Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing cells in urine. A constricted zone through which various cells contained in a urine specimen flow in single file is irradiated with light having a light beam width in the direction of cell flow of between 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. Scattered light and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is converted into scattered-light intensity data and fluorescent light intensity data. Preferably, the individual cells have been stained with a stain such that DNA will specifically emit fluorescence. Cell diameter data is also generated from the detected scattered light. Cell judgment values are stored in a memory device, and the cells in the urine specimen are classified based upon the cell judgment values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing cells in urine. A constricted zone through which various cells contained in a urine specimen flow in single file is irradiated with light having a light beam width in the direction of cell flow of between 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. Scattered light and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is converted into scattered-light intensity data and fluorescent light intensity data. Preferably, the individual cells have been stained with a stain such that DNA will specifically emit fluorescence. Cell diameter data and peak-count data are also generated from the detected scattered light. Cell judgement values are stored in a memory device, and the cells in the urine specimen are classified based upon the cell judgement values.

Abstract: A method for identifying wheat cultivars is provided which employs an imaging device such as a video camera and a computer to acquire and process images of grain samples and to identify the particular type or cultivar of the wheat by the images obtained thereby. The method involves the steps of acquiring the image of the kernel and germ for each grain, processing the image into digital format, storing data in the computer corresponding to the edge of the kernel and germ, determining the image characteristics of the kernel and germ, and comparing the image characteristics for the sample to a known standard. By accumulating data for a number of grains, calculating statistical information for the sample, and comparing to a known standard, the particular cultivar of the sample may be identified.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method sort items, such as pickles, having defective shapes, such as holes. A video camera scans moving items and acquires lines of image data including item-colored data and background-colored data. The lines of image data are sent to an image processor and compiled into a 64 line "frame" of image data that are further processed to identify the coordinates of individual items and to compute the size of each item. Because holes in an item are the same color as the background color, the invention provides a device differentiating holes from the background. A "hole-bounding box" is scaled to fit within the item position coordinates. The number of background-colored pixels inside the hole-bounding box is computed and compared to a user-defined threshold number. An item is classified as defective if the threshold number is exceeded.

Abstract: In a method of distributing packages according to addresses, headings or the like applied to their surfaces by means of a separating and conveying device, it is provided that along a conveying path all surface portions of each previously separated package are scanned optically, for each package images are obtained from the surface portions of the package and, for further evaluation, the images are displayed simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. For each package, one or a plurality of the images are selected, and each selected image is assigned a sorting information for the distribution of the package corresponding to that image.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting items (16) computes the geometric center ("centroid") (156) of any item containing a defect (26) or multiple defects, and directs an ejection air blast at the centroid of the defective item rather than at the location of the defect. Video data from a scanning camera (24) are transmitted to an "item processor" (32A') and a "defect processor" (32). The item processor builds in memory (108) an image of every acceptable or defective item while the defect processor builds a "defect list" (170) of defect coordinate locations detected only on defective items. The defect processor transmits the defect list to the item processor where the defect list is compared with the stored image of the item. For each item containing at least one defect, the item processor computes a defective item centroid that is added to a defective items list (174) for use by a defect removal process that actuates air blasts directed toward the centers of defective items.

Abstract: A sorting machine for separating substandard items from a continuous stream of products is disclosed wherein the ejector that removes the detected substandard items includes an ejector finger of monolithic structure and homogeneous material and an actuator. The ejector finger includes a base fixedly attached with respect to the product stream, a contactor normally withdrawn from the product stream when standard products are in the stream and for entering the product stream to eject a detected substandard item, and a hinge of reduced dimension connecting the ejector finger base to the ejector finger contactor. The hinge is biased to normally withdraw the ejector finger contactor from the product stream. The actuator flexes the ejector hinge to move the ejector contactor so that it enters the product stream for ejecting each detected substandard item. The monolithic structure and homogeneous material are resistant to wear from environmental conditions.

