Context of the Launch Phase of an On-Site Inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labak, P.; Rowlands, A.; Malich, G.; Charlton, A.; Schultz-Fellenz, E. S.; Craven, J.

2016-12-01

The availability of data and the ability to effectively interpret those data in the context of an alleged Treaty violation are critical to operations during the launch phase of an inspection. The launch phase encompasses the time when the initial inspection plan is being developed and finalised; this document will set the scene for the inspection and will propose mission activities for the critical first three days of an inspection. While authenticated data products from the CTBT International Data Centre form the basis of the initial inspection plan, other data types, provided as national technical means, can also be used to inform the development of the initial inspection plan. In this context, remotely sensed data and derived products acquired from sensors on satellites feature prominently. Given the environmental setting, optical and/or radar sensors have the potential to provide valuable information to guide mission activities. Such data could provide more than mere backdrops to mapping products. While recognising time constraints and the difficulties associated with integrating data from disparate optical and radar sensors, this abstract uses case studies to illustrate the types of derived data products from sapecborne sensors that have the potential to inform inspectors during the preparation of the initial inspection plan.

Small diameter, deep bore optical inspection system

DOEpatents

Lord, David E.; Petrini, Richard R.; Carter, Gary W.

1981-01-01

An improved rod optic system for inspecting small diameter, deep bores. The system consists of a rod optic system utilizing a curved mirror at the end of the rod lens such that the optical path through the system is bent 90.degree. to minimize optical distortion in examining the sides of a curved bore. The system is particularly useful in the examination of small bores for corrosion, and is capable of examining 1/16 inch diameter and up to 4 inch deep drill holes, for example. The positioning of the curved mirror allows simultaneous viewing from shallow and right angle points of observation of the same artifact (such as corrosion) in the bore hole. The improved rod optic system may be used for direct eye sighting, or in combination with a still camera or a low-light television monitor; particularly low-light color television.

Automated optical inspection of liquid crystal display anisotropic conductive film bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Guangming; Du, Xiaohui; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Jing; Liu, Juanxiu; Liu, Yong

2016-10-01

Anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding is widely used in the liquid crystal display (LCD) industry. It implements circuit connection between screens and flexible printed circuits or integrated circuits. Conductive microspheres in ACF are key factors that influence LCD quality, because the conductive microspheres' quantity and shape deformation rate affect the interconnection resistance. Although this issue has been studied extensively by prior work, quick and accurate methods to inspect the quality of ACF bonding are still missing in the actual production process. We propose a method to inspect ACF bonding effectively by using automated optical inspection. The method has three steps. The first step is that it acquires images of the detection zones using a differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging system. The second step is that it identifies the conductive microspheres and their shape deformation rate using quantitative analysis of the characteristics of the DIC images. The final step is that it inspects ACF bonding using a back propagation trained neural network. The result shows that the miss rate is lower than 0.1%, and the false inspection rate is lower than 0.05%.

Using Optically Stimulated Electron Emission as an Inspection Method to Monitor Surface Contamination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lingbloom, Mike S.

2008-01-01

During redesign of the Space Shuttle reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM), NASA amended the contract with ATK Launch Systems (then Morton Thiokol Inc.) with Change Order 966 to implement a contamination control and cleanliness verification method. The change order required: (1) A quantitative inspection method (2) A written record of actual contamination levels versus a known reject level (3) A method that is more sensitive than existing methods of visual and black light inspection. Black light inspection is only useful for inspection of contaminants that fluoresce near the 365 nm spectral line and is not useful for inspection of most silicones that will not produce strong fluorescence. Black light inspection conducted by a qualified inspector under controlled light is capable of detecting Conoco HD-2 grease in gross amounts and is very subjective due to operator sensitivity. Optically stimulated electron emission (OSEE), developed at the Materials and Process Laboratory at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), was selected to satisfy Change Order 966. OSEE offers several important advantages over existing laboratory methods with similar sensitivity, e.g., spectroscopy and nonvolatile residue sampling, which provide turn around time, real time capability, and full coverage inspection capability. Laboratory methods require sample gathering and in-lab analysis, which sometimes takes several days to get results. This is not practical in a production environment. In addition, these methods do not offer full coverage inspection of the large components

Prototype Automated Equipment to Perform Poising and Beat Rate Operations on the M577 MTSQ Fuze.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-09-30

Regulation Machine which sets the M577 Fuze Timer beat rate and the Automatic Poising Machine which J dynamically balances the Timer balance wheel...in trouble shooting., The Automatic Poising Machine Figure 3 which inspects and corrects the dynamic I balance of the Balance Wheel Assembly was...machine is intimately related to the fastening method of the wire to the Timer at one end and the Balance Wheel at the other, a review of the history

High-speed railway signal trackside equipment patrol inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Nan

2018-03-01

High-speed railway signal trackside equipment patrol inspection system comprehensively applies TDI (time delay integration), high-speed and highly responsive CMOS architecture, low illumination photosensitive technique, image data compression technique, machine vision technique and so on, installed on high-speed railway inspection train, and achieves the collection, management and analysis of the images of signal trackside equipment appearance while the train is running. The system will automatically filter out the signal trackside equipment images from a large number of the background image, and identify of the equipment changes by comparing the original image data. Combining with ledger data and train location information, the system accurately locate the trackside equipment, conscientiously guiding maintenance.

Automatic estimation of retinal nerve fiber bundle orientation in SD-OCT images using a structure-oriented smoothing filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghafaryasl, Babak; Baart, Robert; de Boer, Johannes F.; Vermeer, Koenraad A.; van Vliet, Lucas J.

2017-02-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) yields high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the retina. A better understanding of retinal nerve fiber bundle (RNFB) trajectories in combination with visual field data may be used for future diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma. However, manual tracing of these bundles is a tedious task. In this work, we present an automatic technique to estimate the orientation of RNFBs from volumetric OCT scans. Our method consists of several steps, starting from automatic segmentation of the RNFL. Then, a stack of en face images around the posterior nerve fiber layer interface was extracted. The image showing the best visibility of RNFB trajectories was selected for further processing. After denoising the selected en face image, a semblance structure-oriented filter was applied to probe the strength of local linear structure in a discrete set of orientations creating an orientation space. Gaussian filtering along the orientation axis in this space is used to find the dominant orientation. Next, a confidence map was created to supplement the estimated orientation. This confidence map was used as pixel weight in normalized convolution to regularize the semblance filter response after which a new orientation estimate can be obtained. Finally, after several iterations an orientation field corresponding to the strongest local orientation was obtained. The RNFB orientations of six macular scans from three subjects were estimated. For all scans, visual inspection shows a good agreement between the estimated orientation fields and the RNFB trajectories in the en face images. Additionally, a good correlation between the orientation fields of two scans of the same subject was observed. Our method was also applied to a larger field of view around the macula. Manual tracing of the RNFB trajectories shows a good agreement with the automatically obtained streamlines obtained by fiber tracking.

OPALS Final Inspection

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-07-24

The Optical PAyload for Lasercomm Science OPALS undergoes final inspection prior to shipment to NASA Kennedy Space Center. OPALS was launched to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on April 18, 2014.

Chemical characterization of single micro- and nano-particles by optical catapulting-optical trapping-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortes, Francisco J.; Fernández-Bravo, Angel; Javier Laserna, J.

2014-10-01

Spectral identification of individual micro- and nano-sized particles by the sequential intervention of optical catapulting, optical trapping and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is presented. The three techniques are used for different purposes. Optical catapulting (OC) serves to put the particulate material under inspection in aerosol form. Optical trapping (OT) permits the isolation and manipulation of individual particles from the aerosol, which are subsequently analyzed by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Once catapulted, the dynamics of particle trapping depends both on the laser beam characteristics (power and intensity gradient) and on the particle properties (size, mass and shape). Particles are stably trapped in air at atmospheric pressure and can be conveniently manipulated for a precise positioning for LIBS analysis. The spectra acquired from the individually trapped particles permit a straightforward identification of the material inspected. Variability of LIBS signal for the inspection of Ni microspheres was 30% relative standard deviation. OC-OT-LIBS permits the separation of particles in a heterogeneous mixture and the subsequent analysis of the isolated particle of interest. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the approach, the number of absolute photons emitted by a single trapped particle was calculated. The limit of detection (LOD) for Al2O3 particles was calculated to be 200 attograms aluminium.

Segmentation of whole cells and cell nuclei from 3-D optical microscope images using dynamic programming.

PubMed

McCullough, D P; Gudla, P R; Harris, B S; Collins, J A; Meaburn, K J; Nakaya, M A; Yamaguchi, T P; Misteli, T; Lockett, S J

2008-05-01

Communications between cells in large part drive tissue development and function, as well as disease-related processes such as tumorigenesis. Understanding the mechanistic bases of these processes necessitates quantifying specific molecules in adjacent cells or cell nuclei of intact tissue. However, a major restriction on such analyses is the lack of an efficient method that correctly segments each object (cell or nucleus) from 3-D images of an intact tissue specimen. We report a highly reliable and accurate semi-automatic algorithmic method for segmenting fluorescence-labeled cells or nuclei from 3-D tissue images. Segmentation begins with semi-automatic, 2-D object delineation in a user-selected plane, using dynamic programming (DP) to locate the border with an accumulated intensity per unit length greater that any other possible border around the same object. Then the two surfaces of the object in planes above and below the selected plane are found using an algorithm that combines DP and combinatorial searching. Following segmentation, any perceived errors can be interactively corrected. Segmentation accuracy is not significantly affected by intermittent labeling of object surfaces, diffuse surfaces, or spurious signals away from surfaces. The unique strength of the segmentation method was demonstrated on a variety of biological tissue samples where all cells, including irregularly shaped cells, were accurately segmented based on visual inspection.

Lens-mount stability trade-off: a survey exemplified for DUV wafer inspection objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouazzam, Achmed; Erbe, Torsten; Fahr, Stephan; Werschnik, Jan

2015-09-01

The position stability of optical elements is an essential part of the tolerance budget of an optical system because its compensation would require an alignment step after the lens has left the factory. In order to achieve a given built performance the stability error contribution needs to be known and accounted for. Given a high-end lens touching the edge of technology not knowing, under- or overestimating this contribution becomes a serious cost and risk factor. If overestimated the remaining parts of the budget need to be tighter. If underestimated the total project might fail. For many mounting principles the stability benchmark is based on previous systems or information gathered by elaborated testing of complete optical systems. This renders the development of a new system into a risky endeavour, because these experiences are not sufficiently precise and tend to be not transferable when scaling of the optical elements is intended. This contribution discusses the influences of different optical mounting concepts on the position stability using the example of high numerical aperture (HNA) inspection lenses working in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) spectrum. A method to investigate the positional stability is presented for selected mounting examples typical for inspection lenses.

3-ω damage threshold evaluation of final optics components using Beamlet Mule and off-line testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlowski, Mark R.; Maricle, Stephen M.; Mouser, Ron P.; Schwartz, Sheldon; Wegner, Paul J.; Weiland, Timothy L.

1999-07-01

A statistics-based model is being develop to predict the laser-damage-limited lifetime of UV optical components on the NIF laser. In order to provide data for the mode, laser damage experiments were performed on the Beamlet laser system at LLNL. An early protoype NIF focus lens was exposed to twenty 351 nm pulses at an average fluence of 5 J/cm2, 3ns. Using a high resolution optic inspection inspection system a total of 353 damage sites was detected within the 1160 cm2 beam aperture. Through inspections of the lens before, after and, in some cases, during the campaign, pulse to pulse damage growth rates were measured for damage initiating both on the surface and at bulk inclusions. Growth rates as high as 79 micrometers /pulse were observed for damage initiating at pre-existing scratches in the surface. For most damage sites on the optic, both on the surface and at bulk inclusions. Growth rates as high as 79 micrometers /pulse were observed for damage initiating at per- existing scratches in the surface. For most damage sites on the optic, both surface and bulk, the damage growth rate was approximately 10(Mu) m/pulse.

Manufacturing Methods & Technology Project Execution Report. First Half CY 80

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

1 80 7371 INTEGRATED BLADE INSPECTION SYSTEM (IBIS) INSPECTION OF TURBINE ENGINE BLADES AND VANES NECESSITATES HIGH ACCURACY. THE EFFORT IS TIME...OPTICAL INSP OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS OPERATOR FATIGUE ALLOWS MANY BAD PCBSS TO PASS VISUAL INSPECTION . 29 PROJECTS ADDED IN 1ST HALF» CY80...2631 TITLED "CRITICAL ELECTROHAGNETIC INSPECTION PROBLEMS WITHIN THE ARMY." FUTURE STATUS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT STATUS FOR M 80 6350

Multimodal inspection in power engineering and building industries: new challenges and solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kujawińska, Małgorzata; Malesa, Marcin; Malowany, Krzysztof

2013-09-01

Recently the demand and number of applications of full-field, optical measurement methods based on noncoherent light sources increased significantly. They include traditional image processing, thermovision, digital image correlation (DIC) and structured light methods. However, there are still numerous challenges connected with implementation of these methods to in-situ, long-term monitoring in industrial, civil engineering and cultural heritage applications, multimodal measurements of a variety of object features or simply adopting instruments to work in hard environmental conditions. In this paper we focus on 3D DIC method and present its enhancements concerning software modifications (new visualization methods and a method for automatic merging of data distributed in time) and hardware improvements. The modified 3D DIC system combined with infrared camera system is applied in many interesting cases: measurements of boiler drum during annealing and of pipelines in heat power stations and monitoring of different building steel struts at construction site and validation of numerical models of large building structures constructed of graded metal plate arches.

Lighting Studies for Fuelling Machine Deployed Visual Inspection Tool

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stoots, Carl; Griffith, George

2015-04-01

Under subcontract to James Fisher Nuclear, Ltd., INL has been reviewing advanced vision systems for inspection of graphite in high radiation, high temperature, and high pressure environments. INL has performed calculations and proof-of-principle measurements of optics and lighting techniques to be considered for visual inspection of graphite fuel channels in AGR reactors in UK.

46 CFR 61.35-1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... equipment must be tested and inspected to verify their proper design, construction, installation, and operation. (d) All tests must be performed after installation of the automatic auxiliary boiler and its... monitored system conditions by misadjustment, artificial signals, improper wiring, tampering, or revision of...

Hyperspectral imaging for food processing automation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Bosoon; Lawrence, Kurt C.; Windham, William R.; Smith, Doug P.; Feldner, Peggy W.

2002-11-01

This paper presents the research results that demonstrates hyperspectral imaging could be used effectively for detecting feces (from duodenum, ceca, and colon) and ingesta on the surface of poultry carcasses, and potential application for real-time, on-line processing of poultry for automatic safety inspection. The hyperspectral imaging system included a line scan camera with prism-grating-prism spectrograph, fiber optic line lighting, motorized lens control, and hyperspectral image processing software. Hyperspectral image processing algorithms, specifically band ratio of dual-wavelength (565/517) images and thresholding were effective on the identification of fecal and ingesta contamination of poultry carcasses. A multispectral imaging system including a common aperture camera with three optical trim filters (515.4 nm with 8.6- nm FWHM), 566.4 nm with 8.8-nm FWHM, and 631 nm with 10.2-nm FWHM), which were selected and validated by a hyperspectral imaging system, was developed for a real-time, on-line application. A total image processing time required to perform the current multispectral images captured by a common aperture camera was approximately 251 msec or 3.99 frames/sec. A preliminary test shows that the accuracy of real-time multispectral imaging system to detect feces and ingesta on corn/soybean fed poultry carcasses was 96%. However, many false positive spots that cause system errors were also detected.

Automatic Detection and Classification of Colorectal Polyps by Transferring Low-Level CNN Features From Nonmedical Domain.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruikai; Zheng, Yali; Mak, Tony Wing Chung; Yu, Ruoxi; Wong, Sunny H; Lau, James Y W; Poon, Carmen C Y

2017-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although polypectomy at early stage reduces CRC incidence, 90% of the polyps are small and diminutive, where removal of them poses risks to patients that may outweigh the benefits. Correctly detecting and predicting polyp type during colonoscopy allows endoscopists to resect and discard the tissue without submitting it for histology, saving time, and costs. Nevertheless, human visual observation of early stage polyps varies. Therefore, this paper aims at developing a fully automatic algorithm to detect and classify hyperplastic and adenomatous colorectal polyps. Adenomatous polyps should be removed, whereas distal diminutive hyperplastic polyps are considered clinically insignificant and may be left in situ . A novel transfer learning application is proposed utilizing features learned from big nonmedical datasets with 1.4-2.5 million images using deep convolutional neural network. The endoscopic images we collected for experiment were taken under random lighting conditions, zooming and optical magnification, including 1104 endoscopic nonpolyp images taken under both white-light and narrowband imaging (NBI) endoscopy and 826 NBI endoscopic polyp images, of which 263 images were hyperplasia and 563 were adenoma as confirmed by histology. The proposed method identified polyp images from nonpolyp images in the beginning followed by predicting the polyp histology. When compared with visual inspection by endoscopists, the results of this study show that the proposed method has similar precision (87.3% versus 86.4%) but a higher recall rate (87.6% versus 77.0%) and a higher accuracy (85.9% versus 74.3%). In conclusion, automatic algorithms can assist endoscopists in identifying polyps that are adenomatous but have been incorrectly judged as hyperplasia and, therefore, enable timely resection of these polyps at an early stage before they develop into invasive cancer.

Small diameter, deep bore optical inspection system

DOEpatents

Lord, D.E.; Petrini, R.R.; Carter, G.W.

An improved rod optic system for inspecting small diameter, deep bores is described. The system consists of a rod optic system utilizing a curved mirror at the end of the rod lens such that the optical path through the system is bent 90/sup 0/ to minimize optical distortion in examing the sides of a curved bore. The system is particularly useful in the examination of small bores for corrosion, and is capable if examing 1/16 inch diameter and up to 4-inch deep drill holes, for example. The positioning of the curved mirror allows simultaneous viewing from shallow and righ angle points of observation of the same artifact (such as corrosion) in the bore hole. The improved rod optic system may be used for direct eye sighting, or in combination with a still camera or a low-light television monitor; particularly low-light color television.

Automatic Detection of Optic Disc in Retinal Image by Using Keypoint Detection, Texture Analysis, and Visual Dictionary Techniques

PubMed Central

Bayır, Şafak

2016-01-01

With the advances in the computer field, methods and techniques in automatic image processing and analysis provide the opportunity to detect automatically the change and degeneration in retinal images. Localization of the optic disc is extremely important for determining the hard exudate lesions or neovascularization, which is the later phase of diabetic retinopathy, in computer aided eye disease diagnosis systems. Whereas optic disc detection is fairly an easy process in normal retinal images, detecting this region in the retinal image which is diabetic retinopathy disease may be difficult. Sometimes information related to optic disc and hard exudate information may be the same in terms of machine learning. We presented a novel approach for efficient and accurate localization of optic disc in retinal images having noise and other lesions. This approach is comprised of five main steps which are image processing, keypoint extraction, texture analysis, visual dictionary, and classifier techniques. We tested our proposed technique on 3 public datasets and obtained quantitative results. Experimental results show that an average optic disc detection accuracy of 94.38%, 95.00%, and 90.00% is achieved, respectively, on the following public datasets: DIARETDB1, DRIVE, and ROC. PMID:27110272

Post-Test Inspection of Nasa's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster Long Duration Test Hardware: Ion Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soulas, George C.; Shastry, Rohit

2016-01-01

A Long Duration Test (LDT) was initiated in June 2005 as a part of NASAs Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) service life validation approach. Testing was voluntarily terminated in February 2014, with the thruster accumulating 51,184 hours of operation, processing 918 kg of xenon propellant, and delivering 35.5 MN-s of total impulse. This presentation will present the post-test inspection results to date for the thrusters ion optics.

Massively parallel E-beam inspection: enabling next-generation patterned defect inspection for wafer and mask manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malloy, Matt; Thiel, Brad; Bunday, Benjamin D.; Wurm, Stefan; Mukhtar, Maseeh; Quoi, Kathy; Kemen, Thomas; Zeidler, Dirk; Eberle, Anna Lena; Garbowski, Tomasz; Dellemann, Gregor; Peters, Jan Hendrik

2015-03-01

SEMATECH aims to identify and enable disruptive technologies to meet the ever-increasing demands of semiconductor high volume manufacturing (HVM). As such, a program was initiated in 2012 focused on high-speed e-beam defect inspection as a complement, and eventual successor, to bright field optical patterned defect inspection [1]. The primary goal is to enable a new technology to overcome the key gaps that are limiting modern day inspection in the fab; primarily, throughput and sensitivity to detect ultra-small critical defects. The program specifically targets revolutionary solutions based on massively parallel e-beam technologies, as opposed to incremental improvements to existing e-beam and optical inspection platforms. Wafer inspection is the primary target, but attention is also being paid to next generation mask inspection. During the first phase of the multi-year program multiple technologies were reviewed, a down-selection was made to the top candidates, and evaluations began on proof of concept systems. A champion technology has been selected and as of late 2014 the program has begun to move into the core technology maturation phase in order to enable eventual commercialization of an HVM system. Performance data from early proof of concept systems will be shown along with roadmaps to achieving HVM performance. SEMATECH's vision for moving from early-stage development to commercialization will be shown, including plans for development with industry leading technology providers.

Small business initiative -- Surface inspection machine infrared (SIMIR)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, G.L.; Beecroft, M.

This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement was a one year effort to make the surface inspection machine based on diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (Surface Inspection Machine-Infrared, SIMIR), being developed by Surface Optics Corporation, perform to its highest potential as a practical, portable surface inspection machine. A secondary purpose was to evaluate applications that would serve both the private and the public sector. The design function of the SIMIR is to inspect sandblasted metal surfaces for cleanliness (stains). The system is also capable of evaluating graphite-resin systems for cure and heat damage, and for measuring the effects of moisture exposure onmore » lithium hydride, corrosion on uranium metal, and the constituents of and contamination on wood, paper, and fabrics. Surface Optics Corporation supplied LMES-Y12 with a prototype SOC-400 that was evaluated by LMES-Y12 and rebuilt by Surface Optics to achieve the desired performance. LMES-Y12 subsequently evaluated the instrument against numerous applications including determining part cleanliness at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, demonstrating the ability to detect plasticizers and other organic contaminants on metals to Pantex and LANL personnel, analyzed sandblasted metal contamination standards supplied by NASA-MSFC, and demonstrated to Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft, marietta, GA, for analyzing the paint applied to the F-22 Fighter. The instrument also demonstrated the analysis of yarn, fabric, and finish on the textiles.« less

Big Data: The Future of Biocuration

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This report is a white paper that describes the roles of biocurators in linking biologists to their data. Roles include: to extract knowledge from published papers; to connect information from different sources in a coherent and comprehensible way; to inspect and correct automatically predicted gene...

49 CFR 236.505 - Proper operative relation between parts along roadway and parts on locomotive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards... all conditions of speed, weather, wear, oscillation, and shock. ...

49 CFR 236.505 - Proper operative relation between parts along roadway and parts on locomotive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards... all conditions of speed, weather, wear, oscillation, and shock. ...

49 CFR 236.505 - Proper operative relation between parts along roadway and parts on locomotive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards... all conditions of speed, weather, wear, oscillation, and shock. ...

49 CFR 236.505 - Proper operative relation between parts along roadway and parts on locomotive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards... all conditions of speed, weather, wear, oscillation, and shock. ...

49 CFR 236.505 - Proper operative relation between parts along roadway and parts on locomotive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Standards... all conditions of speed, weather, wear, oscillation, and shock. ...

Multisource oil spill detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salberg, Arnt B.; Larsen, Siri O.; Zortea, Maciel

2013-10-01

In this paper we discuss how multisource data (wind, ocean-current, optical, bathymetric, automatic identification systems (AIS)) may be used to improve oil spill detection in SAR images, with emphasis on the use of automatic oil spill detection algorithms. We focus particularly on AIS, optical, and bathymetric data. For the AIS data we propose an algorithm for integrating AIS ship tracks into automatic oil spill detection in order to improve the confidence estimate of a potential oil spill. We demonstrate the use of ancillary data on a set of SAR images. Regarding the use of optical data, we did not observe a clear correspondence between high chlorophyll values (estimated from products derived from optical data) and observed slicks in the SAR image. Bathymetric data was shown to be a good data source for removing false detections caused by e.g. sand banks on low tide. For the AIS data we observed that a polluter could be identified for some dark slicks, however, a precise oil drift model is needed in order to identify the polluter with high certainty.

Correlated Optical Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy of Individual Hollow Nanoparticles and their Dimers

PubMed Central

Yang, Linglu; Yan, Bo; Reinhard, Björn M.

2009-01-01

The optical spectra of individual Ag-Au alloy hollow particles were correlated with the particles’ structures obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM provided direct experimental access to the dimension of the cavity, thickness of the metal shell, and the interparticle distance of hollow particle dimers with high spatial resolution. The analysis of correlated spectral and structural information enabled the quantification of the influence of the core-shell structure on the resonance energy, plasmon lifetime, and plasmon coupling efficiency. Electron beam exposure during TEM inspection was observed to affect plasmon wavelength and lifetime, making optical inspection prior to structural characterization mandatory. PMID:19768108

National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Prym Manufacturing Co. Dam (CT 00169), Thames River Basin, Killingly, Connecticut. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

Service (DDS), which offers speeds of 19.2K bps and 56K bps. Instead of modems , DDS service requires a Channel Service Unit (CSU), to terminate each...Bell 103 modem that automatically calls for help if the DDS link goes down. DDS users can also use their own schemes to protect their transmissions...Switched 56 service provides 700 numbers for 56K transmission in some 60 odd cities, including areas such as Orlando, San Diego, and the Washington

Vineyard management in virtual reality: autonomous control of a transformable drone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffiths, H.; Shen, H.; Li, N.; Rojas, S.; Perkins, N.; Liu, M.

2017-05-01

Grape vines are susceptible to many diseases. Routine scouting is critically important to keep vineyards in healthy condition. Currently, scouting relies on experienced farm workers to inspect acres of land while arduously filling out reports to document crop health conditions. This process is both labor and time consuming. Using drones to assist farm workers in scouting has great potential to improve the efficiency of vineyard management. Due to the complexity in grape farm disease detection, the drones are normally used to detect suspicious areas to help farm workers to prioritize scouting activities. Operations still rely heavily on humans for further inspection to be certain about the health conditions of the vines. This paper introduces an autonomous transition flight control method for a transformable drone, which is suitable for the future virtual presence of humans in further inspecting suspicious areas. The transformable drone adopts a tilt-rotor mechanism to automatically switch between hover and horizontal flight modes, following commands from virtual reality devices held in the ground control station. The conceptual design and transformation dynamics of the drone will be first discussed, followed by a model predictive control system developed to automatically control the transition flight. Simulation is also provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed control system.

Application of automatic image analysis in wood science

Treesearch

Charles W. McMillin

1982-01-01

In this paper I describe an image analysis system and illustrate with examples the application of automatic quantitative measurement to wood science. Automatic image analysis, a powerful and relatively new technology, uses optical, video, electronic, and computer components to rapidly derive information from images with minimal operator interaction. Such instruments...

Laser Scanner For Automatic Inspection Of Printed Wiring Boards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geise, Philip; George, Eugene; Freese, Fritz; Brown, Robert; Ruwe, Victor

1980-11-01

An, Instrument is described which inspects unpopulated, populated (components onserted and leads clinched), and soldered printed wiring boards for correct hole location, component presence, correct lead clinch direction and solder bridges. The instrument consists of a low power heliumneon laser, an x-y moving iron galvanometer scanner and several folding mirros. A unique shadow signature is detected by silicon photodiodes located at the optium geometry to allow rapid and reliable detection of components with correctly clinched leads. A reflective glint screen is utilized to inspect for a solder bridges. The detected signal are processed and evaluated by a minocomputer which also controls the scan inspection rate of at least 25 components or 50 components holes per second. The return of investment on this instrument for high volume production of printed wirind boards is less than one yea and only slightly longer for medium run military application.

