{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9830694","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9830694","title":"Multi-level image focus using a tunable lens in a machine vision inspection system","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-08-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-11-28T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G02F","G06F","G06T","G06T","G06T","G06V","G06V","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","G02F","G06T","G06T","G06V"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A method is provided for defining operations for acquiring a multi-exposure image of a workpiece including first and second regions of interest at different Z heights. The multi-exposure image is acquired by a machine vision inspection system including strobed illumination and a variable focal length lens (e.g., a tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens) used for periodically modulating a focus position. During a learn mode, first and second multi-exposure timing values for instances of strobed illumination are determined that correspond with first and second phase timings of the periodically modulated focus position that produce sufficient image focus for the first and second regions of interest. Data indicative of the multi-exposure timing difference is recorded and is subsequently utilized (e.g., during a run mode) to define operations for acquiring a multi-exposure image of first and second regions of interest on a current workpiece that is similar to the representative workpiece."},"analysis":{"summary":null,"layman_explanation":null,"technical_analysis":null,"business_analysis":null,"faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Multi-level image focus using a tunable lens in a machine vision inspection system","description":"A method is provided for defining operations for acquiring a multi-exposure image of a workpiece including first and second regions of interest at different Z heights. The multi-exposure image is acqu","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9830694","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9830694","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Multi-level image focus using a tunable lens in a machine vision inspection system\" (US-9830694). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9830694","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9830694","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9830694","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T11:19:15.526Z"}