Abstract: An improved shell egg culling system includes a conveying system having sites for conveying shell eggs, an illuminator together with a video camera in conjunction with a computer having a first algorithm and a second algorithm for determining which of the sites contain shell eggs having broken shells and which contain shell eggs having soiled shells, a plurality of bridges in side-by-side relationship which are controlled by the computer to remove shell eggs having broken shells from the conveying system for discarding, and a platform having a plurality of downwardly directed, suction-activated lifters which are controlled by the computer to remove shell eggs having soiled shells from the conveying system for recycling through a washer.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects according to preselected weight and/or visually ascertainable criteria. Each object is singulated and transported between adjacent pairs of a plurality of roller assemblies attached to a conveyor chain to be freely rotatable on an vertically slidable axis oriented normal to the conveying path. A rotation control surface along the conveying path causes rotation in the roller assemblies and in the object supported therebetween, increasing the surface of the object accessible for optical scanning. Mounted between each pair of roller assemblies is a weighing cradle subtending the object transported therebetween. The weighing cradle elevates and captures the object from its support between roller assembly so that the cradle can engage a load cell for weighing the object. Pivotally mounted between each pair of rollers and subtending the object transported therebetween is an elongated discharge plate.

Abstract: A device for the automatic and rapid inspection of ears of corn to select ears having a predetermined length wherein the kernels meet selection standards and the ear has uniform characteristics which length will be trimmed from the ear to provide cut lengths of corn for subsequent treatment. The device includes a first conveyor and inspection area for segregating ears as to conditions of acceptability and determination of quality for ultimate use including trimming of certain of the ears into predetermined lengths with a second transport station arranged to receive the ears and to sort them for subsequent use and to convey the ears of predetermined quality to a trimming device wherein the ear of corn is cut into at least one acceptable length.

Abstract: A method of automatically inspecting an exposed and bent lithographic plate having an image thereon to determine whether the image is in proper registration relative to the plate. The plate has front, rear, and opposite side edges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the volume, form and weight of fish or other objects is presented. A linescan camera records a top view of an object and at the same time records a profile view of the object reflected by a mirror located adjacent to the object. The mirror is positioned to reflect a view of the object which is perpendicular to the direct view of the camera and to the direction of motion of a conveyor belt along which the object moves. As the object moves along a conveyor belt through the field of view of the camera, a number of cross-sectional images are recorded and transmitted to a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines the maximum width of each cross-section from the direct image and the maximum thickness from each cross-section reflected image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting cylindrically configured pellets for surface defects is disclosed. At least one axially extending linear portion of the peripheral surface of the pellet is optically sensed. A set of discrete digital values representative of the optically sensed linear portion of the pellet surface is generated and the set of digital values is compared to a predetermined standard. Groups of digital values representative of adjacent locations on the surface of the pellet having values greater or less than the predetermined standard are identified. The area of adjacent digital values having a value above the standard, and the area of adjacent digital values having a value below the standard are calculated and compared to a predetermined area. The pellet is rejected when the calculated area exceeds a predetermined area.

Abstract: A fluidic sorting device for the separation of two or more visually diffet materials or materials which react differently to an externally applied force. These materials are suspended in a fluid. The device comprises a fluidic logic element to which a machine vision apparatus is connected. The machine vision apparatus may be programmed to identify specific particulate materials. The machine vision apparatus captures an image of a particle or material, interprets the image, then makes subsequent value judgements, and decides as to whether the particle is to be separated out. The decision of the machine vision apparatus controls a fluidic logic element which facilitates the separation of the particles or materials. The machine vision apparatus may, optionally, comprise a counter. The novelty of the invention lies with the combination of fluidics with a machine vision apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sorting objects dependent on optical characteristics thereof. The objects are conveyed through a longitudinal sorting zone. Light reflected from the objects passing the zone is detected by at least one imaging device having at least one single line array of equally spaced light sensitive imaging elements. The line array of imaging elements is repeatedly read out in series for providing a primary line signal comprising for each scan of the line array a primary group of primary intervals corresponding to respective imaging elements. Information representing light detected by each group of primary intervals is allocated to a secondary group of secondary intervals having the same duration of a secondary line signal for each scan such that the distribution of information allocated to a secondary group corresponds linearly to the distribution of the optical properties in the zone.

