Abstract: Object sorting systems are known which use a vision based system programmed by an operator who selects those features of the object which will be used in the sorting test. In the invention, detailed feature selection by a human programmer is avoided, the features being selected automatically in a system which is shown examples of the desired and undesired objects. Typically, a linear array camera 5 scans the objects 18 in a rectangular raster, created by the motion of the object along a track 1 and in contact with a fence 2, to generate a binarized picture of the object comprising rows and columns of binary picture elements (pixels). In a learning mode, a master set of features is derived as a reference set of distinguishable columns of the picture. In the sorting mode, the corresponding set of columns of an unknown object are compared with the reference set to determine acceptance or rejection of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the relative position and orientation of an object by automatic equipment. The objects are transported in a first movement direction on a translucent conveyor belt. A line array of photodiodes is arranged transversely to the belt. The electrical condition of these diodes is scanned in synchronism with the movement of the belt. The extreme signals in the longitudinal and the transverse direction of the belt indicate the tangent points of two sets of mutually parallel, but transverse relative to each other, tangent to the objects. The relative positions of the points are compared with a stored system of coordinates for regularly spaced orientation directions of the objects. The closest correspondence matches the orientation and position of the object. Thus, it is not necessary to memorize each position of objects in an object handling or similar apparatus, so that control processing is simplified.

Abstract: A hand-held scanning device is moved across a line of print and generates a two-dimensional scan of the print. A line array of photodiodes performs the scan in one direction and the movement across the paper generates strobe pulses each of which allows one scan of the array to be passed to a store from which a domestic T.V. set can be fed to provide an enlarged display. It may be used as a reading aid for partially sighted people or as an input device for an OCR machine.In the case of a reading aid using a T.V.-type raster display, the store is organized to allow new array scans to be written in at a variable rate dependent on hand motion while the contents of the store are read out repetitively and non-destructively at a constant line-by-line rate suitable for the T.V. raster.