An apparatus to grade a surface is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated member with a straight edge to grade a surface. In addition, the apparatus includes a height gauge to attach to an end of the elongated member. The height gauge is to engage a border of the surface. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a connector to connect the height gauge to the elongated member. The apparatus also includes a first surface on the height gauge. The first surface is to engage a side wall of the border to grade the surface proximate to the side wall. The apparatus further includes a second surface on the height gauge offset from the straight edge by a distance. The second surface is to engage a top surface of the border such that the straight edge is to grade the surface at the distance below the top of the border.

The present invention relates to an information processing device used in an image capture device that illuminates an object with an illuminating unit and images light reflected from the object as a reflection image with an imaging unit. The information processing device includes an irradiation angle determining unit configured to determine an irradiation angle when the illuminating unit illuminates the object based on a tilt statistic that is a value corresponding to tilt distribution of irregularities formed on the surface of the object.

The present invention relates to an information processing device used in an image capture device that illuminates an object with an illuminating unit and images light reflected from the object as a reflection image with an imaging unit. The information processing device includes an irradiation angle determining unit configured to determine an irradiation angle when the illuminating unit illuminates the object based on a tilt statistic that is a value corresponding to tilt distribution of irregularities formed on the surface of the object.

Systems and methods for testing a surface are described. An apparatus can be configured to consistently strike a ball to maintain consistent testing conditions. One or more parameters may be determined based on a path of travel of the ball.

Systems and methods for testing a surface are described. An apparatus can be configured to consistently strike a ball to maintain consistent testing conditions. One or more parameters may be determined based on a path of travel of the ball.

A fastener locating tool equipped with a sensor head having one or more probes and a method for operating such a tool for precisely locating a fastener that is hidden or buried under a thick coating applied on a surface of a structure. The fastener locating tool may be manually or automatically operated. The fastener locating tool includes a platform having a central opening, means for temporarily attaching the platform to a coated surface, and a sensor head that may be easily mechanically coupled to and then later decoupled from the platform. Optionally, the fastener locating tool also includes a multi-stage positioning system with X and Y stages which may be used to adjust the position of the sensor head. The sensor head includes at least one probe which generates electrical signals indicating the presence of a fastener beneath a coating when the probe is within a detection range.

A fastener locating tool equipped with a sensor head having one or more probes and a method for operating such a tool for precisely locating a fastener that is hidden or buried under a thick coating applied on a surface of a structure. The fastener locating tool may be manually or automatically operated. The fastener locating tool includes a platform having a central opening, means for temporarily attaching the platform to a coated surface, and a sensor head that may be easily mechanically coupled to and then later decoupled from the platform. Optionally, the fastener locating tool also includes a multi-stage positioning system with X and Y stages which may be used to adjust the position of the sensor head. The sensor head includes at least one probe which generates electrical signals indicating the presence of a fastener beneath a coating when the probe is within a detection range.

An apparatus to grade a surface is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated member with a straight edge to grade a surface. In addition, the apparatus includes a height gauge to attach to an end of the elongated member. The height gauge is to engage a border of the surface. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a connector to connect the height gauge to the elongated member. The apparatus also includes a first surface on the height gauge. The first surface is to engage a side wall of the border to grade the surface proximate to the side wall. The apparatus further includes a second surface on the height gauge offset from the straight edge by a distance. The second surface is to engage a top surface of the border such that the straight edge is to grade the surface at the distance below the top of the border.

A method including: a) causing a tool mounted on a machine tool to work on a workpiece, and at least one sensor, which is configured to measure one or more aspects of the tool and/or machine tool, collecting sensor data during said working; b) a measurement device inspecting the part of the workpiece that was worked on at step a) to obtain measurement data; and c) calculating sensor-to-workpiece data calibration information from the sensor data and the measurement data.

A method including: a) causing a tool mounted on a machine tool to work on a workpiece, and at least one sensor, which is configured to measure one or more aspects of the tool and/or machine tool, collecting sensor data during said working; b) a measurement device inspecting the part of the workpiece that was worked on at step a) to obtain measurement data; and c) calculating sensor-to-workpiece data calibration information from the sensor data and the measurement data.