Abstract: An inspection line comprises: at a finish inspection station, a finish inspection installation capable of detecting without contact, by light rays, check-type defects in the neck of the containers; at a base inspection station, a base inspection installation capable of detecting without contact, by light rays, check-type defects in the base of the containers; and at a radiographic measuring station, a radiographic installation for automatically measuring linear dimensions of at least one region to be inspected of containers. The three installations are each arranged at stations distinct from each other along a trajectory of displacement of the containers. In each installation, a section of the transport device ensures, in the inspection area of the installation, the transport of the containers along a rectilinear portion of the trajectory (T) in a horizontal conveying plane (Pc) perpendicular to the central axis of the containers.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for inspecting a container, comprising: classifying an inspection image of the container in a matching class of one or more predetermined classes of containers of interest, each predetermined class comprising reference images associated with a type of containers of interest, wherein the inspection image is generated using transmission of inspection radiation through the container; comparing a shape model of the inspection image to corresponding shape models associated with reference images within the matching class; associating the inspection image with a matching reference image, based on the comparison; registering one or more zones of the inspection image with corresponding one or more zones of the matching reference image; and mapping differences between the inspection image and the matching reference image, based on the registration.

Abstract: An X-ray product quality automatic inspection device of the present invention comprises: a distributed X-ray source having a plurality of targets and being able to generate X-rays for irradiating an inspected product from the plurality of targets in a predetermined sequence; a detector for receiving the X-rays generated by the distributed X-ray source and outputting a signal representing characteristics of the received X-rays; a transport device for carrying the inspected product to pass through an X-ray radiation region; and a power supply and control device, which is used to supply power to and control the X-ray product quality automatic inspection device, to form characteristic information of the inspected product according to the signal from the detector and to provides an inspection and analysis result of the inspected product according to the characteristic information.

Abstract: The apparati, methods, and computer program products disclosed herein can be used to nondestructively detect undissolved particles, such as glass flakes and/or protein aggregates, in a fluid in a vessel, such as, but not limited to, a fluid that contains a drug.

Abstract: Devices to be tested are conveyed towards, into and from a testing station and are tested there being kept stationary. Conveying into and from the testing station is performed by a mover of a linear motor, which is controllably operated in a stepped manner.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a packaged product (100) and ensuring that the packaged product (100) is adequately filled. In one aspect, the method includes forming a product (101); introducing the product (101) into a package (103), thereby forming a packaged product (100); obtaining an x-ray image (201) of the packaged product (100); analyzing the x-ray image (201) utilizing a processor (118) to identify whether bounded contours (200) exist in the x-ray image (201) for each of the bounded contours (200), the processor (118) determining whether the bounded contour (200) is a threshold defect based at least in part on bounded area (208) of the bounded contour (200) for each of the threshold defects, the processor (118) classifying the threshold defect as one of a plurality of pre-determined defect types; and determining a source of at least one of the threshold defects in the packaged product (100) based at least in part on the classification of the at least one of the threshold defects.

Abstract: A system that visually indicates the position of a characteristic-of-interest of a machine conveyable material. The visual indication comprising direct, indirect and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus includes a container, and a detecting device including a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module includes a light-emitting element provided at a first point of the container and operable to transmit a photo signal to propagate toward the container along an optical path. The receiving module includes a light-receiving element provided at a second point of the container and configured to receive the photo signal transmitted through the container. The receiving module is operable to determine whether a substance is present within the container based on receipt of the photo signal. An imaginary tangent plane tangent to the first point is not parallel to an imaginary tangent plane tangent to the second point.

