Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement of the stress in and thickness of the walls of glass containers is disclosed that uses fluorescence to quickly and accurately ascertain both the thickness of the stress layers and the wall thickness in addition to the stress curve in glass containers. The apparatus and method may be used to quickly and accurately measure both the stress in and the thickness of the side walls of glass containers throughout the circumference of the glass containers. The apparatus and method are adapted for large scale glass container manufacturing, and are capable of high speed measurement of the stress in and the thickness of the side walls of glass containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement of the stress in and thickness of flat glass or curved glass segments is disclosed that uses fluorescence to quickly and accurately ascertain both the thickness of the stress layers and the wall thickness in addition to the stress curve in flat glass or curved glass segments. The apparatus and method may be used to quickly and accurately measure both the stress in and the thickness of flat glass or curved glass segments at a plurality of various locations therein. The apparatus and method are adapted for large scale flat glass or curved glass segment manufacturing, and are capable of high speed measurement of the stress in and the thickness of the flat glass or curved glass segments.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prescription imaging system for capturing, storing and displaying images of prescription bottles during the prescription fulfillment process to monitor the quality of the fulfillment process. The system includes one or more pill cameras for capturing images of pills dispensed into one or more prescription bottles and one or more label cameras for capturing images of the bottle labels. The images are stored on a storage device in a database record. The images can be used to verify that the pills in each bottle correspond with the associated prescription.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inspecting packagings for a liquid product, such as drinks, including: setting a packaging into rotation, irradiating the packaging during the rotation with a radiation of a predetermined wavelength, making at least one series of at least two recordings of at least a part of the content of the packaging during the rotation, with an image recording device suitable for making recordings at the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for determining the presence of a cap on a container are provided. An exemplary method comprises capturing an image of an object; extracting an area of interest from the image; determining from the image a position of one or more edges of the object; and determining the presence of a cap based on a comparison of the one or more edge positions to reference data. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement of the stress in and thickness of flat glass or curved glass segments is disclosed that uses fluorescence to quickly and accurately ascertain both the thickness of the stress layers and the wall thickness in addition to the stress curve in flat glass or curved glass segments. The apparatus and method may be used to quickly and accurately measure both the stress in and the thickness of flat glass or curved glass segments at a plurality of various locations therein. The apparatus and method are adapted for large scale flat glass or curved glass segment manufacturing, and are capable of high speed measurement of the stress in and the thickness of the flat glass or curved glass segments.

Abstract: A tablet storing/retrieving device which stores a plurality of kinds of medicines, and delivers as many tablets of such descriptions as designated by prescription data into a vial (3) and retrieves it. An imaging device (400) is provided for photographing the interior of the vial before a cap is applied to the vial (3) after tablets are dispensed into the vial (3). Accordingly, a quick and easy auditing process is possible without removing the cap of a retrieved vial.

Abstract: A method and system of irradiating a liquid-carrying container for inspection, including rotating the container, its contents or both around a rotation axis and irradiating the container with an electromagnetic radiation beam, wherein the irradiated cross-section of the container, irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation beam, is less than the cross-section of the container; and, a method and system for inspecting a liquid-carrying container for one or more test parameters of the container, the contents of the container, or both, including rotating the container, the contents or both around a rotation axis, irradiating the container with an electromagnetic radiation beam from a first direction along an irradiation center plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, capturing a representation of a section of the container from a second direction along a detection center plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and processing the representation, wherein the irradiated cross-section of the con

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and encoders. The methods include synchronization techniques and correlation techniques.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prescription imaging system for capturing, storing and displaying images of prescription bottles during the prescription fulfillment process to monitor the quality of the fulfillment process. The system includes one or more pill cameras for capturing images of pills dispensed into one or more prescription bottles and one or more label cameras for capturing images of the bottle labels. The images are stored on a storage device in a database record. The images can be used to verify that the pills in each bottle correspond with the associated prescription.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more foreign substances in one or more containers filled with liquid, comprising of: transporting the containers filled with liquid in a substantially straight line at relatively high speed in a production environment; —illuminating each container with content with one or more fixedly disposed light sources; and —inspecting the container with content from preferably two or more different orientations using two or more cameras, wherein cameras and lighting are disposed substantially fixedly relative to each other, while the cameras and light sources are mutually connected such that in a short time two or more images of a container filled with liquid can be recorded with mutually differing illumination and/or angle of incidence; —comparing the foreign substances in the two or more images; and —wherein a container filled with liquid is rejected on the basis of the probability distribution obtained from the comparisons, wherein above a determined probability it is concluded that the

