Abstract: A packaging machine for producing blister packs has an inspection device with at least one detection device configured to optically detect individual blister packs. The upper side and the lower side of each blister pack is inspected by means of the at least one optical detection device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inspection system for confirming whether a capsule is defective and, more particularly, a large quantity of capsules flowing in from the outside is randomly supplied to a moving part by means of a hopper part, the moving part transfers, to a discharge part by means of a plurality of rollers, the large quantity of capsules fed by means of the hopper part so that a controller can distinguish between the good-quality and defective capsules on the basis of an image captured by means of a vision part and discharge same, a gap is formed between the rollers so that the plurality of fed capsules are randomly loaded and horizontally aligned in the gap, and the vision part can capture still images of the rotating capsules that are horizontally aligned and loaded in the gap, while the rollers rotate/stop through a driving part according to the repeated going/stopping of the moving part.

Abstract: A sorting device for sorting agricultural products coming from a bulk flow and a corresponding method are described. A sorting device includes an image acquisition unit; an image processing unit configured to identify and analyze each product in the bulk flow; a decision unit configured to determine the products to be separated; a separation unit arranged to separate at least some of the products coming from the bulk flow; and a unit for conveying the agricultural products in the form of bulk flow. The sorting device may further include means for turning over the agricultural products on themselves, mounted in the conveying unit facing the image acquisition unit, and configured to allow an exposure to the image acquisition unit, of the different parts of the conveyed agricultural products.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a manner of training a depth prediction system using bounding boxes. In one embodiment, a method includes segmenting an image to mask areas beyond bounding boxes and identify unmasked areas within the bounding boxes. The method also includes training a depth model using depth losses from comparing weighted points associated with pixels of the image within the unmasked areas to ground-truth depth. The method also includes providing the depth model for object detection.

Abstract: An object inspection apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: a first flipper apparatus configured to rotate a first object; a second flipper apparatus configured to rotate a second object; and a single camera device configured to move from a position corresponding to one of the first flipper apparatus and the second flipper apparatus to a position corresponding to the other, the camera device being configured to inspect object surfaces of the first object and the second object. Each of the first flipper apparatus and the second flipper apparatus includes at least one flipper unit.

Abstract: When there is currently no article at an upstream end of a trough of a downstream linear feeder, an upstream linear feeder is driven to operate until any article detected by an upstream article detector. In case no article is still detectable by the upstream article sensor when a predetermined period of time is passed after the upstream linear feeder starts to be driven, the upstream linear feeder is driven to operate by an increased vibration strength based on the assumption that an article(s) is being jammed or articles are being stuck together on an upstream side of the upstream linear feeder.

Abstract: A system for count separation of objects comprises a controller, cameras adapted to detect each individual object in a stream of falling objects such that the controller can count the objects, a first receiving location adapted to directly receive the stream of falling objects, a second receiving location adapted to receive objects diverted from the stream of falling objects or to receive the stream of falling objects when the stream of falling objects is diverted from the first receiving location; a mechanical diverter having (a) a first position to not divert the stream of falling objects from the first receiving location and (b) a second position in to divert the stream of falling objects to the second receiving location, and an air blast diverter adapted (a) to divert specific objects or the stream of falling objects to the second location.

Abstract: A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blister strip inspection device (10) for sensing blister segments (12) of a blister strip (14), having an image acquisition device (16) which is arranged to capture images of the blister strip (14), wherein the image acquisition device (16) comprises a digital camera (18.1), an advance sensing device (24) for continuously sensing an advance (x) of the blister strip (14), and an evaluating unit (40) which is connected to the digital camera (18.1) and to the advance sensing device (24), and which is configured to automatically perform a method having the following steps: (v) sensing the advance of the blister strip (14), (vi) determining a target time (ti), at least also on the basis of the advance, at which a blister segment (12.i) is completely in the field of view (20.1) of the digital camera, and (vii) acquiring an image with the digital camera (18.1) at said target time (ti), wherein the digital camera (18.1) is a video camera which has a field of view (20.1, 20.

Abstract: A position detector for generating 3D position information of an object in a position determination space for the object. The position detector has a camera with a lens and an image sensor that defines an imaging area with one first light deflecting element arranged in the imaging area as the camera and the at least one light deflecting element are adapted to simultaneously produce on the image sensor at least two images of the position determination space, a first image being produced by light beams deflected at the first light deflecting element, the at least two images differ with respect to the viewing direction of the position determination space.