Abstract: Color sorting system and method which are particularly suitable for sorting fruits and vegetables. The objects to be sorted are scanned with a color video camera, and the signals from the camera are digitized and utilized to address a look up table. The look up table is preloaded to provide reject data at those addresses for colors to be rejected. Several techniques for loading the look up table are disclosed. Then, on an online basis, the successive images address the look up table and the reject data is analyzed to drive appropriate reject apparatus. In one embodiment, the data from the look up table is applied to a spatial filter, and objects are rejected only if they have a certain number or sequence of unacceptable colors.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting articles having a roller conveyor for moving articles through an inspection region where they are scanned by a camera. From the scans, the position of boundaries of the articles is determined so that the existence and location of the articles can be identified. Color counts, representative of the color of the articles are made from the scans and are correlated with the appropriate article identified. Load cells produce weight information which is similarly correlated with the appropriate articles. The information is fed to a processor which is arranged to track the articles through the inspection region and is arranged to route the articles differently in accordance with the color counts and/or weight information correlated therewith.

Abstract: An object inspection apparatus having a light source for irradiating an object to be inspected, a pick-up device for picking up the object and generating an image signal thereof including a synchronizing signal, and an inspecting device for receiving the image signal to determine whether or not the object has a defect.

Abstract: A method of optically checking the appearances of chips and sorting the chips comprises the steps of feeding chips onto chip-passage body to cause the chips to run on the chip-passage body in a predetermined direction; during the running of the chips on the chip-passage body, individually separating the chips to stop the chips one by one at each of two predetermined checking positions; irradiating light obliquely and straightly with respect to a chip at one of the predetermined checking positions to pick up an optical image of one of undersurface and top surface sides of the chip as a video signal by means of a first TV camera; irradiating light obliquely and straightly with respect to the chip at the other of the predetermined checking positions to pick up an optical image of the other of the undersurface and top surface sides of the chip as a video signal by means of a second TV camera; sending the video signals to image processing sections, each of which includes at least an analog-to-digital conversion un

Abstract: Mixed book signatures are fed into a machine which transports them one after the other past a camera where an image of each is captured. Each captured image is directed to an electronic computer which has stored within its memory images of limited areas of interest from selected signatures, as well as the location of each limited area within the overall signatures. As to each captured image, the computer compares the stored image with it, attempting to match each stored image with that location in the captured image corresponding to the location for the stored image. If the captured image identifies with a stored image, a controller activates a reject device along the conveyor, and that device diverts the identified signature from the conveyor. A separate reject device exists for each stored image, so like signatures are diverted and isolated at the same locations along the conveyor.

Abstract: Seeds are sorted according to color by placing the seeds in uniform rows of indentations in a rotating drum and passing the seeds beneath a digital/imaging camera and strobe lights which create images of the seeds. The images are fed to a computer, which also receives information from a drum speed sensor. The computer generates a signal which causes a blast of air to blow through an opening in the bottom of any identation containing a discolored seed to reject such seed. Rejected seeds are fed into a reject hopper, and the selected or good seeds remaining in the drum indentations fall from the drum into another hopper.

Abstract: The invention is a device for sorting food products such as vegetables or fruit in accordance with their size, weight, and color or the presence of defects on them. In accordance with the device of the invention, a conveyor in the form of a plurality of rotatable rollers is employed for supporting the articles to be inspected and sorted. The articles are passed through an inspection zone where the articles are scanned in accordance with the sorting criteria of the apparatus. The articles are then sorted in accordance with in response to the determinations made at the inspection zone.

Abstract: Fish sorting apparatus comprises a lighted viewing conveyor belt arranged to receive fish seriatim and a video camera mounted above the viewing belt and directed downwardly for receiving images of fish on the belt. A second, sorting, conveyor belt is arranged to receive fish from the viewing belt, and a divider wall above the sorting conveyor belt, which extends parallel to the sorting conveyor belt axis, divides a rear exit portion thereof into separate channels. A movable deflector is mounted in front of the divider wall for deflecting fish on the sorting conveyor belt into one of the channels, this deflector being moved in response to signals from an electronic circuit connected to the video camera so that the fish are deflected into one or other of the channels according to the image received on the video camera.

Abstract: A comprehensive container inspection system includes axial container examining features, side wall inspection features and a controllable diverter for routing the containers to one of at least two sorting paths. Each stage of the inspection system is adapted to process moving containers, a continuous line of moving containers being processed and controllably diverted without stoppages. In an axial inspection area, containers are carried through rim, energy absorption and base inspection areas by means of side rollers bridging a gap in endless belt conveyor sections. In a side wall inspection area, containers are continuously rolled before a video detector operable to record and analyze images including at least three of the rolling bottles.

