A new smart vision system using a quick-response dynamic focusing lens

We propose a new smart vision system using a quick-response dynamic focusing lens suitable for micro parts assembling. This system realizes real-time observation for micro parts with a deep depth of field, as well as three-dimensional shape measurement using only one image sensor. In this paper, we report a newly developed real-time algorithm called the one pixel method for generating a clear image having a deep depth of field. This method is able to process one original picture (640/spl times/480 pixels per frame) in approximately 1.0 ms. We also report the results of three-dimensional shape measurement with high accuracy using the contrast of brightness method.