Abstract: A method for sorting optoelectronic semiconductor components is specified. The semiconductor components each include an active region for emission or detection of electromagnetic radiation. The method includes the following steps: introducing the semiconductor components into a sorting region on a specified path; irradiating the optoelectronic semiconductor components with electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength range to generate dipole moments by charge separation in the active regions of the optoelectronic semiconductor components; and deflecting the optoelectronic semiconductor components from the specified path as a function of their dipole moment by means of a non-homogeneous electromagnetic field. A device for sorting optoelectronic semiconductor components is further specified.

Abstract: A system and method of inspecting a chicken piece comprising generating an image for the chicken piece, identifying a defect type, a defect location and an area of each defect on the chicken piece based on the image, and grading the chicken piece into one of a plurality of grades based on the defect type and the area.

Abstract: System and methods used to inspect a moving web (112) include a plurality of image capturing devices (113) that image a portion of the web at an imaging area. The image data captured by each of the image capturing devices at the respective imaging areas is combined to form a virtual camera data array (105) that represents an alignment of the image data associated with each of the imaging areas to the corresponding physical positioning of the imaging areas relative to the web. The image output signals generated by each of the plurality of image capturing devices may be processed by a single image processor, or a number of image processors (114) that is less than the number of image capturing devices. The processor or processors are arranged to generate the image data forming the virtual camera array.

Abstract: A method of assembling vehicle parts, the method including: measuring at least one of a dimension or a characteristic of each of plural types of vehicle parts, and, for types of vehicle parts of which there are plural in stock, measuring at least one of a dimension or a characteristic of each one of the plural vehicle parts that are in stock; determining a combination of the plural types of vehicle parts by selecting specific vehicle parts from among the types of vehicle parts of which there are plural in stock, such that the selected specific vehicle parts closely approximate specific vehicle specification reference values; and assembling the plural types of vehicle parts in accordance with the combination that has been determined.

Abstract: A method for generating a highly distinctive signature of a certain diamond, the method may include generating, based on one or more images of the certain diamond, a certain diamond signature of the certain diamond; finding, out of a group of reference diamonds, other diamonds having other diamond signatures; wherein the finding comprises calculating similarities between the certain diamond signature and reference diamond signatures of the reference diamonds of the group; and generating a new certain diamond signature that significantly differs from signatures of the other diamonds.

Abstract: A method and system for marking and encoding recyclability includes material identification markers to enable a robot with computer vision capability to properly identify and distinguish between various materials. The material identification markers could include marks or symbols to describe a recyclable item or material. The material identification markers may be incorporated into the design of the item, printed on the item or label, or placed in any other way as this is a vision-based system. Further, the material identification markers may be visible or invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting containers, in particular, beverage containers, may comprise at least one conveyor belt for transporting a multitude of containers, an identification device for identifying a decor on each container conveyed on the conveyor belt, wherein selection data can be generated by the identification device depending on the respective decor present on a specifically detected container, and a selection device for repositioning individual containers on the conveyor belt depending on the respectively identified decor. The selection device forms a continuous track and has shifting means for shifting the identified containers. The continuous track extends along the conveyor belt in a selection region, and the individual shifting means in the selection region can be accelerated to the same speed as the conveyor belt by means of a transport device, thereby being adjacent to a specific and previously identified container.

Abstract: A system for removing unstable articles from an automated processing stream includes an automated processing stream with a plurality of processing units including a flow diverter and configured to carry a stream of articles, a vision system, and a control system interfacing with the automated processing stream and the vision system, wherein the vision system is configured to detect positions of an article and to transmit position data to the control system, and wherein the control system is configured, through operation of a processor, to determine an expected position of the article based on a first detected position, compare the expected position to a second detected position of the article, determine a deviation of the second detected position from the expected position, and control the flow diverter to divert the article based on the deviation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to perform control in such a way as to display a workflow image indicating a series of processes included in a workflow and change a manner in which the workflow image is displayed such that an allocation state of an operator for, among the series of processes, a target process for which there are candidates for the operator.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. A product separation surface is mounted near the distal end of the conveyor, and the produce stream passes over the product separation surface, and is slowed to a speed such that the produce stream falls substantially immediately vertically downwardly. An inspection zone is located downstream relative to the product separation surface. An imaging device is provided, and which images the produce stream passing through the inspection zone; an illumination device is provided for illuminating the produce stream passing through the inspection zone, and an ejector assembly is located downstream of the inspection zone and which removes unwanted solid material in the produce stream having undesirable characteristics.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sorting foreign matter from a flow, the method comprising the steps of: identifying objects within a flow; for each identified object, determining reflectance intensities at at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths; and for each identified object, comparing the reflectance intensities at the at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths to a reference intensity profile, wherein the identified object is characterized as foreign matter when the reflectance intensities at the at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths fall within a predetermined region of the reference intensity profile.

