Abstract: A defective picture generation method applied to industrial quality inspection and a defective picture generation apparatus applied to industrial quality inspection are provided. The method includes: acquiring a first workpiece picture set with defects and a second workpiece picture set without defects; determining a defect annotation picture corresponding to each first workpiece picture in the first workpiece picture set; determining a feature value of each second workpiece picture in the second workpiece picture set; training a pix2pixHD network based on the first workpiece pictures, the second workpiece pictures, the defect annotation pictures and the feature values; acquiring a target defect annotation picture from the defect feature database according to the desired defect type; acquiring a target feature value from the picture feature database according to the desired picture type; and inputting the target defect annotation picture and the target feature value into the trained generator.

Abstract: A label rewind machine counts labels on a label roll having an elongated web with labels attached. The rewind machine has an unwind spindle and a rewind spindle, and a first label sensor and a second label sensor. The label roll is placed on the unwind spindle, and the web is threaded through the first and second sensors and attached to the rewind spindle, creating a web path. As the web is drawn along the web path, each sensor detects the presence or absence of a label on the web proximate that sensor and generates an electronic signal. Together, the sensors generate a specific quadrature sequence dictated by the presence of labels on the web. If the detected sequence mimics a selected sequence, the rewind machine records a unitary count of one label. The label count is indexed by one each time the rewind machine detects the selected sequence.

Abstract: A label rewind machine counts labels on a label roll having an elongated web with labels attached. The rewind machine has an unwind spindle and a rewind spindle, and a first label sensor and a second label sensor. The label roll is placed on the unwind spindle, and the web is threaded through the first and second sensors and attached to the rewind spindle, creating a web path. As the web is drawn along the web path, each sensor detects the presence or absence of a label on the web proximate that sensor and generates an electronic signal. Together, the sensors generate a specific quadrature sequence dictated by the presence of labels on the web. If the detected sequence mimics a selected sequence, the rewind machine records a unitary count of one label. The label count is indexed by one each time the rewind machine detects the selected sequence.

Abstract: A method measures a meandering amount of a strip, which is capable of reducing troubles. In the method of measuring a meandering amount of a strip during conveyance, an imaging means is arranged in one side of the strip at a state of tilting an optical axis thereof to a pass line plane of the strip and a light is arranged in the other side of the strip to irradiate light to the strip from the back of the strip viewing from the imaging means, and the strip is shot by the imaging means from an oblique side to include both edges of the strip and the edge of the strip is detected with an image shot by the imaging means and a meandering amount of the strip is calculated based on the detected edge position information of the strip from a standard position.

Abstract: A laser system and method for inspecting a substrate and/or a laser score formed in a moving web of material during laser processing of the material with a laser processing system having a laser source for generating a laser beam and a lens for focusing the laser beam and reflecting the laser beam onto the advancing web of material where the focal point is directed a selected location on the web to produce the score in the advancing web of material, the score having a depth less than the thickness of the material and measuring the depth at one or more locations on the advancing web of material concurrent with producing the score line and where the material may be a packaging material and the score provided for easy opening of the packaging.

Abstract: For detecting label stops in a label printer, a label stop sensing device is provided. In one implementation, the label stop sensing device comprises a sensor configured to sense print media being fed through a printer, wherein the print media comprises a plurality of labels separated by gaps. Also, the label stop sensing device includes a gap detecting module having a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module. The FFT module is configured to receive time domain signals of the sensed print media from the sensor and to obtain frequency domain signals. The gap detecting module is configured to detect the gaps between the labels on the print media based on at least the frequency domain signals.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting defects in a workpiece can include an illumination source for illuminating a first section of the workpiece with a patterned light, wherein the illumination source does not illuminate a second section of the workpiece. The inspection system further includes a feedback camera for imaging the first section and producing a first output, and a background camera for imaging the second section and producing a second output. A processor compares the first output with the second output, and a controller alters the patterned light that is output by the illumination source based on the comparison. This feedback control continues until the background is suitably homogeneous or camouflaged compared to the defect, such that the visibility and/or detectability of the defect is increased.

