Abstract: Measuring sheet material flatness includes projecting a bright and dark pattern P made up of bright parts and dark parts onto a sheet material surface S travelling in a lengthwise direction, picking up an image of pattern P with image pickup device to acquire a pattern image, with the pickup device having a field of view larger than a sheet material width. The acquired pattern image is analyzed, wherein a pattern P in which a bright part is disposed at a predetermined set pitch respectively in longitudinal and lateral directions is formed by an LED light at a predetermined pitch respectively in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The pattern P is projected onto the surface such that the longitudinal direction of the pattern P lies along a lengthwise direction of the sheet material, and the lateral direction of the pattern P lies along a width direction of the sheet material.

Abstract: A method and system to inspect high speed tenter chain components is disclosed. The novel chain inspection system include a combination of high speed-high resolution cameras, inductive proximity sensors, strobe lighting, spot cooling, and imaging software to proactively and predictively identify defective, missing, or misaligned tenter clip bearings and springs. This system significantly reduces downtime and productivity losses typically used to troubleshoot and find such damaged or missing components.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection in deposition of acquisition material, which on current machines frequently flips and is difficult to detect when it has flipped causing manufacturers to scrap thousands of products. Using the present invention, defects are able to be detected by discerning a difference in the appearance from side to side with a vision camera, and an acquisition inverter can flip the material to a correct orientation.

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: A monitoring system and method for monitoring a printing system includes a printing system module and a camera. The printing system module is configured to interface with a primary printing-medium path of the printing system and includes a housing with at least one printing-medium path disposed therein. The at least one printing-medium path is a sub-printing-medium path of the primary printing-medium path. The camera is positioned to capture at least one frame of the inside of the printing system module and can be disposed therein.

Abstract: A method for assessing the cure status of a fibrous blanket manufactured with mineral fibers and binder is disclosed and comprises a using an online optical reflectance measurement as an assessment of cure status. The optical reflectance measurement may preferably be a color image taken of any surface, and in particular of a sectioned face, after which the image is optionally divided into multiple regions of interest (ROI) and analyzed for a color system variable that is representative of cure status. In some embodiments, the color system variable is the B value. Alternatively, the optical reflectance measurement may be UV or IR reflectance of a sectioned face. When two or more regions of interest are defined on a sectioned face, comparative information is valuable to assess cure at different levels, layers or portions of the interior of the fibrous product.

Abstract: Object: To provide an inspecting method and device which can distinguish black dirt, non-black dirt and a tear, without determining a pattern as a defect, in a defect inspection of dirt, a tear, a deformed shape, etc. in sheet-like products having differences in color reproducibility (such as variations, color unevenness and/or color fading).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for optical detection and size evaluation of through-penetrating defects such as pinholes in moving foil or film. The invention comprises the installation of at least one image capture device at a first given distance over the moving foil surface, placement of at least one elongated light source comprising an infinite number of point-sources that are not in phase, and are emitting light independently from one another under the foil, periodic automatic computer-controlled image capture of the foil surface with image capture devices, automatic transmission of the image captured by each device to a control computer, and processing of the transmitted image data to detect of defect light spot, followed by determination of generalized index of its initial image. This generalize index value is equal to the brightness averaged within the spot multiplied by the area of the spot.

Abstract: A destructive web thickness measuring system of microdrills includes a computer device, a dual-axis motion platform module, a drill grinding module, a positioning vision module, and a web thickness measuring vision module. When the computer device controls the dual-axis motion platform module to move a microdrill to a first locating position, the computer device performs a positioning procedure according to a first image captured by the positioning vision module, and then performs a grinding procedure, so that the drill grinding module grinds the microdrill to a sectional position to be inspected. When the ground microdrill moves to an image measuring position, the computer device performs an image computing procedure according to a second image captured by the web thickness measuring vision module, so as to obtain a web thickness value. Therefore, the destructive web thickness measuring system of microdrills can automatically measure the web thickness value.

Abstract: A wire guider includes a guiding unit having an inner path extending along the running direction of the wire to guide the running of the wire and an air supply unit for supplying air into the inner path to form a spiral air flow having a current rate faster than a running rate of the wire between an outer surface of the wire and an inner surface of the inner path. Wire Vibration resulting from a thrust force of mill rolls can be damped to more stably carry out one-direction running of the wire and minimize contact between the wire and a guide path. This reduces surface defects of the wire and abrasion of the guide system and protects a sensor unit from damage.