Bionic Vision-Based Intelligent Power Line Inspection System

PubMed Central

Ma, Yunpeng; He, Feijia; Xu, Jinxin

2017-01-01

Detecting the threats of the external obstacles to the power lines can ensure the stability of the power system. Inspired by the attention mechanism and binocular vision of human visual system, an intelligent power line inspection system is presented in this paper. Human visual attention mechanism in this intelligent inspection system is used to detect and track power lines in image sequences according to the shape information of power lines, and the binocular visual model is used to calculate the 3D coordinate information of obstacles and power lines. In order to improve the real time and accuracy of the system, we propose a new matching strategy based on the traditional SURF algorithm. The experimental results show that the system is able to accurately locate the position of the obstacles around power lines automatically, and the designed power line inspection system is effective in complex backgrounds, and there are no missing detection instances under different conditions. PMID:28203269

Agile Machining and Inspection Non-Nuclear Report (NNR) Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lazarus, Lloyd

This report is a high level summary of the eight major projects funded by the Agile Machining and Inspection Non-Nuclear Readiness (NNR) project (FY06.0422.3.04.R1). The largest project of the group is the Rapid Response project in which the six major sub categories are summarized. This project focused on the operations of the machining departments that will comprise Special Applications Machining (SAM) in the Kansas City Responsive Infrastructure Manufacturing & Sourcing (KCRIMS) project. This project was aimed at upgrading older machine tools, developing new inspection tools, eliminating Classified Removable Electronic Media (CREM) in the handling of classified Numerical Control (NC) programsmore » by installing the CRONOS network, and developing methods to automatically load Coordinated-Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection data into bomb books and product score cards. Finally, the project personnel leaned perations of some of the machine tool cells, and now have the model to continue this activity.« less

A Portable Ultrasonic Nondestructive Inspection System for Metal Matrix Composite Track Shoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mi, Bao; Zhao, Xiaoliang; Qian, Tao; Stevenson, Mark; Kwan, Chiman; Owens, Steven E.; Royer, Roger L.; Tittmann, Bernhard R.; Raju, Basavaraju B.

2007-03-01

Cast aluminum track shoes reinforced with metal matrix composite (MMC) inserts at heavy loading areas such as center splines and sprocket windows are light in weight, and can resist high temperature and wear. Various defects such as disbonds at the insert-substrate interface, cracks and porosity in the MMC layer, etc. can be introduced during the manufacturing process and/or in service. This paper presents a portable ultrasonic system to automatically inspect tank track shoes for disbond. Ultrasonic pulse/echo inspection has shown good reliability for disbond detection. A prototype sensor array fixture has been designed and fabricated to prove the feasibility. Good agreements between the sensor fixture results and ultrasonic C-scan images were obtained.

Intelligent Foreign Particle Inspection Machine for Injection Liquid Examination Based on Modified Pulse-Coupled Neural Networks

PubMed Central

Ge, Ji; Wang, YaoNan; Zhou, BoWen; Zhang, Hui

2009-01-01

A biologically inspired spiking neural network model, called pulse-coupled neural networks (PCNN), has been applied in an automatic inspection machine to detect visible foreign particles intermingled in glucose or sodium chloride injection liquids. Proper mechanisms and improved spin/stop techniques are proposed to avoid the appearance of air bubbles, which increases the algorithms' complexity. Modified PCNN is adopted to segment the difference images, judging the existence of foreign particles according to the continuity and smoothness properties of their moving traces. Preliminarily experimental results indicate that the inspection machine can detect the visible foreign particles effectively and the detection speed, accuracy and correct detection rate also satisfying the needs of medicine preparation. PMID:22412318

3D surface coordinate inspection of formed sheet material parts using optical measurement systems and virtual distortion compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weckenmann, Albert A.; Gall, P.; Gabbia, A.

2005-02-01

Modern forming technology allows the production of highly sophisticated free form sheet material components, affording great flexibility to the design and manufacturing processes across a wide range of industries. This increased design and manufacturing potential places an ever growing demand on the accompanying inspection metrology. As a consequence of their surface shape, these parts underlie a reversible geometrical deformation caused by variations of the material and the manufacturing process, as well as by gravity. This distortion is removed during the assembly process, usually performed in automated robotic processes. For this reason, the part's tolerated parameters have to be inspected in a defined state, simulating the assembly process' boundary conditions. Thus, the inspection process chain consists of six steps: picking the workpiece up, manual fixation of the workpiece, tactile measurement of the surface's coordinates using a defined measurement strategy, manual removal of the fixation and removal of the workpiece from the inspection area. These steps are both laborious and time consuming (for example, the inspection of a car door can take up to a working day to complete). Using optical measuring systems and virtual distortion compensation, this process chain can be dramatically shortened. Optical measuring systems provide as a measurement result a point cloud representing a sample of all nearest surfaces in the measuring range containing the measurand. From this data, a surface model of the measurand can be determined, independent of its position in the measuring range. For thin sheet material parts an approximating finite element model can be deduced from such a surface model. By means of pattern recognition, assembly relevant features of the measurand can be identified and located on this model. Together with the boundary conditions given by the assembly process, the shape of the surface in its assembled state can be calculated using the finite elements method. In application these methods culminate in a shortened inspection process chain (which can now also be automated): picking the workpiece up, placing it in the measuring range, optical measurement, virtual distortion compensation and removal of the workpiece from the inspection area. This work discusses the methodology of our approach in detail and also provides and analyses experimental results. The underlying research was greatfully funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Vision inspection system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huber, Edward D. (Inventor); Williams, Rick A. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

An optical vision inspection system (4) and method for multiplexed illuminating, viewing, analyzing and recording a range of characteristically different kinds of defects, depressions, and ridges in a selected material surface (7) with first and second alternating optical subsystems (20, 21) illuminating and sensing successive frames of the same material surface patch. To detect the different kinds of surface features including abrupt as well as gradual surface variations, correspondingly different kinds of lighting are applied in time-multiplexed fashion to the common surface area patches under observation.

Optical Design of Telescopes and other Reflective Systems using SLIDERS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Joseph M.

2007-01-01

Optical design tools are presented to provide automatic generation of reflective optical systems for design studies and educational use. The tools are graphical in nature and use an interactive slider interface with freely available optical design software, OSLO EDU. Operation of the sliders provides input to adjust first-order and other system parameters (e.g. focal length), while appropriate system construction parameters are automatically updated to correct aberrations. Graphical output is also presented in real-time (e.g. a lens drawing) to provide the opportunity for a truly visual approach to optical design. Available systems include two- three- and four-mirror telescopes, relays, and afocal systems, either rotationally symmetric or having just a plane of symmetry. Demonstrations are presented, including a brief discussion of interfacing optical design software to MATLAB, and general research opportunities at NASA.

Automatic non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy screening system based on color fundus image.

PubMed

Xiao, Zhitao; Zhang, Xinpeng; Geng, Lei; Zhang, Fang; Wu, Jun; Tong, Jun; Ogunbona, Philip O; Shan, Chunyan

2017-10-26

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. Automatic detection of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is significant for clinical diagnosis, early screening and course progression of patients. This paper introduces the design and implementation of an automatic system for screening non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy based on color fundus images. Firstly, the fundus structures, including blood vessels, optic disc and macula, are extracted and located, respectively. In particular, a new optic disc localization method using parabolic fitting is proposed based on the physiological structure characteristics of optic disc and blood vessels. Then, early lesions, such as microaneurysms, hemorrhages and hard exudates, are detected based on their respective characteristics. An equivalent optical model simulating human eyes is designed based on the anatomical structure of retina. Main structures and early lesions are reconstructed in the 3D space for better visualization. Finally, the severity of each image is evaluated based on the international criteria of diabetic retinopathy. The system has been tested on public databases and images from hospitals. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system achieves high accuracy for main structures and early lesions detection. The results of severity classification for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy are also accurate and suitable. Our system can assist ophthalmologists for clinical diagnosis, automatic screening and course progression of patients.

21 CFR 211.68 - Automatic, mechanical, and electronic equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) DRUGS: GENERAL CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR FINISHED PHARMACEUTICALS... satisfactorily, may be used in the manufacture, processing, packing, and holding of a drug product. If such... designed to assure proper performance. Written records of those calibration checks and inspections shall be...

45 CFR 205.37 - Responsibilities of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Processing and Information Retrieval System Guide. The initial advance automatic data processing planning... description of the proposed statewide management system, including the description of information flows, input..., review, assess, and inspect the planning, design, and operation of, statewide management information...

45 CFR 205.37 - Responsibilities of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Application Processing and Information Retrieval System Guide. The initial advance automatic data processing... description of the proposed statewide management system, including the description of information flows, input..., review, assess, and inspect the planning, design, and operation of, statewide management information...

45 CFR 205.37 - Responsibilities of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Application Processing and Information Retrieval System Guide. The initial advance automatic data processing... description of the proposed statewide management system, including the description of information flows, input..., review, assess, and inspect the planning, design, and operation of, statewide management information...

7 CFR 46.9 - Termination, suspension, revocation, cancellation of licenses; notices; renewal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MARKETING OF PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES REGULATIONS (OTHER THAN RULES OF PRACTICE) UNDER THE..., within four years from the date of the issuance of the license, the license shall be automatically...

Orion Exploration Flight Test Post-Flight Inspection and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, J. E.; Berger, E. L.; Bohl, W. E.; Christiansen, E. L.; Davis, B. A.; Deighton, K. D.; Enriquez, P. A.; Garcia, M. A.; Hyde, J. L.; Oliveras, O. M.

2017-01-01

The principal mechanism for developing orbital debris environment models, is to make observations of larger pieces of debris in the range of several centimeters and greater using radar and optical techniques. For particles that are smaller than this threshold, breakup and migration models of particles to returned surfaces in lower orbit are relied upon to quantify the flux. This reliance on models to derive spatial densities of particles that are of critical importance to spacecraft make the unique nature of the EFT-1's return surface a valuable metric. To this end detailed post-flight inspections have been performed of the returned EFT-1 backshell, and the inspections identified six candidate impact sites that were not present during the pre-flight inspections. This paper describes the post-flight analysis efforts to characterize the EFT-1 mission craters. This effort included ground based testing to understand small particle impact craters in the thermal protection material, the pre- and post-flight inspection, the crater analysis using optical, X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques, and numerical simulations.

Application of wearable optical coherence tomography (OCT) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) techniques for in situ real-time field inspection of apple Marssonina blotch disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wijesinghe, Ruchire Eranga; Lee, Seung-Yeol; Ravichandran, Naresh Kumar; Shirazi, Muhammad Faizan; Han, Sangyeop; Jeong, Hyosang; Kim, Pilun; Jung, Hee-Young; Jeon, Mansik; Kim, Jeehyun

2017-04-01

Here we describe the possible application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to inspect Marssonina coronaria infected apple blotch disease of in situ apple leaves. To fulfill the in situ field inspection requirement, we developed a compact wearable OCT system. For the confirmation of OCT results, simultaneous experiment was performed in realtime using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which is frequently used in agriculture. LAMP method was developed as an alternative approach for the inspection of disease. We performed field inspection for 30 consecutive days, and all the acquired results from both OCT and lamp were compared to confirm the correlation. A clear identification between healthy specimens, apparently healthy but infected specimens, and infected specimens could be obtained through the real-time OCT images, and the correlation between OCT and lamp results was confirmed through the obtained realtime lamp results. Based on this feasibility study, we conclude that the combination of both these diagnosing modalities can be effective for various novel agricultural discoveries.

Interferometer for Space Station Windows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Gregory

2003-01-01

Inspection of space station windows for micrometeorite damage would be a difficult task insitu using current inspection techniques. Commercially available optical profilometers and inspection systems are relatively large, about the size of a desktop computer tower, and require a stable platform to inspect the test object. Also, many devices currently available are designed for a laboratory or controlled environments requiring external computer control. This paper presents an approach using a highly developed optical interferometer to inspect the windows from inside the space station itself using a self- contained hand held device. The interferometer would be capable as a minimum of detecting damage as small as one ten thousands of an inch in diameter and depth while interrogating a relatively large area. The current developmental state of this device is still in the proof of concept stage. The background section of this paper will discuss the current state of the art of profilometers as well as the desired configuration of the self-contained, hand held device. Then, a discussion of the developments and findings that will allow the configuration change with suggested approaches appearing in the proof of concept section.

Small, Lightweight Inspection Robot With 12 Degrees Of Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Thomas S.; Ohm, Timothy R.; Hayati, Samad

1996-01-01

Small serpentine robot weighs only 6 lbs. and has link diameter of 1.5 in. Designed to perform inspections. Multiple degrees of freedom enables it to reach around obstacles and through small openings into simple or complexly shaped confined spaces to positions where difficult or impossible to perform inspections by other means. Fiber-optic borescope incorporated into robot arm, with inspection tip of borescope located at tip of arm. Borescope both conveys light along robot arm to illuminate scene inspected at tip and conveys image of scene back along robot arm to external imaging equipment.

Defect inspection of actuator lenses using swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jaeyul; Shirazi, Muhammad Faizan; Park, Kibeom; Jeon, Mansik; Kim, Jeehyun

2017-12-01

Actuator lens industries have gained an enormous interest with the enhancement of various latest communication devices, such as mobile phone and notebooks. The quality of the aforementioned devices can be degraded due to the internal defects of actuator lenses. Therefore, in this study, we implemented swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) system to inspect defects of actuator lenses. Owing to the high-resolution of the SS-OCT system, defected foreign substances between the actuator lenses, defective regions of lenses and surface stains were more clearly distinguished through three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional OCT images. Therefore, the implemented SS-OCT system can be considered as a potential application to defect inspection of actuator lens.

A Micro-Computed Tomography Technique to Study the Quality of Fibre Optics Embedded in Composite Materials

PubMed Central

Chiesura, Gabriele; Luyckx, Geert; Voet, Eli; Lammens, Nicolas; Van Paepegem, Wim; Degrieck, Joris; Dierick, Manuel; Van Hoorebeke, Luc; Vanderniepen, Pieter; Sulejmani, Sanne; Sonnenfeld, Camille; Geernaert, Thomas; Berghmans, Francis

2015-01-01

Quality of embedment of optical fibre sensors in carbon fibre-reinforced polymers plays an important role in the resultant properties of the composite, as well as for the correct monitoring of the structure. Therefore, availability of a tool able to check the optical fibre sensor-composite interaction becomes essential. High-resolution 3D X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography, or Micro-CT, is a relatively new non-destructive inspection technique which enables investigations of the internal structure of a sample without actually compromising its integrity. In this work the feasibility of inspecting the position, the orientation and, more generally, the quality of the embedment of an optical fibre sensor in a carbon fibre reinforced laminate at unit cell level have been proven. PMID:25961383

Automated inspection of solder joints for surface mount technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savage, Robert M.; Park, Hyun Soo; Fan, Mark S.

1993-01-01

Researchers at NASA/GSFC evaluated various automated inspection systems (AIS) technologies using test boards with known defects in surface mount solder joints. These boards were complex and included almost every type of surface mount device typical of critical assemblies used for space flight applications: X-ray radiography; X-ray laminography; Ultrasonic Imaging; Optical Imaging; Laser Imaging; and Infrared Inspection. Vendors, representative of the different technologies, inspected the test boards with their particular machine. The results of the evaluation showed limitations of AIS. Furthermore, none of the AIS technologies evaluated proved to meet all of the inspection criteria for use in high-reliability applications. It was found that certain inspection systems could supplement but not replace manual inspection for low-volume, high-reliability, surface mount solder joints.

Actinic defect counting statistics over 1-cm2 area of EUVL mask blank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seongtae; Lai, Chih-wei; Rekawa, Senajith; Walton, Christopher C.; Bokor, Jeffrey

2000-07-01

As a continuation of comparison experiments between EUV inspection and visible inspection of defects on EUVL mask blanks, we report on the result of an experiment where the EUV defect inspection tool is used to perform at-wavelength defect counting over 1 cm2 of EUVL mask blank. Initial EUV inspection found five defects over the scanned area and the subsequent optical scattering inspection was able to detect all of the five defects. Therefore, if there are any defects that are only detectable by EUV inspection, the density is lower than the order of unity per cm2. An upgrade path to substantially increase the overall throughput of the EUV inspection system is also identified in the manuscript.

Portable Handheld Optical Window Inspection Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ihlefeld, Curtis; Dokos, Adam; Burns, Bradley

2010-01-01

The Portable Handheld Optical Window Inspection Device (PHOWID) is a measurement system for imaging small defects (scratches, pits, micrometeor impacts, and the like) in the field. Designed primarily for window inspection, PHOWID attaches to a smooth surface with suction cups, and raster scans a small area with an optical pen in order to provide a three-dimensional image of the defect. PHOWID consists of a graphical user interface, motor control subsystem, scanning head, and interface electronics, as well as an integrated camera and user display that allows a user to locate minute defects before scanning. Noise levels are on the order of 60 in. (1.5 m). PHOWID allows field measurement of defects that are usually done in the lab. It is small, light, and attaches directly to the test article in any orientation up to vertical. An operator can scan a defect and get useful engineering data in a matter of minutes. There is no need to make a mold impression for later lab analysis.

Optical inspection of hidden MEMS structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauter, Johann; Gronle, Marc; Osten, Wolfgang

2017-06-01

Micro-electro-mechanical system's (MEMS) applications have greatly expanded over the recent years, and the MEMS industry has grown almost exponentially. One of the strongest drivers are the automotive and consumer markets. A 100% test is necessary especially in the production of automotive MEMS sensors since they are subject to safety relevant functions. This inspection should be carried out before dicing and packaging since more than 90% of the production costs are incurred during these steps. An electrical test is currently being carried out with each MEMS component. In the case of a malfunction, the defect can not be located on the wafer because the MEMS are no longer optically accessible due to the encapsulation. This paper presents a low coherence interferometer for the topography measurement of MEMS structures located within the wafer stack. Here, a high axial and lateral resolution is necessary to identify defects such as stuck or bent MEMS fingers. First, the boundary conditions for an optical inspection system will be discussed. The setup is then shown with some exemplary measurements.

Optical surface properties and their RF limitations of European XFEL cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenskat, Marc

2017-10-01

The inner surface of superconducting cavities plays a crucial role to achieve highest accelerating fields and low losses. The industrial fabrication of cavities for the European X-ray Free Electron Laser and the International Linear Collider HiGrade Research Project allowed for an investigation of this interplay. For the serial inspection of the inner surface, the optical inspection robot ’optical bench for automated cavity inspection with high resolution on short timescales’ OBACHT was constructed and to analyze the large amount of data, represented in the images of the inner surface, an image processing and analysis code was developed and new variables to describe the cavity surface were obtained. This quantitative analysis identified vendor-specific surface properties which allow the performance of quality control and assurance during production. In addition, a strong negative correlation of ρ =-0.93 with a significance of 6 σ of the integrated grain boundary area \\sum {A} versus the maximal achievable accelerating field {{E}}{acc,\\max } has been found.

Automatic brightness control of laser spot vision inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Yang; Zhang, Zhaoxia; Chen, Xiaodong; Yu, Daoyin

2009-10-01

The laser spot detection system aims to locate the center of the laser spot after long-distance transmission. The accuracy of positioning laser spot center depends very much on the system's ability to control brightness. In this paper, an automatic brightness control system with high-performance is designed using the device of FPGA. The brightness is controlled by combination of auto aperture (video driver) and adaptive exposure algorithm, and clear images with proper exposure are obtained under different conditions of illumination. Automatic brightness control system creates favorable conditions for positioning of the laser spot center later, and experiment results illuminate the measurement accuracy of the system has been effectively guaranteed. The average error of the spot center is within 0.5mm.

Automatic detection of typical dust devils from Mars landscape images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogohara, Kazunori; Watanabe, Takeru; Okumura, Susumu; Hatanaka, Yuji

2018-02-01

This paper presents an improved algorithm for automatic detection of Martian dust devils that successfully extracts tiny bright dust devils and obscured large dust devils from two subtracted landscape images. These dust devils are frequently observed using visible cameras onboard landers or rovers. Nevertheless, previous research on automated detection of dust devils has not focused on these common types of dust devils, but on dust devils that appear on images to be irregularly bright and large. In this study, we detect these common dust devils automatically using two kinds of parameter sets for thresholding when binarizing subtracted images. We automatically extract dust devils from 266 images taken by the Spirit rover to evaluate our algorithm. Taking dust devils detected by visual inspection to be ground truth, the precision, recall and F-measure values are 0.77, 0.86, and 0.81, respectively.

Optically and non-optically excited thermography for composites: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ruizhen; He, Yunze

2016-03-01

Composites, such as glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), and adhesive bonding are being increasingly used in fields of aerospace, renewable energy, civil and architecture, and other industries. Flaws and damages are inevitable during either fabrication or lifetime of composites structures or components. Thus, nondestructive testing (NDT) are extremely required to prevent failures and to increase reliability of composite structures or components in both manufacture and in-service inspection. Infrared thermography techniques including pulsed thermography, pulsed phase thermography, and lock-in thermography have shown the great potential and advantages. Besides conventional optical thermography, other sources such as laser, eddy current, microwave, and ultrasound excited thermography are drawing increasingly attentions for composites. In this work, a fully, in-depth and comprehensive review of thermography NDT techniques for composites inspection was conducted based on an orderly and concise literature survey and detailed analysis. Firstly, basic concepts for thermography NDT were defined and introduced, such as volume heating thermography. Next, the developments of conventional optic, laser, eddy current, microwave, and ultrasound thermography for composite inspection were reviewed. Then, some case studies for scanning thermography were also reviewed. After that, the strengths and limitations of thermography techniques were concluded through comparison studies. At last, some research trends were predicted. This work containing critical overview, detailed comparison and extensive list of references will disseminates knowledge between users, manufacturers, designers and researchers involved in composite structures or components inspection by means of thermography NDT techniques.

49 CFR 236.526 - Roadway element not functioning properly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.526 Roadway..., train control or cab signal system is not functioning as intended, the signal associated with such...

49 CFR 236.526 - Roadway element not functioning properly.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions; Roadway § 236.526 Roadway..., train control or cab signal system is not functioning as intended, the signal associated with such...

49 CFR 236.205 - Signal control circuits; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Signal control circuits; requirements. 236.205..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.205 Signal control circuits; requirements. The circuits shall be so...

49 CFR 236.205 - Signal control circuits; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Signal control circuits; requirements. 236.205..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.205 Signal control circuits; requirements. The circuits shall be so...

46 CFR 63.05-1 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING AUTOMATIC AUXILIARY... is also available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards.../AGA Z21.22”), 63.25-3; and (2) [Reserved] (c) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME...

49 CFR 236.205 - Signal control circuits; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Signal control circuits; requirements. 236.205..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.205 Signal control circuits; requirements. The circuits shall be so...

49 CFR 236.205 - Signal control circuits; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Signal control circuits; requirements. 236.205..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.205 Signal control circuits; requirements. The circuits shall be so...

49 CFR 236.205 - Signal control circuits; requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Signal control circuits; requirements. 236.205..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.205 Signal control circuits; requirements. The circuits shall be so...

Real-time automatic registration in optical surgical navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Qinyong; Yang, Rongqian; Cai, Ken; Si, Xuan; Chen, Xiuwen; Wu, Xiaoming

2016-05-01

An image-guided surgical navigation system requires the improvement of the patient-to-image registration time to enhance the convenience of the registration procedure. A critical step in achieving this aim is performing a fully automatic patient-to-image registration. This study reports on a design of custom fiducial markers and the performance of a real-time automatic patient-to-image registration method using these markers on the basis of an optical tracking system for rigid anatomy. The custom fiducial markers are designed to be automatically localized in both patient and image spaces. An automatic localization method is performed by registering a point cloud sampled from the three dimensional (3D) pedestal model surface of a fiducial marker to each pedestal of fiducial markers searched in image space. A head phantom is constructed to estimate the performance of the real-time automatic registration method under four fiducial configurations. The head phantom experimental results demonstrate that the real-time automatic registration method is more convenient, rapid, and accurate than the manual method. The time required for each registration is approximately 0.1 s. The automatic localization method precisely localizes the fiducial markers in image space. The averaged target registration error for the four configurations is approximately 0.7 mm. The automatic registration performance is independent of the positions relative to the tracking system and the movement of the patient during the operation.

Diagnostic support for glaucoma using retinal images: a hybrid image analysis and data mining approach.

PubMed

Yu, Jin; Abidi, Syed Sibte Raza; Artes, Paul; McIntyre, Andy; Heywood, Malcolm

2005-01-01

The availability of modern imaging techniques such as Confocal Scanning Laser Tomography (CSLT) for capturing high-quality optic nerve images offer the potential for developing automatic and objective methods for diagnosing glaucoma. We present a hybrid approach that features the analysis of CSLT images using moment methods to derive abstract image defining features. The features are then used to train classifers for automatically distinguishing CSLT images of normal and glaucoma patient. As a first, in this paper, we present investigations in feature subset selction methods for reducing the relatively large input space produced by the moment methods. We use neural networks and support vector machines to determine a sub-set of moments that offer high classification accuracy. We demonstratee the efficacy of our methods to discriminate between healthy and glaucomatous optic disks based on shape information automatically derived from optic disk topography and reflectance images.

Surface contamination analysis technology team overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, H. Dewitt

1995-01-01

A team was established which consisted of representatives from NASA (Marshall Space Flight Center and Langley Research Center), Thiokol Corporation, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, AC Engineering, SAIC, Martin Marietta, and Aerojet. The team's purpose was to bring together the appropriate personnel to determine what surface inspection techniques were applicable to multiprogram bonding surface cleanliness inspection. In order to identify appropriate techniques and their sensitivity to various contaminant families, calibration standards were developed. Producing standards included development of consistent low level contamination application techniques. Oxidation was also considered for effect on inspection equipment response. Ellipsometry was used for oxidation characterization. Verification testing was then accomplished to show that selected inspection techniques could detect subject contaminants at levels found to be detrimental to critical bond systems of interest. Once feasibility of identified techniques was shown, selected techniques and instrumentation could then be incorporated into a multipurpose inspection head and integrated with a robot for critical surface inspection. Inspection techniques currently being evaluated include optically stimulated electron emission (OSEE); near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy utilizing fiber optics; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence. Current plans are to demonstrate an integrated system in MSFC's Productivity Enhancement Complex within five years from initiation of this effort in 1992 assuming appropriate funding levels are maintained. This paper gives an overview of work accomplished by the team and future plans.

Defect window analysis by using SEM-contour based shape quantifying method for sub-20nm node production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hibino, Daisuke; Hsu, Mingyi; Shindo, Hiroyuki; Izawa, Masayuki; Enomoto, Yuji; Lin, J. F.; Hu, J. R.

2013-04-01

The impact on yield loss due to systematic defect which remains after Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) modeling has increased, and achieving an acceptable yield has become more difficult in the leading technology beyond 20 nm node production. Furthermore Process-Window has become narrow because of the complexity of IC design and less process margin. In the past, the systematic defects have been inspected by human-eyes. However the judgment by human-eyes is sometime unstable and not accurate. Moreover an enormous amount of time and labor will have to be expended on the one-by-one judgment for several thousands of hot-spot defects. In order to overcome these difficulties and improve the yield and manufacturability, the automated system, which can quantify the shape difference with high accuracy and speed, is needed. Inspection points could be increased for getting higher yield, if the automated system achieves our goal. Defect Window Analysis (DWA) system by using high-precision-contour extraction from SEM image on real silicon and quantifying method which can calculate the difference between defect pattern and non-defect pattern automatically, which was developed by Hitachi High-Technologies, has been applied to the defect judgment instead of the judgment by human-eyes. The DWA result which describes process behavior might be feedback to design or OPC or mask. This new methodology and evaluation results will be presented in detail in this paper.

