JADAK, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140036092 | Automatic Exposure Calibration And Compensation For Machine Vision - An automatic process for calibrating the optical image exposure value to compensate for changes in machine vision systems to maintain optimal exposure of captured images and adjust for the different characteristics among cameras components, such as imaging sensor sensitivity, LED strength, external lighting, reflective functions of any background material, different external lighting conditions, possible changes or updates of the systems over the years, such as LED changes, and even the aging of camera sensor and LEDs over time. A series of images of a target are captured with a predetermined sequence of exposure values, the saturation exposure percentage of a region of interest is calculated in each of the images, and the saturation exposure percentages are compared to determine the exposure value that has a saturation exposure percentage that varies the least from the saturation exposure value of the preceding and following exposure values. | 02-06-2014 |
20120138674 | System and Method for Test Tube and Cap Identification - A system for identifying test tube types and properties in a sample handling machine using visual information automatically obtained by an optical imager and then processed using vision processing methods. The system includes an optical imager positioned to capture images containing one or more test tubes in a rack and a microcontroller programmed to extract predetermined regions of interest and interpret the optical information in the image to decipher the dimension of the test tubes, determine the presence or absence of caps on the test tubes, decode any encoded data, and interpret custom symbologies. The system may then determine the nature of the test tubes or other containers presented before the image and provide that information to the sample handling machine to assist with processing of samples. | 06-07-2012 |
20110106312 | System and Method For Multiple View Machine Vision Target Location - A machine vision system for controlling the alignment of an arm in a robotic handling system. The machine vision system includes an optical imager aligned to simultaneously capture an image that contains a view of the side of an object, such as a test tube, along with a view of the top of the object provided by a mirror appropriately positioned on the robotic arm. The machine vision system further includes a microcontroller or similar device for interpreting both portions of the image. For example, the microcontroller may be programmed to determine the location of the object in the reflected portion of the image and transpose that information into the location of the object relative to the robotic arm. The microcontroller may also be programmed to decode information positioned on the object by interpreting visual information contained in the other portion of the captured image. | 05-05-2011 |
20110102542 | System and Method For Panoramic Image Stitching - A system for capturing images of a target, such as a test tube, that is presented in front of an optical imager and rotated 360 degrees. The imager of the system captures a series of images which are then stitched together to form a panoramic image of the target. The panoramic image may then be processed to decode any barcode code information placed on the target, capture other information placed on the target, or obtain information about the target or the contents thereof. | 05-05-2011 |
20110056290 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF LIQUID LEVEL IN A VESSEL - A system and method for identifying the levels of one or more liquids in a vessel using an optical imager and one or more appropriately positioned light sources and an optical imager for capturing digital images of the illuminated vessel. A laser line generator is positioned oppositely from the imager and oriented to project a laser line through the vessel so that it may be imaged by the imager. A second light source, such as an LED, may be positioned above or below the vessel and oriented to project light downwardly or upwardly through the vessel and its contents. Captured images of the vessel are then processed by a programmable device, such as a microcontroller, to determine the levels of materials in the vessel based on the optical characteristics revealed in the captured image. | 03-10-2011 |
20110017828 | HANDHELD OPTICAL IMAGING DEVICE AND METHOD - A handheld optical imaging reader having a body specifically configured to be held in the hand and improve the ease by which a user can effectively obtain information from target objects presented to the reader. The body of the reader extends along a first axis and includes an optical imager aligned along a non-parallel second axis and a display extending along a non-parallel plane. The reader includes two triggers mounted to opposing sides of the body and positioned for activation by the thumb of a user when held in either the left of right hand using either an overhand or underhand grip. The reader may include a display and keypad to allow for high-level user functions and interaction. | 01-27-2011 |
20100122209 | Multiple Platform Optical Imager Interface and Communication System - A software-based solution for managing and communicating with any number of optical imaging platforms regardless of the manufacturer or of any device specific protocols implemented by those platforms. A user interface allows selection of the function of an attached optical imaging platform that is desired by a user. The selected function is mapped to an abstracted functional layer that is then translated into the appropriate command string according to the protocol of the attached optical imaging platform. Depending on the platform that is installed, only available functions are presented in the graphical user interface. For example, a user may test the operation of the platform before installing the platform in a machine vision system, download new software to the platform to correct problems or enhance functionality after it has been installed, or obtain captured images from the platform to review the effectiveness of image processing techniques. | 05-13-2010 |