Abstract: Inspection apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles to an imaging zone. A camera generates image data from the stream at the imaging zone for processing by a computer. The computer comprises a pattern recognition system for identifying defects in areas from the image data, and for ranking identified defects. The pattern recognition system is programmed to operate according to multiple defect criteria. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display the areas identified from the image data as thumbnails on the interface arranged according to rank of the identified defects in the areas, in each of at least two defect criteria. The areas from the generated image data will normally be defined around each identified defect with the defect central therein. These areas, or thumbnails, can overlap.

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: The present invention relates to an analysis device (10) for analyzing a thermoforming process in a thermoforming laminating device (20), wherein the analysis device (10) comprises a pressure housing (17) having a pressure resistance of up to 5 bar. At least one image recording device (12) that is connected to a data storage device (13) and one lighting device (11) is disposed in the pressure housing. A lens (12?) of the image recording device (12) is disposed adjacent to a light outlet opening (11) of the lighting device (11) in a housing wall of the housing (17), and the analysis device (10) comprises a temperature resistance of at least up to 50° C. The invention further relates to an analysis method for analyzing thermoforming processes in a thermoforming laminating device that can be performed by means of the analysis device (10) according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing composite material components is provided with a process of laminating fiber-reinforced plastic tape. The method includes, at a plurality of sites from an attachment starting site to an attachment ending site of a first fiber-reinforced plastic tape, determining an attachment state of the first fiber-reinforced plastic tape during lamination of the fiber-reinforced plastic tape. The lamination is stopped when it is determined that the first fiber-reinforced plastic tape overlaps with a second fiber-reinforced plastic tape at a first site of the plurality of sites and that a gap exists between the first fiber-reinforced plastic tape and the second fiber-reinforced plastic tape at a second site of the plurality of sites. And, the lamination is continued when it is determined that the first fiber-reinforced plastic tape overlaps with the second fiber-reinforced plastic tape at all of the plurality of sites.

Abstract: An inspection method includes photographing an image by a camera mounted on a lamination head during a first fiber-reinforced plastic tape is attached by the lamination head while the lamination head moves, and calculating a gap amount between the first fiber-reinforced plastic tape and a second fiber-reinforced plastic tape on the basis of a first component of translational displacement in an optical axis direction of the camera which is a translational displacement of the lamination head during attachment of the first fiber-reinforced plastic tape, an in-plane second component of translational displacement which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the translational displacement, and the image.

Abstract: A panel conductive film configuration system and method thereof are presented. A panel is configured with a plurality of groups of lines staggered in different groups, and ends of the lines are arranged in a staggered manner at two different lengths and include a film contact unit. A processing unit analyzes line widths of the groups of lines through images of the panel photographed by a photographing unit, and when configuring a film on the panel, a setting unit controls a configuration position of the film to adjust attachment areas between a plurality of line contact blocks of the film and each film contact unit.

Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.

Abstract: In a position measuring system for measuring a position of a preset target portion of a conveyed sheet-like material with a camera, the system comprises a first camera unit installed substantially above one edge of the sheet-like material, including an image pickup device to receive a focused image of the sheet-like material, and taking an image of the target portion of the sheet-like material, a second camera unit installed substantially above the other edge of the sheet-like material, including an image pickup device to receive a focused image of the sheet-like material, and taking an image of the target portion of the sheet-like material, and a measuring unit for, based on variations of positions of the target portion from preset reference positions in the images of the sheet-like material focused on the respective image pickup devices, determining occurrence of a pass line fluctuation that displaces the sheet-like material in a vertical direction, and measuring a position deviation of the target portion.