Abstract: A foreign object separation apparatus which utilizes a camera which views a flow of material being conveyed in order to develop an electronic control signal indicative of the presence of foreign matter within one or more main or overlapping zones which are monitored across the flow of material to thereby control valves which actuate appropriate individual or adjacent fluid nozzles to expel the foreign matter from the material being conveyed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the appearance of a semiconductor device has an imaging device which forms an image of the outside of a semiconductor device. An image analyzer analyzes the image and determines whether the semiconductor device is good or bad. A semiconductor device to be inspected is removed from a first conveyor on the periphery of a turntable by a vacuum chuck which is mounted on the turntable, and the semiconductor device is transported to in front of the imaging device by a turntable. If the semiconductor device is determined to be good, the turntable transports the semiconductor device to a second conveyor on the periphery of the turntable, and the vacuum chuck deposits the semiconductor device on the second conveyor. If the semiconductor device is determined to be bad, the turntable transports the semiconductor device to a discard receiving mechanism on the periphery of the turntable, and the vacuum chuck deposits the semiconductor device on the discard receiving mechanism.

Abstract: A method for inspecting whether a print pattern composed of a number of dots is acceptable, an apparatus for inspecting such a print pattern, and an automatic print sorting system are disclosed. A print pattern of an acceptable print sample and a print pattern printed on an article to be inspected are compared with respect to dot distribution, dot density, and other factors. The print patterns on all articles on a high-speed production line can be automatically inspected.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting and sorting drills oriented in the same direction in a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly feeds the drills, one at a time, and places them in a predetermined ready location. A camera, part of the inspection assembly, mounted directly over the predetermined ready location, takes preliminary measurements and alerts the system controller that a drill is available for a high resolution second inspection for wear and then for sorting. A robot assembly then picks up the drill from the ready location and orients it in front of two high resolution cameras, also part of the inspection assembly, for a visual inspection for wear. A control assembly then analyzes the results of the inspection and determines the drill size and whether or not it needs to be re-ground. The robot assembly then sorts the drill into an appropriate predetermined bin within a bin assembly as a function of size and wear. The process is then repeated.

Abstract: Optical fibers control the height and curvture on the perpendicular level of a number of articles on a conveyor while the articles traverse a box in which the optical fibers are placed so that the light ray is disturbed in response to the height and curvature of the articles. Outside the box the articles are scanned by a camera. Both from the box and from the camera (11) measuring data are transferred to a computer (13) which evaluates the measured data and decides whether or not the article is to be discarded when it reaches the grading device. In this way a reliable, three-dimensional control of the articles is achieved.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding parts, which comprises a storage bin for the parts, a conveyor for moving the parts from the storage bin in a feeding direction, apparatus for orienting the moving parts arranged rearwardly of the conveyor in the feeding direction and comprising different conveyor paths, and a distributor associated with the orienting apparatus, the distributor including a transfer device capable of assuming respective positions cooperating with respective ones of the conveyor paths, a drive for imparting the respective transfer positions to the transfer device, a control for the drive, and a monitor ascertaining characteristic data of the parts and transmitting the data to the control whereby the transfer device is driven into a respective one of the transfer positions in response to the data.

Abstract: An automatic article sorting apparatus sorts out articles by their sizes. The apparatus includes a conveyor mechanism for conveying the articles, and an image pickup unit for producing images of the articles as they are conveyed by the conveyor mechanism. An image memory stores the images of the articles one frame at a time, and a sorting device masks an unnecessary portion of the image of an article. The size of the article is derived from the number of pixels in the unmasked portion of the image of the article, and the size of the article is compared with a preset range of grades to produce selection information. A sorting apparatus sorts out the article in accordance with the selection information.

Abstract: Objects to be inspected are transferred successively in one direction on a conveyor and irradiated by a light source and photosensed by a single optical image sensor only, such as a video camera. The optical image sensor is so arranged that it simultaneously photosenses a plurality of the successively transferred inspected objects, and the conveyor is so constructed that during the period in which the objects pass through the visual field of the optical image sensor, the objects are rotated so that their entire round inspected surfaces are all respectively photosensed by the optical image sensor.

Abstract: A document processing system for reading a line of MICR data from documents passing along a document track and for generating a marker to be positioned over a character which was not read properly when that line of MICR data is presented on a display. A special thresholding circuit is used to convert the image data of the line of MICR data to binary data. The circuit automatically adjusts for changes in light intensity at the associated scanning line where the image data is generated.

