System and method for displaying and using non-numeric graphic elements to control and monitor a vision system

• US 20060107211A1
• Filed: 11/12/2004
• Published: 05/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cognex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Cognex Technology & Investment Corporation (Cognex Corporation)
• Inventors: Eames, Andrew, Whitman, Steven, Mirtich, Brian V., Philips, Brian S., Keaung, John F., Tremplay, Roger J. II
• Granted Patent: US 7,720,315 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/700
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/90 in a container or its contents G01N21/91 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32128 Gui graphical user interface
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials

Abstract

This invention provides a system and method for employing GUI-based non-numeric slide buttons and bar meters to setup and monitor operating parameters of a vision system (the term “vision system” as used herein including the above-described vision detector). Such parameters can include, but are not limited to the threshold at which a feature is activated in viewing an image. Operating parameters also include the under-lying range of contrast values and levels of brightness intensities (or by input inversion, the level of darkness) recognized and acted upon by the vision system. Graphical representations of operating parameters are displayed in a parameter box on the GUI with moving bars that are shaded, patterned or colored so as to provide a relative level between two extremes on a scale of the given operating parameter. The endpoints of the scale can be established by analyzing the relevant extremes on a subject image view. The current level of the given parameter is displayed as a bar that extends a distance along the scale that is proportional to the current level of the parameter along the scale. Input of operating parameter settings with respect to the scale is made by moving a setting slider along the scale between the extremes. The position of the slider establishes the user-input setting relative to the scale. In an illustrative embodiment, scales, level bars and setting sliders can also be displayed on the image view itself, adjacent to a given image view feature, which is the subject of the scale.

Claims

1. A system to display and control vision system operating parameters comprising:

a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays an image view of a field of view of a vision system imager, the GUI including a location thereon that displays at least one operating parameter in a non-numeric graphical format that includes a scale having a pre-determined area and a moving region that has a distinct appearance with respect to the scale wherein an edge of the moving region defines a level of the operating parameter; and

a user-movable setting graphic that is located with respect to the area and that allows a desired level of the operating parameter, at which the vision system responds, to be set in a manner that free of entry of numeric data with respect to the operating parameter.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the scale comprises a linear bar having a first end point and an opposing second endpoint and the moving region comprises a bar having a leading edge that moves across the scale to define the level of the operating parameter.

3. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the user-movable setting graphic comprises a slider graphic located so as to move to setpoints along the linear bar between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.

4. The system as set forth in claim 3 further comprising a non-numeric setting slider that allows a predetermined operating parameter to be set between a first end and a second end of a predetermined operating parameter range.

5. The system as set forth in claim 3 wherein the leading edge defines a level of threshold in the image view at which a predetermined function of the vision system is operating and the boundary defines a desired threshold level at which the predetermined function of the vision system responds.

6. The system as set forth in claim 4 wherein the leading edge defines a level of threshold in the image view at which a predetermined function of the vision system is operating and the boundary defines a desired threshold level at which the predetermined function of the vision system responds.

7. The system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the non-numeric setting slider defines operating levels at which the predetermined function operates.

8. The system as set forth in claim 7 wherein the predetermined function comprises a brightness tool and operating levels comprise a brightness range between two settable brightness range endpoints.

9. The system as set forth in claim 7 wherein the predetermined function comprises a contrast tool and the operating levels comprises a contrast sensitivity that is set within range between zero contrast and maximum contrast.

10. The system as set forth in claim 7 wherein the linear bar is provided in a parameter box at a location in the GUI that is accessed with respect to the predetermined function.

11. The system as set forth in claim 10 further comprising another linear bar having a first end point and an opposing second endpoint and another bar having a leading edge that moves across the scale to define the level of the operating parameter, the linear bar being located on the image view adjacent to a graphical representation on the image view of the predetermined function.

12. A method for displaying and controlling vision system operating parameters comprising:

displaying, on a graphical user interface (GUI), an image view of a field of view of a vision system imager, the GUI including a location thereon that displays at least one operating parameter in a non-numeric graphical format that includes a scale having a pre-determined area and a moving region that has a distinct appearance with respect to the scale wherein an edge of the moving region defines a level of the operating parameter; and

providing a user-movable setting graphic that is located with respect to the area and that allows a desired level of the operating parameter, at which the vision system responds, to be set in a manner that free of entry of numeric data with respect to the operating parameter.