Abstract: A defect inspection and repairing method is disclosed. The method includes: providing a wafer including a semiconductor chip disposed on a surface of the wafer; disposing a layer over the semiconductor chip; obtaining a scanned image of the disposed layer; performing an image analysis upon the scanned image to obtain a defect information; and generating a recipe of a beam according to the defect information, wherein the beam is configured to apply on the disposed layer. Associated system and non-transitory computer-readable medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device for a production machine, in particular, a bottling plant 1 with a filling device 7 or a filling and sealing device 13, with a stream of products (5) consisting of one or more columns, wherein the inspection device is arranged in the production machine, advantageously in the bottling plant 1, directly after the filling device 7 or the filling and sealing device 13 or before a separating device 23, so that the products 5 are inspected before the separation 23 or packaging 25 of the products 5. Furthermore, the invention relates to an inspection method for a production machine, in particular, for a bottling plant 1, in which an inspection device consisting of a source 17 and a sensor 19 scans several products 5 perpendicular or diagonal to the product motion B.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for detecting a dielectric object comprises a potential probe for determining an electric potential in an electric field, a first capacitance device, a second capacitance device, and a control device configured to supply alternating voltages to the first and the second capacitance devices. The control device is configured to amplify the alternating voltages in opposite directions to one another in order to minimize the magnitude of an AC voltage component, which is clock-synchronous with the alternating voltages, of a voltage which is recorded by means of the potential probe. The dielectric object is detected when a ratio of the alternating voltages does not correspond to a ratio of (i) a first distance of the potential probe from the first capacitance device to (ii) a second distance of the potential probe from the second capacitance device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing bottles or the like containers (1) filled with a bulk material and mechanically closed by means of a container closure (2), the container closures (2) each comprising an original security ring (4) held on said container (1) in the closed state thereof in an interlocking and/or force-fit manner, such that opening the container (1) is possible only by separating and/or destroying the originality security ring (4), characterized in that the containers (1) are tested by means of at least one optoelectronic sensor system (10) after filling and closing for intactness of the originality security element (4).

Abstract: A system for detecting stress in rails includes a railcar, having a rail temperature detector, and a rail imaging device oriented to produce images of rail joints and rail anchors. The imaging device and temperature detector are connected to a computer controller, which is programmed to provide an output signal indicative of estimated axial stress in the rail based upon rail temperature and the images of at least one of the rail joints and rail anchors.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus monitoring test media used in or applicable to magnetic testing, said apparatus comprising a test element fitted with an artificial defect and a test medium feed and a test return as well as a magnetic field generator, further a magnetic field adjustment unit to adjust the magnetic field strength acting on the test element and/or the artificial defect, being adjustable at different magnetic field intensities to check the test medium, and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: An inspection station identifies defects such as artifacts (e.g., dust, hair, particles) in the sealing areas of sealed sterile packages. A multi-head optical scanner can include at least two fiber optic sensors each comprised of a bundle of optical fibers arranged into a linear face coupled to an image processing module and oriented towards a scanning area of sealed packages moving through a conveyance system. An image processing module can analyze input from the at least two fiber optic sensor arrangements to identify artifacts in the sealing areas of the sealed packages.

Abstract: An automated hydrogen bubble detection apparatus includes a horizontal support surface on which a test coupon can be supported, a transparent tube having an open top and an open bottom and operable to contain a test solution when positioned on a test coupon, a camera arranged to view a test solution in the transparent tube, and a controller in communication with the camera and effective to operate the camera such that at least one video segment is recorded by the camera and analyzed to detect first bubble and continuous bubble generation. A method of evaluating corrosion resistance of coatings on aluminum and steel in acidic solution is also included.

Abstract: An inspection device for monitoring bottles includes a lighting unit, a color-sensitive camera, and a control-and-evaluation unit. The lighting unit is arranged above a transport path of bottles to be examined and has a light-source circuit-board having light sources that emit light having a light-source color. The control-and-evaluation unit changes the light-source color to a bottle color that is determined in a region of a mouth of a bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device (1) for checking bottles (2) or similar containers, comprising at least one first camera (9, 11, 12, 13), which checks a defined region of the bottle (2) or similar container. The at least one camera (9, 11, 12, 13) is arranged on an optic channel (6), on which at least one second camera (9, 11, 12, 13) is arranged, which checks the same defined region as at least the first camera (9,11,12,13). A third and fourth camera (9, 11, 12, 13) is arranged on the optical channel (6), which together check a further, defined region.