Particle control near reticle and optics using showerhead

DOEpatents

Delgado, Gildardo R.; Chilese, Frank; Garcia, Rudy; Torczynski, John R.; Geller, Anthony S.; Rader, Daniel J.; Klebanoff, Leonard E.; Gallis, Michail A.

2016-01-26

A method and an apparatus to protect a reticle against particles and chemicals in an actinic EUV reticle inspection tool are presented. The method and apparatus utilizes a pair of porous metal diffusers in the form of showerheads to provide a continual flow of clean gas. The main showerhead bathes the reticle surface to be inspected in smoothly flowing, low pressure gas, isolating it from particles coming from surrounding volumes. The secondary showerhead faces away from the reticle and toward the EUV illumination and projection optics, supplying them with purge gas while at the same time creating a buffer zone that is kept free of any particle contamination originating from those optics.

Optical Microscopy Techniques to Inspect for Metallic Whiskers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brusse, Jay A.

2006-01-01

Metal surface finishes of tin, zinc and cadmium are often applied to electronic components, mechanical hardware and other structures. These finishes sometimes unpredictably may form metal whiskers over periods that can take from hours to months or even many years. The metal whiskers are crystalline structures commonly having uniform cross sectional area along their entire length. Typical whisker dimensions are nominally on the order of only a few microns (um) across while their lengths can extend from a few microns to several millimeters. Metal whiskers pose a reliability hazard to electronic systems primarily as an electrical shorting hazard. The extremely narrow dimensions of metal whiskers can make observation with optical techniques very challenging. The videos herein were compiled to demonstrate the complexities associated with optical microscope inspection of electronic and mechanical components and assemblies for the presence or absence of metal whiskers. The importance of magnification, light source and angle of illumination play critical roles in being able to detect metal whiskers when present. Furthermore, it is demonstrated how improper techniques can easily obscure detection. It is hoped that these videos will improve the probability of detecting metal whiskers with optical inspection techniques.

Take a byte out of MEEF: VAMPIRE: Vehicle for Advanced Mask Pattern Inspection Readiness Evaluations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badger, Karen D.; Rankin, Jed; Turley, Christina; Seki, Kazunori; Dechene, Dan J.; Abdelghany, Hesham

2016-09-01

MEEF, or Mask Error Enhancement Factor, is simply defined as the ratio of the change in printed wafer feature width to the change in mask feature width scaled to wafer level. It is important in chip manufacturing that leads to the amplification of mask errors, creating challenges with both achieving dimensional control tolerances and ensuring defect free masks, as measured by on-wafer image quality. As lithographic imaging continues to be stressed, using lower and lower k1 factor resolution enhancement techniques, the high MEEF areas present on advanced optical masks creates an environment where the need for increased mask defect sensitivity in high-MEEF areas becomes more and more critical. There are multiple approaches to mask inspection that may or may not provide enough sensitivity to detect all wafer-printable defects; the challenge in the application of these techniques is simultaneously maintaining an acceptable level of mask inspectability. The higher the MEEF, the harder the challenge will be to achieve and appropriate level of sensitivity while maintaining inspectability…and to do so on the geometries that matter. The predominant photomask fabrication inspection approach in use today compares the features on the reticle directly with the design database using high-NA optics. This approach has the ability to detect small defects, however, when inspecting aggressive OPC, it can lead to the over-detection of inconsequential, or nuisance defects. To minimize these nuisance detections, changing the sensitivity of the inspection can improve the inspectability of a mask inspected in high-NA mode, however, it leads to the inability to detect subtle, yet wafer-printable defects in High-MEEF geometry, due to the fact that this `desense' must be applied globally. There are also `lithography-emulating' approaches to inspection that use various means to provide high defect sensitivity and the ability to tolerate inconsequential, non-printing defects by using scanner-like conditions to determine which defects are wafer printable. This inspection technique is commonly referred to as being `lithography plane' or `litho plane,' since it's assessing the mask quality based on how the mask appears to the imaging optics during use, as proposed to traditional `reticle plane' inspection which is comparing the mask only with its target design. Regardless of how the defects are detected, the real question is when should they be detected? For larger technology nodes, defects are considered `statistical risks'…i.e., first they have to occur, and then they have to fall in high-MEEF areas in order to be of concern, and be below the detection limits of traditional reticle-plane inspection. In short, the `perfect storm' has to happen in order to miss printable defects using well-optimized traditional inspection approaches. The introduction of lithographic inspection techniques has revealed this statistical game is a much higher risk than originally estimated, in that very subtle waferprintable CD errors typically fall into the desense band for traditional reticle plane inspection. Because printability is largely influenced by MEEF, designs with high-MEEF values are at greater risk of traditional inspection missing printable CD errors. The question is… how high is high… and at what MEEF is optical inspection at the reticle plane sufficient? This paper will provide evaluation results for both reticle-plane and litho-plane inspections as they pertain to varying degrees of MEEF. A newly designed high-MEEF programmed defect test mask, named VAMPIRE, will be introduced. This test mask is based on 7 nm node technology and contains intentionally varying degrees of MEEF as well as a variety of programmed defects in high-MEEF environments…all of which have been verified for defect lithographic significance on a Zeiss AIMS system.

Automated inspection and precision grinding of spiral bevel gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frint, Harold

1987-01-01

The results are presented of a four phase MM&T program to define, develop, and evaluate an improved inspection system for spiral bevel gears. The improved method utilizes a multi-axis coordinate measuring machine which maps the working flank of the tooth and compares it to nominal reference values stored in the machine's computer. A unique feature of the system is that corrective grinding machine settings can be automatically calculated and printed out when necessary to correct an errant tooth profile. This new method eliminates most of the subjective decision making involved in the present method, which compares contact patterns obtained when the gear set is run under light load in a rolling test machine. It produces a higher quality gear with significant inspection time and cost savings.

Enhanced automated spiral bevel gear inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frint, Harold K.; Glasow, Warren

1992-01-01

Presented here are the results of a manufacturing and technology program to define, develop, and evaluate an enhanced inspection system for spiral bevel gears. The method uses a multi-axis coordinate measuring machine which maps the working surface of the tooth and compares it with nominal reference values stored in the machine's computer. The enhanced technique features a means for automatically calculating corrective grinding machine settings, involving both first and second order changes, to control the tooth profile to within specified tolerance limits. This enhanced method eliminates the subjective decision making involved in the tooth patterning method, still in use today, which compares contract patterns obtained when the gear is set to run under light load in a rolling test machine. It produces a higher quality gear with significant inspection time and cost savings.

Growth of Acousto-Optic Crystals for Applications in Infrared Region of Spectrum

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-30

Acousto - optic (AO) modulators, deflectors, filters offer convenience, reliability, compact size and fast speed in regulation of optical beams. So far...extremely low acousto - optic figure of merit, which automatically results in high requirements on driving electric power and poor diffraction efficiency. It

Distributed optical fiber temperature sensor (DOFTS) system applied to automatic temperature alarm of coal mine and tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zaixuan; Wang, Kequan; Kim, Insoo S.; Wang, Jianfeng; Feng, Haiqi; Guo, Ning; Yu, Xiangdong; Zhou, Bangquan; Wu, Xiaobiao; Kim, Yohee

2000-05-01

The DOFTS system that has applied to temperature automatically alarm system of coal mine and tunnel has been researched. It is a real-time, on line and multi-point measurement system. The wavelength of LD is 1550 nm, on the 6 km optical fiber, 3000 points temperature signal is sampled and the spatial position is certain. Temperature measured region: -50 degree(s)C--100 degree(s)C; measured uncertain value: +/- 3 degree(s)C; temperature resolution: 0.1 degree(s)C; spatial resolution: <5 cm (optical fiber sensor probe); <8 m (spread optical fiber); measured time: <70 s. In the paper, the operated principles, underground test, test content and practical test results have been discussed.

Quality inspection of anisotropic scintillating lead tungstate (PbWO 4) crystals through measurement of interferometric fringe pattern parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cocozzella, N.; Lebeau, M.; Majni, G.; Paone, N.; Rinaldi, D.

2001-08-01

Scintillating crystals are widely used as detectors in radiographic systems, computerized axial tomography devices and in calorimeters employed in high-energy physics. This paper results from a project motivated by the development of the CMS calorimeter at CERN, which will make use of a large number of scintillating crystals. In order to prevent crystals from breaking because of internal residual stress, a quality control system based on optic inspection of interference fringe patterns was developed. The principle of measurement procedures was theoretically modelled, and then a dedicated polariscope was designed and built, in order to observe the crystals under induced stresses or to evaluate the residual internal stresses. The results are innovative and open a new perspective for scintillating crystals quality control: the photoelastic constant normal to the optic axis of the lead tungstate crystals (PbWO 4) was measured, and the inspection procedure developed is applicable to mass production, not only to optimize the crystal processing, but also to establish a quality inspection procedure.

49 CFR 236.567 - Restrictions imposed when device fails and/or is cut out en route.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... cut out en route. 236.567 Section 236.567 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation... GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and Instructions...

49 CFR 236.201 - Track-circuit control of signals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.201 Track-circuit control of signals. The control circuits for home... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Track-circuit control of signals. 236.201 Section...

49 CFR 236.589 - Relays.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.589 Relays. (a) Each relay shall be removed... train stop or train control system, at least once every two years; and (2) All other relays, at least...

49 CFR 236.207 - Electric lock on hand-operated switch; control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.207 Electric lock on hand-operated... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Electric lock on hand-operated switch; control...

49 CFR 236.589 - Relays.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.589 Relays. (a) Each relay shall be removed... train stop or train control system, at least once every two years; and (2) All other relays, at least...

49 CFR 236.201 - Track-circuit control of signals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.201 Track-circuit control of signals. The control circuits for home... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Track-circuit control of signals. 236.201 Section...

46 CFR 63.05-1 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING AUTOMATIC AUXILIARY... is also available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards... (“ANSI/AGA Z21.22”), 63.25-3; and (2) [Reserved] (c) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME...

46 CFR 63.05-1 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING AUTOMATIC AUXILIARY... is also available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards... (“ANSI/AGA Z21.22”), 63.25-3; and (2) [Reserved] (c) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME...

49 CFR 236.588 - Periodic test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Periodic test. 236.588 Section 236.588..., Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.588 Periodic test. Except as provided in § 236.586, periodic test of the automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus...

49 CFR 236.588 - Periodic test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Periodic test. 236.588 Section 236.588..., Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Inspection and Tests; Locomotive § 236.588 Periodic test. Except as provided in § 236.586, periodic test of the automatic train stop, train control, or cab signal apparatus...

National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Lyman Mill Pond (MA 00500), Connecticut River Basin, Southampton, Massachusetts. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

8217’ -,,a r to sa c wi-~ uncr si U,, to uparc toeo b,, vi 1. -L 𔃺 te eLy I2 ocoDtr 1 1 of’UL C 5 1 r, C’ IL oa’m" I G1 J, I 6t-lLM- lonn-. 1 C...8217 170. 1 Locationz Lni m:Lrl-nI 1ndsjisrct; lld;M oraruo’yUpc t.reorii t6(Q bul, Control.9 Pol. _________ Automatic *iiarjUai . Gper ~l.t:!vc Yen

Surface defects evaluation system based on electromagnetic model simulation and inverse-recognition calibration method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yongying; Chai, Huiting; Li, Chen; Zhang, Yihui; Wu, Fan; Bai, Jian; Shen, Yibing

2017-05-01

Digitized evaluation of micro sparse defects on large fine optical surfaces is one of the challenges in the field of optical manufacturing and inspection. The surface defects evaluation system (SDES) for large fine optical surfaces is developed based on our previously reported work. In this paper, the electromagnetic simulation model based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) for vector diffraction theory is firstly established to study the law of microscopic scattering dark-field imaging. Given the aberration in actual optical systems, point spread function (PSF) approximated by a Gaussian function is introduced in the extrapolation from the near field to the far field and the scatter intensity distribution in the image plane is deduced. Analysis shows that both diffraction-broadening imaging and geometrical imaging should be considered in precise size evaluation of defects. Thus, a novel inverse-recognition calibration method is put forward to avoid confusion caused by diffraction-broadening effect. The evaluation method is applied to quantitative evaluation of defects information. The evaluation results of samples of many materials by SDES are compared with those by OLYMPUS microscope to verify the micron-scale resolution and precision. The established system has been applied to inspect defects on large fine optical surfaces and can achieve defects inspection of surfaces as large as 850 mm×500 mm with the resolution of 0.5 μm.

MUSIC-Expected maximization gaussian mixture methodology for clustering and detection of task-related neuronal firing rates.

PubMed

Ortiz-Rosario, Alexis; Adeli, Hojjat; Buford, John A

2017-01-15

Researchers often rely on simple methods to identify involvement of neurons in a particular motor task. The historical approach has been to inspect large groups of neurons and subjectively separate neurons into groups based on the expertise of the investigator. In cases where neuron populations are small it is reasonable to inspect these neuronal recordings and their firing rates carefully to avoid data omissions. In this paper, a new methodology is presented for automatic objective classification of neurons recorded in association with behavioral tasks into groups. By identifying characteristics of neurons in a particular group, the investigator can then identify functional classes of neurons based on their relationship to the task. The methodology is based on integration of a multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm to extract relevant features from the firing rate and an expectation-maximization Gaussian mixture algorithm (EM-GMM) to cluster the extracted features. The methodology is capable of identifying and clustering similar firing rate profiles automatically based on specific signal features. An empirical wavelet transform (EWT) was used to validate the features found in the MUSIC pseudospectrum and the resulting signal features captured by the methodology. Additionally, this methodology was used to inspect behavioral elements of neurons to physiologically validate the model. This methodology was tested using a set of data collected from awake behaving non-human primates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reliable clarity automatic-evaluation method for optical remote sensing images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Bangyong; Shang, Ren; Li, Shengyang; Hei, Baoqin; Liu, Zhiwen

2015-10-01

Image clarity, which reflects the sharpness degree at the edge of objects in images, is an important quality evaluate index for optical remote sensing images. Scholars at home and abroad have done a lot of work on estimation of image clarity. At present, common clarity-estimation methods for digital images mainly include frequency-domain function methods, statistical parametric methods, gradient function methods and edge acutance methods. Frequency-domain function method is an accurate clarity-measure approach. However, its calculation process is complicate and cannot be carried out automatically. Statistical parametric methods and gradient function methods are both sensitive to clarity of images, while their results are easy to be affected by the complex degree of images. Edge acutance method is an effective approach for clarity estimate, while it needs picking out the edges manually. Due to the limits in accuracy, consistent or automation, these existing methods are not applicable to quality evaluation of optical remote sensing images. In this article, a new clarity-evaluation method, which is based on the principle of edge acutance algorithm, is proposed. In the new method, edge detection algorithm and gradient search algorithm are adopted to automatically search the object edges in images. Moreover, The calculation algorithm for edge sharpness has been improved. The new method has been tested with several groups of optical remote sensing images. Compared with the existing automatic evaluation methods, the new method perform better both in accuracy and consistency. Thus, the new method is an effective clarity evaluation method for optical remote sensing images.

An Automatic Video Meteor Observation Using UFO Capture at the Showa Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujiwara, Y.; Nakamura, T.; Ejiri, M.; Suzuki, H.

2012-05-01

The goal of our study is to clarify meteor activities in the southern hemi-sphere by continuous optical observations with video cameras with automatic meteor detection and recording at Syowa station, Antarctica.

1984 European Conference on Optics, Optical Systems and Applications, Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 9-12, 1984, Proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boelger, B.; Ferwerda, H. A.

Various papers on optics, optical systems, and their applications are presented. The general topics addressed include: laser systems, optical and electrooptical materials and devices; novel spectroscopic techniques and applications; inspection, remote sensing, velocimetry, and gauging; optical design and image formation; holography, image processing, and storage; and integrated and fiber optics. Also discussed are: nonlinear optics; nonlinear photorefractive materials; scattering and diffractions applications in materials processing, deposition, and machining; medical and biological applications; and focus on industry.

A semi-automatic traffic sign detection, classification, and positioning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creusen, I. M.; Hazelhoff, L.; de With, P. H. N.

2012-01-01

The availability of large-scale databases containing street-level panoramic images offers the possibility to perform semi-automatic surveying of real-world objects such as traffic signs. These inventories can be performed significantly more efficiently than using conventional methods. Governmental agencies are interested in these inventories for maintenance and safety reasons. This paper introduces a complete semi-automatic traffic sign inventory system. The system consists of several components. First, a detection algorithm locates the 2D position of the traffic signs in the panoramic images. Second, a classification algorithm is used to identify the traffic sign. Third, the 3D position of the traffic sign is calculated using the GPS position of the photographs. Finally, the results are listed in a table for quick inspection and are also visualized in a web browser.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilbert, Andrew J.; Miller, Brian W.; Robinson, Sean M.

Imaging technology is generally considered too invasive for arms control inspections due to the concern that it cannot properly secure sensitive features of the inspected item. But, this same sensitive information, which could include direct information on the form and function of the items under inspection, could be used for robust arms control inspections. The single-pixel X-ray imager (SPXI) is introduced as a method to make such inspections, capturing the salient spatial information of an object in a secure manner while never forming an actual image. We built this method on the theory of compressive sensing and the single pixelmore » optical camera. The performance of the system is quantified using simulated inspections of simple objects. Measures of the robustness and security of the method are introduced and used to determine how robust and secure such an inspection would be. Particularly, it is found that an inspection with low noise (<1%) and high undersampling (>256×) exhibits high robustness and security.« less

Considerations In The Design And Specifications Of An Automatic Inspection System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, David T.

1980-05-01

Considerable activities have been centered around the automation of manufacturing quality control and inspection functions. Several reasons can be cited for this development. The continuous pressure of direct and indirect labor cost increase is only one of the obvious motivations. With the drive for electronics miniaturization come more and more complex processes where control parameters are critical and the yield is highly susceptible to inadequate process monitor and inspection. With multi-step, multi-layer process for substrate fabrication, process defects that are not detected and corrected at certain critical points may render the entire subassembly useless. As a process becomes more complex, the time required to test the product increases significantly in the total build cycle. The urgency to reduce test time brings more pressure to improve in-process control and inspection. The advances and improvements of components, assemblies and systems such as micro-processors, micro-computers, programmable controllers, and other intelligent devices, have made the automation of quality control much more cost effective and justifiable.

Pellet inspection apparatus

DOEpatents

Wilks, Robert S.; Taleff, Alexander; Sturges, Jr., Robert H.

1982-01-01

Apparatus for inspecting nuclear fuel pellets in a sealed container for diameter, flaws, length and weight. The apparatus includes, in an array, a pellet pick-up station, four pellet inspection stations and a pellet sorting station. The pellets are delivered one at a time to the pick-up station by a vibrating bowl through a vibrating linear conveyor. Grippers each associated with a successive pair of the stations are reciprocable together to pick up a pellet at the upstream station of each pair and to deposit the pellet at the corresponding downstream station. The gripper jaws are opened selectively depending on the state of the pellets at the stations and the particular cycle in which the apparatus is operating. Inspection for diameter, flaws and length is effected in each case by a laser beam projected on the pellets by a precise optical system while each pellet is rotated by rollers. Each laser and its optical system are mounted in a container which is free standing on a precise surface and is provided with locating buttons which engage locating holes in the surface so that each laser and its optical system is precisely set. The roller stands are likewise free standing and are similarly precisely positioned. The diameter optical system projects a thin beam of light which scans across the top of each pellet and is projected on a diode array. The fl GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CLAUSE The invention herein described was made in the course of or under a contract or subcontract thereunder with the Department of Energy bearing No. EY-67-14-C-2170.

An improved segmentation method for defects inspection on steel roller surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jirui; Li, Xuekun; Cao, Yuzhong; Shi, Depeng; Yang, Jun; Jiang, Sheng; Rong, Yiming

2018-05-01

In the field of metal rolling, the quality of the steel roller's surface is significant for the final rolling products, e.g. metal sheets or foils. Besides the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness, the optical uniformity of the roller surface is also required for high quality rolling application. The typical optical defects of rollers after finish grinding include speckles, chatter marks, feed traces, and combination of all above. Unlike surface roughness, the optical defects can hardly be characterized by the topography or scanning electrical microscope measurement. Only the inspection by bared eyes of experienced engineers appears to be the effective manner for surface optical defects examination for large steel rollers. In this paper, an on-site machine vision system is designed to add on to the roller grinding machine to capture the surface image, and then an improved optical defects segmentation algorithm is developed based on the active contour model. Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the efficacy of the improved model.

An investigation of noise performance in optical lock-in thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajic, Nik; Antolis, Cedric

2017-12-01

An investigation into the noise performance of optical lock-in thermography (OLT) is described. The study aims to clarify the influence of infrared detector type and key inspection parameters such as illumination strength and lock-in duration on the quality of OLT amplitude and phase imagery. The study compares the performance of a state-of-the-art cooled photon detector with several lower-cost microbolometers. The results reveal a significant noise performance advantage to the photon detector. Under certain inspection regimes the advantage with respect to phase image quality is disproportionately high relative to detector sensitivities. This is shown to result from an explicit dependence in the phase signal variance on the ratio between the signal amplitude and the detector sensitivity. While this finding supports the preferred use of photon detectors for OLT inspections, it does not exclude microbolometers from a useful role. In cases where the significantly lower capital cost and improved practicality of microbolometers provide an advantage it is shown that performance shortfalls can be overcome with a relatively small factorial increase in optical illumination intensity.

Production and characterization of pure cryogenic inertial fusion targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, B. A.; Kamerman, G. W.

An experimental cryogenic inertial fusion target generator and two optical techniques for automated target inspection are described. The generator produces 100 microns diameter solid hydrogen spheres at a rate compatible with fueling requirements of conceptual inertial fusion power plants. A jet of liquified hydrogen is disrupted into droplets by an ultrasonically excited nozzle. The droplets solidify into microspheres while falling through a chamber maintained below the hydrogen triple point pressure. Stable operation of the generator has been demonstrated for up to three hours. The optical inspection techniques are computer aided photomicrography and coarse diffraction pattern analysis (CDPA). The photomicrography system uses a conventional microscope coupled to a computer by a solid state camera and digital image memory. The computer enhances the stored image and performs feature extraction to determine pellet parameters. The CDPA technique uses Fourier transform optics and a special detector array to perform optical processing of a target image.

A Novel Defect Inspection Method for Semiconductor Wafer Based on Magneto-Optic Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Z.; Chen, L.; Li, W.; Zhang, G.; Wu, P.

2013-03-01

The defects of semiconductor wafer may be generated from the manufacturing processes. A novel defect inspection method of semiconductor wafer is presented in this paper. The method is based on magneto-optic imaging, which involves inducing eddy current into the wafer under test, and detecting the magnetic flux associated with eddy current distribution in the wafer by exploiting the Faraday rotation effect. The magneto-optic image being generated may contain some noises that degrade the overall image quality, therefore, in this paper, in order to remove the unwanted noise present in the magneto-optic image, the image enhancement approach using multi-scale wavelet is presented, and the image segmentation approach based on the integration of watershed algorithm and clustering strategy is given. The experimental results show that many types of defects in wafer such as hole and scratch etc. can be detected by the method proposed in this paper.

Convolutional neural networks for an automatic classification of prostate tissue slides with high-grade Gleason score

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez del Toro, Oscar; Atzori, Manfredo; Otálora, Sebastian; Andersson, Mats; Eurén, Kristian; Hedlund, Martin; Rönnquist, Peter; Müller, Henning

2017-03-01

The Gleason grading system was developed for assessing prostate histopathology slides. It is correlated to the outcome and incidence of relapse in prostate cancer. Although this grading is part of a standard protocol performed by pathologists, visual inspection of whole slide images (WSIs) has an inherent subjectivity when evaluated by different pathologists. Computer aided pathology has been proposed to generate an objective and reproducible assessment that can help pathologists in their evaluation of new tissue samples. Deep convolutional neural networks are a promising approach for the automatic classification of histopathology images and can hierarchically learn subtle visual features from the data. However, a large number of manual annotations from pathologists are commonly required to obtain sufficient statistical generalization when training new models that can evaluate the daily generated large amounts of pathology data. A fully automatic approach that detects prostatectomy WSIs with high-grade Gleason score is proposed. We evaluate the performance of various deep learning architectures training them with patches extracted from automatically generated regions-of-interest rather than from manually segmented ones. Relevant parameters for training the deep learning model such as size and number of patches as well as the inclusion or not of data augmentation are compared between the tested deep learning architectures. 235 prostate tissue WSIs with their pathology report from the publicly available TCGA data set were used. An accuracy of 78% was obtained in a balanced set of 46 unseen test images with different Gleason grades in a 2-class decision: high vs. low Gleason grade. Grades 7-8, which represent the boundary decision of the proposed task, were particularly well classified. The method is scalable to larger data sets with straightforward re-training of the model to include data from multiple sources, scanners and acquisition techniques. Automatically generated heatmaps for theWSIs could be useful for improving the selection of patches when training networks for big data sets and to guide the visual inspection of these images.

Multidirectional Image Sensing for Microscopy Based on a Rotatable Robot.

PubMed

Shen, Yajing; Wan, Wenfeng; Zhang, Lijun; Yong, Li; Lu, Haojian; Ding, Weili

2015-12-15

Image sensing at a small scale is essentially important in many fields, including microsample observation, defect inspection, material characterization and so on. However, nowadays, multi-directional micro object imaging is still very challenging due to the limited field of view (FOV) of microscopes. This paper reports a novel approach for multi-directional image sensing in microscopes by developing a rotatable robot. First, a robot with endless rotation ability is designed and integrated with the microscope. Then, the micro object is aligned to the rotation axis of the robot automatically based on the proposed forward-backward alignment strategy. After that, multi-directional images of the sample can be obtained by rotating the robot within one revolution under the microscope. To demonstrate the versatility of this approach, we view various types of micro samples from multiple directions in both optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and panoramic images of the samples are processed as well. The proposed method paves a new way for the microscopy image sensing, and we believe it could have significant impact in many fields, especially for sample detection, manipulation and characterization at a small scale.

Autonomous Underwater Navigation and Optical Mapping in Unknown Natural Environments.

PubMed

Hernández, Juan David; Istenič, Klemen; Gracias, Nuno; Palomeras, Narcís; Campos, Ricard; Vidal, Eduard; García, Rafael; Carreras, Marc

2016-07-26

We present an approach for navigating in unknown environments while, simultaneously, gathering information for inspecting underwater structures using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). To accomplish this, we first use our pipeline for mapping and planning collision-free paths online, which endows an AUV with the capability to autonomously acquire optical data in close proximity. With that information, we then propose a reconstruction pipeline to create a photo-realistic textured 3D model of the inspected area. These 3D models are also of particular interest to other fields of study in marine sciences, since they can serve as base maps for environmental monitoring, thus allowing change detection of biological communities and their environment over time. Finally, we evaluate our approach using the Sparus II, a torpedo-shaped AUV, conducting inspection missions in a challenging, real-world and natural scenario.