Abstract: Textile articles are inspected for size, defects by forming an image e.g. in a video camera, capturing data representing at least salient features of the image, comparing the data automatically with reference data, and effecting a selection process in accordance with the result of the comparison. Articles e.g. socks, presented as a succession of imperfectly matched items, can be sorted for size e.g. into categories of leg and foot length.

Abstract: An apparatus for inputting classification information of delivery matter comprises a display section into which postal matter is conveyed and which shows an address of each postal matter to the operator and a keyboard to input a zip code corresponding to the address displayed, and which apparatus converts the zip code inputted into a bar code and print this bar code on the postal matter. This apparatus further comprises a first storage section to store the zip codes corresponding to a plurality of states which are derived by dividing the whole region where the postal matter is delivered, a second storage section to store the zip codes corresponding to a plurality of cities that are obtained by dividing the state, a third storage section to store the zip codes corresponding to a plurality of towns that are obtained by dividing the city, and a CRT display section to sequentially display the zip codes stored in the first, second and third storage sections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for automatic inspection of transparency contrast, consisting of illuminating the body of a container transversely to its axis (8), placing the container (3) against the light simultaneously with the aid of two charge transfer cameras, the sighting axes (11) of which are off-set angularly, of eliminating with the aid of an electronic window appropriate for each type of container, all signals originating in elementary points of the photosensitive matrix devices of said cameras (10) located outside the window, of analyzing successively each elementary point of the window by taking into account a predetermined number of immediately surrounding elementary points, of comparing the electric level of each elementary point weighted in this manner with a reference level pre-established for each type of container and of actuating the rejection of the container being inspected when the number of elementary points detected out of reference is higher than a predetermined n

Abstract: A card-like article inspection device has an inclined table for placing articles thereon in an upright and aligned state, a camera for detecting the foremost article, and an article feed frame for transferring the article having been inspected along one side of the table in its upright posture. The articles having been inspected are pushed separately into two placing portions of the table. Thus, the articles can be classified into a group of non-defective articles or into a group of defective articles.

Abstract: Several conveyor rollers of singulators are made to rotate by a fruit orientation belt causing fruit carried thereon to rotate in accordance with movement of the belt such that the rotational axes of the fruit, typically lemons, orient themselves along their stem axes, or substantially perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the singulators. Downstream, the rollers contact a rotating spin-accelerating belt to substantially increase speed of rotation of the rollers and oriented fruit thereon in order to permit optical scanning devices to scan a much larger percentage of the fruit surface areas. Fruit rotate in the same direction of rotation during orientation and spin-acceleration, the latter occurring for only a very short duration.

Abstract: The article separator comprises at least one transfer station (20) receiving the articles to be transferred to the entrance of at least one delivery conveyor (4). Each transfer station is equipped with at least one pickup arm (21) with a suction head (22) at one end, driven between the transfer station and the delivery conveyor and having a plurality of orifices (23) which can be selectively connected to a vacuum source or a blown air source under the control of a video processing circuit (33) coupled to a camera (32) that registers the scene at the front of the transfer station. The separator can handle mail deemed to be non-mechanically-sortable hereto.