Abstract: An inspection method and inspection equipment for mouth section of bottle-can including: first-inspection process for eliminating the bottle-can in which existence of a low-brightness area is detected from a monochrome inspection-image which is obtained by imaging the curl portion with irradiating white light to the curl portion in an imaging area of the bottle-can which is conveyed along a main-conveyance path; and a second-inspection process for judging quality of the bottle-can while conveying the bottle-can which is eliminated by the first-inspection process along a secondary-conveyance path by irradiating illumination lights having two colors from different directions to the curl portion in the imaging area along substantially a tangential direction of a cylindrical surface of the mouth section so as to image a color inspection-image, and distinguishing existence or not of the asperity on the curl portion from signal strengths of the light colors of the color inspection-image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test method for checking an inspection device, comprising at least the steps of: generating a prescribed number of faulty and/or correctly labelled containers or test containers; moving the faulty containers or test containers past the inspection device, which detects the faulty containers or test containers and generates a signal for ejecting the faulty containers or test containers, or indicates a value relative to the expected and the measured faulty and/or correctly labelled containers. The test method can be started or performed manually or automatically, and is suitable, for example, for checking a label seating inspection device for correct functionality, or optionally for confirming the faulty functioning thereof.

Abstract: A container inspection device includes at least two cameras displaced from each other in a container's direction of travel and camera axes perpendicular to that direction. Each camera records an image of the same container region when the container is directly in front it. A difference between the images indicates a defect in form of the container. A device moves the container and records these images by some combination of rotating and/or pivoting. An electronic evaluation system compares the images and ascertains a defect in the form of the inspected container if they are different.

Abstract: An inspection device and a method for recognizing embossings and/or labels on transparent vessels, in particular beverage bottles, and having a camera for imaging an embossing and a label of a vessel to be examined, and a transmitted light lamp provided with a luminescent screen and used for sending transmitted light through the embossing. In this way, a compact inspection device for recognizing labels and/or embossings and for examining their positions is provided.

Abstract: A method for quality control of a stretch-blow-molded plastic container by inspecting its base, which method is easy to execute and is not highly susceptible to faults. Such inspection of the container bases includes determining quality features such as the surface area of an unstretched and/or only slightly stretched region of the base of the plastic container.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting labeled containers, allowing a detection of holes in the label, with a high hit rate, even in cases where the color of the label is similar to that of the filled product, wherein the label is irradiated with visible light and invisible light and/or is imaged in incident light and transmitted light.

Abstract: A pulsed thermography defect detection apparatus including active and passive infrared (IR) thermography for non-destructive testing (NDT) of powdermetallic (P/M) components for on-line and off-line inspection.

Abstract: An inspection device and an inspection method for detecting foreign bodies in a filled container, and having at least one inspection camera, a transport device for the at least section-by-section linear transport of the container and at least one vibration device for vibrating the container, where foreign bodies in the containers can be set in motion without complicated acceleration and retarding of the container and the movements can be registered and compared as single images by the inspection cameras even with a stationary camera position. The construction of the device is less space-consuming and less complicated than for machines of the rotary type and the detection of foreign bodies is more reliable than with conventional machines of the linear type.

Abstract: A device for use in the inspection of a container, an inspection system and an inspection method are provided. The device comprises a protection pane for protecting a first space being separated by the protection pane from a second space for arrangement of the container, and a predetermined mark being arranged on the protection pane so that it is arrangeable on the device in a detecting range of a detecting unit for detection, wherein the detecting range is used for detecting at least one part of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass bottle inspection apparatus which can detect a defect at a specific location such as a bottle-mouth portion of a glass bottle by an imaging process. The glass bottle inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit having one or plural illuminating units (LED1 through LED6) configured to illuminate a glass bottle (1) and at least one camera (CAM1 through CAM4) configured to image light reflected from the glass bottle (1), configured to detect a defect at a specific location of the glass bottle. The apparatus has a controller (4) configured to control operations of the one or plural illuminating units (LED1 through LED6) and the camera (CAM1 through CAM4). The controller (4) controls the one or plural illuminating units (LED1 through LED6) individually to emit a pulsed light in synchronism with an image capturing timing of the camera (CAM1 through CAM4).

Abstract: A method of acquiring an image of a pharmaceutical in a colored, transparent pharmaceutical vial includes the steps of: providing a generally cylindrical, colored, transparent pharmaceutical vial having a closed lower end, the lower end having a radially outward lower section, a radially inward upper section, and a transition section that merges with the upper and lower sections; identifying the transition section of the vial with a vision system; detecting the color of the transition section; illuminating the vial; acquiring an image of the vial and pharmaceutical; and adjusting the colors of the image based on the color of the transition section. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of comparing the image to a pre-stored image of an expected pharmaceutical to determine whether the identity of the pharmaceutical in the vial matches the identity of the expected pharmaceutical. This method can improve the reliability and consistency of the images produced.