Abstract: Nanofiber electroprocessing apparatus comprising a conductive stylus having a 5 to 250 nm diameter tip; a collector spaced below the tip; a continuous supply of flowable polymer to the tip, and a power supply for creating a potential difference between the tip and the collector sufficient to produce a nanofiber. The conductive stylus may comprise an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and may further be mounted within an AFM scanning holder having a mechanism for moving the tip. A method of electroprocessing a nanofiber comprises providing the conductive stylus, such as an AFM tip, providing a collector below the tip, supplying the tip with the flowable polymer, energizing the tip to create a potential difference between the tip and the collector, and thereby producing the nanofiber. Systems and methods for using nanofibers so created may be used for anticounterfeiting or object identification.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one value at least indirectly characterizing the properties of a surface in a material web treatment device. The method includes the steps of illuminating the surface at least at two measuring points with at least one emission source, simultaneously detecting at least one value at least indirectly characterizing a reflectivity of the surface at said each of the at least two measuring points with a detector device and evaluating the reflectivity.

Abstract: In a web-forming machine, a threading tail is formed from the web. The threading tail is transferred to the production section (10, 12-14) of the web-forming machine including a draw section (21). Monitoring takes place of both the formation of the threading tail and its transfer to the draw point (21). The holding point (24) and its environment that terminates the tail threading of the production section (10, 12-14) in question are additionally monitored, in order to detect the threading tail at the holding point (24) and thus to determine the success of the tail threading.

Abstract: A system for inspecting cigarette paper containing banded regions and non-banded regions. The system includes a short wave infrared camera, the short wave infrared camera forming electrical signals representing properties of the cigarette paper and a processor for analyzing the electrical signals to provide analysis results, the processor including logic for successively examining pixels to determine whether each successive pixel corresponds to a non-banded region or a banded region; logic for computing spacing between adjacent banded regions on the cigarette paper based on results provided by the logic for successively examining; and logic for computing width of banded regions on the cigarette paper based on results provided by the logic for successively examining. An online method for inspecting paper containing banded regions and non-banded regions is also provided.

Abstract: There are provided a device and method for detecting joint parts of a steel strip in an endless hot rolling process.

Abstract: An electro-optical method and apparatus for evaluating the dimensions of any protrusion from the threshold of the fabric surface is achieved by bending any length of fabric over a rotating roller so that the contoured area of the protrusion body above the surface can be visualized. The image of the silhouette as seen by a digital camera is processed by image processing algorithms then processed statistically and then by a neural network to yield an integrated picture of the fabric protrusions. The grading results of pilling are well correlated to the human visual method of pilling evaluation.

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 disclosure provides a system and method for recognizing a defect image associated with a semiconductor substrate. In one example, the method includes collecting defect data of the defect image by testing and measuring the semiconductor substrate, extracting a pattern from the defect data, normalizing a location, orientation, and size of the pattern, and identifying the pattern after the pattern is normalized.

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: Techniques and sensor networks based on distributed wavelet transform algorithms for efficient sensor networks. Wireless multihop sensor networks can implement the described techniques to exploit the data flow direction in the network to perform partial computations to approximate the wavelet coefficients using the available data that arrives at each sensor. Non-multihop sensor networks may use inter-sensor communications and the distributed wavelet transform algorithms to decorrelate the data and thus improve the energy efficiency.

Abstract: Object: To provide an inspecting method and device which can distinguish black dirt, non-black dirt and a tear, without determining a pattern as a defect, in a defect inspection of dirt, a tear, a deformed shape, etc. in sheet-like products having differences in color reproducibility (such as variations, color unevenness and/or color fading).

Abstract: A method for leveling a wafer in a photolithography apparatus is disclosed, including inputting a wafer into the photolithography apparatus to be supported by a chuck, using at least three image capture devices to capture images of corresponding alignment marks on the wafer; and leveling the wafer according to the clarity of the images of the corresponding alignment marks on the wafer captured by the image capture device.

Abstract: A system is provided for inspecting a printed image. The system is provided with at least one evaluation unit, a display device and an image scanner. That scanner takes an image that represents, at least partially, a printed image. The copied printed image belongs to a sequence of images printed on a print carrier by a printing machine. The evaluation unit receives data that is correlated to an image which has been taken, and evaluates that data by comparing it with recorded data of at least one preceding image, or with a reference image. The display device is provided with a graphic display surface that is comprised of several areas which are controlled, in a different manner, by the evaluation unit, and which are preferably simultaneously displayed. A first area displays several images, such as the just taken image, the preceding image and the reference image.