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring hot glass containers at the hot end as they stream from an I.S. machine manufacturing them to enable their quality to be monitored, enhanced, and controlled. The system monitors radiation from the hot glass containers, extracts images of each hot glass container, analyzes the images of the hot glass containers, and provides the images of the hot glass containers together with information indicative of the quality thereof to a display screen viewable by an operator to enable the quick identification of glass forming process deviations and to occasion continuous improvements in glass container quality. The system and method are independent of conditions and parameters that have hampered previously known attempts to monitor hot glass containers, and make possible the production of glass containers of both high quality and substantially increased consistency.

Abstract: A visual image retrieval system is provided. The system includes an image database for storing images. The system also includes a preprocessor communicatively linked to the image database for segmenting the images and generating based upon segmented images a region-of-interest (ROI) extraction output. Additionally, the system includes an ROI feature extraction module for computing ROI feature vectors based upon the output, and a global feature extraction module for computing global feature vectors based upon the output. The system further includes an ROI feature vectors database for storing the ROI feature vectors, and a global feature vectors database for storing the global feature vectors. The system also includes a perceptually-relevant image search machine (PRISM) interface for displaying query images and retrieved images, the retrieved images being retrieved in response to a user selecting at least one displayed query image.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting labeled containers, allowing a detection of holes in the label, with a high hit rate, even in cases where the color of the label is similar to that of the filled product, wherein the label is irradiated with visible light and invisible light and/or is imaged in incident light and transmitted light.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The captured objects are located in a band to define a cluster. The cluster is evaluated to determine whether it is a multiple cluster and each defined cluster is evaluated to distinguish a check from a blister.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the finish of a glass container rotating at an inspection station. A pair of light sources, which are repeatedly turned on and off, have horizontal light axes which are orthogonally related and intersect the container axis. The light sources illuminate the container finish to identify checks. The illuminated checks are imaged by a camera which has a camera axis coincident with the container axis and the intersecting light axes. The camera axis makes an angle of 45 degrees with both light axes and the horizontal. The camera is exposed through multiple images.

Abstract: An impurity detection device includes a rotation unit, a light emitting unit, a light sensor unit, and an analysis unit. The rotation unit on which the bottle is loaded spins the bottle at a high speed and subsequently and instantaneously terminates spinning of the bottle. The light emitting unit generates light to pass through the bottle. The light sensor unit detects the light passing through the bottle, and captures a plurality of images of the light passed through the bottle after spinning of the bottle has been terminated and at different time intervals. The analysis unit receives the captured images from the light sensor unit, and compares the captured images to determine whether an impurity is present in the bottle.

Abstract: An automated optical inspection system includes a pulsed light source illuminating an article to be inspected thereby to generate at least one image thereof, at least one camera having a field of view, and a relative motion provider operative to provide relative motion between the camera and at least one image of at least a portion of the article. The relative motion provider may include a first continuous motion provider and a second, velocity-during-imaging-lessening motion provider. The relative motion is a superposition of a first continuous component of motion provided by the first motion provider and a second, smaller component of motion provided by the second motion provider which lessens the velocity of the at least one image relative to the camera, during imaging.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively inspecting one or more vessels capable of transmitting IR light containing liquid is provided, which uses a near-infrared (NIR) imaging device in combination with one or two NIR light sources, a diffuser plate, and an optical wavelength selecting means is provided for selecting one or more wavelength bands. In addition, the system may further comprise a computer processing means, a computer database containing known absorbance values, and a computer application, such that the system may compare the collected spectroscopic data to known spectroscopic data, and identify the liquid contained within the inspected vessel. The inspection method of the present invention measures a transmission or reflection image of one or more vessels being inspected at one or more narrow wavelength intervals in the NIR spectral range that corresponds to a peak absorbance wavelength of water, organic liquids, and explosive compositions.

