Abstract: The invention relates generally to the simultaneous acquisition of superimposed color dark-field and light-field images with a camera followed by decoupling of the images into monochrome components for further analysis of surface defects.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process of inspecting a container wherein a container is positioned at a predetermined location for inspection. At least a portion of the container is illuminated over a defined finish surface, which can relate to various complete surfaces of the container design. Illuminating light is captured from an area corresponding to the defined finish surface without physical manipulation of the container. Thereafter, it is determined whether the defined finish surface of the container is within predetermined tolerances, which then can be used for quality control or other purposes. An apparatus in accordance with the invention preferably has a source of illuminating light to direct light over defined finish surface of the container, and a light sensor to capture light from an area corresponding to at least the defined finish surface.