Abstract: A sheet behavior monitor for a sheet processor includes: a folding machine processing a sheet; and a camera taking an image once for each signature (Wb) folded by the folding machine. The camera takes every image at a folding machine rotation phase different from that of the image immediately before taken.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for optical detection and size evaluation of through-penetrating defects such as pinholes in moving foil or film. The invention comprises the installation of at least one image capture device at a first given distance over the moving foil surface, placement of at least one elongated light source comprising an infinite number of point-sources that are not in phase, and are emitting light independently from one another under the foil, periodic automatic computer-controlled image capture of the foil surface with image capture devices, automatic transmission of the image captured by each device to a control computer, and processing of the transmitted image data to detect of defect light spot, followed by determination of generalized index of its initial image. This generalize index value is equal to the brightness averaged within the spot multiplied by the area of the spot.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a first and second cell wall structure; at least one liquid crystal material disposed within a space between the first and second cell wall structures; and polymer micro-structures, wherein the micro-structures are formed by polymerizing a prepolymer, and wherein said micro-structures have a shape and spatial location determined by said liquid crystal material. Permanent polymer micro-structures are formed from a liquid crystal with a non-uniform spatially modulated director field. The polymer structures have the shape and spatial location dictated by the non-uniform director field of the liquid crystal. The micro-structures are a backbone that restores the liquid crystal director field that existed during the polymerization process even when other factors, such as electric field, temperature, or surface anchoring, do not favor this restoration.

Abstract: The present system enables the monitoring and automatic control of the tolerance in splice overlap of textile play , though the identification of the overlap area, identification and counting of textile cords in the overlap area, and the generation of a control signal for the manufacturing equipment based on parameters and criteria defined by a user. The system includes an image acquisition sub-assembly that contains a lighting module, artificial vision module, and respective elements of support, fixation, conditioning and adjustment. The system also includes a quality control computer program that has a module of morphologic image analysis for detection and recognition of the overlap of the ply, detecting and counting of cords in the overlap area, a module of support to the decision of acceptance/rejection of the ply based on parameters defined by the user and a module of an interface with production equipment.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a CMOS integrated circuit having integrally formed thereon an at least two dimensional array of photosensors and providing an inspection output representing an object to be inspected. A defect analyzer is operative to receive the inspection output and to provide a defect report.

Abstract: A method of analyzing machine vision images to identify low contrast features such as scratches or cracks on the polished ends of optical fibers. A bank of oriented filters having incremental angles of orientation are tuned to respond to the frequency characteristics of oriented scratches or cracks having an approximate width. The filters are applied to an image to generate a filter response image for each filter orientation. The set of filter response images are combined to form a single data set indicating a magnitude and angle for each pixel in the original image. Elements of the combined data set having corresponding angles and magnitudes are grouped to form contour components that can be optionally input to higher order processes.

Abstract: A high resolution sheet metal scanner employs machine vision to check a sheet metal part or the like for accuracy of punched or drilled holes or other structure. A high-resolution line-scanning camera mounted to an X-Y table, located in an environmentally sealed lower assembly. The sheet metal part is placed upon a transparent support plate. The line-scan camera is precision focused on the top surface of the glass support plate. An elongated linear illuminator is situated above the glass plate. The illuminator extends in the X direction and moves in the Y direction. The camera is transported in the X and Y directions on a carriage of the X-Y table. A computer control may be used for controlling the camera and the X-Y table. The drive for the camera and for the illuminator are mechanically independent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in the cover sheets used to manufacture diapers is disclosed. A linear sensor is used to detect defects in the cover sheet web before it is combined with the absorbent material to form a diaper. When a defect is detected, the manufactured diaper containing the defective cover sheet is ejected from the line after a delay which is dependent on the speed of the process.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a conveyor for advancing items thereon; and an image-capturing apparatus for detecting individual items on the conveyor and for generating image signals representing an image of the items. The image-capturing apparatus includes an illuminating unit formed of a matrix composed of a plurality of light-emitting diodes; a picture-capturing unit for receiving light rays emitted by the matrix and modified by an item situated in a path of the light rays and for generating the image signals; and a control unit connected to the matrix and the picture-capturing unit for a pulsed illumination of the matrix.