Abstract: A wire sorting system identifies and sorts wire from mixed electronic waste solely by the shape of the wire. A digital image of a stream of articles is created, and the image data may be processed using a Gabor filter technique to identify elongated narrow objects such as wire.

Abstract: The apparatus, which serves for the optical inspection of workpieces, comprises a transport device driven by a drive unit, which transport device is supplied with workpieces delivered by a loading device, which workpieces are transported by the transport device to at least one inspection position, where an optical inspection is performed, and further to at least one discharge position, where the inspected workpieces are selectively extractable by a discharge device. According to the invention, a plurality of transparent receiving bodies are firmly mounted or rotatably supported on the transport device, each of the receiving bodies comprising a recess, into which the workpieces can be inserted individually or in groups, and wherein an inspection radiation can be guided through each receiving body in order to image the held workpieces.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described and which includes an inspection station; a multiplicity of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors; an optical filter which is positioned in front of the electromagnetic radiation detectors, and which passes electromagnetic radiation having a given polarization; an ejector assembly positioned downstream from the inspection station for removing defective objects of interest which are identified; and a computer/controller for selectively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and detector, and rendering the ejector assembly operational to remove defective objects of interest, from a stream of objects of interest which have passed through an inspection station.

Abstract: This invention has as its object an automatic process and machine for inspecting and sorting non-metallic objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A high-speed fastener inspection system is provided to perform 100 percent inspection of various geometry features and to sort a large number of fasteners at high speed. The inspection system includes a rotary table having an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of radial slots extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. When a fastener is be placed in a radial slot with the head of the fastener facing upward and the shank extending into the slot, the side view of each fastener is unobstructed. A loading mechanism, an anti-jam mechanism, and a sorting mechanism are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotary table. At least one vision inspection camera is provided for capturing the image of each fastener after each fastener is placed in a radial slot. An image analyzer is operatively connected to the vision inspection camera for analyzing the captured image and to determine whether the fastener is defective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A device for use with conveyor means and a detector station, said conveyor means for moving empty beverage containers, suitably bottles of different shapes and sizes, past the detector station, and said detector station for providing characteristic data about the containers, and means which based on such data are capable of determining how the containers are to be handled subsequent to detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting, scanning and routing imaged documents are described. In one configuration, incoming mixed white mail is sorted and coded, then extracted and scanned using the code to separate items. The separate imaged documents are then routed using the code. In another configuration, the documents are automatically extracted from the envelopes. In yet another configuration, the intended recipient is sent an identifier used to reference the code and retrieve the imaged document.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing an image containing written information include the steps of (a) scanning a surface of an object to obtain an image of the surface represented by first image data, (b) creating second image data from the first image data, the second image data having a lower data density than the first image data, (c) analyzing the second image data with first image analysis logic to decode the written information, and (d) if the written information cannot be decoded to a desired extent from the second image data, analyzing the first image data with second image analysis logic different from the first image analysis logic to decode the written information. Steps (a) and (b) preferably use a single scanning device to create the high data density image (e.g., color or grayscale) from which the lower data density image (e.g., binary or black and white) can then be created. The resulting two-stage image analysis provides a significant improvement in OCR results.

Abstract: A method of analysing products arranges above a conveyer line three successive analysing stations having, in the first station, two cameras arranged in such a way that their optical axes form a V centred on the products and has a vertex angle in the range between 90° and 130°, and in the other two stations, a camera arranged plumb with the conveyer line. Moreover, the products are driven in rotation during their transport along the analysing stations, in such a way that the cameras each take a number of photographs of complementary faces of the surface of the products, and there are selected from among the photographs taken, by a comparison between the calculated theoretical diameter of a product and a predetermined average diameter, the photographs to be retained so as to obtain a complete analysis of the total surface of the product.

