Abstract: A method and system to monitor randomly oriented objects on a process line are disclosed. A color camera is used initially to collect a set of training images from a set of training objects on a process line. The training images represent various random spatial orientations of the training objects with respect to the color camera. The training objects serve as the standard for the process. The training images are stored in a computer-based platform. The color camera is then used to capture images of monitored objects as the monitored objects pass by the color camera on the process line. The monitored objects have a random spatial orientation with respect to the color camera as the monitored objects pass through the field-of-view of the color camera.

Abstract: A vision system and methods to detect rogue objects on a product processing line are disclosed. The vision system includes a camera, a source of illumination, a user interface, and a computer-based platform including a memory. The vision system captures images from objects on the product processing line as the objects pass by the camera which is mounted on the product processing line. Image pixel data is converted to vectors of mean pixel values for each captured image from each object, using the vision system. The vectors are compared to a vector training set stored within the memory of the vision system to determine if the objects correspond to “rogue” objects or not, using the vision system. The vector training set is representative of the current product (i.e., objects) being processed on the product processing line.

Abstract: A differential imaging colorimeter system and method which utilizes a RGB color camera to provide accurate differential colorimetry which can be employed as a portable, dedicated, offline system. The system utilizes a portable processor such as a laptop computer, a hand-held imaging head comprising a color camera, a lens, a plurality of white LED lights, a base plate defining an imaging region, housed in an opaque cover, wherein the imaging head provides a RGB video image to the portable processor; and a software program loaded on the portable processor for applying a geometric transform on an image obtained with the imaging head to match a stored reference image. The computer calculates differential colorimetry values to compare current images with a stored reference image.

Abstract: An improved method and system for capturing and displaying a series of successive video images using at least first and second different exposure times, so that first video images captured using said first exposure time occur alternately in said series with second video images captured using said second exposure time. The method employs a digital computer and a software program for generating and storing digital data representative of said first and second video images, and utilizing that digital data to selectively display (a) side-by-side reproductions of said first and second images or (b) reproductions of only said first or said second video images or (c) composite images derived from the first and second video images digital data.

Abstract: A method of inspection for use with color machine vision systems is provided in which a device-independent digital colorimetric image of a reference object is created on a first machine vision system. The digital colorimetric image can then be shared with other machine vision systems by sending the image electronically, instead of requiring the sharing of the actual reference object. A video image can then be calculated on the second machine vision system using the colorimetric image. The calculated video image can then be used as a reference for comparisons during video inspection on the second machine vision system.

Abstract: The invention provides for capturing and displaying video images by (1) creating a video signal comprising a succession of video fields or frames containing optical image video data representing the captured optical image, with a plurality of first video fields or frames representing the optical image at a first exposure level and a plurality of second video fields or frames representing the optical image at a second exposure level different from the first exposure level, with the first field or frames being interspersed among said second fields or frames, and (2) utilizing that video signal to (a) generate a video display of the image represented by said first video fields or frames or the image represented by said second video fields or frames, or (b) concurrently generate a first video display of the image represented by said first video fields or frames and a second video display of the image represented by said second video fields or frames.

Abstract: A method of visualizing the impact of security flaws or breaches in a network. A 3-D visualization tool that simulates 3-D space on a monitor interfaces with a security database which relationally associates security events with the network elements affected thereby. The security events are visually depicted in a first section of simulated 3-D space and the network elements are depicted in a second section of simulated 3-D space. Relationship lines are drawn between displayed categories of security events and the displayed network elements in order to aid an analyst to visualize the impact of security breaches on the organization. Various other properties of the network elements may also be displayed such as the role of the network device within the organization, and the business functions of the organization.

Abstract: A method of inspection for use with color machine vision systems is provided in which a device-independent digital colorimetric image of a reference object is created on a first machine vision system. The digital colorimetric image can then be shared with other machine vision systems by sending the image electronically, instead of requiring the sharing of the actual reference object. A video image can then be calculated on the second machine vision system using the colorimetric image. The calculated video image can then be used as a reference for comparisons during video inspection on the second machine vision system.

