194 results about "Visual examination" patented technology

Spatially Integrated Small-Format Aerial Photography (SFAP is one aspect of the present invention. It is a low-cost solution for bridge surface imaging and is proposed as a remote bridge inspection technique to supplement current bridge visual inspection. Providing top-down views, the airplanes flying at about 1000 ft, can allow visualization of sub-inch (large) cracks and joint openings on bridge decks or highway pavements. On board Global Positioning System is used to help geo-reference images collected and allow automated damage detection. A deck condition rating technique based on large crack detection is used to quantify the condition of the existing bridge decks.

Novel vision monitoring, screening, and testing tools and help-seeking enablers that may be used individually as or in combination with other vision monitoring and screening testing systems that improves patients' ability to recognize the onset and progression of visual changes over time. Patients' ability to identify acute or chronic visual conditions on their own may drive earlier help-seeking behavior by the patient, enable earlier clinical diagnosis by an eye care specialist, and therefore resulting in earlier treatment and reduced likelihood of severe vision loss.

A simple easy to manufacture analytical device capable of performing membrane based immunoassays on batch of samples within 3 to 10 minutes wherein the method permits focused application of samples, costly labeled immunoassay and signal amplification reagents, said device includes an antibody-immobilized micro porous membrane, breadth corner layer of which is directly attached to a semi-rigid liquid-impervious body with water insoluble adhesive; absorbent body is provided separately and is not attached to analytical device during manufacture, absorbent body is wetted and is placed proximal to the lower surface of the membrane thereby forming networks of capillary channels with the absorbent body; flow of samples or reagents is always kept downwards and focused without application of any force to the absorbent body and the use of disposable adsorbent body permits stepwise addition of signal amplification reagents for ultra sensitive detection of diagnostically important molecules by visual examination of the membrane surface.

An arthroscopic sealing cannula having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs is described herein. In particular, the present invention describes arthroscopic sealing cannulae in which the conventional thermal and chemical bonding means are eliminated and replaced with a mechanical joining system that utilizes mating fastener pairs integrally molded into the distal and proximal elements of a cannula so as to thereby provide a strong reliable joining of the elements. Such a mechanical system eliminates the need for costly capital equipment and specializing tooling as well as the material and environmental handling problems associated with conventional bonding techniques. Furthermore, in that the join may be readily confirmed through simple visual examination, the present invention also eliminates the need for complex, costly, and time-consuming validation procedures mandated by regulations in place to ensure proper integrity, strength, and reliability of the bond. Accordingly, arthroscopic sealing cannulae constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention are expected to have increased reliability and reduced manufacturing costs.

A malignancy probability is automatically calculated for one or more lesions. The malignancy probability is based on assessments of one or more malignancy characteristics for each lesion derived from two or more structural and / or functional image data sets. Likewise, in some embodiments, the malignancy probability is based on assessments of one or more malignancy characteristics for each lesion derived from a combination of structural and functional image data. In one embodiment, the set of structural image data is a set of CT image data and the set of functional image data is a set of PET image data. The one or more lesions may be detected in the structural and / or functional image data by automated routines or by a visual inspection by a clinician or other reviewer.

A self adapting cognitive-neural method and system for image analysis is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a set of potential items of interest in an image using a cognitive algorithm, refining the set of potential items of interest using a neural analysis, and adapting the cognitive algorithm based on information gained from the results of the neural analysis. The method may further comprise fusing the results of the cognitive and neural algorithms with a fusion classifier. The neural analysis can include eye tracked EEG, RSVP, or presentation to an operator for visual inspection.

Visual inspection of an interior surface of a borehole. A housing adapted to be lowered in the borehole supports a portable camera for generating images of a portion of the interior surface of the borehole and a light source for illuminating an area adjacent the camera. A monitor receives signals from the camera and, in response thereto, displays the images generated by the camera. A viewing envelope positioned adjacent the camera defines a viewing area adjacent the camera, particularly for use in visually inspecting slurry-filled boreholes.

A method and device allows to instantly determine the critical fusion frequency of a person without changing the routine viewing and lighting conditions. For a personal computer user, a window with running stripes or a blinking dot is projected onto a video monitor over an existing application. Gradual increase of the blinking frequency until the fusion of the test object is used in determining the critical fusion frequency. Provisions are made to adjust individually such parameters as a distance from the monitor, brightness, contrast, color and surrounding lighting which leads to improved vision and increased critical fusion frequency as can be verified by the same method and device once adjustment is complete. In a second embodiment, a series of dots, each blinking with an individual frequency is presented to the person to choose the one appearing non-blinking with the lowest blinking frequency thus defining the critical fusion frequency.