Autonomous Underwater Navigation and Optical Mapping in Unknown Natural Environments

PubMed Central

Hernández, Juan David; Istenič, Klemen; Gracias, Nuno; Palomeras, Narcís; Campos, Ricard; Vidal, Eduard; García, Rafael; Carreras, Marc

2016-01-01

We present an approach for navigating in unknown environments while, simultaneously, gathering information for inspecting underwater structures using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). To accomplish this, we first use our pipeline for mapping and planning collision-free paths online, which endows an AUV with the capability to autonomously acquire optical data in close proximity. With that information, we then propose a reconstruction pipeline to create a photo-realistic textured 3D model of the inspected area. These 3D models are also of particular interest to other fields of study in marine sciences, since they can serve as base maps for environmental monitoring, thus allowing change detection of biological communities and their environment over time. Finally, we evaluate our approach using the Sparus II, a torpedo-shaped AUV, conducting inspection missions in a challenging, real-world and natural scenario. PMID:27472337

Automated surface quality inspection with ARGOS: a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiefhaber, Daniel; Etzold, Fabian; Warken, Arno F.; Asfour, Jean-Michel

2017-06-01

The commercial availability of automated inspection systems for optical surfaces specified according to ISO 10110-7 promises unsupervised and automated quality control with reproducible results. In this study, the classification results of the ARGOS inspection system are compared to the decisions by well-trained inspectors based on manual-visual inspection. Both are found to agree in 93.6% of the studied cases. Exemplary cases with differing results are studied, and shown to be partly caused by shortcomings of the ISO 10110-7 standard, which was written for the industry standard manual-visual inspection. Applying it to high resolution images of the whole surface of objective machine vision systems brings with it a few challenges which are discussed.

Development of an ultrasonic weld inspection system based on image processing and neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roca Barceló, Fernando; Jaén del Hierro, Pedro; Ribes Llario, Fran; Real Herráiz, Julia

2018-04-01

Several types of discontinuities and defects may be present on a weld, thus leading to a considerable reduction of its resistance. Therefore, ensuring a high welding quality and reliability has become a matter of key importance for many construction and industrial activities. Among the non-destructive weld testing and inspection techniques, the time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) arises as a very safe (no ionising radiation), precise, reliable and versatile practice. However, this technique presents a relevant drawback, associated to the appearance of speckle noise that should be addressed. In this regard, this paper presents a new, intelligent and automatic method for weld inspection and analysis, based on TOFD, image processing and neural networks. The developed system is capable of detecting weld defects and imperfections with accuracy, and classify them into different categories.

The RISE Framework: Using Learning Analytics to Automatically Identify Open Educational Resources for Continuous Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bodily, Robert; Nyland, Rob; Wiley, David

2017-01-01

The RISE (Resource Inspection, Selection, and Enhancement) Framework is a framework supporting the continuous improvement of open educational resources (OER). The framework is an automated process that identifies learning resources that should be evaluated and either eliminated or improved. This is particularly useful in OER contexts where the…

40 CFR 63.9306 - What are my continuous parameter monitoring system (CPMS) installation, operation, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Engine Test Cells/Stands General Compliane Requirements § 63.9306... at all times that an engine test cell/stand is operating, except during monitoring malfunctions... engine test cell/stand is operating. You must inspect the automatic shutdown system at least once every...

40 CFR 63.9306 - What are my continuous parameter monitoring system (CPMS) installation, operation, and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Engine Test Cells/Stands General Compliane Requirements § 63.9306... at all times that an engine test cell/stand is operating, except during monitoring malfunctions... engine test cell/stand is operating. You must inspect the automatic shutdown system at least once every...

Effect of Charging Electron Exposure on 1064nm Transmission Through Bare Sapphire Optics and SiO2 over HfO2 AR-Coated Sapphire Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ottens, Brian P.; Connelly, Joseph; Brown, Stephen; Roeder, James; Kauder, Lonny; Cavanaugh, John

2010-01-01

Experiments measuring the effect of electron exposure on 1064nm transmission for optical sapphire were conducted. Detailed before and after inspections did not identify any resulting Litchenburg patterns. Pre- and post-exposure 1064nm transmission measurements are compared.

Effect of Charging Electron Exposure on 1064nm Transmission through Bare Sapphire Optics and SiO2 over HfO2 AR-coated Sapphire Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ottens, Brian P.; Connelly, Joseph; Brown, Stephen; Roeder, james; Kauder, Lonny; Cavanaugh, John

2008-01-01

Experiments measuring the effect of electron exposure on 1064nm transmission for optical sapphire were conducted. Detailed before and after inspections did not identify any resulting Litchenburg patterns. Pre- and post-exposure 1064nm transmission measurements are compared.

Inspection of lithographic mask blanks for defects

DOEpatents

Sommargren, Gary E.

2001-01-01

A visible light method for detecting sub-100 nm size defects on mask blanks used for lithography. By using optical heterodyne techniques, detection of the scattered light can be significantly enhanced as compared to standard intensity detection methods. The invention is useful in the inspection of super-polished surfaces for isolated surface defects or particulate contamination and in the inspection of lithographic mask or reticle blanks for surface defects or bulk defects or for surface particulate contamination.

Recent advances in automatic alignment system for the National Ignition Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilhelmsen, Karl; Awwal, Abdul A. S.; Kalantar, Dan; Leach, Richard; Lowe-Webb, Roger; McGuigan, David; Miller Kamm, Vicki

2011-03-01

The automatic alignment system for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a large-scale parallel system that directs all 192 laser beams along the 300-m optical path to a 50-micron focus at target chamber in less than 50 minutes. The system automatically commands 9,000 stepping motors to adjust mirrors and other optics based upon images acquired from high-resolution digital cameras viewing beams at various locations. Forty-five control loops per beamline request image processing services running on a LINUX cluster to analyze these images of the beams and references, and automatically steer the beams toward the target. This paper discusses the upgrades to the NIF automatic alignment system to handle new alignment needs and evolving requirements as related to various types of experiments performed. As NIF becomes a continuously-operated system and more experiments are performed, performance monitoring is increasingly important for maintenance and commissioning work. Data, collected during operations, is analyzed for tuning of the laser and targeting maintenance work. Handling evolving alignment and maintenance needs is expected for the planned 30-year operational life of NIF.

Automatic classification of retinal three-dimensional optical coherence tomography images using principal component analysis network with composite kernels.

PubMed

Fang, Leyuan; Wang, Chong; Li, Shutao; Yan, Jun; Chen, Xiangdong; Rabbani, Hossein

2017-11-01

We present an automatic method, termed as the principal component analysis network with composite kernel (PCANet-CK), for the classification of three-dimensional (3-D) retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Specifically, the proposed PCANet-CK method first utilizes the PCANet to automatically learn features from each B-scan of the 3-D retinal OCT images. Then, multiple kernels are separately applied to a set of very important features of the B-scans and these kernels are fused together, which can jointly exploit the correlations among features of the 3-D OCT images. Finally, the fused (composite) kernel is incorporated into an extreme learning machine for the OCT image classification. We tested our proposed algorithm on two real 3-D spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) datasets (of normal subjects and subjects with the macular edema and age-related macular degeneration), which demonstrated its effectiveness. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Impact of automatic calibration techniques on HMD life cycle costs and sustainable performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Speck, Richard P.; Herz, Norman E., Jr.

2000-06-01

Automatic test and calibration has become a valuable feature in many consumer products--ranging from antilock braking systems to auto-tune TVs. This paper discusses HMDs (Helmet Mounted Displays) and how similar techniques can reduce life cycle costs and increase sustainable performance if they are integrated into a program early enough. Optical ATE (Automatic Test Equipment) is already zeroing distortion in the HMDs and thereby making binocular displays a practical reality. A suitcase sized, field portable optical ATE unit could re-zero these errors in the Ready Room to cancel the effects of aging, minor damage and component replacement. Planning on this would yield large savings through relaxed component specifications and reduced logistic costs. Yet, the sustained performance would far exceed that attained with fixed calibration strategies. Major tactical benefits can come from reducing display errors, particularly in information fusion modules and virtual `beyond visual range' operations. Some versions of the ATE described are in production and examples of high resolution optical test data will be discussed.

A single-pixel X-ray imager concept and its application to secure radiographic inspections

DOE PAGES

Gilbert, Andrew J.; Miller, Brian W.; Robinson, Sean M.; ...

2017-07-01

Imaging technology is generally considered too invasive for arms control inspections due to the concern that it cannot properly secure sensitive features of the inspected item. But, this same sensitive information, which could include direct information on the form and function of the items under inspection, could be used for robust arms control inspections. The single-pixel X-ray imager (SPXI) is introduced as a method to make such inspections, capturing the salient spatial information of an object in a secure manner while never forming an actual image. We built this method on the theory of compressive sensing and the single pixelmore » optical camera. The performance of the system is quantified using simulated inspections of simple objects. Measures of the robustness and security of the method are introduced and used to determine how robust and secure such an inspection would be. Particularly, it is found that an inspection with low noise (<1%) and high undersampling (>256×) exhibits high robustness and security.« less

A single-pixel X-ray imager concept and its application to secure radiographic inspections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, Andrew J.; Miller, Brian W.; Robinson, Sean M.; White, Timothy A.; Pitts, William Karl; Jarman, Kenneth D.; Seifert, Allen

2017-07-01

Imaging technology is generally considered too invasive for arms control inspections due to the concern that it cannot properly secure sensitive features of the inspected item. However, this same sensitive information, which could include direct information on the form and function of the items under inspection, could be used for robust arms control inspections. The single-pixel X-ray imager (SPXI) is introduced as a method to make such inspections, capturing the salient spatial information of an object in a secure manner while never forming an actual image. The method is built on the theory of compressive sensing and the single pixel optical camera. The performance of the system is quantified using simulated inspections of simple objects. Measures of the robustness and security of the method are introduced and used to determine how robust and secure such an inspection would be. In particular, it is found that an inspection with low noise ( < 1 %) and high undersampling ( > 256 ×) exhibits high robustness and security.

Computer vision for automatic inspection of agricultural produce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molto, Enrique; Blasco, Jose; Benlloch, Jose V.

1999-01-01

Fruit and vegetables suffer different manipulations from the field to the final consumer. These are basically oriented towards the cleaning and selection of the product in homogeneous categories. For this reason, several research projects, aimed at fast, adequate produce sorting and quality control are currently under development around the world. Moreover, it is possible to find manual and semi- automatic commercial system capable of reasonably performing these tasks.However, in many cases, their accuracy is incompatible with current European market demands, which are constantly increasing. IVIA, the Valencian Research Institute of Agriculture, located in Spain, has been involved in several European projects related with machine vision for real-time inspection of various agricultural produces. This paper will focus on the work related with two products that have different requirements: fruit and olives. In the case of fruit, the Institute has developed a vision system capable of providing assessment of the external quality of single fruit to a robot that also receives information from other senors. The system use four different views of each fruit and has been tested on peaches, apples and citrus. Processing time of each image is under 500 ms using a conventional PC. The system provides information about primary and secondary color, blemishes and their extension, and stem presence and position, which allows further automatic orientation of the fruit in the final box using a robotic manipulator. Work carried out in olives was devoted to fast sorting of olives for consumption at table. A prototype has been developed to demonstrate the feasibility of a machine vision system capable of automatically sorting 2500 kg/h olives using low-cost conventional hardware.

Stretch-tuning optical fiber Bragg gratings using macro-fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allison, Sidney G.; Shams, Qamar A.; Geddis, Demetris L.

2005-11-01

The demand for high safety and reliability standards for aerospace vehicles has resulted in time-consuming periodic on-ground inspections. These inspections usually call for the disassembling and reassembling of the vehicle, which can lead to damage or degradation of structures or auxiliary systems. In order to increase aerospace vehicle safety and reliability while reducing the cost of inspection, an on-board real-time structural health monitoring sensing system is required. There are a number of systems that can be used to monitor the structures of aerospace vehicles. Fiber optic sensors have been at the forefront of the health monitoring sensing system research. Most of the research has been focused on the development of Bragg grating-based fiber optic sensors. Along with the development of fiber Bragg grating sensors has been the development of a grating measurement technique based on the principle of optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), which enables the interrogation of hundreds of low reflectivity Bragg gratings. One drawback of these measurement systems is the 1 - 3 Hz measurement speed, which is limited by commercially available tunable lasers. The development of high-speed fiber stretching mechanisms to provide high rate tunable Erbium-doped optical fiber lasers can alleviate this drawback. One successful approach used a thin-layer composite unimorph ferroelectric driver and sensor (THUNDER) piezoelectric actuator, and obtained 5.3-nm wavelength shift. To eliminate the mechanical complexity of the THUNDER actuator, the research reported herein uses the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator to tune Bragg grating based optical fibers.

Global optimization method based on ray tracing to achieve optimum figure error compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaolin; Guo, Xuejia; Tang, Tianjin

2017-02-01

Figure error would degrade the performance of optical system. When predicting the performance and performing system assembly, compensation by clocking of optical components around the optical axis is a conventional but user-dependent method. Commercial optical software cannot optimize this clocking. Meanwhile existing automatic figure-error balancing methods can introduce approximate calculation error and the build process of optimization model is complex and time-consuming. To overcome these limitations, an accurate and automatic global optimization method of figure error balancing is proposed. This method is based on precise ray tracing to calculate the wavefront error, not approximate calculation, under a given elements' rotation angles combination. The composite wavefront error root-mean-square (RMS) acts as the cost function. Simulated annealing algorithm is used to seek the optimal combination of rotation angles of each optical element. This method can be applied to all rotational symmetric optics. Optimization results show that this method is 49% better than previous approximate analytical method.

Classification and printability of EUV mask defects from SEM images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Wonil; Price, Daniel; Morgan, Paul A.; Rost, Daniel; Satake, Masaki; Tolani, Vikram L.

2017-10-01

Classification and Printability of EUV Mask Defects from SEM images EUV lithography is starting to show more promise for patterning some critical layers at 5nm technology node and beyond. However, there still are many key technical obstacles to overcome before bringing EUV Lithography into high volume manufacturing (HVM). One of the greatest obstacles is manufacturing defect-free masks. For pattern defect inspections in the mask-shop, cutting-edge 193nm optical inspection tools have been used so far due to lacking any e-beam mask inspection (EBMI) or EUV actinic pattern inspection (API) tools. The main issue with current 193nm inspection tools is the limited resolution for mask dimensions targeted for EUV patterning. The theoretical resolution limit for 193nm mask inspection tools is about 60nm HP on masks, which means that main feature sizes on EUV masks will be well beyond the practical resolution of 193nm inspection tools. Nevertheless, 193nm inspection tools with various illumination conditions that maximize defect sensitivity and/or main-pattern modulation are being explored for initial EUV defect detection. Due to the generally low signal-to-noise in the 193nm inspection imaging at EUV patterning dimensions, these inspections often result in hundreds and thousands of defects which then need to be accurately reviewed and dispositioned. Manually reviewing each defect is difficult due to poor resolution. In addition, the lack of a reliable aerial dispositioning system makes it very challenging to disposition for printability. In this paper, we present the use of SEM images of EUV masks for higher resolution review and disposition of defects. In this approach, most of the defects detected by the 193nm inspection tools are first imaged on a mask SEM tool. These images together with the corresponding post-OPC design clips are provided to KLA-Tencor's Reticle Decision Center (RDC) platform which provides ADC (Automated Defect Classification) and S2A (SEM-to-Aerial printability) analysis of every defect. First, a defect-free or reference mask SEM is rendered from the post-OPC design, and the defective signature is detected from the defect-reference difference image. These signatures help assess the true nature of the defect as evident in e-beam imaging; for example, excess or missing absorber, line-edge roughness, contamination, etc. Next, defect and reference contours are extracted from the grayscale SEM images and fed into the simulation engine with an EUV scanner model to generate corresponding EUV defect and reference aerial images. These are then analyzed for printability and dispositioned using an Aerial Image Analyzer (AIA) application to automatically measure and determine the amount of CD errors. Thus by integrating EUV ADC and S2A applications together, every defect detection is characterized for its type and printability which is essential for not only determining which defects to repair, but also in monitoring the performance of EUV mask process tools. The accuracy of the S2A print modeling has been verified with other commercially-available simulators, and will also be verified with actual wafer print results. With EUV lithography progressing towards volume manufacturing at 5nm technology, and the likelihood of EBMI inspectors approaching the horizon, the EUV ADC-S2A system will continue serving an essential role of dispositioning defects off e-beam imaging.

Magneto-optic imaging inspection of selected corrosion specimens : technical note

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-06-21

A feasibility demonstration was conducted at the facilities of Physical Research Instrumentation Company, (RI) in Redmond, Washington. The purpose of the demonstration was to compare the effectiveness of the PRI Model 301-1 magneto-optic imaging (MOI...

Development of and Improved Magneto-Optic/Eddy-Current Imager

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-04-01

Magneto-optic/eddy-current imaging technology has been developed and approved for inspection of cracks in aging aircraft. This relatively new nondestructive test method gives the inspector the ability to quickly generate real-time eddy-current images...

Particle swarm optimization applied to automatic lens design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Hua

2011-06-01

This paper describes a novel application of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique to lens design. A mathematical model is constructed, and merit functions in an optical system are employed as fitness functions, which combined radiuses of curvature, thicknesses among lens surfaces and refractive indices regarding an optical system. By using this function, the aberration correction is carried out. A design example using PSO is given. Results show that PSO as optical design tools is practical and powerful, and this method is no longer dependent on the lens initial structure and can arbitrarily create search ranges of structural parameters of a lens system, which is an important step towards automatic design with artificial intelligence.

Simulation and visualization of fundamental optics phenomenon by LabVIEW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyu, Bohan

2017-08-01

Most instructors teach complex phenomenon by equation and static illustration without interactive multimedia. Students usually memorize phenomenon by taking note. However, only note or complex formula can not make user visualize the phenomenon of the photonics system. LabVIEW is a good tool for in automatic measurement. However, the simplicity of coding in LabVIEW makes it not only suit for automatic measurement, but also suitable for simulation and visualization of fundamental optics phenomenon. In this paper, five simple optics phenomenon will be discuss and simulation with LabVIEW. They are Snell's Law, Hermite-Gaussian beam transverse mode, square and circular aperture diffraction, polarization wave and Poincare sphere, and finally Fabry-Perrot etalon in spectrum domain.

Diffractive optical element in materials testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silvennoinen, Raimo V. J.; Peiponen, Kai-Erik

1998-09-01

The object of this paper is to present a sensor based on diffractive optics that can be applied for the materials testing. The present sensor, which is based on the use of a computer-generated hologram (CGH) exploits the holographic imagery. The CGH-sensor was introduced for inspection of surface roughness and flatness of metal surfaces. The results drawn out by the present sensor are observed to be in accordance with the experimental data. Together with the double exposure holographic interferometry (DEHI) and digital electronic speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) in elasticity inspection, the sensor was applied for the investigations of surface quality of opaque fragile materials, which are pharmaceutical compacts. The optical surface quality was observed to be related to the porosity of the pharmaceutical tablets. The CGH-sensor was also applied for investigations of optical quality of thin films as PLZT ceramics and coating of pharmaceutical compacts. The surfaces of PLZT samples showed fluctuations in optical curvature, and wedgeness for all the cases studied. For pharmaceutical compacts, the optical signals were observed to depend to a great extent on the optical constants of the coatings and the substrates, and in addition to the surface porosity under the coating.

Failure Analysis of CCD Image Sensors Using SQUID and GMR Magnetic Current Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felt, Frederick S.

2005-01-01

During electrical testing of a Full Field CCD Image Senor, electrical shorts were detected on three of six devices. These failures occurred after the parts were soldered to the PCB. Failure analysis was performed to determine the cause and locations of these failures on the devices. After removing the fiber optic faceplate, optical inspection was performed on the CCDs to understand the design and package layout. Optical inspection revealed that the device had a light shield ringing the CCD array. This structure complicated the failure analysis. Alternate methods of analysis were considered, including liquid crystal, light and thermal emission, LT/A, TT/A SQUID, and MP. Of these, SQUID and MP techniques were pursued for further analysis. Also magnetoresistive current imaging technology is discussed and compared to SQUID.

Compact probing system using remote imaging for industrial plant maintenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, F.; Nishimura, A.

2014-03-01

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and endoscope observation were combined to design a remote probing device. We use this probing device to inspect a crack of the inner wall of the heat exchanger. Crack inspection requires speed at first, and then it requires accuracy. Once Eddy Current Testing (ECT) finds a crack with a certain signal level, another method should confirm it visually. We are proposing Magnetic particle Testing (MT) using specially fabricated the Magnetic Particle Micro Capsule (MPMC). For LIBS, a multichannel spectrometer and a Q-switch YAG laser were used. Irradiation area is 270 μm, and the pulse energy was 2 mJ. This pulse energy corresponds to 5-2.2 MW/cm2. A composite-type optical fiber was used to deliver both laser energy and optical image. Samples were prepared to heat a zirconium alloy plate by underwater arc welding in order to demonstrate severe accidents of nuclear power plants. A black oxide layer covered the weld surface and white particles floated on water surface. Laser induced breakdown plasma emission was taken into the spectroscope using this optical fiber combined with telescopic optics. As a result, we were able to simultaneously perform spectroscopic measurement and observation. For MT, the MPMC which gathered in the defective area is observed with this fiber. The MPMC emits light by the illumination of UV light from this optical fiber. The size of a defect is estimated with this amount of emission. Such technology will be useful for inspection repair of reactor pipe.

Optical surface analysis: a new technique for the inspection and metrology of optoelectronic films and wafers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bechtler, Laurie; Velidandla, Vamsi

2003-04-01

In response to demand for higher volumes and greater product capability, integrated optoelectronic device processing is rapidly increasing in complexity, benefiting from techniques developed for conventional silicon integrated circuit processing. The needs for high product yield and low manufacturing cost are also similar to the silicon wafer processing industry. This paper discusses the design and use of an automated inspection instrument called the Optical Surface Analyzer (OSA) to evaluate two critical production issues in optoelectronic device manufacturing: (1) film thickness uniformity, and (2) defectivity at various process steps. The OSA measurement instrument is better suited to photonics process development than most equipment developed for conventional silicon wafer processing in two important ways: it can handle both transparent and opaque substrates (unlike most inspection and metrology tools), and it is a full-wafer inspection method that captures defects and film variations over the entire substrate surface (unlike most film thickness measurement tools). Measurement examples will be provided in the paper for a variety of films and substrates used for optoelectronics manufacturing.

Defect reduction of patterned media templates and disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Kang; Ha, Steven; Fretwell, John; Ramos, Rick; Ye, Zhengmao; Schmid, Gerard; LaBrake, Dwayne; Resnick, Douglas J.; Sreenivasan, S. V.

2010-05-01

Imprint lithography has been shown to be an effective technique for the replication of nano-scale features. Acceptance of imprint lithography for manufacturing will require a demonstration of defect levels commensurate with cost-effective device production. This work summarizes the results of defect inspections of hard disks patterned using Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography (J-FILTM). Inspections were performed with optical based automated inspection tools. For the hard drive market, it is important to understand the defectivity of both the template and the imprinted disk. This work presents a methodology for automated pattern inspection and defect classification for imprint-patterned media. Candela CS20 and 6120 tools from KLA-Tencor map the optical properties of the disk surface, producing highresolution grayscale images of surface reflectivity and scattered light. Defects that have been identified in this manner are further characterized according to the morphology. The imprint process was tested after optimizing both the disk cleaning and adhesion layers processes that precede imprinting. An extended imprint run was performed and both the defect types and trends are reported.

A smart ROV solution for ship hull and harbor inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, Scott; Wood, Jon; Vazquez, Jose; Mignotte, Pierre-Yves; Privat, Benjamin

2010-04-01

Hull and harbor infrastructure inspections are frequently performed manually and involve quite a bit of risk and human and monetary resources. In any kind of threat and resource constrained environment, this involves unacceptable levels of risk and cost. Modern Remotely Operated Vehicles are highly refined machines that provide features and capabilities previously unavailable. Operations once carried out by divers can now be carried out more quickly, efficiently and safely by smart enabled ROVs. ROVs are rapidly deployable and capable of continuous, reliable operations in adverse conditions. They also provide a stable platform on which multiple sensors may be mounted and utilized to meet the harbor inspection problem. Automated Control software provides ROV's and their pilots with the capability to inspect complex, constrained environments such as those found in a harbor region. This application and the user interface allow the ROV to automatically conduct complex maneuvers relative to the area being inspected and relieves the training requirements and work load for the pilot, allowing he or she to focus on the primary task of survey, inspection and looking for possible threats (such as IEDs, Limpet Mines, signs of sabotage, etc). Real-time sensor processing tools can be integrated into the smart ROV solution to assist the operator. Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) algorithms are used to search through the sensor data collected by the ROV in real time. These algorithms provide immediate feedback on possible threats and notify the operator of regions that may require manual verification. Sensor data (sonar or video) is also mosaiced, providing the operator with real-time situational awareness and a coverage map of the hull or seafloor. Detected objects may also be placed in the context of the large scale characteristics of the hull (or bottom or pilings) and localized. Within the complex areas such as the harbor pier pilings and the running gear of the ship, real-time 3D reconstruction techniques may be used to process profiling sonar data for similar applications. An observation class ROV equipped with sensors, running an operator in the loop, Automated Surface-Computer (ASC) system can inspect an entire harbor region. These systems can autonomously provide coverage information, identify possible threats and provide the level of control required to operate in confined environments. The system may be controlled autonomously or by the operator. Previous inspection results may also be used for change detection applications. This paper presents the SeeByte Smart ROV and sensor processing technology relevant to the harbor inspection problem. These technologies have been tested extensively in real world applications and trials and are demonstrated using real data and examples.

Automatic Rail Extraction and Celarance Check with a Point Cloud Captured by Mls in a Railway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niina, Y.; Honma, R.; Honma, Y.; Kondo, K.; Tsuji, K.; Hiramatsu, T.; Oketani, E.

2018-05-01

Recently, MLS (Mobile Laser Scanning) has been successfully used in a road maintenance. In this paper, we present the application of MLS for the inspection of clearance along railway tracks of West Japan Railway Company. Point clouds around the track are captured by MLS mounted on a bogie and rail position can be determined by matching the shape of the ideal rail head with respect to the point cloud by ICP algorithm. A clearance check is executed automatically with virtual clearance model laid along the extracted rail. As a result of evaluation, the accuracy of extracting rail positions is less than 3 mm. With respect to the automatic clearance check, the objects inside the clearance and the ones related to a contact line is successfully detected by visual confirmation.

Non-destructive inspection in industrial equipment using robotic mobile manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurtua, Iñaki; Susperregi, Loreto; Ansuategui, Ander; Fernández, Ane; Ibarguren, Aitor; Molina, Jorge; Tubio, Carlos; Villasante, Cristobal; Felsch, Torsten; Pérez, Carmen; Rodriguez, Jorge R.; Ghrissi, Meftah

2016-05-01

MAINBOT project has developed service robots based applications to autonomously execute inspection tasks in extensive industrial plants in equipment that is arranged horizontally (using ground robots) or vertically (climbing robots). The industrial objective has been to provide a means to help measuring several physical parameters in multiple points by autonomous robots, able to navigate and climb structures, handling non-destructive testing sensors. MAINBOT has validated the solutions in two solar thermal plants (cylindrical-parabolic collectors and central tower), that are very demanding from mobile manipulation point of view mainly due to the extension (e.g. a thermal solar plant of 50Mw, with 400 hectares, 400.000 mirrors, 180 km of absorber tubes, 140m height tower), the variability of conditions (outdoor, day-night), safety requirements, etc. Once the technology was validated in simulation, the system was deployed in real setups and different validation tests carried out. In this paper two of the achievements related with the ground mobile inspection system are presented: (1) Autonomous navigation localization and planning algorithms to manage navigation in huge extensions and (2) Non-Destructive Inspection operations: thermography based detection algorithms to provide automatic inspection abilities to the robots.

Automatic Near-Real-Time Image Processing Chain for Very High Resolution Optical Satellite Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostir, K.; Cotar, K.; Marsetic, A.; Pehani, P.; Perse, M.; Zaksek, K.; Zaletelj, J.; Rodic, T.

