Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. The invention also includes a method of executing a process by identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stereoscopic optical inspection system. A computer uses the stereoscopic information to compute and correct for angular and distance misalignments between the unit-under-test and the inspection system. A feature of the optical system is the use of multiple high-resolution inspection cameras, in conjunction with a single stereoscopic reference camera. One example of a preferred embodiment is presented as an electro-optical inspection system for inspection and/or alignment of cathode-ray-tube displays and other video displays on a production assembly line.

Abstract: A high speed optical inspection system for determining the conformity of a sample printed circuit pattern with a master circuit pattern by digitized template matching techniques including illuminating the sample pattern by high intensity lamps and filtering the incident light and reflected light, such as by cross polarization of such light, for contrasting. The contrasted pattern is viewed by an electronic video camera including a charge coupled multi-element pixel array which senses reflected points of light on the illuminated sample pattern for sending electrical signals to a micro-engine for forming a digitized image of the sample pattern.