Abstract: A system and method inspects containers and cans and includes a conveyor for advancing a plurality of containers into an inspection area. A sensor senses when a can has advanced into the inspection area. At least one light source illuminates the exterior of the can and interior of the can through the top opening after sensing that a can has advanced into the inspection area. The top camera has a field of view looking down into the top opening for obtaining a pixel image of the top and interior of the can and opposing side cameras obtain pixel images in elevation of the container. A processor processes the pixel images and calculates eccentricity, diameter of the opening, and flange width measurements based on the pixel image of the top and the interior of the container. The processor calculates height and flange angle measurements based on the pixel images obtained in the elevation of the container.

Abstract: An optical member inspection apparatus includes an inspection optical system having a light source, and a diffusing means for diffusing the light emitted from the light source. The diffusing means has a central portion and a peripheral portion. The diffusion transmittance of the peripheral portion is higher than the diffusion transmittance of the central portion. The inspection optical system is also provided with an image pick-up means to pick-up an image of the optical member to be inspected, and is positioned so as to receive that light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the diffusing means and the optical member. A judging means is also provided, for judging whether or not the optical member has a defect, in accordance with image signals output from the image pick-up means.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting multiple object conditions, such as side-by-side and overlapped objects, such as packages, on a conveyor. The system includes at least one machine vision system including at least one machine vision camera, at least one illumination subsystem and at least one machine vision computer. The illumination subsystem(s) is configured to illuminate a plurality of objects as they are conveyed past at least one field of view at an inspection station along a conveyor belt. Each machine vision camera is positioned to capture one or more images of the objects as the objects are conveyed past the field of view(s). Each machine vision computer is programmed to detect the presence of multiple object conditions by detecting and counting the number of edges appearing in an image of an object captured by one of the machine vision cameras. The method illuminates at least one object as it passes through the field of view, at which time at least one image of the object is captured.

Abstract: A cigarette inspection device includes four sensors, two for sensing the ends and one for sensing the middle portion of a cigarette to detect loose tobacco and filter presence at the ends, and the presence of a foil band at the middle portion. The fourth sensor provides machine timing information to determine the three conditions of detection. Binary information is then input to a PLC for data reduction and rejection, if the conditions are not present. The program in the PLC allows the end of the cigarette to be scanned multiple times for loose tobacco. Also, foil sensing and filter sensing are done along with the loose tobacco sensing. A shift register is loaded with the resultant detection data, and a reject valve or similar device is operated to remove faulty cigarettes from the product stream.

Abstract: An optical member inspection apparatus includes an inspection optical system having a light source, and a diffusing means for diffusing the light emitted from the light source. The diffusing means has a central portion and a peripheral portion. The diffusion transmittance of the peripheral portion is higher than the diffusion transmittance of the central portion. The inspection optical system is also provided with an image pick-up means to pick-up an image of the optical member to be inspected, and is positioned so as to receive that light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the diffusing means and the optical member. A judging means is also provided, for judging whether or not the optical member has a defect, in accordance with image signals output from the image pick-up means.

Abstract: Known devices for the opto-electrical scanning of individual cubic or cuboid-shaped packets 10, 19, transported at a distance from one another, have the disadvantage that they do not permit simultaneous scanning of all the packet walls. In the device according to the invention, the conveying distance 26 for transporting the packets is interrupted in the region of a testing station 27. The packets 10, 19 to be examined are moved in this region along an aerodynamic trajectory or falling distance. Consequently, all the walls of the packets 10, 19 to be scanned may be scanned simultaneously on all sides.

Abstract: A method and system detect for the presence of a defect or a non-conforming object of unknown shape, configuration, and location within a semi-opaque enclosure. The semi-opaque enclosure has a pattern which is visible on at least a first of its external surfaces. The semi-opaque enclosure may comprise, for example, a labeled plastic or glass bottle, and the visible pattern may be print and graphical information provided on the bottle's label. A first digital image is captured from first channel light reflected off the first external surface of the enclosure; and a second digital image is captured from second channel light navigating the object inside the enclosure and emanating from the first external surface of the enclosure. A difference image is formed substantially devoid of information representing the visible pattern on the first external surface, by subtracting one of the first and second digital images from the other.

Abstract: Automated packaging of surgical needle-suture assemblies includes a framing operation in which adjacent sheets of polymer coated aluminum foils are conveyed through a sequence of steps in an apparatus which produces frames containing plastic packets of needle-suture assemblies. A vision system having video cameras connected to a specially adapted computer enables monitoring the product traveling through the framing operation to detect various defects in the foil and in the product formation. Upon detection of a defect, the computer system can either identify and separate rejected product from good product or shut down the apparatus.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a measurement unit, a signal processing unit having a serial interface and connected to the measurement unit for processing signals obtained at the measurement unit, and a photocoupler connected to the serial interface of the signal processing unit for converting processed signals into optical information. A measurement system may comprise a plurality of the measurement devices and a method for measuring an object may use the measurement devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the presence of contact lens packages in a secondary carton is disclosed, where a sensor that detects the presence or absence of metallic lidstock of the packages through the secondary carton.