Abstract: A method for determining a helical groove structure, for example in the form of flutes, in the surface of a finely finished cylindrical workpiece, in particular the ground mating bearing surface of radial shaft sealing rings, which is characterized in that a camera is used to record at least one image of the illuminated surface of the workpiece, which image reproduces the helical groove structure in the surface of the workpiece. A device for carrying out a method includes a CCD camera with a macrolens, a radial bearing device for the workpiece, an illuminating device and an image reading and image processing device.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for synchronizing image data obtained from process monitoring cameras. By utilizing synchronization, one and the same area in a paper web can be sought as it passed the different camera positions. Since the speed are high and the webs somewhat stretching, synchronization does not often directly result in the same area being shown in the different camera positions. To facilitate search, a selection area corresponding to the limited number of sequential images in the environment of the point of synchronization of each camera position is visualized for the operator, inside which area the corresponding area in the web can be found with certainty.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a process. The image information received from cameras monitoring various positions of the process is stored in digital form and various cameras positions are alternately selected for a display and analysis on the screen of a computer. The screen is also used for displaying an image variation graph representing the image variation data of images preceding and following the image to be analyzed. The system includes selector elements (5) for selecting a camera position representing the highest-level image variation for an automated display.

Abstract: A automated pilling, snag, and fuzziness inspection and grading method and apparatus for quantifying, locating, and sizing pills, snags, and/or fuzz on fabric rolls or fabric sample swatches, which includes a fulcrum about which the fabric is bent, the fulcrum defining an apex portion in the fabric where the fulcrum contacts the fabric. A moving mechanism is provided for moving a length of the fabric across the fulcrum causing the apex portion to be temporally redefined along the length of the moving fabric. An illumination mechanism is provided for projecting a light upon one side of the temporally redefined apex portion and a recording device is also provided for recording a horizon image of the temporally redefined apex portion where the horizon image being back lit by the illumination mechanism.

Abstract: The assessment of the effects of yarn faults is carried out by simulating the fabric image. In a first step, the yarn is examined by a measuring member for parameters associated with the volume and/or the surface. In a second step, these parameters are converted into grey values or color values, and these values are assigned to image spots. Finally, the image spots are reproduced on a video display unit and/or a printer. An image is generated thereby, representing a simulation of a woven or knitted fabric produced from the examined yarn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which analyzes an image of an object to detect and identify defects in the object utilizing multi-dimensional wavelet neural networks. “The present invention generates a signal representing part of the object, then extracts certain features of the signal. These features are then provided to a multidimensional neural network for classification, which indicates if the features correlate with a predetermined pattern. This process of analyzing the features to detect and identify predetermined patterns results in a robust fault detection and identification system which is computationally efficient and economical because of the learning element contained therein which lessens the need for human assistance.

Abstract: A device and procedure for measuring the positions of sheets for a printing press by precisely determining and then correcting the positioning of sheets in a printing press. Edge areas of a sheet are reproduced, imaging data are transferred to a computer and the positioning of the sheet is detected on the basis of the imaging data by means of an image detection algorithm. Furthermore, the positions of the sheet determined are compared with the stored positions in the computer and position deviations are calculated from the comparison, which are transferred to the printing press and corrected by a sheet-registering device.

Abstract: In the method for monitoring a paper web or the like, the properties and state of the paper web (W) or the like, travelling in a paper machine or in a finishing machine for paper are monitored by observing the travelling paper web with one or more image-forming systems based on camera technique, and the properties of the web are measured with a system comprising one or more physical on-line measurement methods. The systems use different observation devices for monitoring the web. At least two different systems, which use different observation devices, are integrated at least partly by placing the web observation devices in the same machine part, by using software of different systems on the same substation (8), and/or by using the same user interface software for both systems in the workstation (9) in the user interface. The observation devices of different systems can be cameras (2) and sensors, which are placed in the same measurement beam or frame (1) extending across the web (W).

Abstract: Image capture apparatus comprising a support of flexible material, in or on which is mounted a plurality of image capture devices. Each image capture device preferably comprises an image sensor, an image buffer and a communications interface, the communications interface of each image capture device being connected to a common set of interconnection lines (or wireless links) providing clock, control and camera data. The shared line (or link) is connected to (or in communication with) a camera control box which may have connected thereto, or integrated therein, a display screen and/or storage means for storing and/or displaying images captured by the image capture devices. Each of the image capture devices has a unique identity so that it is individually addressable, accessible or operable by the camera control box.