Abstract: A device for detecting elevations and/or depressions on bottles, in particular in a labeling machine, the device comprising a lighting unit with a light screen for generating a light reflection on a bottle to be examined and at least one camera for detecting the light reflection. By areas of varying luminance being formed on the light screen, molding seams can be reliably detected over a large area of the bottle wall and embossings can be located in various rotational positions of the bottle. The invention also relates to a method for applying the device.

Abstract: Method of operating a beverage bottling plant with a beverage filling machine for filling beverage bottles, and a method and apparatus for monitoring beverage bottle or container handling machines in the beverage bottling plant.

Abstract: A robot system having a vision sensor. The robot system includes a robot; a robot controlling section for controlling an operation of the robot; an imaging section provided on the robot and obtaining image data of a working environment of the robot; an image processing section for processing the image data obtained in the imaging section; a vision controlling section for controlling the imaging section and the image processing section to cause execution of obtaining the image data, transmitting the image data thus obtained, and processing the image data; and a communication network to which the robot controlling section, the image processing section and the vision controlling section are connected.

Abstract: Method and device for inspecting a string of packs. Each of the packs contains drugs, and consumer data such as patient data are provided on the packs. Specific characteristics of the drugs to be scanned are fed into a central processing unit. These characteristics are compared with the drugs present in the actual pack. According to the invention, a graphic image of the pack, the drugs and the patient data is produced and stored. To optimize scanning of a group of drugs spreading is proposed by means of a resilient cam which rotates in a plane essentially parallel with the plane of the carrier. Such cam is mounted in a bush and can move resiliently in said bush at right angles to the plane of the carrier and said bush is caused to rotate. It is possible to provide a number of such constructions adjacent to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for detecting the presence of a foreign body (3) inside a container. The installation includes: means (4) for displacing the container (2) so that it occupies a characteristic position in which a foreign body (3) present is placed outside a confinement area (5) of the container, means for displacing the container so that it occupies another characteristic position in which a foreign body present is placed in said confinement area (5) of the container, first and second image-taking systems (10) suitable for taking at least one image of the confinement area (5) of the container when the latter occupies its characteristic positions, and a unit for processing and analyzing images taken by the image shooting systems (10) in order to determine whether a foreign body is present or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure, such as inconsistency density-per-unit area. In one implementation, a method is disclosed for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure. The method involves determining a first distance from a first reference point of the composite structure to an inconsistency; determining a second distance from a second reference point of the composite structure to the inconsistency; using the first and second distances to establish a reference area of the composite structure; and considering each inconsistency detected within the reference area and producing therefrom an inconsistency characteristic representative of the composite structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for recognizing a defect image associated with a semiconductor substrate. In one example, the method includes collecting defect data of the defect image by testing and measuring the semiconductor substrate, extracting a pattern from the defect data, normalizing a location, orientation, and size of the pattern, and identifying the pattern after the pattern is normalized.

Abstract: A device (1) for inspecting the external surfaces of containers (10) by means of a radiation device (2) which directs light onto a container (10) to be inspected, including a transport device (4) transporting the container with respect (10) to the radiation device (2), and including an image capturing device (6) which captures the container illuminated by the radiation device, with a background (12) being located behind the container with respect to the image capturing device (6), with respect which the container (10) can be imaged. According to the invention, the background (12) has both a lighter area (12a) and a darker area (12b) by comparison with this lighter area.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The captured objects are located in a band to define a cluster. The cluster is evaluated to determine whether it is a multiple cluster and each defined cluster is evaluated to distinguish a check from a blister.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a rotating glass container for defects wherein the image evaluated for defects is a critical addition of a plurality of additions each defined by a plurality of time spaced images.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a substrate for defects, including: A method for inspecting a substrate for defects, the method including the steps of: (i) obtaining at least two wafer element detection signal; each wafer element detection signal reflects light scattered to a distinct direction; each wafer element detection signal having a wafer element detection value; (ii) calculating at least one wafer element attribute value in response to the at least two wafer element detection signals; retrieving at least one reference wafer element attribute value, each wafer element attribute value corresponding to a reference wafer element attribute value; and (iii) determining a relationship between the at least one reference wafer element attribute value, wafer element attribute value and at least one threshold to indicate a presence of a defect.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The center of each captured object in an array is determined by a controller which determines the object centers in a plurality of adjacent bands. The band having the most object centers is determined and the objects in the band having the most object centers are deleted from the rest of the bands. The control repeatedly determines the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers and deletes the objects in the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers from the remainder of the bands until the objects in each band are unique. The maximum separation of objects in each band is defined and checks will be differentiated from blisters based on this separation.