Abstract: An automatic system for inspecting contact lenses that are suspended in a saline solution within a lens holder. In the manufacturing process a first electronic image is taken of each lens disposed in its holder. Thereafter a second image is taken of the lens after the holder has been rotated and the solution and lens have moved. The two images are compared and any dark spots on the first image that move with respect to the second image are eliminated as artifacts that are caused by contaminants in the solution or marks on the lens holder. The rim of the lens, optical zone, printed logo and colored iris area of the lens are automatically inspected by a computer program for defects. The lens is rejected if defect features are found in any of the inspected areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for distinguishing horizontal and vertical surfaces of box-shaped objects, particularly parcels, which objects are stacked in an orderly stack in which the lateral surfaces are substantially parallel. The influence of variations in the reflection coefficient over the surfaces of the objects is substantially eliminated. The apparatus and the method make it possible to determine which parcel in the stack may be picked up by a mechanical grab engaging with a front and the top of the parcel.

Abstract: A method and system detect for the presence of a defect or a non-conforming object of unknown shape, configuration, and location within a semi-opaque enclosure. The semi-opaque enclosure has a pattern which is visible on at least a first of its external surfaces. The semi-opaque enclosure may comprise, for example, a labeled plastic or glass bottle, and the visible pattern may be print and graphical information provided on the bottle's label. A first digital image is captured from first channel light reflected off the first external surface of the enclosure; and a second digital image is captured from second channel light navigating the object inside the enclosure and emanating from the first external surface of the enclosure. A difference image is formed substantially devoid of information representing the visible pattern on the first external surface, by subtracting one of the first and second digital images from the other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting skived glue, hemming and skew, and backfold of cartons by means of real time image comparison. The apparatus comprises channel sensors, means for measuring conveyor travel distance, a system controller coupled to the channel sensors, a memory for storing images, a processor coupled to the outputs of the system controller and the memory and a bad carton locator means. A known good carton is passed through the channel sensors and a reference synthetic image is stored in a memory. A test carton is passed through the channel sensors producing a real time image which is compared to the stored reference synthetic image for detecting defects.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the presence of a lens in a transparent package. The method comprises the steps of moving the package into an inspection position, and conducting a light beam through the package and onto an image plane to form an image of the package on the image plane. The method further comprises the steps of generating a set of signals representing the image on the image plane, and analyzing those signals to determine whether a lens is present in the package. This analyzing step, in turn, includes the steps of searching the package image for images of discrete objects; and for each object image found in the package image, identifying values for a plurality of parameters, and analyzing those identified values according to a predetermined procedure to identify the object as a lens or as not a lens.

Abstract: A computer controlled method and apparatus for meat slabbing according to updated information from the meat product and/or the slab cut from the meat product. Such information may include the weight and fat content of the cut slab. This information may be used to reoptimize the slabbing of the meat product and also may be used to further process the cut slab. Such processing might include marking the location of fat to be trimmed, trimming the fat from the slab, portioning the slab and sorting the slab in accordance with preselected parameters.

Abstract: An imaging device coupled to a processor generates a number of image signals corresponding to a multicolor pattern of an item in motion. Each of a number of regions of the pattern is correlated to one of a number of reference colors to generate a segmented image of the pattern. The processor models the multicolor pattern by deriving a number of test values from the segmented image representation. Each test value is representative of a corresponding one of the regions and is determined as a function of region size independent of orientation of the multicolor pattern. The test values are compared to reference data to detect a variation of the item. The reference colors may be determined from color pairs with each pair having a first member from a first set of sample colors and a second member from a second set of sample colors.

Abstract: A wrapping state of a wrapped roll of a continuous sheet material which is rolled and wrapped with a sheet-like wrapping material is checked by taking an image of the wrapped roll placed in a predetermined position, and processing information on the image of the wrapped roll with respect to the density of the image, thereby detecting data on wrapping state of the wrapped roll, and determining whether the wrapping state of the wrapped roll is satisfactory on the basis of the detected data.

Abstract: A method is used for discerning a specific type of a work, including a plurality of specified contoured portions forming parts of the work, from an image including the subject work. Each specified contoured portion, which may be defined by geometric characteristics, such as an area, a peripheral length of a specified contoured portion and a ratio between the area and peripheral length, is recognized in the image based on two-valued image data into which many-valued image data representative of the subject work is transformed with a threshold value. A position of the subject work is discerned based on a relative position of each two specified contoured portions defined by geometric characteristics, such as a distance between centers of each two specified contoured portions and an angle of a center line of each two specified contoured portions relative to a center line of another two specified contoured portions.