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 present invention is directed to inspection of sealing surfaces of containers for defects which may prevent proper sealing of the container. The present invention provides an inspection apparatus, system, and method for dark-field machine vision inspection of containers, such as glass containers or other containers having a sealing surface. The illumination system provides a dual directional helical illumination technique, which enhances the ability to distinguish any defects in the sealing surface area. The illumination system may also provide the ability to adjust the diameter of a circular illumination pattern, so as to allow adjustability and optimization of the illumination characteristics for differing container configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to inspection of sealing surfaces of containers for defects which may prevent proper sealing of the container. The present invention provides an inspection apparatus, system, and method for dark-field machine vision inspection of containers, such as glass containers or other containers having a sealing surface. The illumination system provides a dual directional helical illumination technique, which enhances the ability to distinguish any defects in the sealing surface area. The illumination system may also provide the ability to adjust the diameter of a circular illumination pattern, so as to allow adjustability and optimization of the illumination characteristics for differing container configurations.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements and the formation of magnetrons for use in sputter depositing material from a targeted material mounted therein. The improvement allows contamination of the target to be reduced in comparison to those of conventional magnetrons, arcing of the magnetron to be reduced, and the deficiency and quality of the coating process and target utilization to be enhanced by providing an array of magnets around the periphery of the target in addition to a first array of magnets to the rear of the target, thus causing the effect of the magnetic field on the target to be substantially uniform.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in the coating of surfaces of substrates by Physical Vapor Deposition systems (PVD) wherein the deposition in material is applied onto the said surfaces by the sputtering of the same using the PVD system. The invention provides means for preventing sputtering material from applying or landing onto surfaces other than which is desired to be coated in the said coating process. The masking means allow the prevention and/or removal of such material which is known as backscattered material and the invention described claims protection for several embodiments and methods of achieving this thereby improving subsequent adhesion propertied and optical quantities, if applicable, of the coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for depositing of materials onto at least one substrate mounted on a substrate carrier provided for rotation in a material depositing zone in a vacuum chamber and causing a reaction of the said material to form a coating having desired properties. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a loading chamber in selective interconnection with the vacuum chamber whilst maintaining a vacuum therein and in a second aspect the carrier and/or the vacuum chamber walls are provided with linear protrusions to restrict the flow of reactive gases in the chamber and thereby reduce the occurrence of arcing and both aspects allowing the dimensions of the coating apparatus to be reduced in comparison to conventional coating apparatus.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the provision of apparatus for depositing layers of material onto substrates (2) mounted on a carrier (4) all provided in a vacuum chamber (6) wherein the material is deposited by sputtering of targets of the material from activated magnetrons (7, 7') and the deposited material is reacted by providing a reaction producing means (9) which allows the coating material on the substrates to be conditioned to have the required characteristics. The invention provides that any, or any combination, of the material depositing means and/or reaction producing means are formed from either two magnetrons or a magnetron and counter electrode arrangement which are powered by an alternating voltage power supply which allows a reduction in the occurence of arcing and thereby the dimensions of the apparatus in comparison to conventional apparatus can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: Spectacle lenses are coated by ion vapor deposition by means of sputtering target materials. A plurality of lenses to be coated are introduced into a sputtering chamber by a load lock device, and when in the chamber the lenses are covered by a disc which is rotated at high speed (50/60 rpm). During this rotation alternate targets of magnetrons are sputtered releasing metal particles which are oxidized by an oxygen plasma created by a third magnetron and metallic oxide coatings are formed on the lenses as alternate layers of different materials. At the end of the operation of coating, which is pre-programmed, the lenses are returned automatically to the load lock device from whence they can be removed. After placement or the lenses in the load lock device the entire process is effected automatically by pressing a button.

Abstract: An ion vapor deposition (IVD) apparatus includes an IVD chamber, a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in the chamber, and a source of ionizing gas. One or more target materials are mounted in the chamber and a holder is provided for holding the object to be coated. An electrical power source electrically biases the target materials. A mask covers the target materials and is movable relative to the target materials for selectively exposing respective target materials.

Abstract: An optical instrument for use in conducting optometric examinations which generates an alphanumeric type display simulating the optical features of displays provided by video display terminals. The instrument comprises a light source and a multi-layered screen through which light from the source may be transmitted. The screen employs light from the source in forming characters which are comprised of pixel-like light elements similar to those making up VDT generated characters. Further, the screen is operative for degrading the image quality of the characters by transforming the light elements into Gaussian type spatial profiles typical of the pixels generated by VDTs.

Abstract: An optical instrument for use in conducting optometric examinations which generates an alphanumeric type display simulating the optical features of displays provided by video display terminals. The instrument comprises a light source and a multi-layered screen through which light from the source may be transmitted. The screen employs light from the source in forming characters which are comprised of pixel-like light elements similar to those making up VDT generated characters. Further, the screen is operative for degrading the image quality of the characters by transforming the light elements into Gaussian type spatial profiles typical of the pixels generated by VDTs.