A computer-implemented system for enhanced automated visual inspection of a physical asset includes a visual inspection device capable of generating images of the physical asset and a computing device including a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor. The computing device includes a storage device coupled to the memory device and coupled to the processor. The storage device includes at least one historic image of the physical asset and at least one engineering model substantially representing the physical asset. The computing device is configured to receive, from a present image source, at least one present image of the physical asset captured by the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to identify at least one matching historic image corresponding to the at least one present image. The computing device is configured to identify at least one matching engineering model corresponding to the at least one present image.

An oral scope instrument for facilitating visual examination and inspection of a person's oral cavity and upper airway includes an elongate, flexible arm having first and second ends, a temperature sensor connected to the flexible arm adjacent the first end, an image sensor mounted adjacent the second end, a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and an image display device. An illumination unit located adjacent the second end provides illumination for the image sensor. A handle connected to the first end enables manual insertion of the flexible arm into the mouth along a portion of the top of the tongue to engage the temperature sensor therewith and position the image sensor for viewing and recording anatomical features of the oral cavity or the upper airway. The processor stores normal anatomical images and may transmit images of recorded anatomical features to the image display device.

A bag that holds pill-organizers within, which together serve as a rolodex of pill organizers, accommodates several pill organizers that are commercially available in the market in an orderly and secure manner. Similar to a rolodex, the pill organizers in the bag can also be removed individually for refilling with pills and rearranged back into the bag easily. The bag is completely or partially lined on the insides or constructed with loop material such that found on one side of a Velcro®. The pill organizers are provided on their under-side with the hook part of the Velcro®. This makes it possible to temporarily fasten the pill organizers along the inside walls of both sides of the bag. The invention, which is the bag with the pill organizers within, can be completely closed to look like a compact carrying case. The invention has additional spaces to provide documentation and other aids for administration of pills. The bag of pill organizers can be easily carried in one's hand or on the shoulder with a shoulder-strap while on a visit to the doctor or medical professional for a visual examination of pills not yet consumed and any changes in medication. The present invention can also be carried as a travel accessory during a user's trip such as on a cruise. The invention can have various ornamental designs to serve as identifiers and to cater to the preferences of users. The invention fills the need for a simple tool to organize pills and remove the pain of taking pills even while traveling.

A course material that is applied to a substrate during fabrication of a composite item is inspected by a system that includes a vision assembly. The vision assembly includes an area light, a line generator, a sensor, and an image processor. The area light illuminates an area of the course material. The line generator generates a line of illumination across the area. The sensor captures an image of the area. The image processor analyzes the image. The image processor is configured to identify debris on the course material in response to the area light being activated and the image processor is configured to identify placement aberrations in response to the line generator being activated.

When an electronic component is recognized to be improper and the CPU detects that a “component recognition monitoring navigation mode” is set for a component feeding unit feeding the component, the “component recognition monitoring navigation mode” is activated to shift to an adjustment mode and an operator decides whether or not the picked-up component is to be discharged by visually examining a component recognition image displayed on a CRT. When the judgment of the component as improper is correct upon the visual examination of the operator, the picked-up component is discarded and a picking-up operation is repeated. When the judgment is not correct, the component is not discarded, the illuminating condition is adjusted for the component and the component library data is corrected. After this correction, if linked, a component recognition test is executed and the library informing is performed.

Visual inspection of an interior surface of a borehole. A housing adapted to be lowered in the borehole supports a portable camera for generating images of a portion of the interior surface of the borehole and a light source for illuminating an area adjacent the camera. A monitor receives signals from the camera and, in response thereto, displays the images generated by the camera. A viewing envelope positioned adjacent the camera defines a viewing area adjacent the camera, particularly for use in visually inspecting slurry-filled boreholes.

PCT No. PCT / FR96 / 00760 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 20, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 20, 1997 PCT Filed May 22, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96 / 37143 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 28, 1996The technical field is that of instruments for medical examination of ducts in the body by visual examination using an illuminating device, and also making it possible, where appropriate, to act surgically in said ducts. The invention provides an instrument intended mainly for locating veins and simultaneously removing them, the elongate central body of the instrument having at least one optical fiber connected at one end to a light source; according to the invention, said instrument is such that said optical fiber is a fiber that diffuses light laterally and radially relative to its axis XX', and it is provided at its distal end that is not connected to the light source with a transparent head having an outside diameter greater than that of said central body.

A spike for outdoor lighting fixture includes a receptacle portion integrated into the body of the spike with an open section and a removable transparent window that is configured to enclose the receptacle portion. The transparent window is attached to the receptacle portion using one or more screws or other fasteners. The spike can include an internally threaded upper portion for receiving a post upon which a lighting fixture is mounted and / or a lamp socket can be attached to the top of the spike and a protective housing fitted around the outer edges of the top of the spike. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle portion is divided into multiple compartments, e.g., for storing excess cable or spare parts, or for securing connection points of a wiring installation. The transparent window permits visual examination of the connection within the receptacle without removing the transparent window.