Abstract: Embodiments may disclose a vision system for detecting a defect, including a conveyer belt configured to move at least one bottle through the vision system; a light emitting diode (LED) backlight configured to silhouette any dark contamination on a surface or inside the at least one bottle; a robot with a bottle gripper tooling, the robot configured to pick up the at least one bottle and rotate the at least one bottle; at least one camera configured to take pictures of the at least one bottle while the at least one bottle is being rotated; and a flipper arm configured to stop or allow the at least one bottle to move to a position where the robot picks up the at least one bottle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a foreign matter inspection device and a foreign matter inspection method, in which the accurate inspection of foreign matter is performed using captured images by continuous shooting in the state in which a movement locus due to the falling caused by the movement of the foreign matter along the inner wall of a container from the horizontal direction of the container as a result of rotation is formed so as to be long. A rotating device is provided with a rotation control means for executing the rotational motion in which container holding members for holding the container in a horizontal manner or at a constant inclination angle relative to the horizontal axis of the container, and the container are rotated at an angle of 60° or more, and then stopped, wherein a foreign matter detection means detects the foreign matter according to the movement locus of the foreign matter, which is formed using the captured images obtained by the continuous shooting for each rotational motion at constant time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatic application and monitoring of a structure to be applied onto substrate. A plurality of cameras positioned around an application facility are utilized to monitor the automatic application of a structure on a substrate by means of a stereometry procedure. Three-dimensional recognition of a reference contour position results in the overlapping area to be used for gross adjustment of the application facility prior to applying the structure.

Abstract: A device for optical characterization of a sample is provided, the sample being accommodated in a receptacle container transparent to light. The device includes a camera, using which the sample may be detected, and a first light source is situated in such a way that the sample is transilluminated opposite to the viewing direction of the camera, a second light source is situated on the same side as the camera, and a laser source is situated transversely to the viewing direction of the camera.

Abstract: A method and combined video display and camera system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first sheet and a second sheet oriented parallel to the first sheet, the second sheet including a light diffuser. A light source is placed along an edge of the second sheet, wherein the second sheet diffuses light generated by the light source. One or more cameras are placed behind the second sheet to capture an image through the second sheet and the first sheet.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing powders and powder behavior in a rotating cylindrical container by image analysis techniques. Powder is placed in a generally cylindrical container with transparent ends. The container is then placed in front of an imaging device and illuminated with a light source so the device can capture images of the powder over time. The container is then rotated at various speeds and the camera captures images of the powder at fixed time intervals. Image analysis algorithms are then used to isolate the powder information in the images and this data is used to calculate several parameters of the powder including the potential energy of the powder, the curvature of the powder, and volume of the powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection a vehicle component to detect the presence of a part defect and a method for performing the inspection. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for inspecting the vehicle component comprises: a camera having a lens; a borescope having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively disposed adjacent the camera and the second end having a mirror disposed therein; and a light source for supplying light to the borescope whereby the mirror is operative to reflect an image of an area of the vehicle component to be inspected to the camera.

Abstract: A method for measuring brightness uniformity of a panel is disclosed. The method includes steps of: dividing the panel into a plurality of areas, measuring brightness of each area, calculating each area of an average value K the brightness differences between the area and the other adjacent areas, and comparing the value K with a predetermined value. When the value K is greater than the predetermined value, it indicates that the brightness difference between the area and the adjacent areas exceeds a uniformity threshold. When the value K is smaller than the predetermined value, it indicates that the brightness difference between the area and the adjacent areas is below the uniformity threshold. The entire panel is evaluated to ensure accuracy of measuring results.

Abstract: A method of assessing the quality of metal parts, for example through detection of defects in a metal part induced by processing the metal part, comprises acquiring a thermal image of the metal part after processing the metal part, determining a difference image by comparing the thermal image to a reference image, the difference image being related to temperature differences between temperature data represented by the thermal image and by the reference image, and determining a gradient image using the difference image, the gradient image representing temperature difference gradients within the difference image. An example apparatus comprises a camera, such as a thermal camera, an image processor, and an output device such as a display.