Abstract: A reticle sorter and a semiconductor fabrication facility employing one or more reticle sorters is provided. The reticle sorter(s) generally lies between a reticle storage system and a group of one or more photolithography exposure tools (e.g., steppers) and is configured for sorting reticles in one or more cassettes. The use of the reticle sorter provides sorting functionality apart from the reticle storage system and typically closer to the group of photolithography steppers with which it is associated. This can, for example, significantly increase the throughput of semiconductor wafers through the associated photolithography exposure tools as well as in the semiconductor fabrication plant as a whole.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus video coding station, inserter system, return mail workstation and a web server for interconnecting several components of the system. The system provides a closed loop solution for reducing return to sender mailpieces generated by a company that is sorting incoming mailpieces using an automated system. This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art providing updated data to inserting systems producing such mailpieces. This helps to solve data quality problems at their source and reduce processing costs by reducing the number of return to sender mailpieces.

Abstract: A method for sorting products including the steps of conveying the products in a product stream, scanning the products in the product stream casting light onto the products on the basis that certain products will emit light, observing emitted light from the products, making a selection of certain products from the product stream as a function of the observed light, and separating certain products from the product stream as a function of the selection. A device is provided that is arranged to sort the products according to the method of the invention and includes a light device that is arranged to cast light onto products and an observation device that is arranged to observe light emitted from the products. A selection device is also provided that is arranged to make a selection of whether to separate certain products from the product stream observed by the observation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: An auto reject unit includes a turntable rotatable about an upright axis and held stationary in operation along the upright axis. Driven rollers are mounted upon the turntable for selectively driving an article across the turntable in a direction. A motor is disposed to rotate the turntable about the upright axis in response to a command. The rotation adjusts the direction that an article disposed on the turntable will travel off of the turntable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for sorting pellets (2), that includes a transportation device (3) for feeding the pellet (2), a first container (8) for faultless pellets (2a) fed over the end portion of the transportation device (3), a second container (13) for defective pellets (2b), a detector (9) for detecting defective pellets (2b) and a sorting device (11) for feeding any defective pellets (2b) detected to the second container (13). The invention is characterised in that the transportation device (3) is arranged with an angle of inclination (&agr;) relative to the horizontal plane which is selected within a predetermined interval corresponding to a predetermined, limited scattering of the trajectory of the faultless pellets (2a) fed over the end portion of the transportation device (3). The invention also relates to a method for such a sorting. Thanks to the invention, an improved sorting with an even and controlled flow of pellet and a high capacity is provided.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting the presence of foreign material in food utilizing optical backlighting and/or ultrasonic inspection are presented. In optical backlighting, a substantially monochromatic light source optically backlights a food stream with source light having a wavelength between about 500 and 600 nm. An image of the food stream is captured and the presence of foreign material is determined when a portion of the detected image exceeds a predetermined threshold. The technique is especially suitable for the detection of bone in chicken meat, and the light source can be a planar array of green LEDs. In ultrasonic inspection, a process stream is interrogated with pulses of ultrasound and the presence of foreign material is determined based on the detected off-angle ultrasound scattering response.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for blowing out metal fractions from a stream of bulk material that is conveyed by bulk material means. The device comprises blow-out nozzles which are located on a drop section, and which are arranged along a width-wise extension of the stream of bulk material, for blowing against individual particles of bulk material in order to modify the trajectory in such a way as to produce a second sub-stream that branches off. The blow-out nozzles can be controlled according to the sensor coil scanning results relating to the bulk material particles. A plurality of sensor coils is provided underneath an essentially horizontal section of the stream of bulk material in the form of an LC oscillating circuit. Said sensor coils are provided for detecting the eddy currents that are induced. Optoelectronic means are also provided for determining the blow-out position and for determining the location of each of the particles of bulk material.

Abstract: A multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: A method is proposed for selecting, counting, and validating articles, in particular pharmaceuticals, which method is based on considering the articles, moved in a continuous flow, as non-integral until the integrity characteristics are detected by detecting means. The detection operates deflecting means for deviating the integral articles to pre-selected containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. The mail is serially fed from a stack of mail into a system transport. The system transport conveys the mail to an imaging station, which scans the mail to obtain image data corresponding to at least a portion of each piece. From the imaging station, the mail is conveyed to a buffer, which selectively maintains the mail while the address printed on the mail is determined. After the address for a piece of mail is determined, the piece is conveyed out of the buffer to a printer, which prints a POSTNET barcode onto the piece. The POSTNET barcode corresponds to the address that was determined for the piece. Optionally, the apparatus may include a labeler for applying a blank label onto the mail, and the POSTNET barcode can then be printed onto the label after it is applied to the mail. After the POSTNET barcode is printed on a piece, it is conveyed past a verifier, which scans the printed POSTNET barcode to ensure that the barcode was printed properly.