2015-04-01

In response to the increasing need for automatic and fast satellite image processing SPACE-SI has developed and implemented a fully automatic image processing chain STORM that performs all processing steps from sensor-corrected optical images (level 1) to web-delivered map-ready images and products without operator's intervention. Initial development was tailored to high resolution RapidEye images, and all crucial and most challenging parts of the planned full processing chain were developed: module for automatic image orthorectification based on a physical sensor model and supported by the algorithm for automatic detection of ground control points (GCPs); atmospheric correction module, topographic corrections module that combines physical approach with Minnaert method and utilizing anisotropic illumination model; and modules for high level products generation. Various parts of the chain were implemented also for WorldView-2, THEOS, Pleiades, SPOT 6, Landsat 5-8, and PROBA-V. Support of full-frame sensor currently in development by SPACE-SI is in plan. The proposed paper focuses on the adaptation of the STORM processing chain to very high resolution multispectral images. The development concentrated on the sub-module for automatic detection of GCPs. The initially implemented two-step algorithm that worked only with rasterized vector roads and delivered GCPs with sub-pixel accuracy for the RapidEye images, was improved with the introduction of a third step: super-fine positioning of each GCP based on a reference raster chip. The added step exploits the high spatial resolution of the reference raster to improve the final matching results and to achieve pixel accuracy also on very high resolution optical satellite data.

Scale factor gage for fiber optics inspection device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmahon, W.; Sugg, F. E.

1971-01-01

Flexible wire device, fastened along outside of fiber bundle from viewing portion to tip, positions calibrated adjustable gage in field of view. Scale factor is determined from known magnification characteristics of fiber optics system or from graduations on gage tip.

OPTICAL correlation identification technology applied in underwater laser imaging target identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Guang-tao; Zhang, Xiao-hui; Ge, Wei-long

2012-01-01

The underwater laser imaging detection is an effective method of detecting short distance target underwater as an important complement of sonar detection. With the development of underwater laser imaging technology and underwater vehicle technology, the underwater automatic target identification has gotten more and more attention, and is a research difficulty in the area of underwater optical imaging information processing. Today, underwater automatic target identification based on optical imaging is usually realized with the method of digital circuit software programming. The algorithm realization and control of this method is very flexible. However, the optical imaging information is 2D image even 3D image, the amount of imaging processing information is abundant, so the electronic hardware with pure digital algorithm will need long identification time and is hard to meet the demands of real-time identification. If adopt computer parallel processing, the identification speed can be improved, but it will increase complexity, size and power consumption. This paper attempts to apply optical correlation identification technology to realize underwater automatic target identification. The optics correlation identification technology utilizes the Fourier transform characteristic of Fourier lens which can accomplish Fourier transform of image information in the level of nanosecond, and optical space interconnection calculation has the features of parallel, high speed, large capacity and high resolution, combines the flexibility of calculation and control of digital circuit method to realize optoelectronic hybrid identification mode. We reduce theoretical formulation of correlation identification and analyze the principle of optical correlation identification, and write MATLAB simulation program. We adopt single frame image obtained in underwater range gating laser imaging to identify, and through identifying and locating the different positions of target, we can improve the speed and orientation efficiency of target identification effectively, and validate the feasibility of this method primarily.

Automated pharmaceutical tablet coating layer evaluation of optical coherence tomography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markl, Daniel; Hannesschläger, Günther; Sacher, Stephan; Leitner, Michael; Khinast, Johannes G.; Buchsbaum, Andreas

2015-03-01

Film coating of pharmaceutical tablets is often applied to influence the drug release behaviour. The coating characteristics such as thickness and uniformity are critical quality parameters, which need to be precisely controlled. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) shows not only high potential for off-line quality control of film-coated tablets but also for in-line monitoring of coating processes. However, an in-line quality control tool must be able to determine coating thickness measurements automatically and in real-time. This study proposes an automatic thickness evaluation algorithm for bi-convex tables, which provides about 1000 thickness measurements within 1 s. Beside the segmentation of the coating layer, optical distortions due to refraction of the beam by the air/coating interface are corrected. Moreover, during in-line monitoring the tablets might be in oblique orientation, which needs to be considered in the algorithm design. Experiments were conducted where the tablet was rotated to specified angles. Manual and automatic thickness measurements were compared for varying coating thicknesses, angles of rotations, and beam displacements (i.e. lateral displacement between successive depth scans). The automatic thickness determination algorithm provides highly accurate results up to an angle of rotation of 30°. The computation time was reduced to 0.53 s for 700 thickness measurements by introducing feasibility constraints in the algorithm.

Patterned mask inspection technology with Projection Electron Microscope (PEM) technique for 11 nm half-pitch (hp) generation EUV masks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirano, Ryoichi; Iida, Susumu; Amano, Tsuyoshi; Watanabe, Hidehiro; Hatakeyama, Masahiro; Murakami, Takeshi; Yoshikawa, Shoji; Suematsu, Kenichi; Terao, Kenji

2015-07-01

High-sensitivity EUV mask pattern defect detection is one of the major issues in order to realize the device fabrication by using the EUV lithography. We have already designed a novel Projection Electron Microscope (PEM) optics that has been integrated into a new inspection system named EBEYE-V30 ("Model EBEYE" is an EBARA's model code), and which seems to be quite promising for 16 nm hp generation EUVL Patterned mask Inspection (PI). Defect inspection sensitivity was evaluated by capturing an electron image generated at the mask by focusing onto an image sensor. The progress of the novel PEM optics performance is not only about making an image sensor with higher resolution but also about doing a better image processing to enhance the defect signal. In this paper, we describe the experimental results of EUV patterned mask inspection using the above-mentioned system. The performance of the system is measured in terms of defect detectability for 11 nm hp generation EUV mask. To improve the inspection throughput for 11 nm hp generation defect detection, it would require a data processing rate of greater than 1.5 Giga- Pixel-Per-Second (GPPS) that would realize less than eight hours of inspection time including the step-and-scan motion associated with the process. The aims of the development program are to attain a higher throughput, and enhance the defect detection sensitivity by using an adequate pixel size with sophisticated image processing resulting in a higher processing rate.

Surface Inspection Machine Infrared (SIMIR). Final CRADA report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, G.L.; Neu, J.T.; Beecroft, M.

This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement was a one year effort to make the surface inspection machine based on diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (Surface Inspection Machine-Infrared, SIMIR), being developed by Surface Optics Corporation, perform to its highest potential as a practical, portable surface inspection machine. The design function of the SIMIR is to inspect metal surfaces for cleanliness (stains). The system is also capable of evaluating graphite-resin systems for cure and heat damage, and for measuring the effects of moisture exposure on lithium hydride, corrosion on uranium metal, and the constituents of and contamination on wood, paper, and fabrics. Overmore » the period of the CRADA, extensive experience with the use of the SIMIR for surface cleanliness measurements have been achieved through collaborations with NASA and the Army. The SIMIR was made available to the AMTEX CRADA for Finish on Yarn where it made a very significant contribution. The SIMIR was the foundation of a Forest Products CRADA that was developed over the time interval of this CRADA. Surface Optics Corporation and the SIMIR have been introduced to the chemical spectroscopy on-line analysis market and have made staffing additions and arrangements for international marketing of the SIMIR as an on-line surface inspection device. LMES has been introduced to a wide range of aerospace applications, the research and fabrication skills of Surface Optics Corporation, has gained extensive experience in the areas of surface cleanliness from collaborations with NASA and the Army, and an extensive introduction to the textile and forest products industries. The SIMIR, marketed as the SOC-400, has filled an important new technology need in the DOE-DP Enhanced Surveillance Program with instruments delivered to or on order by LMES, LANL, LLNL, and Pantex, where extensive collaborations are underway to implement and improve this technology.« less

Optimization of an Optical Inspection System Based on the Taguchi Method for Quantitative Analysis of Point-of-Care Testing

PubMed Central

Yeh, Chia-Hsien; Zhao, Zi-Qi; Shen, Pi-Lan; Lin, Yu-Cheng

2014-01-01

This study presents an optical inspection system for detecting a commercial point-of-care testing product and a new detection model covering from qualitative to quantitative analysis. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) strips (cut-off value of the hCG commercial product is 25 mIU/mL) were the detection target in our study. We used a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor to detect the colors of the test line and control line in the specific strips and to reduce the observation errors by the naked eye. To achieve better linearity between the grayscale and the concentration, and to decrease the standard deviation (increase the signal to noise ratio, S/N), the Taguchi method was used to find the optimal parameters for the optical inspection system. The pregnancy test used the principles of the lateral flow immunoassay, and the colors of the test and control line were caused by the gold nanoparticles. Because of the sandwich immunoassay model, the color of the gold nanoparticles in the test line was darkened by increasing the hCG concentration. As the results reveal, the S/N increased from 43.48 dB to 53.38 dB, and the hCG concentration detection increased from 6.25 to 50 mIU/mL with a standard deviation of less than 10%. With the optimal parameters to decrease the detection limit and to increase the linearity determined by the Taguchi method, the optical inspection system can be applied to various commercial rapid tests for the detection of ketamine, troponin I, and fatty acid binding protein (FABP). PMID:25256108

Connected component analysis of review-SEM images for sub-10nm node process verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halder, Sandip; Leray, Philippe; Sah, Kaushik; Cross, Andrew; Parisi, Paolo

2017-03-01

Analysis of hotspots is becoming more and more critical as we scale from node to node. To define true process windows at sub-14 nm technology nodes, often defect inspections are being included to weed out design weak spots (often referred to as hotspots). Defect inspection sub 28 nm nodes is a two pass process. Defect locations identified by optical inspection tools need to be reviewed by review-SEM's to understand exactly which feature is failing in the region flagged by the optical tool. The images grabbed by the review-SEM tool are used for classification but rarely for quantification. The goal of this paper is to see if the thousands of review-SEM images which are existing can be used for quantification and further analysis. More specifically we address the SEM quantification problem with connected component analysis.

Inspection of aging aircraft: A manufacturer's perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagemaier, Donald J.

1992-01-01

Douglas, in conjunction with operators and regulators, has established interrelated programs to identify and address issues regarding inspection of aging aircraft. These inspection programs consist of the following: Supplemental Inspection Documents; Corrosion Prevention and Control Documents; Repair Assessment Documents; and Service Bulletin Compliance Documents. In addition, airframe manufacturers perform extended airframe fatigue tests to deal with potential problems before they can develop in the fleet. Lastly, nondestructive inspection (NDI) plays a role in all these programs through the detection of cracks, corrosion, and disbonds. However, improved and more cost effective NDI methods are needed. Some methods such as magneto-optic imaging, electronic shearography, Diffractor-Sight, and multi-parameter eddy current testing appear viable for near-term improvements in NDI of aging aircraft.

Cross correlation anomaly detection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Micka, E. Z. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

This invention provides a method for automatically inspecting the surface of an object, such as an integrated circuit chip, whereby the data obtained by the light reflected from the surface, caused by a scanning light beam, is automatically compared with data representing acceptable values for each unique surface. A signal output provided indicated of acceptance or rejection of the chip. Acceptance is based on predetermined statistical confidence intervals calculated from known good regions of the object being tested, or their representative values. The method can utilize a known good chip, a photographic mask from which the I.C. was fabricated, or a computer stored replica of each pattern being tested.

Development of machine-vision system for gap inspection of muskmelon grafted seedlings.

PubMed

Liu, Siyao; Xing, Zuochang; Wang, Zifan; Tian, Subo; Jahun, Falalu Rabiu

2017-01-01

Grafting robots have been developed in the world, but some auxiliary works such as gap-inspecting for grafted seedlings still need to be done by human. An machine-vision system of gap inspection for grafted muskmelon seedlings was developed in this study. The image acquiring system consists of a CCD camera, a lens and a front white lighting source. The image of inspected gap was processed and analyzed by software of HALCON 12.0. The recognition algorithm for the system is based on principle of deformable template matching. A template should be created from an image of qualified grafted seedling gap. Then the gap image of the grafted seedling will be compared with the created template to determine their matching degree. Based on the similarity between the gap image of grafted seedling and the template, the matching degree will be 0 to 1. The less similar for the grafted seedling gap with the template the smaller of matching degree. Thirdly, the gap will be output as qualified or unqualified. If the matching degree of grafted seedling gap and the template is less than 0.58, or there is no match is found, the gap will be judged as unqualified; otherwise the gap will be qualified. Finally, 100 muskmelon seedlings were grafted and inspected to test the gap inspection system. Results showed that the gap inspection machine-vision system could recognize the gap qualification correctly as 98% of human vision. And the inspection speed of this system can reach 15 seedlings·min-1. The gap inspection process in grafting can be fully automated with this developed machine-vision system, and the gap inspection system will be a key step of a fully-automatic grafting robots.

Reliability of High I/O High Density CCGA Interconnect Electronic Packages under Extreme Thermal Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramesham, Rajeshuni

2012-01-01

This paper provides the experimental test results of advanced CCGA packages tested in extreme temperature thermal environments. Standard optical inspection and x-ray non-destructive inspection tools were used to assess the reliability of high density CCGA packages for deep space extreme temperature missions. Ceramic column grid array (CCGA) packages have been increasing in use based on their advantages such as high interconnect density, very good thermal and electrical performances, compatibility with standard surface-mount packaging assembly processes, and so on. CCGA packages are used in space applications such as in logic and microprocessor functions, telecommunications, payload electronics, and flight avionics. As these packages tend to have less solder joint strain relief than leaded packages or more strain relief over lead-less chip carrier packages, the reliability of CCGA packages is very important for short-term and long-term deep space missions. We have employed high density CCGA 1152 and 1272 daisy chained electronic packages in this preliminary reliability study. Each package is divided into several daisy-chained sections. The physical dimensions of CCGA1152 package is 35 mm x 35 mm with a 34 x 34 array of columns with a 1 mm pitch. The dimension of the CCGA1272 package is 37.5 mm x 37.5 mm with a 36 x 36 array with a 1 mm pitch. The columns are made up of 80% Pb/20%Sn material. CCGA interconnect electronic package printed wiring polyimide boards have been assembled and inspected using non-destructive x-ray imaging techniques. The assembled CCGA boards were subjected to extreme temperature thermal atmospheric cycling to assess their reliability for future deep space missions. The resistance of daisy-chained interconnect sections were monitored continuously during thermal cycling. This paper provides the experimental test results of advanced CCGA packages tested in extreme temperature thermal environments. Standard optical inspection and x-ray non-destructive inspection tools were used to assess the reliability of high density CCGA packages for deep space extreme temperature missions. Keywords: Extreme temperatures, High density CCGA qualification, CCGA reliability, solder joint failures, optical inspection, and x-ray inspection.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilbert, Andrew J.; Miller, Brian W.; Robinson, Sean M.

Imaging technology is generally considered too invasive for arms control inspections due to the concern that it cannot properly secure sensitive features of the inspected item. However, this same sensitive information, which could include direct information on the form and function of the items under inspection, could be used for robust arms control inspections. The single-pixel X-ray imager (SPXI) is introduced as a method to make such inspections, capturing the salient spatial information of an object in a secure manner while never forming an actual image. The method is built on the theory of compressive sensing and the single pixelmore » optical camera. The performance of the system is quantified here using simulated inspections of simple objects. Measures of the robustness and security of the method are introduced and used to determine how such an inspection would be made which can maintain high robustness and security. In particular, it is found that an inspection with low noise (<1%) and high undersampling (>256×) exhibits high robustness and security.« less

Pattern Inspection of EUV Masks Using DUV Light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Ted; Tejnil, Edita; Stivers, Alan R.

2002-12-01

Inspection of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography masks requires reflected light and this poses special challenges for inspection tool suppliers as well as for mask makers. Inspection must detect all the printable defects in the absorber pattern as well as printable process-related defects. Progress has been made under the NIST ATP project on "Intelligent Mask Inspection Systems for Next Generation Lithography" in assessing the factors that impact the inspection tool sensitivity. We report in this paper the inspection of EUV masks with programmed absorber defects using 257nm light. All the materials of interests for masks are highly absorptive to EUV light as compared to deep ultraviolet (DUV) light. Residues and contamination from mask fabrication process and handling are prone to be printable. Therefore, it is critical to understand their EUV printability and optical inspectability. Process related defects may include residual buffer layer such as oxide, organic contaminants and possible over-etch to the multilayer surface. Both simulation and experimental results will be presented in this paper.

X-Ray Cargo Inspection: Status and Trends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Gongyin; Bjorkholm, Paul; Fox, Timothy R.; Wilson, Zane; Bonsergent, Xavier

2009-03-01

Over the past several years, x-ray cargo inspection has experienced tremendous growth. There are several hundred systems in use world wide and a few new units are installed every week. Fielded systems are mostly located in north and West Africa, Middle East, Europe (especially Russia), East Asia, and South America. The majority of systems are powered by Varian M3, M6 or M9 Linac x-ray sources. The spatial resolution of these systems is typically 3-5 mm, penetration ranges from around 200 mm to 450 mm of steel and contrast sensitivity is typically 1-4%. Inspection throughput ranges from about 20 trucks per hour to 200 trucks per hour. Currently the systems are primarily used to fight import tax evasion and smuggling of controlled substances. There are a few clear trends: Imaging performance has been steadily improving; a variety of systems have been developed to fit different needs; also, there is a strong effort in material discrimination, or even identification and automatic detection. The last, but not least trend is a shift to security applications. The US government has launched major efforts such as CAARS and JINII to fight nuclear threat and systems that can automatically detect a small amount of high atomic number materials are being developed. This paper only covers RF linear accelerator based X-ray sources, which prevail in the industry. Induction accelerators (Betatrons) have some limited use in low-end imaging systems and high duty factors sources have recently been proposed for study.

Automatic image analysis and spot classification for detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli on glass slide DNA microarrays

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A computer algorithm was created to inspect scanned images from DNA microarray slides developed to rapidly detect and genotype E. Coli O157 virulent strains. The algorithm computes centroid locations for signal and background pixels in RGB space and defines a plane perpendicular to the line connect...

50 CFR 260.81 - Readjustment and increase in hourly rates of fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Readjustment and increase in hourly rates of fees. (a) When Federal Pay Act increases occur, the hourly rates for inspection fees will automatically be increased on the effective date of the pay act by an amount equal to the increase received by the average GS grade level of fishery product inspectors receiving...

50 CFR 260.81 - Readjustment and increase in hourly rates of fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Readjustment and increase in hourly rates of fees. (a) When Federal Pay Act increases occur, the hourly rates for inspection fees will automatically be increased on the effective date of the pay act by an amount equal to the increase received by the average GS grade level of fishery product inspectors receiving...

A low-cost color vision system for automatic estimation of apple fruit orientation and maximum equatorial diameter

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The overall objective of this research was to develop an in-field presorting and grading system to separate undersized and defective fruit from fresh market-grade apples. To achieve this goal, a cost-effective machine vision inspection prototype was built, which consisted of a low-cost color camera,...

Development of the EURITRACK tagged neutron inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perot, B.; Carasco, C.; Bernard, S.; Mariani, A.; Szabo, J.-L.; Mercier, E.; Sannie, G.; Viesti, G.; Nebbia, G.; Pesente, S.; Lunardon, M.; Moretto, S.; Fabris, D.; Zenoni, A.; Bonomi, G.; Donzella, A.; Fontana, A.; Boghen, G.; Valkovic, V.; Sudac, D.; Moszynski, M.; Batsch, T.; Gierlik, M.; Woski, D.; Klamra, W.; Isaksson, P.; Le Tourneur, P.; Lhuissier, M.; Colonna, A.; Tintori, C.; Peerani, P.; Sequeira, V.; Salvato, M.

2007-08-01

The EURopean Illicit TRAfficing Countermeasures Kit (EURITRACK) project is part of the 6th European Union Framework Program. It aims at developing a Tagged Neutron Inspection System (TNIS) to detect illicit materials, such as explosives and narcotics, in cargo containers. Fast neutron induced reactions produce specific gamma-rays used to determine the chemical composition of the inspected material. The associated particle technique is employed to precisely locate the interaction points of the neutrons. A new deuterium-tritium neutron generator has been developed, including a pixelized alpha particle detector. The TNIS also comprises high-efficiency fast neutron and gamma-ray detectors, a dedicated front-end electronics and an integrated software to entirely drive the system and automatically process the data. Most components have been integrated during last months at Institute Ruder Boskovic, in Zagreb, Croatia. An overview of the TNIS and of its preliminary performances is presented.

An airport cargo inspection system based on X-ray and thermal neutron analysis (TNA).

PubMed

Ipe, Nisy E; Akery, A; Ryge, P; Brown, D; Liu, F; Thieu, J; James, B

2005-01-01

A cargo inspection system incorporating a high-resolution X-ray imaging system with a material-specific detection system based on Ancore Corporation's patented thermal neutron analysis (TNA) technology can detect bulk quantities of explosives and drugs concealed in trucks or cargo containers. The TNA process utilises a 252Cf neutron source surrounded by a moderator. The neutron interactions with the inspected object result in strong and unique gamma-ray signals from nitrogen, which is a key ingredient in modern high explosives, and from chlorinated drugs. The TNA computer analyses the gamma-ray signals and automatically determines the presence of explosives or drugs. The radiation source terms and shielding design of the facility are described. For the X-ray generator, the primary beam, leakage radiation, and scattered primary and leakage radiation were considered. For the TNA, the primary neutrons and tunnel scattered neutrons as well as the neutron-capture gamma rays were considered.

Calibration and Validation Plan for the L2A Processor and Products of the SENTINEL-2 Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Main-Knorn, M.; Pflug, B.; Debaecker, V.; Louis, J.

2015-04-01

The Copernicus programme, is a European initiative for the implementation of information services based on observation data received from Earth Observation (EO) satellites and ground based information. In the frame of this programme, ESA is developing the Sentinel-2 optical imaging mission that will deliver optical data products designed to feed downstream services mainly related to land monitoring, emergency management and security. To ensure the highest quality of service, ESA sets up the Sentinel-2 Mission Performance Centre (MPC) in charge of the overall performance monitoring of the Sentinel-2 mission. TPZ F and DLR have teamed up in order to provide the best added-value support to the MPC for calibration and validation of the Level-2A processor (Sen2Cor) and products. This paper gives an overview over the planned L2A calibration and validation activities. Level-2A processing is applied to Top-Of-Atmosphere (TOA) Level-1C ortho-image reflectance products. Level-2A main output is the Bottom-Of-Atmosphere (BOA) corrected reflectance product. Additional outputs are an Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) map, a Water Vapour (WV) map and a Scene Classification (SC) map with Quality Indicators for cloud and snow probabilities. Level-2A BOA, AOT and WV outputs are calibrated and validated using ground-based data of automatic operating stations and data of in-situ campaigns. Scene classification is validated by the visual inspection of test datasets and cross-sensor comparison, supplemented by meteorological data, if available. Contributions of external in-situ campaigns would enlarge the reference dataset and enable extended validation exercise. Therefore, we are highly interested in and welcome external contributors.

Pattern centric design based sensitive patterns and process monitor in manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiang, Chingyun; Cheng, Guojie; Wu, Kechih

2017-03-01

When design rule is mitigating to smaller dimension, process variation requirement is tighter than ever and challenges the limits of device yield. Masks, lithography, etching and other processes have to meet very tight specifications in order to keep defect and CD within the margins of the process window. Conventionally, Inspection and metrology equipments are utilized to monitor and control wafer quality in-line. In high throughput optical inspection, nuisance and review-classification become a tedious labor intensive job in manufacturing. Certain high-resolution SEM images are taken to validate defects after optical inspection. These high resolution SEM images catch not only optical inspection highlighted point, also its surrounding patterns. However, this pattern information is not well utilized in conventional quality control method. Using this complementary design based pattern monitor not only monitors and analyzes the variation of patterns sensitivity but also reduce nuisance and highlight defective patterns or killer defects. After grouping in either single or multiple layers, systematic defects can be identified quickly in this flow. In this paper, we applied design based pattern monitor in different layers to monitor process variation impacts on all kinds of patterns. First, the contour of high resolutions SEM image is extracted and aligned to design with offset adjustment and fine alignment [1]. Second, specified pattern rules can be applied on design clip area, the same size as SEM image, and form POI (pattern of interest) areas. Third, the discrepancy of contour and design measurement at different pattern types in measurement blocks. Fourth, defective patterns are reported by discrepancy detection criteria and pattern grouping [4]. Meanwhile, reported pattern defects are ranked by number and severity by discrepancy. In this step, process sensitive high repeatable systematic defects can be identified quickly Through this design based process pattern monitor method, most of optical inspection nuisances can be filtered out at contour to design discrepancy measurement. Daily analysis results are stored at database as reference to compare with incoming data. Defective pattern library contains existing and known systematic defect patterns which help to catch and identify new pattern defects or process impacts. On the other hand, this defect pattern library provides extra valuable information for mask, pattern and defects verification, inspection care area generation, further OPC fix and process enhancement and investigation.

Topograph for inspection of engine cylinder walls.

PubMed

Franz, S; Leonhardt, K; Windecker, R; Tiziani, H J

1999-12-20

The microstructural inspection of engine cylinder walls is an important task for quality management in the automotive industry. Until recently, mainly tactile methods were used for this purpose. We present an optical instrument based on microscopic fringe projection that permits fast, reliable, and nondestructive measurements of microstructure. The field of view is 0.8 mm x 1.2 mm, with a spatial sampling of 1100 x 700 pixels. In contrast to conventional tactile sensors, the optical method provides fast in situ three-dimensional surface characterizations that provide more information about the surface than do line profiles. Measurements are presented, and advantages of this instrument for characterization of a surface are discussed.

Automated stent defect detection and classification with a high numerical aperture optical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermudez, Carlos; Laguarta, Ferran; Cadevall, Cristina; Matilla, Aitor; Ibañez, Sergi; Artigas, Roger

2017-06-01

Stent quality control is a highly critical process. Cardiovascular stents have to be inspected 100% so as no defective stent is implanted in a human body. However, this visual control is currently performed manually and every stent could need tenths of minutes to be inspected. In this paper, a novel optical inspection system is presented. By the combination of a high numerical aperture (NA) optical system, a rotational stage and a line-scan camera, unrolled sections of the outer and inner surfaces of the stent are obtained and image-processed at high speed. Defects appearing in those surfaces and also in the edges are extremely contrasted due to the shadowing effect of the high NA illumination and acquisition approach. Therefore by means of morphological operations and a sensitivity parameter, defects are detected. Based on a trained defect library, a binary classifier sorts each kind of defect through a set of scoring vectors, providing the quality operator with all the required information to finally take a decision. We expect this new approach to make defect detection completely objective and to dramatically reduce the time and cost of stent quality control stage.

Optical Fiber On-Line Detection System for Non-Touch Monitoring Roller Shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Y.; Wang, Y. T.

2006-10-01

Basing on the principle of reflective displacement fiber-optic sensor, a high accuracy non-touch on-line optical fiber measurement system for roller shape is presented. The principle and composition of the detection system and the operation process are expatiated also. By using a novel probe of three optical fibers in equal transverse space, the effects of fluctuations in the light source, reflective changing of target surface and the intensity losses in the fiber lines are automatically compensated. Meantime, an optical fiber sensor model of correcting static error based on BP artificial neural network (ANN) is set up. Also by using interpolation method and value filtering to process the signals, effectively reduce the influence of random noise and the vibration of the roller bearing. So enhance the accuracy and resolution remarkably. Experiment proves that the accuracy of the system reach to the demand of practical production process, it provides a new method for the high speed, accurate and automatic on line detection of the mill roller shape.

