Abstract: The method for optimizing inspection speed during optical inspection of parts in high, low and fluorescent light applications. There are described autofocus mechanisms and methods optimized for fluorescent and non-fluorescent applications that when combined with a high speed CCD camera and high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve superior signal to noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for rendering pixel resolution, with high signal-to-noise ratio, independent of clock signal-induced ringing effects that tend to blur such resolution as caused by the inherent inductance in the grounding system of CCD chip apparatus and the like, by a novel pair of wide ground plane configurations and interconnections, and separate ground-plane clock pulse and measurement current flow paths.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the optical detection of pin holes or similar aberrations in sheet material, such as metal or metalized packaging materials that are to enclose and seal contents therewithin, with the aid of a reflective-wall cavity structure over which the sheet material is placed and light-sealed and the walls of which are shaped to enable external light leaking through the pin hole or the like to become multiply reflected from the cavity walls and the underside of the sheet to impinge upon photodetecting means at an appropriate portion of the walls, thus to enable detection of such leak, and, if desired, location of the pin hole or the like.