Abstract: An automated tread registration system includes a sensing system configured to provide at least one surface model of a first object. The surface model of the first object has at least one pattern with at least one groove and at least one protrusion. The automated tread registration system also includes a user system executing processing software reading data corresponding to the at least one surface model of the first object. The surface model corresponds to a current condition of the first object. The processing software executed by the user system may analyze the at least one surface model of the first object and provide at least one indicative metric based on the analysis of the surface model. The indicative metric may be camber wear, toe wear, heel toe wear, overinflation, underinflation, and/or the like.

Abstract: A spectrometer is provided. In one implementation, for example, a spectrometer comprises an excitation source, a focusing lens, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly. The focusing lens is adapted to focus an incident beam from the excitation source. The actuator assembly is adapted to control the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface of the sample.

Abstract: A tire wear state estimation system for a tire calculates tire effective radius during measured distance intervals travelled by the tire from vehicle speed and tire rotation counters. The system includes a filter for selecting slow-speed effective radius measuring intervals and an estimator for estimating the tire effective radius during only those intervals in which the vehicle is travelling below a threshold speed.

Abstract: A spectrometer is provided. In one implementation, for example, a spectrometer comprises an excitation source, a focusing lens, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly. The focusing lens is adapted to focus an incident beam from the excitation source. The actuator assembly is adapted to control the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for focusing a laser beam on a workpiece includes at least one transmissive optical element which is arranged at a tilting angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to a beam axis of the laser beam, the transmissive optical element comprising a first side and a second side through which the laser beam passes, a spatially-resolving detector configured to detect laser radiation reflected from the transmissive optical element, and an image evaluation device coupled to the detector, the image evaluation device configured to distinguish laser radiation reflected from the first side of the optical element from laser radiation reflected from the second side of the optical element.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining multiple images of a sheet of material. The images contain a first line projected onto a first side of the sheet and a second line projected onto a second side of the sheet. The images include (i) at least one first image containing the first line reflected off the first side of the sheet and the second line transmitted through the sheet and (ii) at least one second image containing the second line reflected off the second side of the sheet and the first line transmitted through the sheet. The method also includes identifying at least one point of intersection in the images where the lines intersect on the sheet. The method further includes identifying a caliper of the sheet using the at least one point of intersection.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber cloth inspecting method for inspecting a fiber cloth regarding sparse density, filament break, various kinds of mark, fabric runs, break, weaving validation, and dyeing uniformity. The method includes following steps: scanning the fiber cloth by a scanning light beam; retrieving a light pattern generated by the scanning; generating an inspecting result information according to the light pattern in relation to the fiber cloth; and analyzing the fiber cloth regarding sparse density, filament break, various kinds of mark, fabric runs, break, weaving validation, and dyeing uniformity according to the inspecting result information.

Abstract: Registration systems for labels in labelling machines, in order to provide the correct positioning of a label on an object, namely on a container are provided. In particular, the registration system of the invention is applicable on a labelling machine of the type that uses a label reel from which single labels are cut and are applied on a container.