Optical stent inspection of surface texture and coating thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermudez, Carlos; Laguarta, Ferran; Cadevall, Cristina; Matilla, Aitor; Ibañez, Sergi; Artigas, Roger

2017-02-01

Stent quality control is a critical process. Coronary stents have to be inspected 100% so no defective stent is implanted into a human body. We have developed a high numerical aperture optical stent inspection system able to acquire both 2D and 3D images. Combining a rotational stage, an area camera with line-scan capability and a triple illumination arrangement, unrolled sections of the outer, inner, and sidewalls surfaces are obtained with high resolution. During stent inspection, surface roughness and coating thickness uniformity is of high interest. Due to the non-planar shape of the surface of the stents, the thickness values of the coating need to be corrected with the 3D surface local slopes. A theoretical model and a simulation are proposed, and a measurement with white light interferometry is shown. Confocal and spectroscopic reflectometry showed to be limited in this application due to stent surface roughness. Due to the high numerical aperture of the optical system, only certain parts of the stent are in focus, which is a problem for defect detection, specifically on the sidewalls. In order to obtain fully focused 2D images, an extended depth of field algorithm has been implemented. A comparison between pixel variance and Laplacian filtering is shown. To recover the stack image, two different methods are proposed: maximum projection and weighted intensity. Finally, we also discuss the implementation of the processing algorithms in both the CPU and GPU, targeting real-time 2-Million pixel image acquisition at 50 frames per second.

Flexible mobile robot system for smart optical pipe inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kampfer, Wolfram; Bartzke, Ralf; Ziehl, Wolfgang

1998-03-01

Damages of pipes can be inspected and graded by TV technology available on the market. Remotely controlled vehicles carry a TV-camera through pipes. Thus, depending on the experience and the capability of the operator, diagnosis failures can not be avoided. The classification of damages requires the knowledge of the exact geometrical dimensions of the damages such as width and depth of cracks, fractures and defect connections. Within the framework of a joint R&D project a sensor based pipe inspection system named RODIAS has been developed with two partners from industry and research institute. It consists of a remotely controlled mobile robot which carries intelligent sensors for on-line sewerage inspection purpose. The sensor is based on a 3D-optical sensor and a laser distance sensor. The laser distance sensor is integrated in the optical system of the camera and can measure the distance between camera and object. The angle of view can be determined from the position of the pan and tilt unit. With coordinate transformations it is possible to calculate the spatial coordinates for every point of the video image. So the geometry of an object can be described exactly. The company Optimess has developed TriScan32, a special software for pipe condition classification. The user can start complex measurements of profiles, pipe displacements or crack widths simply by pressing a push-button. The measuring results are stored together with other data like verbal damage descriptions and digitized images in a data base.

Automatic neutron dosimetry system based on fluorescent nuclear track detector technology.

PubMed

Akselrod, M S; Fomenko, V V; Bartz, J A; Haslett, T L

2014-10-01

For the first time, the authors are describing an automatic fluorescent nuclear track detector (FNTD) reader for neutron dosimetry. FNTD is a luminescent integrating type of detector made of aluminium oxide crystals that does not require electronics or batteries during irradiation. Non-destructive optical readout of the detector is performed using a confocal laser scanning fluorescence imaging with near-diffraction limited resolution. The fully automatic table-top reader allows one to load up to 216 detectors on a tray, read their engraved IDs using a CCD camera and optical character recognition, scan and process simultaneously two types of images in fluorescent and reflected laser light contrast to eliminate false-positive tracks related to surface and volume crystal imperfections. The FNTD dosimetry system allows one to measure neutron doses from 0.1 mSv to 20 Sv and covers neutron energies from thermal to 20 MeV. The reader is characterised by a robust, compact optical design, fast data processing electronics and user-friendly software. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Damage modeling and statistical analysis of optics damage performance in MJ-class laser systems.

PubMed

Liao, Zhi M; Raymond, B; Gaylord, J; Fallejo, R; Bude, J; Wegner, P

2014-11-17

Modeling the lifetime of a fused silica optic is described for a multiple beam, MJ-class laser system. This entails combining optic processing data along with laser shot data to account for complete history of optic processing and shot exposure. Integrating with online inspection data allows for the construction of a performance metric to describe how an optic performs with respect to the model. This methodology helps to validate the damage model as well as allows strategic planning and identifying potential hidden parameters that are affecting the optic's performance.

Optical performance of a PDMS tunable lens with automatically controlled applied stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz-Felix, Angel S.; Santiago-Alvarado, Agustín.; Hernández-Méndez, Arturo; Reyes-Pérez, Emilio R.; Tepichín-Rodriguez, Eduardo

2016-09-01

The advances in the field of adaptive optics and in the fabrication of tunable optical components capable to automatically modify their physical features are of great interest in areas like machine vision, imaging systems, ophthalmology, etc. Such components like tunable lenses are used to reduce the overall size of optical setups like in small camera systems and even to imitate some biological functions made by the human eye. In this direction, in the last years we have been working in the development and fabrication of PDMS-made tunable lenses and in the design of special mechanical mounting systems to manipulate them. A PDMS-made tunable lens was previously designed by us, following the scheme reported by Navarro et al. in 1985, in order to mimic the accommodation process made by the crystalline lens of the human eye. The design included a simulation of the application of radial stress onto the lens and it was shown that the effective focal length was indeed changed. In this work we show the fabrication process of this particular tunable lens and an optimized mechanism that is able to automatically change the curvature of both surfaces of the lens by the application of controlled stress. We also show results of a study and analysis of aberrations performed to the Solid Elastic Lens (SEL).

Intelligentization: an efficient means to get more from optical networking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi Yun

2001-10-01

Infocom is a term used to describe the merger of Information and Communications and is used to show the radical changes in today's network traffic. The continuous growth of Infocom traffic, especially that of Internet, is driving Infocom networks to expand rapidly. To service providers, the traffic is consuming the bandwidth of their network. Simultaneously, users are complaining too slow, the net never stopped in China. It is the reality faced by both the service providers and equipment vendors. Demands from both the customers and competition in market call for an efficient network infrastructure. What should a Service Provider do? This paper will first analyze the development trends of optical networking and the formation of the concepts of Intelligent Optical Network (ION) and Automatic Switched Optical Network (ASON) as a solution to this problem. Next it will look at the ways to bring intelligence into optical networks, discussing the benefits to service providers by showing some application examples. Finally, it concludes that the development of optical networking has arrived at a point of introducing intelligence into optical networks. The intelligent optical networks and Automatic Switched Optical Networks will immediately bring a wide range of benefit to service providers, equipment vendors, and, of course, the end users.

Automated detection and classification of dice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correia, Bento A. B.; Silva, Jeronimo A.; Carvalho, Fernando D.; Guilherme, Rui; Rodrigues, Fernando C.; de Silva Ferreira, Antonio M.

1995-03-01

This paper describes a typical machine vision system in an unusual application, the automated visual inspection of a Casino's playing tables. The SORTE computer vision system was developed at INETI under a contract with the Portuguese Gaming Inspection Authorities IGJ. It aims to automate the tasks of detection and classification of the dice's scores on the playing tables of the game `Banca Francesa' (which means French Banking) in Casinos. The system is based on the on-line analysis of the images captured by a monochrome CCD camera placed over the playing tables, in order to extract relevant information concerning the score indicated by the dice. Image processing algorithms for real time automatic throwing detection and dice classification were developed and implemented.

Metal surface corrosion grade estimation from single image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yijun; Qi, Lin; Sun, Huyuan; Fan, Hao; Dong, Junyu

2018-04-01

Metal corrosion can cause many problems, how to quickly and effectively assess the grade of metal corrosion and timely remediation is a very important issue. Typically, this is done by trained surveyors at great cost. Assisting them in the inspection process by computer vision and artificial intelligence would decrease the inspection cost. In this paper, we propose a dataset of metal surface correction used for computer vision detection and present a comparison between standard computer vision techniques by using OpenCV and deep learning method for automatic metal surface corrosion grade estimation from single image on this dataset. The test has been performed by classifying images and calculating the accuracy for the two different approaches.

Obstacle negotiation control for a mobile robot suspended on overhead ground wires by optoelectronic sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Li; Yi, Ruan

2009-11-01

Power line inspection and maintenance already benefit from developments in mobile robotics. This paper presents mobile robots capable of crossing obstacles on overhead ground wires. A teleoperated robot realizes inspection and maintenance tasks on power transmission line equipment. The inspection robot is driven by 11 motor with two arms, two wheels and two claws. The inspection robot is designed to realize the function of observation, grasp, walk, rolling, turn, rise, and decline. This paper is oriented toward 100% reliable obstacle detection and identification, and sensor fusion to increase the autonomy level. An embedded computer based on PC/104 bus is chosen as the core of control system. Visible light camera and thermal infrared Camera are both installed in a programmable pan-and-tilt camera (PPTC) unit. High-quality visual feedback rapidly becomes crucial for human-in-the-loop control and effective teleoperation. The communication system between the robot and the ground station is based on Mesh wireless networks by 700 MHz bands. An expert system programmed with Visual C++ is developed to implement the automatic control. Optoelectronic laser sensors and laser range scanner were installed in robot for obstacle-navigation control to grasp the overhead ground wires. A novel prototype with careful considerations on mobility was designed to inspect the 500KV power transmission lines. Results of experiments demonstrate that the robot can be applied to execute the navigation and inspection tasks.

Guideline for Optical Character Recognition Forms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Bureau of Standards (DOC), Washington, DC.

This publication provides materials relating to the design, preparation, acquisition, inspection, and application of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) forms in data entry systems. Since the materials are advisory and tutorial in nature, this publication has been issued as a guideline rather than as a standard in the Federal Information…

Remote laboratories for optical metrology: from the lab to the cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osten, W.; Wilke, M.; Pedrini, G.

2012-10-01

The idea of remote and virtual metrology has been reported already in 2000 with a conceptual illustration by use of comparative digital holography, aimed at the comparison of two nominally identical but physically different objects, e.g., master and sample, in industrial inspection processes. However, the concept of remote and virtual metrology can be extended far beyond this. For example, it does not only allow for the transmission of static holograms over the Internet, but also provides an opportunity to communicate with and eventually control the physical set-up of a remote metrology system. Furthermore, the metrology system can be modeled in the environment of a 3D virtual reality using CAD or similar technology, providing a more intuitive interface to the physical setup within the virtual world. An engineer or scientist who would like to access the remote real world system can log on to the virtual system, moving and manipulating the setup through an avatar and take the desired measurements. The real metrology system responds to the interaction between the avatar and the 3D virtual representation, providing a more intuitive interface to the physical setup within the virtual world. The measurement data are stored and interpreted automatically for appropriate display within the virtual world, providing the necessary feedback to the experimenter. Such a system opens up many novel opportunities in industrial inspection such as the remote master-sample-comparison and the virtual assembling of parts that are fabricated at different places. Moreover, a multitude of new techniques can be envisaged. To them belong modern ways for documenting, efficient methods for metadata storage, the possibility for remote reviewing of experimental results, the adding of real experiments to publications by providing remote access to the metadata and to the experimental setup via Internet, the presentation of complex experiments in classrooms and lecture halls, the sharing of expensive and complex infrastructure within international collaborations, the implementation of new ways for the remote test of new devices, for their maintenance and service, and many more. The paper describes the idea of remote laboratories and illustrates the potential of the approach on selected examples with special attention to optical metrology.

46 CFR 160.170-13 - Approval inspections and tests for prototype automatic release mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... as built. The plans must include, in triplicate, the instructions for training and maintenance... determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this...

46 CFR 160.170-13 - Approval inspections and tests for prototype automatic release mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... as built. The plans must include, in triplicate, the instructions for training and maintenance... determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this...

46 CFR 160.170-13 - Approval inspections and tests for prototype automatic release mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... as built. The plans must include, in triplicate, the instructions for training and maintenance... determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this...

Melt dumping in string stabilized ribbon growth

DOEpatents

Sachs, Emanuel M.

1986-12-09

A method and apparatus for stabilizing the edge positions of a ribbon drawn from a melt includes the use of wettable strings drawn in parallel up through the melt surface, the ribbon being grown between the strings. A furnace and various features of the crucible used therein permit continuous automatic growth of flat ribbons without close temperature control or the need for visual inspection.

Testing and inspecting lens by holographic means

DOEpatents

Hildebrand, Bernard P.

1976-01-01

Processes for the accurate, rapid and inexpensive testing and inspecting of oncave and convex lens surfaces through holographic means requiring no beamsplitters, mirrors or overpower optics, and wherein a hologram formed in accordance with one aspect of the invention contains the entire interferometer and serves as both a master and illuminating source for both concave and said convex surfaces to be so tested.

Relative attitude dynamics and control for a satellite inspection mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horri, Nadjim M.; Kristiansen, Kristian U.; Palmer, Phil; Roberts, Mark

2012-02-01

The problem of conducting an inspection mission from a chaser satellite orbiting a target spaceraft is considered. It is assumed that both satellites follow nearly circular orbits. The relative orbital motion is described by the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equation. In the case of an elliptic relative orbit, it is shown that an inspection mission is feasible when the chaser is inertially pointing, provided that the camera mounted on the chaser satellite has sufficiently large field of view. The same possibility is shown when the optical axis of the chaser's camera points in, or opposite to, the tangential direction of the local vertical local horizontal frame. For an arbitrary relative orbit and arbitrary initial conditions, the concept of relative Euler angles is defined for this inspection mission. The expression of the desired relative angular velocity vector is derived as a function of Cartesian coordinates of the relative orbit. A quaternion feedback controller is then designed and shown to perform relative attitude control with admissible internal torques. Three different types of relative orbits are considered, namely the elliptic, Pogo and drifting relative orbits. Measurements of the relative orbital motion are assumed to be available from optical navigation.

Measurement results obtained from air quality monitoring system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turzanski, P.K.; Beres, R.

1995-12-31

An automatic system of air pollution monitoring operates in Cracow since 1991. The organization, assembling and start-up of the network is a result of joint efforts of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Cracow environmental protection service. At present the automatic monitoring network is operated by the Provincial Inspection of Environmental Protection. There are in total seven stationary stations situated in Cracow to measure air pollution. These stations are supported continuously by one semi-mobile (transportable) station. It allows to modify periodically the area under investigation and therefore the 3-dimensional picture of creation and distribution of air pollutants within Cracowmore » area could be more intelligible.« less

Automatic visual monitoring of welding procedure in stainless steel kegs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leo, Marco; Del Coco, Marco; Carcagnì, Pierluigi; Spagnolo, Paolo; Mazzeo, Pier Luigi; Distante, Cosimo; Zecca, Raffaele

2018-05-01

In this paper a system for automatic visual monitoring of welding process, in dry stainless steel kegs for food storage, is proposed. In the considered manufacturing process the upper and lower skirts are welded to the vessel by means of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. During the process several problems can arise: 1) residuals on the bottom 2) darker weld 3) excessive/poor penetration and 4) outgrowths. The proposed system deals with all the four aforementioned problems and its inspection performances have been evaluated by using a large set of kegs demonstrating both the reliability in terms of defect detection and the suitability to be introduced in the manufacturing system in terms of computational costs.

Taxonomic classification of soils using digital information from LANDSAT data. Huayllamarca and eucaliptus areas. M.S. Thesis - Bolivia Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quiroga, S. Q.

1977-01-01

The applicability of LANDSAT digital information to soil mapping is described. A compilation of all cartographic information and bibliography of the study area is made. LANDSAT MSS images on a scale of 1:250,000 are interpreted and a physiographic map with legend is prepared. The study area is inspected and a selection of the sample areas is made. A digital map of the different soil units is produced and the computer mapping units are checked against the soil units encountered in the field. The soil boundaries obtained by automatic mapping were not substantially changed by field work. The accuracy of the automatic mapping is rather high.

Automatic low-order aberration correction based on geometrical optics for slab lasers.

PubMed

Yu, Xin; Dong, Lizhi; Lai, Boheng; Yang, Ping; Liu, Yong; Kong, Qingfeng; Yang, Kangjian; Tang, Guomao; Xu, Bing

2017-02-20

In this paper, we present a method based on geometry optics to simultaneously correct low-order aberrations and reshape the beams of slab lasers. A coaxial optical system with three lenses is adapted. The positions of the three lenses are directly calculated based on the beam parameters detected by wavefront sensors. The initial sizes of the input beams are 1.8  mm×11  mm, and peak-to-valley (PV) values of the wavefront range up to several tens of microns. After automatic correction, the dimensions may reach nearly 22  mm×22  mm as expected, and PV values of the wavefront are less than 2 μm. The effectiveness and precision of this method are verified with experiments.

Defect inspection in hot slab surface: multi-source CCD imaging based fuzzy-rough sets method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Liming; Zhang, Yi; Xu, Xiaodong; Xiao, Hong; Huang, Chao

2016-09-01

To provide an accurate surface defects inspection method and make the automation of robust image region of interests(ROI) delineation strategy a reality in production line, a multi-source CCD imaging based fuzzy-rough sets method is proposed for hot slab surface quality assessment. The applicability of the presented method and the devised system are mainly tied to the surface quality inspection for strip, billet and slab surface etcetera. In this work we take into account the complementary advantages in two common machine vision (MV) systems(line array CCD traditional scanning imaging (LS-imaging) and area array CCD laser three-dimensional (3D) scanning imaging (AL-imaging)), and through establishing the model of fuzzy-rough sets in the detection system the seeds for relative fuzzy connectedness(RFC) delineation for ROI can placed adaptively, which introduces the upper and lower approximation sets for RIO definition, and by which the boundary region can be delineated by RFC region competitive classification mechanism. For the first time, a Multi-source CCD imaging based fuzzy-rough sets strategy is attempted for CC-slab surface defects inspection that allows an automatic way of AI algorithms and powerful ROI delineation strategies to be applied to the MV inspection field.

Frame Shift/warp Compensation for the ARID Robot System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latino, Carl D.

1991-01-01

The Automatic Radiator Inspection Device (ARID) is a system aimed at automating the tedious task of inspecting orbiter radiator panels. The ARID must have the ability to aim a camera accurately at the desired inspection points, which are in the order of 13,000. The ideal inspection points are known; however, the panel may be relocated due to inaccurate parking and warpage. A method of determining the mathematical description of a translated as well as a warped surface by accurate measurement of only a few points on this surface is developed here. The method uses a linear warp model whose effect is superimposed on the rigid body translation. Due to the angles involved, small angle approximations are possible, which greatly reduces the computational complexity. Given an accurate linear warp model, all the desired translation and warp parameters can be obtained by knowledge of the ideal locations of four fiducial points and the corresponding measurements of these points on the actual radiator surface. The method uses three of the fiducials to define a plane and the fourth to define the warp. Given this information, it is possible to determine a transformation that will enable the ARID system to translate any desired inspection point on the ideal surface to its corresponding value on the actual surface.

Optical microtopographic inspection of the surface of tooth subjected to stripping reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Manuel F.; Pereira, Pedro B.

2011-05-01

In orthodontics, the decreasing of tooth-size by reducing interproximal enamel surfaces (stripping) of teeth is a common procedure which allows dental alignment with minimal changes in the facial profile and no arch expansion. In order to achieve smooth surfaces, clinicians have been testing various methods and progressively improved this therapeutic technique. In order to evaluate the surface roughness of teeth subject to interproximal reduction through the five most commonly used methods, teeth were inspected by scanning electron microscopy and microtopographically measured using the optical active triangulation based microtopographer MICROTOP.06.MFC. The metrological procedure will be presented as well as the comparative results concluding on the most suitable tooth interproximal reduction method.

Automatic Cataloguing and Searching for Retrospective Data by Use of OCR Text.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tseng, Yuen-Hsien

2001-01-01

Describes efforts in supporting information retrieval from OCR (optical character recognition) degraded text. Reports on approaches used in an automatic cataloging and searching contest for books in multiple languages, including a vector space retrieval model, an n-gram indexing method, and a weighting scheme; and discusses problems of Asian…

Automatic segmentation of the choroid in enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images.

PubMed

Tian, Jing; Marziliano, Pina; Baskaran, Mani; Tun, Tin Aung; Aung, Tin

2013-03-01

Enhanced Depth Imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-definition cross-sectional images of the choroid in vivo, and hence is used in many clinical studies. However, the quantification of the choroid depends on the manual labelings of two boundaries, Bruch's membrane and the choroidal-scleral interface. This labeling process is tedious and subjective of inter-observer differences, hence, automatic segmentation of the choroid layer is highly desirable. In this paper, we present a fast and accurate algorithm that could segment the choroid automatically. Bruch's membrane is detected by searching the pixel with the biggest gradient value above the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choroidal-scleral interface is delineated by finding the shortest path of the graph formed by valley pixels using Dijkstra's algorithm. The experiments comparing automatic segmentation results with the manual labelings are conducted on 45 EDI-OCT images and the average of Dice's Coefficient is 90.5%, which shows good consistency of the algorithm with the manual labelings. The processing time for each image is about 1.25 seconds.

Emerging nondestructive inspection methods for aging aircraft

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beattie, A; Dahlke, L; Gieske, J

This report identifies and describes emerging nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods that can potentially be used to inspect commercial transport and commuter aircraft for structural damage. The nine categories of emerging NDI techniques are: acoustic emission, x-ray computed tomography, backscatter radiation, reverse geometry x-ray, advanced electromagnetics, including magnetooptic imaging and advanced eddy current techniques, coherent optics, advanced ultrasonics, advanced visual, and infrared thermography. The physical principles, generalized performance characteristics, and typical applications associated with each method are described. In addition, aircraft inspection applications are discussed along with the associated technical considerations. Finally, the status of each technique is presented, with amore » discussion on when it may be available for use in actual aircraft maintenance programs. It should be noted that this is a companion document to DOT/FAA/CT-91/5, Current Nondestructive Inspection Methods for Aging Aircraft.« less

Proposal of an innovative benchmark for comparison of the performance of contactless digitizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iuliano, Luca; Minetola, Paolo; Salmi, Alessandro

2010-10-01

Thanks to the improving performances of 3D optical scanners, in terms of accuracy and repeatability, reverse engineering applications have extended from CAD model design or reconstruction to quality control. Today, contactless digitizing devices constitute a good alternative to coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for the inspection of certain parts. The German guideline VDI/VDE 2634 is the only reference to evaluate whether 3D optical measuring systems comply with the declared or required performance specifications. Nevertheless it is difficult to compare the performance of different scanners referring to such a guideline. An adequate novel benchmark is proposed in this paper: focusing on the inspection of production tools (moulds), the innovative test piece was designed using common geometries and free-form surfaces. The reference part is intended to be employed for the evaluation of the performance of several contactless digitizing devices in computer-aided inspection, considering dimensional and geometrical tolerances as well as other quantitative and qualitative criteria.

Optical coherence tomography for nondestructive evaluation of fuel rod degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renshaw, Jeremy B.; Jenkins, Thomas P.; Buckner, Benjamin D.; Friend, Brian

2015-03-01

Nuclear power plants regularly inspect fuel rods to ensure safe and reliable operation. Excessive corrosion can cause fuel failures which can have significant repercussions for the plant, including impacts on plant operation, worker exposure to radiation, and the plant's INPO rating. While plants typically inspect for fuel rod corrosion using eddy current techniques, these techniques have known issues with reliability in the presence of tenacious, ferromagnetic crud layers that can deposit during operation, and the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspection results can often be in error by a factor of 2 or 3. For this reason, alternative measurement techniques, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), have been evaluated that are not sensitive to the ferromagnetic nature of the crud. This paper demonstrates that OCT has significant potential to characterize the thickness of crud layers that can deposit on the surfaces of fuel rods during operation. Physical trials have been performed on simulated crud samples, and the resulting data show an apparent correlation between the crud layer thickness and the OCT signal.

New colored optical security elements using Rolic's LPP/LCP technology: devices for first- to third-level inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moia, Franco

2002-04-01

With linear photo-polymerization (LPP) ROLIC has invented a photo-patternable technology enabling to align not only conventional liquid crystals but also liquid crystals polymers (LCP). ROLIC's optical security device technology derives from its LPP/LCP technology. LPP/LCP security devices are created by structured photo-alignment of an LPP layer through phot-masks, thus generating a high resolution, photo-patterned aligning layer which carries the aligning information of the image to be created. The subsequent LCP layer transforms the aligning information into an optical phase image with low and/or very high information content, such as invisible photographic pictures. The building block capability of the LPP/LCP technology allows the manufacturing of cholesteric and non-cholesteric LPP/LCP devices which cover 1st and/or 2nd level applications. Apart from black/white security devices colored information zones can be integrated. Moreover, we have developed an LPP/LCP security device which covers all three- 1st, 2nd and 3rd- inspection levels in one and the same authentication device: besides a color shift by tilting the device (1st level) and the detection of normally hidden information by use of a simple sheet polarizer (2nd level) the new device contains encrypted hidden information which can be visualized only by superimposing an LPP/LCP inspection tool (key) for decryption (3rd level). This optical key is also based on the LPP/LCP technology and is itself a 3rd level security device.

Optics in engineering measurement; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cannes, France, December 3-6, 1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fagan, William F. (Editor)

1986-01-01

The present conference on optical measurement systems considers topics in the fields of holographic interferometry, speckle techniques, moire fringe and grating methods, optical surface gaging, laser- and fiber-optics-based measurement systems, and optics for engineering data evaluation. Specific attention is given to holographic NDE for aerospace composites, holographic interferometry of rotating components, new developments in computer-aided holography, electronic speckle pattern interferometry, mass transfer measurements using projected fringes, nuclear reactor photogrammetric inspection, a laser Doppler vibrometer, and optoelectronic measurements of the yaw angle of projectiles.

Automatic classification of retinal three-dimensional optical coherence tomography images using principal component analysis network with composite kernels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Leyuan; Wang, Chong; Li, Shutao; Yan, Jun; Chen, Xiangdong; Rabbani, Hossein

2017-11-01

We present an automatic method, termed as the principal component analysis network with composite kernel (PCANet-CK), for the classification of three-dimensional (3-D) retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Specifically, the proposed PCANet-CK method first utilizes the PCANet to automatically learn features from each B-scan of the 3-D retinal OCT images. Then, multiple kernels are separately applied to a set of very important features of the B-scans and these kernels are fused together, which can jointly exploit the correlations among features of the 3-D OCT images. Finally, the fused (composite) kernel is incorporated into an extreme learning machine for the OCT image classification. We tested our proposed algorithm on two real 3-D spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) datasets (of normal subjects and subjects with the macular edema and age-related macular degeneration), which demonstrated its effectiveness.

Diffraction phase microscopy realized with an automatic digital pinhole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Cheng; Zhou, Renjie; Kuang, Cuifang; Zhao, Guangyuan; Zhang, Zhimin; Liu, Xu

2017-12-01

We report a novel approach to diffraction phase microscopy (DPM) with automatic pinhole alignment. The pinhole, which serves as a spatial low-pass filter to generate a uniform reference beam, is made out of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device that allows for electrical control. We have made DPM more accessible to users, while maintaining high phase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, through exploring low cost optical components and replacing the tedious pinhole alignment process with an automatic pinhole optical alignment procedure. Due to its flexibility in modifying the size and shape, this LCD device serves as a universal filter, requiring no future replacement. Moreover, a graphic user interface for real-time phase imaging has been also developed by using a USB CMOS camera. Experimental results of height maps of beads sample and live red blood cells (RBCs) dynamics are also presented, making this system ready for broad adaption to biological imaging and material metrology.

Automatic detection of small surface targets with electro-optical sensors in a harbor environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouma, Henri; de Lange, Dirk-Jan J.; van den Broek, Sebastiaan P.; Kemp, Rob A. W.; Schwering, Piet B. W.