Abstract: An optoelectronic process for inspection of an area of revolution of a receptacle presenting an axis of revolution, includes: illumination of the surface to be inspected using a lighting system presenting an axis of revolution that is located in the extension of the axis of revolution of the receptacle, formation of an image of the inspected surface using a camera, and analysis of the image formed with a view to checking the characteristics of the surface to be inspected. The illumination is over at least three angular sectors, each emitting a given radiation spectrum that is separate from all the spectra of the other sectors. Only the light rays returned by the surface to be inspected are selected and one of the said given radiation spectra are presented to eliminate the parasitic light rays whose radiation spectrum does not correspond to that selected for the said angular sector.

Abstract: A method of detecting unwanted objects or faults in containers containing a fluid or liquid includes: (a) moving the containers along a path of travel; (b) providing; a light source emitting light of a specific spectral distribution, wherein the containers and their contents are at least partly transparent or translucent at the specific spectral distribution; (c) providing a camera for detecting light at the specific spectral distribution, wherein (1) the path of travel intersects a field of view defined by the camera, and (2) the camera registers a sequence of digital images as the containers pass between the light source and the camera; (d) selecting a part of each of the digital images that corresponds to the outline of a specific container; and (e) processing a sequence of the parts of the digital images so as to detect the unwanted objects or faults in the specific container.

Abstract: A test tube type discrimination apparatus includes first and second electronic cameras which pick up images of a plurality of test tubes. The first electronic camera picks up an image from an opening of each of the test tubes, and the second electronic camera picks up an image from a side thereof. A pattern recognition unit receives data of the images picked up by the first and second electronic cameras and extracts an edge of each of the images to recognize a test tube pattern of each of the test tubes including opening and side patterns of each of the test tubes. A standard pattern memory stores the opening and side patterns of the test tubes as standard patterns, and a comparison determination unit compares the test tube pattern and the standard patterns to determine a type of each of the test tubes.

Abstract: An image processing system. An input/output device receives information for pixels in an image corresponding to an object, wherein the information specifies optical properties. A storage device stores the information. A processor determines an image of preliminary contour of the object based on the information. For pixels located on the preliminary contour are assigned as primary pixels, wherein anchor points determined by the location of the primary pixels, and the reference pixels determine modification vectors according to the information corresponding to the primary and reference pixels, and adjusts the positions of the anchor points according to the modification vectors. These processes are applied on every pixels or selected pixels located on the preliminary contour repeatedly to determine the final modified contour with sub-pixel accuracy.

Abstract: In an inspection for protrusion of the melted thermoplastic material of transversal line seal into inside, it is an object to provide a quality inspection method and a quality inspection device which can easily detect projection on edge of seal, securely capture even fine unevenness which could not visually found, and allows for accurate and reliable inspection without variation of inspection. The quality inspection method comprise steps of returning container formed from a web-like packaging laminated material to a shape of pillow-like preliminary forming, cutting container wall to sample a filled food, preparing the sampled body, measuring an edge of the transversal seal zone on the inside of the container over the whole length of the outer surface of the edge for unevenness of the outer surface by a detecting unit, and judging an acceptability of the transversal seal zone based on signals from the detecting unit by an analyzing unit.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a substrate processing apparatus, comprising a housing body mounting unit that is capable of mounting a plurality of housing bodies which can house a plurality of substrates, a processing apparatus main body for processing a substrate extracted from the housing body, a transportation unit for transporting the substrate between the housing body and the processing apparatus main body, a processing control unit for controlling the transportation unit and making it transport the substrate between the housing body and the processing apparatus main body, and a transportation control unit for controlling the transportation unit and making it transport the substrate from one housing body to another housing body without passing through the processing apparatus main body.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the finish of a glass container rotating at an inspection station. A pair of light sources, which are repeatedly turned on and off, have horizontal light axes which are orthogonally related and intersect the container axis. The light sources illuminate the container finish to identify checks. The illuminated checks are imaged by a camera which has a camera axis coincident with the container axis and the intersecting light axes. The camera axis makes an angle of 45 degrees with both light axes and the horizontal. The camera is exposed through multiple images.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prescription imaging system for capturing, storing and displaying images of prescription bottles during the prescription fulfillment process to monitor the quality of the fulfillment process. The system includes one or more pill cameras for capturing images of pills dispensed into one or more prescription bottles and one or more label cameras for capturing images of the bottle labels. The images are stored on a storage device in a database record. The images can be used to verify that the pills in each bottle correspond with the associated prescription.

