Abstract: Digitally signed and encrypted synchronous online messages are conducted between prescribed online messaging service subscribers.

Abstract: Digitally signed and encrypted synchronous online messages are conducted between prescribed online messaging service subscribers.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention inspects cylindrical, circular or spherical objects, such as cans. A camera acquires images of a reference object and objects to be inspected. A reference object is rotated and imaged by at least one camera. A processor is operatively connected to the at least one camera and object rotator and draws a position mask based on images of the reference object in rotated positions to create a reference mask. An object to be inspected is imaged and the position mask is drawn. A processor matches the position mask for the object with the reference mask to determine a position and/or defects of the object.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention allows the inspection of an object having an annular opening, such as a container or can, and uses a plurality of cameras that acquire grayscale images of arcuate sectors that together comprise a circumferential area within the opening. A processor is connected to the plurality of cameras for receiving the grayscale images and determining defects within the container based on contrast differences and grayscale intensity. The invention allows smart analysis of defects using qualitative inspections and quantitative measurements at higher speeds.

Abstract: A system and method inspects containers and cans and includes a conveyor for advancing a plurality of containers into an inspection area. A sensor senses when a can has advanced into the inspection area. At least one light source illuminates the exterior of the can and interior of the can through the top opening after sensing that a can has advanced into the inspection area. The top camera has a field of view looking down into the top opening for obtaining a pixel image of the top and interior of the can and opposing side cameras obtain pixel images in elevation of the container. A processor processes the pixel images and calculates eccentricity, diameter of the opening, and flange width measurements based on the pixel image of the top and the interior of the container. The processor calculates height and flange angle measurements based on the pixel images obtained in the elevation of the container.

Abstract: A sensor determines the planar inclination of a surface and includes a sensor body having a light emitting end. Three Z-axis sensors are positioned within the sensor body. Each Z-axis sensor includes a laser assembly having a light output for emitting a light beam from the light emitting end onto a surface to be scanned. An optical detector receives reflected light that had been emitted from the laser assembly onto a surface to be scanned. A processor is operatively connected to the optical detectors and calculates the planar inclination of the surface based on the light scattered back from the surface to be scanned. Each laser assembly has a sine wave modulation that is different from the sine wave modulation of a respective other laser assembly. The sine wave modulation is a function of amplitude, frequency modulation, DC offset, time and phase.

Abstract: A method of determining the planar inclination of a surface is disclosed. Each of three lasers positioned within a sensor body are modulated with different sine wave frequencies based on stored values within a wave-table by superimposing onto the emitted light beam a respective sine wave frequency. The light beam is scattered from each laser onto a respective position sensitive detector after being emitted onto a surface to be analyzed. The light beam is then demodulated by producing electrical signals from each respective position sensitive detector and integrating the electrical signals and calculating the planar inclination on the surface based on demodulated values.