2008-10-01

In modern warfare scenarios naval ships must operate in coastal environments. These complex environments, in bays and narrow straits, with cluttered littoral backgrounds and many civilian ships may contain asymmetric threats of fast targets, such as rhibs, cabin boats and jet-skis. Optical sensors, in combination with image enhancement and automatic detection, assist an operator to reduce the response time, which is crucial for the protection of the naval and land-based supporting forces. In this paper, we present our work on automatic detection of small surface targets which includes multi-scale horizon detection and robust estimation of the background intensity. To evaluate the performance of our detection technology, data was recorded with both infrared and visual-light cameras in a coastal zone and in a harbor environment. During these trials multiple small targets were used. Results of this evaluation are shown in this paper.

Beam profile measurements for target designators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, J. D.

1985-02-01

An American aerospace company has conducted a number of investigations with the aim to improve on the tedious slow manual methods of measuring pulsed lasers for rangefinders, giving particular attention to beam divergence which is studied by varying aperture sizes and positions in the laser beam path. Three instruments have been developed to make the involved work easier to perform. One of these, the Automatic Laser Instrumentation and Measurement System (ALIMS), consists of an optical bench, a digital computer, and three bays of associated electronic instruments. ALIMS uses the aperture method to measure laser beam alignment and divergence. The Laser Intensity Profile System (LIPS) consists of a covered optical bench and a two bay electronic equipment and control console. The Automatic Laser Test Set (ALTS) utilizes a 50 x 50 silicon photodiode array to characterize military laser systems automatically. Details regarding the conducted determinations are discussed.

Reliability of Ceramic Column Grid Array Interconnect Packages Under Extreme Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramesham, Rajeshuni

2011-01-01

A paper describes advanced ceramic column grid array (CCGA) packaging interconnects technology test objects that were subjected to extreme temperature thermal cycles. CCGA interconnect electronic package printed wiring boards (PWBs) of polyimide were assembled, inspected nondestructively, and, subsequently, subjected to ex - treme-temperature thermal cycling to assess reliability for future deep-space, short- and long-term, extreme-temperature missions. The test hardware consisted of two CCGA717 packages with each package divided into four daisy-chained sections, for a total of eight daisy chains to be monitored. The package is 33 33 mm with a 27 27 array of 80%/20% Pb/Sn columns on a 1.27-mm pitch. The change in resistance of the daisy-chained CCGA interconnects was measured as a function of the increasing number of thermal cycles. Several catastrophic failures were observed after 137 extreme-temperature thermal cycles, as per electrical resistance measurements, and then the tests were continued through 1,058 thermal cycles to corroborate and understand the test results. X-ray and optical inspection have been made after thermal cycling. Optical inspections were also conducted on the CCGA vs. thermal cycles. The optical inspections were conclusive; the x-ray images were not. Process qualification and assembly is required to optimize the CCGA assembly, which is very clear from the x-rays. Six daisy chains were open out of seven daisy chains, as per experimental test data reported. The daisy chains are open during the cold cycle, and then recover during the hot cycle, though some of them also opened during the hot thermal cycle..

Development of a probe for inner profile measurement and flaw detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshizawa, Toru; Wakayama, Toshitaka; Kamakura, Yoshihisa

2011-08-01

It is one of the important necessities to precisely measure the inner diameter and/or the inner profile of pipes, tubes and other objects similar in shape. Especially in mechanical engineering field, there are many requests from automobile industry because the inner surface of engine blocks and other die casts are strongly required to be inspected and measured by non-contact methods (not by the naked eyes inspection using a borescope). If the inner diameter is large enough like water pipes or drain pipes, complicated and large equipment may be applicable. However, small pipes with a diameter ranging from 10mm to 100mm are difficult to be inspected by such a large instrument as is used for sewers inspection. And we have proposed an instrument which has no moving elements such as a rotating mirror or a prism for scanning a beam. Our measurement method is based on optical sectioning using triangulation. This optically sectioned profile of an inner wall of pipe-like objects is analyzed to produce numerical data of inner diameter or profile. Here, we report recent development of the principle and applications of the optical instrument with a simple and compact configuration. In addition to profile measurement, we found flaws and defects on the inner wall were also detected by using the similar principle. Up to now, we have developed probes with the diameter of 8mm to 25mm for small size objects and another probe (80 mm in diameter) for such a larger container with the dimensional size of 600mm.

A novel integration of spectral-domain optical-coherence-tomography and laser-ablation system for precision treatment.

PubMed

Fan, Yingwei; Zhang, Boyu; Chang, Wei; Zhang, Xinran; Liao, Hongen

2018-03-01

Complete resection of diseased lesions reduces the recurrence of cancer, making it critical for surgical treatment. However, precisely resecting residual tumors is a challenge during operation. A novel integrated spectral-domain optical-coherence-tomography (SD-OCT) and laser-ablation therapy system for soft-biological-tissue resection is proposed. This is a prototype optical integrated diagnosis and therapeutic system as well as an optical theranostics system. We develop an optical theranostics system, which integrates SD-OCT, a laser-ablation unit, and an automatic scanning platform. The SD-OCT image of biological tissue provides an intuitive and clear view for intraoperative diagnosis and monitoring in real time. The effect of laser ablation is analyzed using a quantitative mathematical model. The automatic endoscopic scanning platform combines an endoscopic probe and an SD-OCT sample arm to provide optical theranostic scanning motion. An optical fiber and a charge-coupled device camera are integrated into the endoscopic probe, allowing detection and coupling of the OCT-aiming beam and laser spots. The integrated diagnostic and therapeutic system combines SD-OCT imaging and laser-ablation modules with an automatic scanning platform. OCT imaging, laser-ablation treatment, and the integration and control of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were evaluated by performing phantom experiments. Furthermore, SD-OCT-guided laser ablation provided precision laser ablation and resection for the malignant lesions in soft-biological-tissue-lesion surgery. The results demonstrated that the appropriate laser-radiation power and duration time were 10 W and 10 s, respectively. In the laser-ablation evaluation experiment, the error reached approximately 0.1 mm. Another validation experiment was performed to obtain OCT images of the pre- and post-ablated craters of ex vivo porcine brainstem. We propose an optical integrated diagnosis and therapeutic system. The primary experimental results show the high efficiency and feasibility of our theranostics system, which is promising for realizing accurate resection of tumors in vivo and in situ in the future.

Fiber-optics couple arthroscope to TV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franke, J. M.; Rhodes, D. B.

1981-01-01

Convenient, hand-held coupler images output of arthroscope onto coherent fiber bundle. Arthroscope allows surgeons to examine internal organs through any small opening in body. Coupler is also used for engine inspection, instrument repair, and around-corner visual inspection. Image from arthroscope travels along flexible bundle and appears at other cable end where it is recollimated by lens. Image is read from lens or projected on color TV camera.

Automatic and manual segmentation of healthy retinas using high-definition optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Golbaz, Isabelle; Ahlers, Christian; Goesseringer, Nina; Stock, Geraldine; Geitzenauer, Wolfgang; Prünte, Christian; Schmidt-Erfurth, Ursula Margarethe

2011-03-01

This study compared automatic- and manual segmentation modalities in the retina of healthy eyes using high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). Twenty retinas in 20 healthy individuals were examined using an HD-OCT system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.). Three-dimensional imaging was performed with an axial resolution of 6 μm at a maximum scanning speed of 25,000 A-scans/second. Volumes of 6 × 6 × 2 mm were scanned. Scans were analysed using a matlab-based algorithm and a manual segmentation software system (3D-Doctor). The volume values calculated by the two methods were compared. Statistical analysis revealed a high correlation between automatic and manual modes of segmentation. The automatic mode of measuring retinal volume and the corresponding three-dimensional images provided similar results to the manual segmentation procedure. Both methods were able to visualize retinal and subretinal features accurately. This study compared two methods of assessing retinal volume using HD-OCT scans in healthy retinas. Both methods were able to provide realistic volumetric data when applied to raster scan sets. Manual segmentation methods represent an adequate tool with which to control automated processes and to identify clinically relevant structures, whereas automatic procedures will be needed to obtain data in larger patient populations. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Acta Ophthalmol.

Infrared particle detection for battery electrode foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Just, P.; Ebert, L.; Echelmeyer, T.; Roscher, M. A.

2013-11-01

Failures of electrochemical cells caused by internal shorts still are an important issue to be faced by the cell manufacturers and their customers. A major cause for internal shorts are contaminated electrode foils. These contaminations have to be detected securely via a non-destructive inspection technique integrated into the electrode manufacturing process. While optical detection already is state of the art, infrared detection of particles finds a new field of application in the battery electrode manufacturing process. This work presents two approaches focusing on electrode inspection by electromagnetic radiation (visible and infrared). Copper foils with a carbon based coating were intentionally contaminated by slivers of aluminum and copper as well as by abraded coating particles. Optical excitation by a flash and a luminescent lamp was applied at different angles in order to detect the reflected visible radiation. A laser impulse was used to heat up the specimen for infrared inspection. Both approaches resulted in setups providing a high contrast between contaminations and the coated electrode foil. It is shown that infrared detection offers a higher security thanks to its reliance on absorbance and emissivity instead of reflectivity as it is used for optical detection. Infrared Detection offers a potential since it is hardly influenced by the particle's shape and orientation and the electrode's waviness.

Scanner OPC signatures: automatic vendor-to-vendor OPE matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renwick, Stephen P.

2009-03-01

As 193nm lithography continues to be stretched and the k1 factor decreases, optical proximity correction (OPC) has become a vital part of the lithographer's tool kit. Unfortunately, as is now well known, the design variations of lithographic scanners from different vendors cause them to have slightly different optical-proximity effect (OPE) behavior, meaning that they print features through pitch in distinct ways. This in turn means that their response to OPC is not the same, and that an OPC solution designed for a scanner from Company 1 may or may not work properly on a scanner from Company 2. Since OPC is not inexpensive, that causes trouble for chipmakers using more than one brand of scanner. Clearly a scanner-matching procedure is needed to meet this challenge. Previously, automatic matching has only been reported for scanners of different tool generations from the same manufacturer. In contrast, scanners from different companies have been matched using expert tuning and adjustment techniques, frequently requiring laborious test exposures. Automatic matching between scanners from Company 1 and Company 2 has remained an unsettled problem. We have recently solved this problem and introduce a novel method to perform the automatic matching. The success in meeting this challenge required three enabling factors. First, we recognized the strongest drivers of OPE mismatch and are thereby able to reduce the information needed about a tool from another supplier to that information readily available from all modern scanners. Second, we developed a means of reliably identifying the scanners' optical signatures, minimizing dependence on process parameters that can cloud the issue. Third, we carefully employed standard statistical techniques, checking for robustness of the algorithms used and maximizing efficiency. The result is an automatic software system that can predict an OPC matching solution for scanners from different suppliers without requiring expert intervention.

Semi-Automatic Extraction Algorithm for Images of the Ciliary Muscle

PubMed Central

Kao, Chiu-Yen; Richdale, Kathryn; Sinnott, Loraine T.; Ernst, Lauren E.; Bailey, Melissa D.

2011-01-01

Purpose To development and evaluate a semi-automatic algorithm for segmentation and morphological assessment of the dimensions of the ciliary muscle in Visante™ Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography images. Methods Geometric distortions in Visante images analyzed as binary files were assessed by imaging an optical flat and human donor tissue. The appropriate pixel/mm conversion factor to use for air (n = 1) was estimated by imaging calibration spheres. A semi-automatic algorithm was developed to extract the dimensions of the ciliary muscle from Visante images. Measurements were also made manually using Visante software calipers. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare the methods. A multilevel model was fitted to estimate the variance of algorithm measurements that was due to differences within- and between-examiners in scleral spur selection versus biological variability. Results The optical flat and the human donor tissue were imaged and appeared without geometric distortions in binary file format. Bland-Altman analyses revealed that caliper measurements tended to underestimate ciliary muscle thickness at 3 mm posterior to the scleral spur in subjects with the thickest ciliary muscles (t = 3.6, p < 0.001). The percent variance due to within- or between-examiner differences in scleral spur selection was found to be small (6%) when compared to the variance due to biological difference across subjects (80%). Using the mean of measurements from three images achieved an estimated ICC of 0.85. Conclusions The semi-automatic algorithm successfully segmented the ciliary muscle for further measurement. Using the algorithm to follow the scleral curvature to locate more posterior measurements is critical to avoid underestimating thickness measurements. This semi-automatic algorithm will allow for repeatable, efficient, and masked ciliary muscle measurements in large datasets. PMID:21169877

Detecting Inspection Objects of Power Line from Cable Inspection Robot LiDAR Data

PubMed Central

Qin, Xinyan; Wu, Gongping; Fan, Fei

2018-01-01

Power lines are extending to complex environments (e.g., lakes and forests), and the distribution of power lines in a tower is becoming complicated (e.g., multi-loop and multi-bundle). Additionally, power line inspection is becoming heavier and more difficult. Advanced LiDAR technology is increasingly being used to solve these difficulties. Based on precise cable inspection robot (CIR) LiDAR data and the distinctive position and orientation system (POS) data, we propose a novel methodology to detect inspection objects surrounding power lines. The proposed method mainly includes four steps: firstly, the original point cloud is divided into single-span data as a processing unit; secondly, the optimal elevation threshold is constructed to remove ground points without the existing filtering algorithm, improving data processing efficiency and extraction accuracy; thirdly, a single power line and its surrounding data can be respectively extracted by a structured partition based on a POS data (SPPD) algorithm from “layer” to “block” according to power line distribution; finally, a partition recognition method is proposed based on the distribution characteristics of inspection objects, highlighting the feature information and improving the recognition effect. The local neighborhood statistics and the 3D region growing method are used to recognize different inspection objects surrounding power lines in a partition. Three datasets were collected by two CIR LIDAR systems in our study. The experimental results demonstrate that an average 90.6% accuracy and average 98.2% precision at the point cloud level can be achieved. The successful extraction indicates that the proposed method is feasible and promising. Our study can be used to obtain precise dimensions of fittings for modeling, as well as automatic detection and location of security risks, so as to improve the intelligence level of power line inspection. PMID:29690560

Detecting Inspection Objects of Power Line from Cable Inspection Robot LiDAR Data.

PubMed

Qin, Xinyan; Wu, Gongping; Lei, Jin; Fan, Fei; Ye, Xuhui

2018-04-22

Power lines are extending to complex environments (e.g., lakes and forests), and the distribution of power lines in a tower is becoming complicated (e.g., multi-loop and multi-bundle). Additionally, power line inspection is becoming heavier and more difficult. Advanced LiDAR technology is increasingly being used to solve these difficulties. Based on precise cable inspection robot (CIR) LiDAR data and the distinctive position and orientation system (POS) data, we propose a novel methodology to detect inspection objects surrounding power lines. The proposed method mainly includes four steps: firstly, the original point cloud is divided into single-span data as a processing unit; secondly, the optimal elevation threshold is constructed to remove ground points without the existing filtering algorithm, improving data processing efficiency and extraction accuracy; thirdly, a single power line and its surrounding data can be respectively extracted by a structured partition based on a POS data (SPPD) algorithm from "layer" to "block" according to power line distribution; finally, a partition recognition method is proposed based on the distribution characteristics of inspection objects, highlighting the feature information and improving the recognition effect. The local neighborhood statistics and the 3D region growing method are used to recognize different inspection objects surrounding power lines in a partition. Three datasets were collected by two CIR LIDAR systems in our study. The experimental results demonstrate that an average 90.6% accuracy and average 98.2% precision at the point cloud level can be achieved. The successful extraction indicates that the proposed method is feasible and promising. Our study can be used to obtain precise dimensions of fittings for modeling, as well as automatic detection and location of security risks, so as to improve the intelligence level of power line inspection.

Developing a more useful surface quality metric for laser optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turchette, Quentin; Turner, Trey

2011-02-01

Light scatter due to surface defects on laser resonator optics produces losses which lower system efficiency and output power. The traditional methodology for surface quality inspection involves visual comparison of a component to scratch and dig (SAD) standards under controlled lighting and viewing conditions. Unfortunately, this process is subjective and operator dependent. Also, there is no clear correlation between inspection results and the actual performance impact of the optic in a laser resonator. As a result, laser manufacturers often overspecify surface quality in order to ensure that optics will not degrade laser performance due to scatter. This can drive up component costs and lengthen lead times. Alternatively, an objective test system for measuring optical scatter from defects can be constructed with a microscope, calibrated lighting, a CCD detector and image processing software. This approach is quantitative, highly repeatable and totally operator independent. Furthermore, it is flexible, allowing the user to set threshold levels as to what will or will not constitute a defect. This paper details how this automated, quantitative type of surface quality measurement can be constructed, and shows how its results correlate against conventional loss measurement techniques such as cavity ringdown times.

Fiber-optic fringe projection with crosstalk reduction by adaptive pattern masking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthias, Steffen; Kästner, Markus; Reithmeier, Eduard

2017-02-01

To enable in-process inspection of industrial manufacturing processes, measuring devices need to fulfill time and space constraints, while also being robust to environmental conditions, such as high temperatures and electromagnetic fields. A new fringe projection profilometry system is being developed, which is capable of performing the inspection of filigree tool geometries, e.g. gearing elements with tip radii of 0.2 mm, inside forming machines of the sheet-bulk metal forming process. Compact gradient-index rod lenses with a diameter of 2 mm allow for a compact design of the sensor head, which is connected to a base unit via flexible high-resolution image fibers with a diameter of 1.7 mm. The base unit houses a flexible DMD based LED projector optimized for fiber coupling and a CMOS camera sensor. The system is capable of capturing up to 150 gray-scale patterns per second as well as high dynamic range images from multiple exposures. Owing to fiber crosstalk and light leakage in the image fiber, signal quality suffers especially when capturing 3-D data of technical surfaces with highly varying reflectance or surface angles. An algorithm is presented, which adaptively masks parts of the pattern to reduce these effects via multiple exposures. The masks for valid surface areas are automatically defined according to different parameters from an initial capture, such as intensity and surface gradient. In a second step, the masks are re-projected to projector coordinates using the mathematical model of the system. This approach is capable of reducing both inter-pixel crosstalk and inter-object reflections on concave objects while maintaining measurement durations of less than 5 s.

New Common Proper-Motion Pairs with R.A. Between 00h and 01h

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caballero, Rafael

2015-07-01

This paper presents 37 new common proper-motion pairs. The new pairs have been obtained employing a semi-automatic procedure based on the inspection of images using the tool Aladin, completed with information obtained from the catalogs available at VizieR. All the pairs fulfill the Halbwachs criteria, employed to increase the probability of a physical bond between the two components.

Modulation-format-free and automatic bias control for optical IQ modulators based on dither-correlation detection.

PubMed

Li, Xiaolei; Deng, Lei; Chen, Xiaoman; Cheng, Mengfan; Fu, Songnian; Tang, Ming; Liu, Deming

2017-04-17

A novel automatic bias control (ABC) method for optical in-phase and quadrature (IQ) modulator is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the proposed method, two different low frequency sine wave dither signals are generated and added on to the I/Q bias signal respectively. Instead of power monitoring of the harmonics of the dither signal, dither-correlation detection is proposed and used to adjust the bias voltages of the optical IQ modulator. By this way, not only frequency spectral analysis isn't required but also the directional bias adjustment could be realized, resulting in the decrease of algorithm complexity and the growth of convergence rate of ABC algorithm. The results show that the sensitivity of the proposed ABC method outperforms that of the traditional dither frequency monitoring method. Moreover, the proposed ABC method is proved to be modulation-format-free, and the transmission penalty caused by this method for both 10 Gb/s optical QPSK and 17.9 Gb/s optical 16QAM-OFDM signal transmission are negligible in our experiment.

Acousto-optic tunable filter chromatic aberration analysis and reduction with auto-focus system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yaoli; Chen, Yuanyuan

2018-07-01

An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) displays optical band broadening and sidelobes as a result of the coupling between the acoustic wave and optical waves of different wavelengths. These features were analysed by wave-vector phase matching between the optical and acoustic waves. A crossed-line test board was imaged by an AOTF multi-spectral imaging system, showing image blurring in the direction of diffraction and image sharpness in the orthogonal direction produced by the greater bandwidth and sidelobes in the former direction. Applying the secondary-imaging principle and considering the wavelength-dependent refractive index, focal length varies over the broad wavelength range. An automatic focusing method is therefore proposed for use in AOTF multi-spectral imaging systems. A new method for image-sharpness evaluation, based on improved Structure Similarity Index Measurement (SSIM), is also proposed, based on the characteristics of the AOTF imaging system. Compared with the traditional gradient operator, as same as it, the new evaluation function realized the evaluation between different image quality, thus could achieve the automatic focusing for different multispectral images.

Active optics - The NTT and the future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, R. N.; Franza, F.; Giordano, P.; Noethe, L.; Tarenghi, M.

1988-09-01

An account is given of the essential design features and advantages of the ESO's NTT system optics, constituting an active telescope in which the optical correction process exhibited in histograms can be performed at will, on-line, so that the intrinsic quality of the telescope can be fully realized. This technology allows the relaxation of low spatial frequency (long-wave) manufacturing tolerances, and accomplishes automatic maintenance with respect to errors due to optics' maladjustment. Linearity, convergence, and orthogonality laws are used by the optical correction process algorithm.

Optical switching using IP protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utreras, Andres J.; Gusqui, Luis; Reyes, Andres; Mena, Ricardo I.; Licenko, Gennady L.; Amirgaliyev, Yedilkhan; Komada, Paweł; Luganskaya, Saule; Kashaganova, Gulzhan

2017-08-01

To understand and evaluate the Optical Layer, and how it will affect the IP protocols over WDM (Switching), the present analyse is proposed. Optical communications have attractive proprieties, but also have some disadvantages, so the challenge is to combine the best of both branches. In this paper, general concepts for different options of switching are reviewed as: optical burst switching (OBS) and automatically switching optical network (ASON). Specific details such as their architectures are also discussed. In addition, the relevant characteristics of each variation for switching are reviewed.

Latest developments on EUV reticle and pellicle research and technology at TNO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verberk, Rogier; Koster, Norbert; te Sligte, Edwin; Staring, Wilbert

2017-06-01

At TNO an extensive EUV optics life time program has been running for over 15 years together with our partners ASML and Carl Zeiss. This has contributed to the upcoming introduction of EUV High Volume Manufacturing (HVM). To further help the industry with the introduction of EUV, TNO has worked on extending their facilities with a number of reticle and pellicle research infrastructure facilities. In this paper we will show some of the facilities that are available at TNO and shortly introduce their capabilities. Recently we have opened our EBL2 facility, which is an EUV Beam Line (EBL2) meant for studying the effects of high power EUV illumination on optics, reticles and pellicles up to the power roadmap of 500 W at intermediate Focus (IF). This facility is open to users from all over the world and is beneficial for the industry in helping developing alternative capping layers and contamination control strategies for optics lifetime, new absorber materials, pellicles and resists. The EBL2 system has seen first light in December 2016 and is now in the final stage of acceptance testing and qualification. It is expected that the system will be fully operational in the third quarter of 2017, and available for users. It is possible to transfer reticles to and from the EBL2 by means of the reticle handler using the dual pod interface. This secures backside cleanliness to NXE standards and thus enables wafer printing on a NXE tool in a later stage after the exposures and inspection at EBL2. Besides EBL2, a high performance and ultra-clean reticle handler is available at TNO. This handler incorporates our particle scanner Rapid Nano 4 for front side inspection of reticle blanks with a detection limit down to 20 nm particles. Attached to the handler is also an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) inspection tool for back-side reticle or pellicle inspection with a resolution down to 1 micron.

The use of database management systems and artificial intelligence in automating the planning of optical navigation pictures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Robert P.; Underwood, Ian M.

1987-01-01

The use of database management systems (DBMS) and AI to minimize human involvement in the planning of optical navigation pictures for interplanetary space probes is discussed, with application to the Galileo mission. Parameters characterizing the desirability of candidate pictures, and the program generating them, are described. How these parameters automatically build picture records in a database, and the definition of the database structure, are then discussed. The various rules, priorities, and constraints used in selecting pictures are also described. An example is provided of an expert system, written in Prolog, for automatically performing the selection process.

Cerebral palsy characterization by estimating ocular motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, Jully; Atehortúa, Angélica; Moncayo, Ricardo; Romero, Eduardo

2017-11-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a large group of motion and posture disorders caused during the fetal or infant brain development. Sensorial impairment is commonly found in children with CP, i.e., between 40-75 percent presents some form of vision problems or disabilities. An automatic characterization of the cerebral palsy is herein presented by estimating the ocular motion during a gaze pursuing task. Specifically, After automatically detecting the eye location, an optical flow algorithm tracks the eye motion following a pre-established visual assignment. Subsequently, the optical flow trajectories are characterized in the velocity-acceleration phase plane. Differences are quantified in a small set of patients between four to ten years.

Technique for finding and identifying filters that cut off OTDR lights in front of ONU from a central office

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takaya, Masaaki; Honda, Hiroyasu; Narita, Yoshihiro; Yamamoto, Fumihiko; Arakawa, Koji

2006-04-01

We report on a newly developed in-service measurement technique that can be used from a central office to find and identify any filter in front of an ONU on an optical fiber access network. Using this system, in-service tests can be performed because the test lights are modulated at a high frequency. Moreover, by using the equipment we developed, this confirmation operation can be performed continuously and automatically with existing automatic fiber testing systems. The developed technique is effective for constructing a fiber line testing system with an optical time domain reflectometer.

Presentation video retrieval using automatically recovered slide and spoken text

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Matthew

2013-03-01

Video is becoming a prevalent medium for e-learning. Lecture videos contain text information in both the presentation slides and lecturer's speech. This paper examines the relative utility of automatically recovered text from these sources for lecture video retrieval. To extract the visual information, we automatically detect slides within the videos and apply optical character recognition to obtain their text. Automatic speech recognition is used similarly to extract spoken text from the recorded audio. We perform controlled experiments with manually created ground truth for both the slide and spoken text from more than 60 hours of lecture video. We compare the automatically extracted slide and spoken text in terms of accuracy relative to ground truth, overlap with one another, and utility for video retrieval. Results reveal that automatically recovered slide text and spoken text contain different content with varying error profiles. Experiments demonstrate that automatically extracted slide text enables higher precision video retrieval than automatically recovered spoken text.

Development of EUV mask handling technology at MIRAI-Selete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ota, Kazuya; Amemiya, Mitsuaki; Taguchi, Takao; Kamono, Takashi; Kubo, Hiroyoshi; Takikawa, Tadahiko; Usui, Yoichi; Suga, Osamu

2007-03-01

We, MIRAI-Selete, started a new EUV mask program in April, 2006. Development of EUV mask handling technology is one of the key areas of the program. We plan to develop mask handling technology and to evaluate EUV mask carriers using Lasertec M3350, a particle inspection tool with the defect sensitivity less than 50nm PSL, and Mask Protection Engineering Tool (named "MPE Tool"). M3350 is a newly developed tool based on a conventional M1350 for EUV blanks inspection. Since our M3350 has a blank flipping mechanism in it, we can inspect the front and the back surface of the blank automatically. We plan to use the M3350 for evaluating particle adders during mask shipping, storage and handling. MPE Tool is a special tool exclusively developed for demonstration of pellicleless mask handling. It can handle a mask within a protective enclosure, which Canon and Nikon have been jointly proposing1, and also, can be modified to handle other type of carrier as the need arises.

Replacement of seam welded hot reheat pipe using narrow groove GTA machine welding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richardson, R.R.; Yanes, J.; Bryant, R.