Abstract: A foreign substance eliminating apparatus transfers raw material by passing the raw material between an upstream conveyor (6) and a downstream conveyor (8), and detects a foreign substance on the upstream transfer conveyor with a foreign substance detector (9). An eliminating airflow (R) is ejected from a row of air nozzles (13) when the detected foreign substance falls down, and deflects the falling direction of the foreign substance. At this point, a small foreign substance (BS) is blown off by the eliminating airflow, and sent to the foreign substancereceiving box (16). On the other hand, a large foreign substance (BL) goes across the eliminating airflow, and falls down onto the bar screen conveyor (20). The bar screen conveyor captures the large foreign substance, and removes it outside of the conveyor.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for sequencing and/or inspecting decks of playing cards is presented. The method and apparatus utilizes pattern recognition technology or other image comparison technology to compare one or more images of a card with memory containing known good images of a complete deck of playing cards to identify each card as it passes through the apparatus. Once the card is identified, it is temporarily stored in a location corresponding to or identified according to its position in a properly sequenced deck of playing cards. Once a full set of cards has been stored, the cards are released in proper sequence to a completed deck hopper. The method and apparatus also includes an operator interface capable of displaying a magnified version of potential defects or problem areas contained on a card which may then be viewed by the operator on a monitor or screen and either accepted or rejected via operator input.

Abstract: A reciprocating axis of the ejector is born in a non-sliding state by permanent magnets on the reciprocating axis and permanent magnets surrounding the reciprocating axis. The reciprocating axis linearly projects out and retracts by the reciprocating components which cause the reciprocating axis to reciprocate by the driving signals from the driver circuit. A slanted surface is provided at the foremost end of the reciprocating axis. When the granular objects to be ejected flow-in continuously, the projecting-out action takes place correspondingly with the leading granular object to be ejected and, after the following granular object(s) to be ejected has been ejected, the retracting action takes place.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for sequencing and/or inspecting decks of playing cards is presented. The method and apparatus utilizes pattern recognition technology or other image comparison technology to compare one or more images of a card with memory containing known good images of a complete deck of playing cards to identify each card as it passes through the apparatus. Once the card is identified, it is temporarily stored in a location corresponding to or identified according to its position in a properly sequenced deck of playing cards. Once a full set of cards has been stored, the cards are released in proper sequence to a completed deck hopper. The method and apparatus also includes an operator interface capable of displaying a magnified version of potential defects or problem areas contained on a card which may then be viewed by the operator on a monitor or screen and either accepted or rejected via operator input.

Abstract: A device for the optoelectronic classification of semiconductor materials, which has an identifying device 6 that forwards the morphology of the product 1 to be classified to an evaluating device 7 which evaluates the data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an appearance inspecting device for a solid formulation, including a supply section for continuously supplying solid formulations such as capsules; an inspecting drum for holding on its outer peripheral portion the solid formulations supplied from the supply section, carrying the solid formulations in such a manner as to allow the solid formulations to be intermittently revolved, and allowing the solid formulations to be rotated on their axes at a specific carrying position; an image pickup device for photographing surfaces of the solid formulations being thus rotated on their axes; a quality determining section for processing images of the solid formulations thus picked up from the image pickup device and determining whether the solid formulations are nondefective or defective; and a classifying section for classifying the solid formulations into defective and nondefective solid formulations on the result determined by the quality determining section and recovering the defective and nondefective

Abstract: This invention is a sheet processing array having an imaging station, an in-site, an exit-site and a transport array connecting all of them. The transport array is adapted to advance sheets from the in-site, past the imaging station for imaging the first face of the sheet and to advance it to a reversing transport section. This section has a series of rollers arrayed in a loop which continually rotate in one direction and are adapted to provide non-stop forward movement that turns the sheet over and returns it to present its opposite face to the imaging station for imaging. The sheet is then advanced to the exit-site.