Abstract: A device for capturing a silhouette consisting of a transparent wall, a vision device to capture at least one image of the wall and a processing unit connected to the vision device which analyses the captured images and detects the silhouette of the individual passing between the transparent wall and the vision device. More than one pattern is positioned on the transparent wall and the patterns exhibit a contrast with the transparent wall.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods utilized to quantitatively measure the level of mottle in multilayer laminates. The systems and method are generally free of the inconsistencies, variability and inherent biases of the traditional subjective process by which a person of ordinary skill in the art can assess and categorize the mottle of a multilayer laminate. In the method, variations in the images of mottle produced by a shadowgraph are quantified, measured and classified.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and viewing an image of an item (95) against a reflective surface (94) with a light source (85), a camera (97) and operational electronics (98) installed on a single, common circuit board (99) located with a plane thereof along an exterior upright wall (102?) of a closed optics compartment (102). The light source faces a window element (103) of the closed optics compartment with a first light guide part (86) and directs light further into the optics compartment by means of a second light guide part (86?) located on the other side of the window element and aligned with the first light guide part (86). An optical unit is located in the optics compartment and comprises a light path extender (89, 90, 91), a light source input region, a lens unit (93), and at least one image detection output region.

Abstract: A device for detecting a defect on the end face of a glass sheet is provided with: an image pick-up device having at least two CCD cameras for image-picking up the end face of the glass sheet from outside the glass sheet and in two directions diagonal to both front and back surfaces thereof; an illuminating device having a nearly C-shaped ring illumination capable of applying illuminating light in its center axis direction and having an opening slit; and an image processing device for processing the image signals acquired from the CCD cameras to determine the quality of the end face. The glass sheet is loosely inserted in the opening slit so that the end face agrees with the center axis of the ring illumination; the illuminating light is applied to the end face; and the end face is image-picked up by the image pick-up device. The image signals thus acquired are processed by the image processing device, thereby detecting the presence/absence of the defect on the end face.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device (1) for checking bottles (2) or similar containers, comprising at least one first camera (9, 11, 12, 13), which checks a defined region of the bottle (2) or similar container. The at least one camera (9, 11, 12, 13) is arranged on an optic channel (6), on which at least one second camera (9, 11, 12, 13) is arranged, which checks the same defined region as at least the first camera (9,11,12,13). A third and fourth camera (9, 11, 12, 13) is arranged on the optical channel (6), which together check a further, defined region.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and encoders. The methods include synchronization techniques and correlation techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing bottles or the like containers (1) filled with a bulk material and mechanically closed by means of a container closure (2), the container closures (2) each comprising an original security ring (4) held on said container (1) in the closed state thereof in an interlocking and/or force-fit manner, such that opening the container (1) is possible only by separating and/or destroying the originality security ring (4), characterised in that the containers (1) are tested by means of at least one optoelectronic sensor system (10) after filling and closing for intactness of the originality security element (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for detecting the edge profile of bottles or similar containers that are moved past a measuring and/or receiving region of a measuring and/or receiving system, using at least one opto-electric receiver on one side of the measuring and/or receiving region and using at least one light-emitting device on the side located opposite of the receiver in the measuring and/or receiving region.

Abstract: The safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts is configured to use a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in a field of view of the camera. The device is useful in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upwardly oriented storage chamber for such items, the safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting labeled containers, allowing a detection of holes in the label, with a high hit rate, even in cases where the color of the label is similar to that of the filled product, wherein the label is irradiated with visible light and invisible light and/or is imaged in incident light and transmitted light.

Abstract: An inspection device and an inspection method for detecting foreign bodies in a filled container, and having at least one inspection camera, a transport device for the at least section-by-section linear transport of the container and at least one vibration device for vibrating the container, where foreign bodies in the containers can be set in motion without complicated acceleration and retarding of the container and the movements can be registered and compared as single images by the inspection cameras even with a stationary camera position. The construction of the device is less space-consuming and less complicated than for machines of the rotary type and the detection of foreign bodies is more reliable than with conventional machines of the linear type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel inspection device for bottles or similar containers (2), comprising a transport section (4) the containers (2) and comprising a camera system (9) for creating images of at least one region of the containers (2) being moved past the camera system (9).