Measurement accuracy of a remote visual inspection (RVI) system is tested using a test object including a test feature having a known geometric characteristic. Using a controller, attachment of a detachable measurement optical tip to an RVI probe is detected. A user is then prompted to perform testing of the measurement accuracy. When the user indicates the test feature is visible, the system captures one or more images of the test feature, determines coordinates of the test feature from the images, and measures a geometric characteristic of the test feature using the coordinates. An accuracy result is determined using the measured geometric characteristic and the known geometric characteristic, and an indication is provided, e.g., to the user, of the result of the comparison. An RVI system with a user-prompt device is also described.

Optical system for tracking and visually examining a target, comprising an image sensor and a lens arrangement having a variable position relative to the image sensor to project an image of the target onto the image sensor, a light source for emitting light in a predetermined wavelength range in the direction of the target and a filter switch for switching an optical filter for selectively allowing the light in the predetermined wavelength range to pass through to the image sensor into and out of the optical path to optionally perform a visual examination and monitoring of the tracking. A tracking device is provided to perform the tracking of the target using the reflected light in the predetermined wavelength range in a sequence of images held by the image sensor when the first optical filter is switched into the optical path.

This invention is about a device used for installing a fixing nut on the targeted objects-multiple fixing screw axes protruded from the hub or for separating them from the targeted object or the fixing screw axis in order to fix vehicle's tire wheel to the hub when installing or separating a fixing nut from targeted objects. Based on the idle operation of the operating gear, not based on the visual examination, the invention immediately recognizes the complete installation of a fixing nut. Likewise, this invention is to provide a wrench that maximizes user convenience.

A course material that is applied to a substrate during fabrication of a composite item is inspected by a system that includes a vision assembly. The vision assembly includes an area light, a line generator, a sensor, and an image processor. The area light illuminates an area of the course material. The line generator generates a line of illumination across the area. The sensor captures an image of the area. The image processor analyzes the image. The image processor is configured to identify debris on the course material in response to the area light being activated and the image processor is configured to identify placement aberrations in response to the line generator being activated.

A visual inspection apparatus of the present invention comprising illuminating units such as a wide range illuminating unit irradiating light on a wafer, a slit illuminating unit, and a spot illuminating unit, a swinging mechanism that movably swings and retains a wafer, and a control unit that controls these illuminating units and the swinging mechanism. This visual inspection apparatus wherein inspection condition setting values are input by a keyboard, mouse and so on, summarized by inspection process and stored in a storage unit as setting information for inspection processes, which are selected and inspected by a setting information selection unit in the control unit.

An optical imaging device for visually inspecting an optical element is described. The optical imaging device comprises an optical connector interface adapted for connecting the optical imaging device to the optical element, an imaging unit adapted for acquiring image data of the optical element's surface, and a display for visualizing the image data. The optical imaging device further comprises a focus evaluation facility adapted for deriving a focus evaluation value indicating the instantaneous image definition of the acquired image, said focus evaluation value being derived from at least one of: the acquired image data itself and additional signals related to the position of the imaging unit relative to the surface of the optical element. The focus evaluation value is usable as a focussing aid for either automatically or manually adjusting the focus.

A visual inspection apparatus includes an upper illuminator, a lower illuminator, a side illuminator, and a pair of inclined illuminators, which illuminate the peripheral edge of a wafer, and illuminates the peripheral edge of the wafer brightly. A gap is formed in the upper illuminator and illumination light of an epi-illumination portion is injected through the gap. The illumination light of the epi-illumination portion is refracted and reflected by a first mirror to illuminate the peripheral edge of the wafer. The illumination position is changed by moving second mirrors together as needed. An image of the peripheral edge is acquired in an imaging portion disposed at the same axis as the epi-illumination portion.

The present invention is related to a visual inspection apparatus which can inspect a peripheral edge of a wafer with high efficiency. The visual inspection apparatus can make an inspection of any area on the peripheral edge of the wafer by displaying an inspection area specifying screen on a monitor. The inspection area specifying screen includes a display portion for displaying an observation range and an input portion for setting the observation area. The input portion allows one of step, continuity, and point to be selected as an observation type. A recipe is registered depending on a condition set in the above and thus is used to make an inspection.

Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection both before and after application of component patches to a traveling web to create a product. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station located upstream from the patch applicator. Patch defect detection may be accomplished by way of a visual inspection station located proximate the patch applicator. If defects are detected in either the traveling web or the component patch prior to patch application, patch application may be prevented until both a satisfactory web and patch are provided. If defects are detected after patch application, the resulting product may be culled. Furthermore, the apparatus may be provided with diagnostic software to warn against extant or imminent machine complications.