Abstract: A method for forming a prearranged rupture portion for an air bag door including the steps of setting an instrument panel on a fixing jig, and, then measuring, prior to forming grooves that make a prearranged rupture portion, the position of the back surface of a substrate of the instrument panel by a measuring device.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying an object, the object having at least a non-opaque portion, including a light source, an optical detector and a backing measurement apparatus, the light source for illuminating the object, the optical detector for acquiring information at least relating to at least one chromatic characteristic of the non-opaque portion, the backing measurement apparatus including a backing material, a backing support and a plurality of rollers, the backing material exhibiting at least one of determined chromatic characteristics and determined optical characteristics, the backing support for supporting the backing material, the plurality of rollers for rolling the backing material over the backing support, wherein light emitted by the light source optically interacts with the backing material consistently through the non-opaque portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring at least one yarn quality parameter and/or a parameter of a sensor by an electronic cleaner of yarn by means of an optical detector comprising a sensor with one or two rows of individual optical elements. The individual optical elements provide at their outputs an analog signal proportional to the intensity of its irradiation, the value of which is monitored during each measurement cycle. In the first and/or the second row of optical elements of the sensor, for each monitored parameter, individual optical elements of the sensor, are selected constituting an active zone for monitoring a particular parameter. The number of the optical elements in one active zone in one row is lower than the overall number of the optical elements in the corresponding row, and the output analog signal of the individual optical elements of the corresponding active zone is included in the evaluation of the particular parameter.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for image-based measurement and inspection of pre-engineered structural components, such as building trusses and wall panels. A system can include: a light source; a camera; a first memory storage; a second memory storage; and a processing unit configured to (i) detect a characteristic of the structural component, (ii) compare the characteristic to a corresponding characteristic of at least one reference data, and (iii) indicate a result of the comparison. A method can include: causing a light source to illuminate a portion of the structural component, receiving a reflection of the light source from the illuminated portion of the structural component, and storing data corresponding to the intensity of the reflection; comparing the stored data to at least one reference data; and indicating a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system using data from a calibrated point sensor, using a frequency spectra-based analysis. A sensor measures a web property of interest, which is then converted into the frequency domain, as is information from a web inspection system. A correlation model is then created to allow calibration of the web inspection system.

Abstract: A support mechanism includes a first work frame to provide a first scanning area for a first scanner, a first frame to support a first panel, the first frame pivotably coupled to a first end of the first work frame so that the first frame is rotatable about the first end of the first work frame between a folded position that the first frame is folded toward the first scanning area and an unfolded position that the first frame is away from the first scanning area, and a second frame to support a second panel, the second frame pivotably coupled to a second end of the first work frame so that the second frame is rotatable about the second end of the first work frame between a folded position that the second frame is folded toward the first scanning area and an unfolded position that the second frame is away from the first scanning area, wherein the first scanning area allows the first scanner to scan across one of the first and second frames when the one of the first and second frames is at the folded position w

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physiological parameter includes a garment that includes a fabric that exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: An edge sensing apparatus is disclosed including first and second emitters, first and second detectors and a timer. Beams radiated from the first emitter being emitted in an opposite direction from beams radiated from the second emitter. The first and second detectors being aligned to receive beams from the first and second emitters respectively, where the first detector is offset in a cross-process direction from the first emitter and/or the second detector. The timer receiving signals from both the first and second detectors, wherein a change of the signals determines a position of an edge of a substrate media sheet causing the change of signals. Also, an edge sensing method is disclosed including measuring a mean time associated with a change of signals received from the two detectors and determining a location of a sheet edge causing the change of signals based on the mean time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system using data from a calibrated point sensor, using a frequency spectra-based analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating the displacement of a flexible web are described. An elongated, flexible web includes an integral scale having scale features configured to modulate energy directed towards the web. A transport mechanism provides relative movement between the web relative to a transducer. The transducer detects energy modulated by the scale features and generates a signal indicting a continuous web displacement based on the modulated energy.

Abstract: A running yarn line inspection method inspects yarn lines running in parallel in the same surface. The running yarn line inspection method is provided with a first illumination means and a line sensor for imaging the yarn lines on the side of the first surface of the running surface of the yarn lines and a second illumination means on the side of the second surface, and comprises a data processing means which processes data obtained by the line sensor and a recording means which records data processed by the data processing means with time.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an imaginary axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for image-based measurement and inspection of pre-engineered structural components, such as building trusses and wall panels. A system can include: a light source; a camera; a first memory storage; a second memory storage; and a processing unit configured to (i) detect a characteristic of the structural component, (ii) compare the characteristic to a corresponding characteristic of at least one reference data, and (iii) indicate a result of the comparison. A method can include: causing a light source to illuminate a portion of the structural component, receiving a reflection of the light source from the illuminated portion of the structural component, and storing data corresponding to the intensity of the reflection; comparing the stored data to at least one reference data; and indicating a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A defect testing apparatus for testing defects of optical film sheet-shaped product of an optical displaying apparatus, which includes a defect detecting means for detecting defects of a monolayer body and/or a laminate body constituting the sheet-shaped product in a state in which a protective layer on a surface of the sheet-shaped product is not disposed and defect information preparing means for preparing defect information which is information related to the defects detected by the defect detecting means, and the defect information is used for producing the sheet-shaped product provided in a roll form or in separate sheets.

Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.

Abstract: A system (10) for automatically inspecting a stream of matter (12) for varying composition, comprising an emitting device (16) serving to emit a detection medium, which comprises electromagnetic radiation of a substantially constant intensity, to an irradiated zone (I) of the stream at which the medium penetrates a surface of the matter (12), the irradiated zone (I) extending continuously across substantially the width of the stream, the medium penetrating the surface being varied by the matter (12), a receiving device (32) for receiving the varied medium emanating from the matter (12) at a detection zone (D) substantially separate from the irradiated zone (I), and a detecting device (34) serving to generate detection data in dependence upon the varied medium, the arrangement being such that, in use of the system (10), at least the majority of the varied medium received at the receiving device (32) can be transflected medium.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for illuminating an object and projecting its image on a ground glass screen. Optical comparators conventionally use incandescent illumination, either mercury arc or halogen. The use of an array of high intensity LED devices, provides many options for packaging the required optical components used in comparators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system.

Abstract: A running yarn line inspection method inspects yarn lines running in parallel in the same surface. The running yarn line inspection method is provided with a first illumination means and a line sensor for imaging the yarn lines on the side of the first surface of the running surface of the yarn lines and a second illumination means on the side of the second surface, and comprises a data processing means which processes data obtained by the line sensor and a recording means which records data processed by the data processing means with time.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric comprising a first plurality of reflective yarns knitted or woven with a second plurality of stretchable yarns. The fabric exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine direction measurement system having an increased cross direction sampling area (significantly larger than the natural sensor measurement window) to generate a more representative and stable machine direction reading of the process. In effect, the sensor should have as wide a coverage area as possible without having to resort to the expense of measuring the entire width of the sheet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a cable take-up mechanism that uses a series of pulleys that determine the bend diameters of a scanning system. The mechanism is particularly suited for a spectrometric, e.g., infrared, scanning system where moving scanner or sensor head essentially houses only the optical elements while essentially of all the other electronic and optical components associated with the measurement are housed in an easily accessible compartment that is remote from the moving scanner head. Light is transmitted through optical fiber cables. The cable take-up mechanism maintains the fiber optic cable at essentially constant total bend length and bend diameter thereby minimizing any dynamic changes to spectral bend losses as the optical head is scanned. The light weight construction of the sensor head further reduces vibrations associated with the moving scanner head.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing and analyzing an image of a moving web of cigarette paper having a plurality of transverse banded regions. The captured images of the moving web of cigarette paper are analyzed to determine various characteristics of a population of cigarettes made with the cigarette paper. Each captured image is decomposed into a matrix of grey scale values associated with individual pixels of the image. The values are further processed to determine a width of a banded region on the cigarette paper. The average widths of banded regions, as well as the standard deviation of widths may be analyzed and correlated to freeburn and ignition propensity characteristics of a population of cigarettes formed from the measured cigarette paper.

Abstract: In the case of a method for sensing a marking (2) of a running web of material (3), the web of material is optically scanned by an image recording device (6). This generates in successive measuring cycles image signals which are fed to an image processing device (7). This image processing device (7) determines the positional values of the marking (2) of the web of material (3). A validity signal is generated from these positional values by applying a position-dependent weighting function and is output. This validity signal indicates whether the currently determined positional value is valid.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting compression wood, blue stain, or pitch in lumber. A light beam is projected towards the wood sample. Line or area cameras acquire images of light that is reflected from the wood sample. Based on the intensity of the reflected light at one or more locations on the wood sample, compression wood, blue stain, or pitch may be detected.