Abstract: An inspection system for a variety of products, and in particular flat-folded corrugated boxes uses real-time statistical processing control. This control allows graphs to be derived from which to develop trends indicative of future flaws in the products. These flaws are automatically corrected once a trend has been established. Glue marks on flat-folded corrugated boxes are identified and measured by means of pixel count, thereby providing very accurate depiction of the amount of glue on a box so that accurate comparison to a standard configuration can be made.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically inspecting an ophthalmic lens. The method includes the steps of directing a light beam through the lens and onto an array of pixels, and assigning to each pixel a data value representing the intensity of the light beam on the pixel. The data values are then processed according to a predetermined program to determine if the lens contains any one of a group of predetermined conditions.

Abstract: An inspection system for use with a moving conveyor (20) having a video camera (80) mounted above the conveyor (20) and first and second prisms (60, 62) mounted below the camera (80) but above the part (28) to be inspected. The prisms (60, 62) are oriented to be parallel to two opposite ends (30, 36) of the part to be inspected. Therefore, as the conveyor (20) moves the part (28) below the prisms (60, 62) to an inspection location between the prisms, the camera (80) provides simultaneous images of the ends (30,36) of the part (28) as well the part's upper surface (46).

Abstract: A first, a second and a third RAMs 18, 29 and 34, which preliminarily have stored an absolute value of a difference between any combination of two digital signals issued from an A/D conversion means 3, are provided with first, second and third differential and coding circuit 5, 6 and 7, thereby performing a real-time processing of the digital signal for a printed letter inspecting apparatus for solid objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to search, locate and inspect an object or characteristic of interest on a non-rigid package. First, a model of patterns of interest are stored to train the system with a model of the characteristics of interest. A minimum spanning forest (MSF) is generated defining the characteristics of interest as vertices with each vertex referencing a vertex closest to itself in order to minimize the sum of the distances between vertices in each minimum spanning tree (MST) of the MSF. At run time two coarse alignment features that the system has been trained to identify are located to determine rotation and coarse position of a non-rigid package being inspected. Local alignment then determines the exact position of local alignment points each of which is a starting vertex associated with one or more characteristics of interest as vertices in that starting vertexes MST.

Abstract: A method of optically controlling products consisting, for example, of blanks whereby a succession of blanks fed along a conveyor to a user machine is controlled by an analog sensor for scanning the surface of each blank along a given line, and developing a signal curve as a function of the different graphic characteristics detected along the line; a comparing device compares the signal curve with a reference curve, and emits an error signal in the event the blanks are not the right type and/or are not oriented and/or positioned correctly.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the presence of a lens in a transparent package. The method comprises the steps of moving the package into an inspection position, and conducting a light beam through the package and onto an image plane to form an image of the package on the image plane. The method further comprises the steps of generating a set of signals representing the image on the image plane, and analyzing those signals to determine whether a lens is present in the package. This analyzing step, in turn, includes the steps of searching the package image for images of discrete objects; and for each object image found in the package image, identifying values for a plurality of parameters, and analyzing those identified values according to a predetermined procedure to identify the object as a lens or as not a lens.

Abstract: Images such as product images are identified as substantially similar to one or more reference images by finding pixels which have substantially the same value or values in all or substantially all of the reference images. Image erosion and/or dilation may be used in processing the reference image data to help identify pixels which can always be expected to have the same value in all acceptable images. The values associated with the corresponding pixels in a product image are combined and compared to an expected value. The values associated with pixels which correspond to regions not similar in substantially all of the reference images are combined to produce a discriminant function. The product image is identified as substantially similar to the reference image or images only if the combined values from the product image compare favorably with the expected value, and the dot product between the product image and the discriminant function is equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An automated check-out system for retail stores, such as supermarkets, employing digitized video signals and other means to determine and differentiate individual products, and thereby register the data for billing and inventory purposes. The sensors control the flow and positioning of retail items into the housing wherein the light source is regulated and controlled. Within the housing, optical imaging of the retail item is made with the electronic signal being digitized. By use of computerized databases, the digitized signal is compared to the finite set of data for products of approximately the same size, shape, weight and other comparative variables. Further confirmation of product identity is achieved by use of bar code differentiation, multiple image comparisons and, if necessary, optical display to the store personnel operating the cash register station serving multiple check-out lanes within the store. The customer is guided through the transaction by use of a video display screen.

Abstract: An object sorter/counter for controlling the feed rate of a sorter/counter includes a feed bowl which is oscillated by an adjustable amplitude vibrator and an exit assembly having a chute with a sensor array for registering the passage of objects through the exit assembly. The feed bowl is provided with a shutter which interposes a photodetector and a light source so that light from the light source is blocked from detection by the photodetector intermittently as the feed bowl oscillates. A circuit coupled to the photodetector generates a series of pulses having widths inversely proportional the amplitude of bowl oscillation. A controller adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a predetermined amplitude until the sensor array senses a first object. The controller then adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a lower amplitude and monitors the sensing of other objects.