20100073851 | One-Piece Optical Imager Housing and Method For Releasably Locking A One-Piece Housing Assembly - A one-piece housing for the enclosure and protection of an optical imager or other device and a method for locking a one-piece housing assembly in a folded configuration. The housing comprises three segments permanently joined by flexible hinges that allow the housing to quickly fold into a box to enclose an optical imager. To releasably maintain the housing in closed position, the assembly contains two locking tabs that snap-fit into depressions on a platform extending away from the main housing segment. One tab snap-fits directly into a depression on the top surface of the platform while the other tab snap-fits into a depression on the reverse surface of the platform. By locking into depressions on the top and reverse surfaces of the platform, the opposing tabs tightly grip the surfaces and releasably maintain the housing in the folded configuration. | 03-25-2010 |
20100044439 | Expedited Image Processing Method - A method for expediting the barcode interpretation process implemented on conventional optical imaging barcode readers. The method involves interrupting the mainline processing of the conventional barcode detection, obtaining a copy of the captured image, scaling the image, locating the barcode in the scaled image, scaling the image back to normal proportions, calculating the location of the barcode in the scaled up image, and reporting the barcode location back to the mainline processing for decoding of only the region of interest. The mainline processing of the optical imager may then proceed with barcode interpretation in the area identified by the method of the present invention without wasting time applying complicated decoding algorithms to areas within the image that do not contain any barcode information. | 02-25-2010 |
20090324032 | System and Method For Test Tube and Cap Identification - A system for identifying test tube types and properties in a sample handling machine using visual information automatically obtained by an optical imager and then processed using vision processing methods. The system includes an optical imager positioned to capture images containing one or more test tubes in a rack and a microcontroller programmed to extract predetermined regions of interest and interpret the optical information in the image to decipher the dimension of the test tubes, determine the presence or absence of caps on the test tubes, decode any encoded data, and interpret custom symbologies. The system may then determine the nature of the test tubes or other containers presented before the image and provide that information to the sample handling machine to assist with processing of samples. | 12-31-2009 |
20090212114 | Optical Imaging Alignment System and Method - An optical imaging system including a laser alignment system for targeting and aligning optical imaging operations. The system includes a laser configured to project two intersecting lines along an axis that inersects the optical imager at the optimal imaging distance. The lines preferably extend perpendicularly to each other and are dimensioned to correspond to the length and width of the target when the optical imager is at an optical distance from the target. A user may properly align the optical imager by viewing the lines projected onto the target and adjusting the optic imager accordingly to quickly and easily ensure proper imaging of the target. | 08-27-2009 |
20090173791 | System and method for logo identification and verification - A system for automatically identifying a logo or trademark applied to a device and verifying that the logo or trademark is acceptably identifies a compatible device. The system uses an optical imager to capture optical images of the target device and a microcontroller interconnected to the imager for processing the optical image to extract image information and verify that the contents of the image reflect the appropriate manufacturer or supplied indicia required by a host device. The decision reached by the microcontroller may be provided externally to a host device, thereby precluding or allowing use of the device, or provided directly to a user via know means, such as a visual display or audible output. | 07-09-2009 |
20090154776 | Optical Imaging Clinical Sampler - A clinical sampling system including a reader capable of optically imaging a test cartridge presented thereto and then automatically determining the presence and concentration of a target compound in a liquid sample placed on the test cartridge. The reader includes an optical imaging unit for illuminating, imaging, and interpreting the test cartridge. The test cartridge houses a reaction strip having a control region and a sample region that reacts to a liquid sample placed on the strip. The presence and concentration of the target compound are interpreted by determining the relative reflected intensities of the control region and sample region and calculating the ratio of the reflected intensities relative to the reflected intensity of the background. | 06-18-2009 |
20090065581 | Automated System For Verifying Electronic Election Results - A reader for automatically reading electronic voting machine paper audit records containing voting information encoded into barcodes printed on the audit records. The reader includes an optical imager for capturing images of barcodes printed on the audit records and a sensor for triggering the capture of images at the appropriate time. The reader further includes a drive mechanism for automatically advancing the audit records and stopping the records at the appropriate location so that the barcodes containing the voting information may be decoded. The reader is programmed to decode and interpret the encoded voting information and then provide the information to a host device. Once receipt of the information by the host has been confirmed, the reader automatically advances the audit record and repeated the decoding process. | 03-12-2009 |
20090045261 | Method For Providing User Feedback In An Autoidentification System - An optical barcode and/or RFID reader having at least two sets of illuminating LEDs that are directed toward a target object to reflect whether the barcode and/or RFID reading was successful or unsuccessful. The reader is provided with a set of red LEDs and a set of green LEDs for illuminating targets, such as barcodes or RFID tags. In addition to using these LEDs to illuminate the target, the reader will illuminate the target with a particular color of light to signify a successful read, such green light, or an unsuccessful read, such as red light. A third color may be provided to indicate a successful RFID interrogation, such as blue light. The reader thus uses the built-in illumination LEDs to cast differently colored light on the target, rather than having to provide additional LEDs in a user interface positioned on the housing of the reader. | 02-19-2009 |