Abstract: A defect marking device includes a flaw inspection device which has a plurality of light-receiving parts that identify reflected lights coming from an inspection plane of a metal strip under two or more of optical conditions different from each other; a signal processing section that judges the presence/absence of surface flaw on the inspection plane based on a combination of reflected light components identified under these optical conditions different from each other; and a marking device which applies marking that indicates information relating to the flaw on the surface of the metal strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting residual oxide or scale present on a metal surface following pickling or mechanical processing of the metal surface to remove scale makes use of laser light that is reflected off of the metal surface, a reflection detector that detects the absolute reflectivity and polarization of the reflecting laser light, a roughness measurement sensor, and a computerized control system that uses combinations of the information from the three sensors to provide an indication of the scale remaining on the metal surface.

Abstract: The devices, systems and methods may continuously detect surface characteristics of a sample surface at a tilt. The exemplary system may have a conveying device for moving a sample surface, a light source for reflecting a beam of light off the sample surface, and a light detector with a light detection surface for continuous light detection. A lens may be used to reflect the beam of light from the sample surface and focus the beam of light on the light detection surface of the light detector. The area of the beam of light at the point of focus on the light detection surface may be unequal to the light detection surface. A reference analyzer may be used to determine the optical surface based on a comparison of the reflected light received with known reflected light values for known sample surfaces.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for detecting surface characteristics of a sample surface are disclosed. The exemplary system may have a conveying device for moving a sample surface and a light source for reflecting a beam of light off the sample surface. A light detector may receive the beam of light reflected from the sample surface. The area of the beam of light may be unequal to an area of a light detection surface of the light detector. A reference analyzer may determine the optical surface based on a comparison of the reflected light received with known reflected light values for known sample surfaces.

Abstract: The process comprises the following steps: detection of the passage of an edge of the substrate by a first trigger, detection of the passage of said edge of the substrate at least at a first selected checkpoint on the substrate; control of the presence of the detection of the edge of the substrate at said at least first checkpoint between said detection by said triggers and generation of an integrity check failed message in the absence of the detection of the edge of the substrate at said checkpoint.

Abstract: Electro-optically inspecting a longitudinally moving rod of material (12). Guiding rod (12) along its longitudinal axis by rod guiding unit (14), along optical path (20) within transparent passageway (22). Optical path (20) and transparent passageway (22) coaxially extend along longitudinal axis of rod (12) and pass through an electro-optical transmission module (24). Focused beam (28) from illumination unit (26) is transmitted through first side (30) of transparent passageway (22) and incident upon rod (12) within transparent passageway (22). Illuminating volumetric segment (34) of rod (12) by incident beam (32), such that incident beam (32) is affected by and transmitted through volumetric segment (34) and transmitted through second side (36) of transparent passageway (22), for forming rod material transmitted beam (38).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for estimating surface moisture content of wood chips employing a surface moisture measurement obtained from a non-contact surface moisture sensor, which measurement is calibrated with values of a set of optical parameters, such as HSL color camera signals, representing light reflection characteristics of the wood chips in order to estimate the surface moisture content thereof.

Abstract: The defect marking method comprises the steps of: installing a surface defect tester to detect surface flaw and a marker device to apply marking at defect position, in a continuous processing line of steel sheet; detecting the surface flaw on the steel sheet using the surface defect tester; determining defect name, defect grade, defect length, and defect position in the width direction of the steel sheet, on the basis of thus detected flaw information, further identifying the defect in terms of harmful defect, injudgicable defect, and harmless defect; applying tracking of the defect position for each of the harmful defect and the injudgicable defect; and applying marking to the defect position. The defect marking device comprises a defect inspection means having plurality of light-receiving parts and a signal processing section, and a marking means.