1995-12-31

Southern California Edison, recognizing a potential safety concern, scrutinized its existing seam welded hot reheat pipe manufactured by the same supplier as that which failed. Alternatives were narrowed to two in dealing with the installed seam welded pipe. The overriding consideration, however, was one of safety. With this in mind, the utility company evaluated replacement of the seam welded hot reheat pipe with seamless pipe or increasing the frequency of its inspection program. Although increased inspection was much costly, pipe replacement was chosen due to potential safety concerns with seam welded pipe even with more frequent inspection. The utility companymore » then proceeded to determine the most effective method to complete this work. Analysis showed machine-made (automatic) gas tungsten arc welds (GTAW) as the method of choice due to cleanliness and superior mechanical properties. In conjunction with this method, the narrow groove (3{degree} bevel) weld joint as opposed to the traditional groove (37 1/2{degree} bevel) was shown to provide significant technical advantages.« less

INFIBRA: machine vision inspection of acrylic fiber production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, Roger; Correia, Bento A. B.; Contreiras, Jose; Carvalho, Fernando D.

1998-10-01

This paper describes the implementation of INFIBRA, a machine vision system for the inspection of acrylic fiber production lines. The system was developed by INETI under a contract from Fisipe, Fibras Sinteticas de Portugal, S.A. At Fisipe there are ten production lines in continuous operation, each approximately 40 m in length. A team of operators used to perform periodic manual visual inspection of each line in conditions of high ambient temperature and humidity. It is not surprising that failures in the manual inspection process occurred with some frequency, with consequences that ranged from reduced fiber quality to production stoppages. The INFIBRA system architecture is a specialization of a generic, modular machine vision architecture based on a network of Personal Computers (PCs), each equipped with a low cost frame grabber. Each production line has a dedicated PC that performs automatic inspection, using specially designed metrology algorithms, via four video cameras located at key positions on the line. The cameras are mounted inside custom-built, hermetically sealed water-cooled housings to protect them from the unfriendly environment. The ten PCs, one for each production line, communicate with a central PC via a standard Ethernet connection. The operator controls all aspects of the inspection process, from configuration through to handling alarms, via a simple graphical interface on the central PC. At any time the operator can also view on the central PC's screen the live image from any one of the 40 cameras employed by the system.

A distributed and intelligent system approach for the automatic inspection of steam-generator tubes in nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Soon Ju; Moon, Jae Chul; Choi, Doo-Hyun; Choi, Sung Su; Woo, Hee Gon

1998-06-01

The inspection of steam-generator (SG) tubes in a nuclear power plant (NPP) is a time-consuming, laborious, and hazardous task because of several hard constraints such as a highly radiated working environment, a tight task schedule, and the need for many experienced human inspectors. This paper presents a new distributed intelligent system architecture for automating traditional inspection methods. The proposed architecture adopts three basic technical strategies in order to reduce the complexity of system implementation. The first is the distributed task allocation into four stages: inspection planning (IF), signal acquisition (SA), signal evaluation (SE), and inspection data management (IDM). Consequently, dedicated subsystems for automation of each stage can be designed and implemented separately. The second strategy is the inclusion of several useful artificial intelligence techniques for implementing the subsystems of each stage, such as an expert system for IP and SE and machine vision and remote robot control techniques for SA. The third strategy is the integration of the subsystems using client/server-based distributed computing architecture and a centralized database management concept. Through the use of the proposed architecture, human errors, which can occur during inspection, can be minimized because the element of human intervention has been almost eliminated; however, the productivity of the human inspector can be increased equally. A prototype of the proposed system has been developed and successfully tested over the last six years in domestic NPP's.

Processing ultrasonic inspection data from multiple scan patterns for turbine rotor weld build-up evaluations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guan, Xuefei; Zhou, S. Kevin; Rasselkorde, El Mahjoub

The study presents a data processing methodology for weld build-up using multiple scan patterns. To achieve an overall high probability of detection for flaws with different orientations, an inspection procedure with three different scan patterns is proposed. The three scan patterns are radial-tangential longitude wave pattern, axial-radial longitude wave pattern, and tangential shear wave pattern. Scientific fusion of the inspection data is implemented using volume reconstruction techniques. The idea is to perform spatial domain forward data mapping for all sampling points. A conservative scheme is employed to handle the case that multiple sampling points are mapped to one grid location.more » The scheme assigns the maximum value for the grid location to retain the largest equivalent reflector size for the location. The methodology is demonstrated and validated using a realistic ring of weld build-up. Tungsten balls and bars are embedded to the weld build-up during manufacturing process to represent natural flaws. Flat bottomed holes and side drilled holes are installed as artificial flaws. Automatic flaw identification and extraction are demonstrated. Results indicate the inspection procedure with multiple scan patterns can identify all the artificial and natural flaws.« less

Mini AERCam Inspection Robot for Human Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fredrickson, Steven E.; Duran, Steve; Mitchell, Jennifer D.

2004-01-01

The Engineering Directorate of NASA Johnson Space Center has developed a nanosatellite-class free-flyer intended for future external inspection and remote viewing of human spacecraft. The Miniature Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera (Mini AERCam) technology demonstration unit has been integrated into the approximate form and function of a flight system. The spherical Mini AERCam free flyer is 7.5 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 10 pounds, yet it incorporates significant additional capabilities compared to the 35 pound, 14 inch AERCam Sprint that flew as a Shuttle flight experiment in 1997. Mini AERCam hosts a full suite of miniaturized avionics, instrumentation, communications, navigation, imaging, power, and propulsion subsystems, including digital video cameras and a high resolution still image camera. The vehicle is designed for either remotely piloted operations or supervised autonomous operations including automatic stationkeeping and point-to-point maneuvering. Mini AERCam is designed to fulfill the unique requirements and constraints associated with using a free flyer to perform external inspections and remote viewing of human spacecraft operations. This paper describes the application of Mini AERCam for stand-alone spacecraft inspection, as well as for roles on teams of humans and robots conducting future space exploration missions.

Processing ultrasonic inspection data from multiple scan patterns for turbine rotor weld build-up evaluations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Xuefei; Rasselkorde, El Mahjoub; Abbasi, Waheed; Zhou, S. Kevin

2015-03-01

The study presents a data processing methodology for weld build-up using multiple scan patterns. To achieve an overall high probability of detection for flaws with different orientations, an inspection procedure with three different scan patterns is proposed. The three scan patterns are radial-tangential longitude wave pattern, axial-radial longitude wave pattern, and tangential shear wave pattern. Scientific fusion of the inspection data is implemented using volume reconstruction techniques. The idea is to perform spatial domain forward data mapping for all sampling points. A conservative scheme is employed to handle the case that multiple sampling points are mapped to one grid location. The scheme assigns the maximum value for the grid location to retain the largest equivalent reflector size for the location. The methodology is demonstrated and validated using a realistic ring of weld build-up. Tungsten balls and bars are embedded to the weld build-up during manufacturing process to represent natural flaws. Flat bottomed holes and side drilled holes are installed as artificial flaws. Automatic flaw identification and extraction are demonstrated. Results indicate the inspection procedure with multiple scan patterns can identify all the artificial and natural flaws.

Compact Microscope Imaging System with Intelligent Controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDowell, Mark

2004-01-01

The figure presents selected views of a compact microscope imaging system (CMIS) that includes a miniature video microscope, a Cartesian robot (a computer- controlled three-dimensional translation stage), and machine-vision and control subsystems. The CMIS was built from commercial off-the-shelf instrumentation, computer hardware and software, and custom machine-vision software. The machine-vision and control subsystems include adaptive neural networks that afford a measure of artificial intelligence. The CMIS can perform several automated tasks with accuracy and repeatability . tasks that, heretofore, have required the full attention of human technicians using relatively bulky conventional microscopes. In addition, the automation and control capabilities of the system inherently include a capability for remote control. Unlike human technicians, the CMIS is not at risk of becoming fatigued or distracted: theoretically, it can perform continuously at the level of the best human technicians. In its capabilities for remote control and for relieving human technicians of tedious routine tasks, the CMIS is expected to be especially useful in biomedical research, materials science, inspection of parts on industrial production lines, and space science. The CMIS can automatically focus on and scan a microscope sample, find areas of interest, record the resulting images, and analyze images from multiple samples simultaneously. Automatic focusing is an iterative process: The translation stage is used to move the microscope along its optical axis in a succession of coarse, medium, and fine steps. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the image is computed at each step, and the FFT is analyzed for its spatial-frequency content. The microscope position that results in the greatest dispersal of FFT content toward high spatial frequencies (indicating that the image shows the greatest amount of detail) is deemed to be the focal position.

Rotating optical geometry sensor for inner pipe-surface reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritter, Moritz; Frey, Christan W.

2010-01-01

The inspection of sewer or fresh water pipes is usually carried out by a remotely controlled inspection vehicle equipped with a high resolution camera and a lightning system. This operator-oriented approach based on offline analysis of the recorded images is highly subjective and prone to errors. Beside the subjective classification of pipe defects through the operator standard closed circuit television (CCTV) technology is not suitable for detecting geometrical deformations resulting from e.g. structural mechanical weakness of the pipe, corrosion of e.g. cast-iron material or sedimentations. At Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) in Karlsruhe, Germany, a new Rotating Optical Geometry Sensor (ROGS) for pipe inspection has been developed which is capable of measuring the inner pipe geometry very precisely over the whole pipe length. This paper describes the developed ROGS system and the online adaption strategy for choosing the optimal system parameters. These parameters are the rotation and traveling speed dependent from the pipe diameter. Furthermore, a practicable calibration methodology is presented which guarantees an identification of the several internal sensor parameters. ROGS has been integrated in two different systems: A rod based system for small fresh water pipes and a standard inspection vehicle based system for large sewer Pipes. These systems have been successfully applied to different pipe systems. With this measurement method the geometric information can be used efficiently for an objective repeatable quality evaluation. Results and experiences in the area of fresh water pipe inspection will be presented.

Application of automatic threshold in dynamic target recognition with low contrast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Hua; Guo, Xiaoming; Chen, Yu

2014-11-01

Hybrid photoelectric joint transform correlator can realize automatic real-time recognition with high precision through the combination of optical devices and electronic devices. When recognizing targets with low contrast using photoelectric joint transform correlator, because of the difference of attitude, brightness and grayscale between target and template, only four to five frames of dynamic targets can be recognized without any processing. CCD camera is used to capture the dynamic target images and the capturing speed of CCD is 25 frames per second. Automatic threshold has many advantages like fast processing speed, effectively shielding noise interference, enhancing diffraction energy of useful information and better reserving outline of target and template, so this method plays a very important role in target recognition with optical correlation method. However, the automatic obtained threshold by program can not achieve the best recognition results for dynamic targets. The reason is that outline information is broken to some extent. Optimal threshold is obtained by manual intervention in most cases. Aiming at the characteristics of dynamic targets, the processing program of improved automatic threshold is finished by multiplying OTSU threshold of target and template by scale coefficient of the processed image, and combining with mathematical morphology. The optimal threshold can be achieved automatically by improved automatic threshold processing for dynamic low contrast target images. The recognition rate of dynamic targets is improved through decreased background noise effect and increased correlation information. A series of dynamic tank images with the speed about 70 km/h are adapted as target images. The 1st frame of this series of tanks can correlate only with the 3rd frame without any processing. Through OTSU threshold, the 80th frame can be recognized. By automatic threshold processing of the joint images, this number can be increased to 89 frames. Experimental results show that the improved automatic threshold processing has special application value for the recognition of dynamic target with low contrast.

Quality Inspection Test, Demonstration and Evaluation Report for High Reliability Laser Polarizers. Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-24

switch timing, the length of the optical resonator , or both. The output of the test source (Nd:YAG) is set to the desired intensity with a variable...1 2.0 POLARIZER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION .......................... 3 3.0 PRISM FABRICATION AND INSPECTION ........................... 4...was updated before the beginning of the Phase III work. The primary changes were consolidating the prism half and assembly drawings so surfaces are

Textural analyses of carbon fiber materials by 2D-FFT of complex images obtained by high frequency eddy current imaging (HF-ECI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, Martin H.; Heuer, Henning

2012-04-01

Carbon fiber based materials are used in many lightweight applications in aeronautical, automotive, machine and civil engineering application. By the increasing automation in the production process of CFRP laminates a manual optical inspection of each resin transfer molding (RTM) layer is not practicable. Due to the limitation to surface inspection, the quality parameters of multilayer 3 dimensional materials cannot be observed by optical systems. The Imaging Eddy- Current (EC) NDT is the only suitable inspection method for non-resin materials in the textile state that allows an inspection of surface and hidden layers in parallel. The HF-ECI method has the capability to measure layer displacements (misaligned angle orientations) and gap sizes in a multilayer carbon fiber structure. EC technique uses the variation of the electrical conductivity of carbon based materials to obtain material properties. Beside the determination of textural parameters like layer orientation and gap sizes between rovings, the detection of foreign polymer particles, fuzzy balls or visualization of undulations can be done by the method. For all of these typical parameters an imaging classification process chain based on a high resolving directional ECimaging device named EddyCus® MPECS and a 2D-FFT with adapted preprocessing algorithms are developed.

Diffractive optical element-based glossmeter for the on-line measurement of normal reflectance on a printed porous coated paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oksman, Antti; Kuivalainen, Kalle; Ta˚G, Carl-Mikael; Juuti, Mikko; Mattila, Rauno; Hietala, Eero; Gane, Patrick A. C.; Peiponen, Kai-Erik

2011-04-01

Gloss of a product, such as print gloss, is mainly inspected with conventional white light glossmeters both at laboratory or production facilities. However, problems occur in conventional gloss measurement when the inspected surface is vertically moved in the plane of incidence and reflection or when the measurement area is small or curved. For a partial solution to these problems, we have previously introduced diffractive optical element-based glossmeters (DOGs) for the gloss inspection in laboratories and off-line use. We present a new construction of DOG, termed μDOG 1D, for the one-dimensional on-line print gloss measurement, in the form of the reflectance determination normal to the surface. The function of the glossmeter is demonstrated by laboratory tests and on-line measurements at a heat-set web offset printing machine. It is shown that gloss (i.e., normal reflectance) and minute gloss variation of papers and prints can be measured at the printing line using the glossmeter. This glossmeter is expected to be useful in real-time monitoring of the gloss and surface-specific absorption not only in the printing industry but also in inspection of products in other industrial sectors, such as metal finishing, laminating, paper, and construction materials manufacturing.

Hardware Testing for the Optical PAyload for Lasercomm Science (OPALS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slagle, Amanda

2011-01-01

Hardware for several subsystems of the proposed Optical PAyload for Lasercomm Science (OPALS), including the gimbal and avionics, was tested. Microswitches installed on the gimbal were evaluated to verify that their point of actuation would remain within the acceptable range even if the switches themselves move slightly during launch. An inspection of the power board was conducted to ensure that all power and ground signals were isolated, that polarized components were correctly oriented, and that all components were intact and securely soldered. Initial testing on the power board revealed several minor problems, but once they were fixed the power board was shown to function correctly. All tests and inspections were documented for future use in verifying launch requirements.

[Integrated Development of Full-automatic Fluorescence Analyzer].

PubMed

Zhang, Mei; Lin, Zhibo; Yuan, Peng; Yao, Zhifeng; Hu, Yueming

2015-10-01

In view of the fact that medical inspection equipment sold in the domestic market is mainly imported from abroad and very expensive, we developed a full-automatic fluorescence analyzer in our center, presented in this paper. The present paper introduces the hardware architecture design of FPGA/DSP motion controlling card+PC+ STM32 embedded micro processing unit, software system based on C# multi thread, design and implementation of double-unit communication in detail. By simplifying the hardware structure, selecting hardware legitimately and adopting control system software to object-oriented technology, we have improved the precision and velocity of the control system significantly. Finally, the performance test showed that the control system could meet the needs of automated fluorescence analyzer on the functionality, performance and cost.

Advanced Manufacturing of Superconducting Magnets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senti, Mark W.

1996-01-01

The development of specialized materials, processes, and robotics technology allows for the rapid prototype and manufacture of superconducting and normal magnets which can be used for magnetic suspension applications. Presented are highlights of the Direct Conductor Placement System (DCPS) which enables automatic design and assembly of 3-dimensional coils and conductor patterns using LTS and HTS conductors. The system enables engineers to place conductors in complex patterns with greater efficiency and accuracy, and without the need for hard tooling. It may also allow researchers to create new types of coils and patterns which were never practical before the development of DCPS. The DCPS includes a custom designed eight-axis robot, patented end effector, CoilCAD(trademark) design software, RoboWire(trademark) control software, and automatic inspection.

Improved passive optical network architectures to support local area network emulation and protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Elaine; Nadarajah, Nishaanthan; Chae, Chang-Joon; Nirmalathas, Ampalavanapillai; Attygalle, Sanjeewa M.

2006-01-01

We describe two optical layer schemes which simultaneously facilitate local area network emulation and automatic protection switching against distribution fiber breaks in passive optical networks. One scheme employs a narrowband fiber Bragg grating placed close to the star coupler in the feeder fiber of the passive optical network, while the other uses an additional short length distribution fiber from the star coupler to each customer for the redirection of the customer traffic. Both schemes use RF subcarrier multiplexed transmission for intercommunication between customers in conjunction with upstream access to the central office at baseband. Failure detection and automatic protection switching are performed independently by each optical network unit that is located at the customer premises in a distributed manner. The restoration of traffic transported between the central office and an optical network unit in the event of the distribution fiber break is performed by interconnecting adjacent optical network units and carrying out signal transmissions via an independent but interconnected optical network unit. Such a protection mechanism enables multiple adjacent optical network units to be simultaneously protected by a single optical network unit utilizing its maximum available bandwidth. We experimentally verify the feasibility of both schemes with 1.25 Gb/s upstream baseband transmission to the central office and 155 Mb/s local area network data transmission on a RF subcarrier frequency. The experimental results obtained from both schemes are compared, and the power budgets are calculated to analyze the scalability of each scheme.

40 CFR 60.255 - Performance tests and other compliance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Transfer Network (TTN) under Emission Measurement Center Preliminary Methods. The monitoring plan approved... be recorded and quantified. The optical surfaces exposed to the effluent gases must be cleaned prior... adjustments. For systems using automatic zero adjustments, the optical surfaces must be cleaned when the...

Digital-Electronic/Optical Apparatus Would Recognize Targets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scholl, Marija S.

1994-01-01

Proposed automatic target-recognition apparatus consists mostly of digital-electronic/optical cross-correlator that processes infrared images of targets. Infrared images of unknown targets correlated quickly with images of known targets. Apparatus incorporates some features of correlator described in "Prototype Optical Correlator for Robotic Vision System" (NPO-18451), and some of correlator described in "Compact Optical Correlator" (NPO-18473). Useful in robotic system; to recognize and track infrared-emitting, moving objects as variously shaped hot workpieces on conveyor belt.

Modern trends in industrial technology of production of optical polymeric components for night vision devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goev, A. I.; Knyazeva, N. A.; Potelov, V. V.; Senik, B. N.

2005-06-01

The present paper represents in detail the complex approach to creating industrial technology of production of polymeric optical components: information has been given on optical polymeric materials, automatic machines for injection moulding, the possibilities of the Moldflow system (the AB "Universal" company) used for mathematical simulation of the technological process of injection moulding and making the moulds.

A Survivable Wavelength Division Multiplexing Passive Optical Network with Both Point-to-Point Service and Broadcast Service Delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xuejiao; Gan, Chaoqin; Deng, Shiqi; Huang, Yan

2011-11-01

A survivable wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network enabling both point-to-point service and broadcast service is presented and demonstrated. This architecture provides an automatic traffic recovery against feeder and distribution fiber link failure, respectively. In addition, it also simplifies the protection design for multiple services transmission in wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks.

Vibration Performance Comparison Study on Current Fiber Optic Connector Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, Melanie N.; Thomes Jr., William J.; LaRocca, Frank V.; Switzer, Robert C.; Chuska, Rick F.; Macmurphy, Shawn L.

2008-01-01

Fiber optic cables are increasingly being used in harsh environments where they are subjected to vibration. Understanding the degradation in performance under these conditions is essential for integration of the fibers into the given application. System constraints oftentimes require fiber optic connectors so subsystems can be removed or assembled as needed. In the present work, various types of fiber optic connectors were monitored in-situ during vibration testing to examine the transient change in optical transmission and the steady-state variation following the event. Inspection of the fiber endfaces and connectors was performed at chosen intervals throughout the testing.

Optic for an endoscope/borescope having high resolution and narrow field of view

DOEpatents

Stone, Gary F.; Trebes, James E.

2003-10-28

An optic having optimized high spatial resolution, minimal nonlinear magnification distortion while at the same time having a limited chromatic focal shift or chromatic aberrations. The optic located at the distal end of an endoscopic inspection tool permits a high resolution, narrow field of view image for medical diagnostic applications, compared to conventional optics for endoscopic instruments which provide a wide field of view, low resolution image. The image coverage is over a narrow (<20 degrees) field of view with very low optical distortion (<5% pin cushion or barrel distortion. The optic is also optimized for best color correction as well as to aid medical diagnostics.

A whole process quality control system for energy measuring instruments inspection based on IOT technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Bo; Liu, Li; Wang, Jiahan; Li, Xiran; Liu, Zhenbo; Li, Dewei; Wang, Jun; Liu, Lu; Wu, Jun; Xu, Tingting; Cui, He

2017-10-01

Electric energy measurement as a basic work, an accurate measurements play a vital role for the economic interests of both parties of power supply, the standardized management of the measurement laboratory at all levels is a direct factor that directly affects the fairness of measurement. Currently, the management of metering laboratories generally uses one-dimensional bar code as the recognition object, advances the testing process by manual management, most of the test data requires human input to generate reports. There are many problems and potential risks in this process: Data cannot be saved completely, cannot trace the status of inspection, the inspection process isn't completely controllable and so on. For the provincial metrology center's actual requirements of the whole process management for the performance test of the power measuring appliances, using of large-capacity RF tags as a process management information media, we developed a set of general measurement experiment management system, formulated a standardized full performance test process, improved the raw data recording mode of experimental process, developed a storehouse automatic inventory device, established a strict test sample transfer and storage system, ensured that all the raw data of the inspection can be traced back, achieved full life-cycle control of the sample, significantly improved the quality control level and the effectiveness of inspection work.

Precision topographic inspection of MOEMS by moiré interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meguellati, S.

2016-04-01

The manufacturing of micro components is useful and necessary for eventual use in the field of MOEMS micro technologies, but, micro fabrication process inspection quality is required. The accuracy of components geometry is parameter which influences the precision of the function. Moiré topography is full-field optical technique in which the contour and shape of object surfaces is measured by means of geometric interference between two identical line gratings. The technique has found various applications in diverse fields, from biomedical to industrial, scientific applications, and miniaturized instrumentation for space applications. This method of optical scanning presented in this paper is used for precision measurement deformation or absolute forms in comparison with a reference component form, of optical or mechanical micro components, on surfaces that are of the order of mm2 and more. The optical device used allows high magnification dimensional surface inspected which allows easy processing and reaches an exceptional nanometric imprecision of measurements. This measurement technique can be used advantageously to measure the deformations generated by constraints on functional parts and the influence of these variations on the function. It can also be used for dimensional control when, for example, to quantify the error as to whether a piece is good or rubbish. It then suffices to compare a figure of moiré fringes with another previously recorded from a piece considered standard, which saves time, money and accuracy. This method of control and measurement allows real time control; speed control and the detection resolution may vary depending on the importance of defects to be measured.

Automation in visual inspection tasks: X-ray luggage screening supported by a system of direct, indirect or adaptable cueing with low and high system reliability.

PubMed

Chavaillaz, Alain; Schwaninger, Adrian; Michel, Stefan; Sauer, Juergen

2018-05-25

The present study evaluated three automation modes for improving performance in an X-ray luggage screening task. 140 participants were asked to detect the presence of prohibited items in X-ray images of cabin luggage. Twenty participants conducted this task without automatic support (control group), whereas the others worked with either indirect cues (system indicated the target presence without specifying its location), or direct cues (system pointed out the exact target location) or adaptable automation (participants could freely choose between no cue, direct and indirect cues). Furthermore, automatic support reliability was manipulated (low vs. high). The results showed a clear advantage for direct cues regarding detection performance and response time. No benefits were observed for adaptable automation. Finally, high automation reliability led to better performance and higher operator trust. The findings overall confirmed that automatic support systems for luggage screening should be designed such that they provide direct, highly reliable cues.

Dynamix: dynamic visualization by automatic selection of informative tracks from hundreds of genomic datasets.

PubMed

Monfort, Matthias; Furlong, Eileen E M; Girardot, Charles

2017-07-15

Visualization of genomic data is fundamental for gaining insights into genome function. Yet, co-visualization of a large number of datasets remains a challenge in all popular genome browsers and the development of new visualization methods is needed to improve the usability and user experience of genome browsers. We present Dynamix, a JBrowse plugin that enables the parallel inspection of hundreds of genomic datasets. Dynamix takes advantage of a priori knowledge to automatically display data tracks with signal within a genomic region of interest. As the user navigates through the genome, Dynamix automatically updates data tracks and limits all manual operations otherwise needed to adjust the data visible on screen. Dynamix also introduces a new carousel view that optimizes screen utilization by enabling users to independently scroll through groups of tracks. Dynamix is hosted at http://furlonglab.embl.de/Dynamix . charles.girardot@embl.de. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

A Performance Evaluation of a Lean Reparable Pipeline in Various Demand Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-03-23

of defects (Dennis, 2002:90). Shingo espoused the true goal should be zero defects and to this end, invented the poka - yoke , or a simple, inexpensive...92). Despite the inability to eliminate human errors, poka - yoke devices can still enable the elimination of production defects (Dennis, 2002:91... Poka - yoke devices are essentially foolproofing mechanisms which incorporate automatic inspection into the production process. Despite the fact

Manufacturing Methods and Technology Project Summary Reports

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

Computer -Aided Design (CAD)/ Computer -Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Process for the Production of Cold Forged Gears Project 483 6121 - Robotic Welding and...Caliber Projectile Bodies Project 682 8370 - Automatic Inspection and 1-I1 Process Control of Weapons Parts Manufacturing METALS Project 181 7285 - Cast...designed for use on each project. Experience suggested that a general purpose computer interface might be designed that could be used on any project

Biomedical Equipment Maintenance Career Ladder, AFSC 918X0

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

incubators, fetal heart monitors, and vital sign monitors. In comparison, higher percent- ages of the 5-skill level group maintain x-ray equipment...ECG) Monitors 87 Hypo/Hyperthermia Units 85 Incubators 85 Audiometer Systems 84 Blood Pressure Monitors, Automatic 81 Fetal Heart Monitors 80 X-Ray...01462 VERIFY CALIBRATION OF FETAL HEART MONITORS 100 G281 PERFORM OPERATIONAL INSPECTIONS OF VITAL SIGN MONITORS 100 01435 PERFORM PREVENTIVE

Operator’s Manual. Prototype Heavy Rescue/Fire Fighting Vehicle

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

system for emergency operation if pressure is lost in either parking or service brake systems . The system is operational automatically and is...controlled by the foot treadle ’sive. It will provide for TWO full brake applications and ONE release. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A dual battery system is utilized for...cleaner. * Lubricate chassis. . Repack wheel bearings. . Inspect brake system and adjust brakes . . Replace fuel filter. . Check high and low idle.

Saturated Imaging for Inspecting Transparent Aesthetic Defects in a Polymeric Polarizer with Black and White Stripes.

PubMed

Yu, Cilong; Chen, Peibing; Zhong, Xiaopin; Pan, Xizhou; Deng, Yuanlong

2018-05-07

Machine vision systems have been widely used in industrial production lines because of their automation and contactless inspection mode. In polymeric polarizers, extremely slight transparent aesthetic defects are difficult to detect and characterize through conventional illumination. To inspect such defects rapidly and accurately, a saturated imaging technique was proposed, which innovatively uses the characteristics of saturated light in imaging by adjusting the light intensity, exposure time, and camera gain. An optical model of defect was established to explain the theory by simulation. Based on the optimum experimental conditions, active two-step scanning was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of this detection scheme, and the proposed method was found to be efficient for real-time and in situ inspection of defects in polymer films and products.