Abstract: A matrix array of objects, for example semiconductor bars, is located on a carrier such as an X-Y table and the objects are successively brought into the field of view of a television camera for precise alignment with respect to a reference point. Video signals corresponding to an image of the object and its peripheral area are digitized to produce digitized video signals predominantly of a first level corresponding to surface areas of the object and of a second level corresponding to the peripheral areas. The digitized video signals are analyzed during a plurality of data window sets which are associated with axial directions corresponding to directions of movement of the X-Y table and which correspond to areas of the video image which are in a defined position relative to different edges of the video image of the object when the latter is in an aligned position.

Abstract: A matrix array of objects, for example, semiconductor bars, is located on a carrier such as an XY table and the objects are successively brought into the field of view of a television camera to produce digitized video signals which are utilized in effecting precise alignment of the object with respect to a reference point. Following this alignment step, an electronic analysis is made, again on the basis of digitized video signals, to confirm the presence of an object in the aligned position, and that the object is complete. In the event a complete object is determined to be present in the aligned position, further analysis may be made, also on the basis of digitized video signals to determine whether the object has a surface identification mark indicating that the object is a reject.