Abstract: An automatic article sorting apparatus sorts out articles by their sizes. The apparatus includes a conveyor mechanism for conveying the articles, and an image pickup unit for producing images of the articles as they are conveyed by the conveyor mechanism. An image memory stores the images of the articles one frame at a time, and a sorting device masks an unnecessary portion of the image of an article. The size of the article is derived from the number of pixels in the unmasked portion of the image of the article, and the size of the article is compared with a preset range of grades to produce selection information. A sorting apparatus sorts out the article in accordance with the selection information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the sidewalls of containers on a continuously-moving conveyor includes recording instantaneous upper and lower angularly-spaced images of the bottles as they pass. Data on the images is stored as numeric data indicating the grey shade of each pixel in a matrix of pixels, which matrix is examined for edges and then divided based on detected edges into inspection windows. The windows are subject to separate criteria between typically scuffed areas and open areas. The occurrence of pixels in at least three grey ranges reflecting clear glass, opaque glass, and scuffed glass, together with the correlation of such occurrences between angularly-spaced views and upper and lower views, is processed to detect defects. A memory stores a status indication in a queue representing the acceptability of the bottles being examined, which are then segregated by a downstream reject kicker mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus sorts articles according to any combination of plural criteria, including volume or diameter, length, shape, weight, color, density and surface quality. A light sensitive dynamic random access memory and novel processing circuitry are utilized for providing indications of the article's volume, diameter and length.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspecting transparent articles such as glassware for various types of defects, while conveying the articles past an optical inspection assembly. An article to be inspected is transported through an inspection station where it may undergo rotational and translational motion while being illuminated during an inspection interval. The inspection apparatus includes a video camera which provides output signals representative of the luminance of image elements, and video processing circuitry to derive line sum signals representative of the aggregate luminance of preselected scan lines. The line sum signals are further processed to discriminate streaks of brighter-than-normal or darker-than-normal pixels in a series of image frames. The user may establish window parameters to define an area of the article to be scanned for defects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading generally spherical articles, and specifically fruit such a oranges, which do not orient along a predetermined axis when rotated on a roller conveyor comprises a pair of side scan cameras disposed on opposite sides of the fruit. An overhead camera provides plural data signals representative of the surface quality of the fruit. The side scan cameras provide data indicative of the surface quality of side portions of the fruit. A processor and processing algorithm computes a surface quality indication based upon the data from the overhead camera and modifies the surface quality indication depending upon the data provided by the side scan cameras.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing and sorting articles. The apparatus includes at least one reading station having an optoelectronic sensor for forming an image pattern of each article, an evaluation device connected to the optoelectronic sensor and a transporting device which transports the articles underneath the optoelectronic sensor. The transporting device includes an endless transporting belt having a conveying surface with transversely disposed ribs for subdividing the surface into a plurality of sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting and sorting transparent containers such as glass containers having defects in the container sidewalls, and for distinguishing between commercially acceptable and unacceptable defects on the basis of defect type and size. A light source is positioned to direct diffused illumination through the sidewall of a container under inspection as the container is rotated about its central axis with the intensity of the illumination varying across the light source transversely of such axis as a predetermined function of transverse position. In specific disclosed embodiments of the invention, the light intensity is filtered across the source to provide transversely spaced outer regions of uniform intensities, either equal or unequal, and an intermediate region of either uniform intensity different from that in the outer regions or transversely varying intensity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically inspecting and sorting transparent containers such as glass containers having defects in the container sidewalls, and for distinguishing unacceptable major refractive defects and opaque defects from each other and from commercially acceptable minor refractive defects. First and second sources of diffused illumination having differing source widths are sequentially directed onto a container while the container is rotated about its central axis for at least one revolution during each illumination. A camera which includes a plurality of light sensitive elements disposed in a linear array parallel to the axis of container rotation is positioned to receive light energy transmitted through the container sidewall.

Abstract: A method for inspecting transparent or semitransparent, liquid-filled containers as to whether or not the liquid in each of the container contains foreign matters. The inspection is carried out by passing the container in front of a television camera while the liquid in each container undergoes a spiral motion as it passes through an inspection region, and processing video signals generated from the television camera by the use of a unique controlling circuit. With this controlling circuit, distinction can be made between signals indicative of the presence of foreign matters in the liquid and that indicative of the presence of external flaws on the container.

Abstract: Image processing apparatus for detecting a bounded region of an image includes a scanning device such as a T.V. camera, to scan the image via a raster scan to produce a signal indicative of image intensity at a plurality of picture points and comparators to compare the image intensity at each of the picture points with that of a neighboring point in each of at least two directions to derive therefrom a difference value and thereby detect a positive-going or negative-going boundary. Picture points are labelled as corresponding to region boundaries whenever the difference values exceed a predetermined threshold value. The region boundaries are then expanded by labelling further picture points as region boundaries. All boundaries in a particular direction are expanded in the same direction irrespective of whether they are negative-going or positive-going.

Abstract: Sorting and inspection apparatus and methods which may be used for the identification and separation of articles of different characteristics, or the inspection of articles of similar characteristics to reject those of below minimum standards. A typical system will include a transport system for individually transporting the articles past a television camera so that the camera may view the distinctive portions of the articles to be sorted or the area of the articles to be inspected. The output of the television camera is digitized based upon the number of transitions of light to dark (or dark to light) in the scan lines. A correlator then performs a specialized correlation between the digitized image and various previously digitized images representing the different items being sorted or inspected, to determine which of the previously stored images best correlates with the digitized image from the television camera.