Abstract: A method for facilitating detection of at least one anomaly in a representation of a product having a pattern is provided. The method involves causing at least one processor to receive image data representing the product during processing, identify from the image data generally similar images representing respective instances of a repeated aspect of the pattern, each of the images including image element values, generate a set of corresponding image element values including an image element value from each image, identify at least one image element value from the set of corresponding image element values to be excluded from a subset of the set of corresponding image element values, generate at least one criterion based on the subset, and cause the at least one criterion to be used to facilitate identification of the at least one anomaly. Other methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A method for facilitating detection of at least one anomaly in a representation of a product having a pattern is provided. The method involves causing at least one processor to receive image data representing the product during processing, identify from the image data generally similar images representing respective instances of a repeated aspect of the pattern, each of the images including image element values, generate a set of corresponding image element values including an image element value from each image, identify at least one image element value from the set of corresponding image element values to be excluded from a subset of the set of corresponding image element values, generate at least one criterion based on the subset, and cause the at least one criterion to be used to facilitate identification of the at least one anomaly. Other methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A method for facilitating detection of at least one anomaly in a representation of a product having a pattern is provided. The method involves causing at least one processor to receive image data representing the product during processing, identify from the image data generally similar images representing respective instances of a repeated aspect of the pattern, each of the images including image element values, generate a set of corresponding image element values including an image element value from each image, identify at least one image element value from the set of corresponding image element values to be excluded from a subset of the set of corresponding image element values, generate at least one criterion based on the subset, and cause the at least one criterion to be used to facilitate identification of the at least one anomaly. Other methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a web inspection system. In one embodiment, the present invention is a web inspection system including a web moving unit moving a web of material, a camera positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the camera configured to be in an image capture state or a non-image-capture state, a first illumination system positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the first illumination system constantly illuminating the web of material, a second illumination system positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the second illumination system illuminating the web of material only when the camera is in the image capture state, and a control unit connected to the camera, the first illumination system, and the second illumination system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a web inspection system. In one embodiment, the present invention is a web inspection system including a web moving unit moving a web of material, a camera positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the camera configured to be in an image capture state or a non-image-capture state, a first illumination system positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the first illumination system constantly illuminating the web of material, a second illumination system positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the second illumination system illuminating the web of material only when the camera is in the image capture state, and a control unit connected to the camera, the first illumination system, and the second illumination system.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining an unobstructed view for visual monitoring equipment comprises a housing to isolate the visual monitoring equipment from an external environment. An inlet to the housing is connectable to a source of gas under pressure for cooling and cleaning purposes. At least one outlet to the housing defines a view port to allow the visual monitoring equipment to acquire images external to the housing and to allow gas to exit the housing. The outlet constricts the flow of gas leaving the housing resulting in acceleration of the gas through the outlet to form an exit jet that maintains the outlet unobstructed by debris. The housing is simple in construction with few moving parts resulting in reliable and efficient operation.