Abstract: An inspection device and a method of checking on correct functioning of the inspection process of containers such as bottles, cans or the like, where a container to be inspected is detected optically at least in part, and the image data thus detected is analyzed with an analysis program to detect defective containers. An especially simple and reproducible function test of the analysis program is made possible by the fact that reference image data is input into the analysis program, this reference image data corresponding structurally to the detected image data and being analyzed by the analysis program with the same parameter settings of the analysis program.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate machine-vision, for example three-dimensional pose estimation for target objects, using one or more images sensors to acquire images of the target object at one or more positions, and to identify features of the target object in the resulting images. A set of equations is set up exploiting invariant physical relationships between features such as constancy of distances, angles, and areas or volumes enclosed by or between features. The set of equations may be solved to estimate a 3D pose. The number of positions may be determined based on the number of image sensors, number of features identified, and/or number of known physical relationships between less than all features. Knowledge of physical relationships between image sensors and/or between features and image sensors may be employed. A robot path may be transformed based on the pose, to align the path with the target object.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles having a beverage bottle orientation and positioning arrangement. The orientation and positioning arrangement includes the use of cameras, and an evaluation and control system. A first camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a wide area. A second camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a narrower area than the first camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a reference image (template) used in a glass bottle inspecting apparatus for detecting a defect at a specific location of a bottle-mouth portion and the like of a glass bottle, and used for being compared with the image obtained from the glass bottle to be inspected in the inspecting apparatus. According to a method of producing a reference image of the present invention, plural images are formed by using a CCD camera to image a plurality of glass bottles as samples which may contain defective glass bottles, and a reference image is provided from the obtained plural images, a range of brightness when light is applied to a non-defective glass bottle being specified in said reference image.

Abstract: A glass container inspection machine is disclosed for inspecting glass stippled bottles for defects. Stippled bottles are supported at an inspection station and are illuminated with a light source. The stippled bottle is imaged a pixel matrix with the pixels of the image varying in intensity from bright to gray at the points of stippling. A computer evaluates the pixels of the image including a look up table for values to be assigned to specific light intensities from light to black, the plot of the look up table having a high gain portion from black to gray and a continuous low gain portion from gray to white.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated apparatus and method for inspection of a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas. The integrated apparatus comprises (i) an imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the container and to transmit the image data to a central station, (ii) a sound detecting device configured to obtain acoustic data corresponding to the container and to transmit the acoustic data to the central station, (iii) optionally an odor detecting device configured to obtain odor data corresponding to the container contents and to transmit the odor data to the central station, (iv) wired or wireless electronic circuits in communication between each device and the central station for transmitting signals, the signals including the data, to the central station, and (v) the central station configured to receive the data transmitted by each device.

Abstract: A camera based inspection system for inspecting glass bottles made in a glass-forming machine. A single picture shows the heat distribution of an inspected portion of the bottle over a period of time whereby the operator will see a loss of stability in the glass process.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting containers, e.g. bottles of glass or plastics, or cans made of metal, wood, glass or plastics, which for recycling of materials thereof or reuse thereof are moved in a lying posture and with their axis parallel to direction of transport into or past a detection zone associated with a detector station containing a video camera, a video image analysis of the container being carried out by a video image analyser, and said detector station having an entrance and an exit. There is analysed a sequence of video images of the container whilst it is moved into or past the detection zone of the video camera, and it is determined position and movement of the container in a viewing region of the video camera on the basis of continuous detection of position and movement of the container in the video image.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a computer component that receives one or more images of one or more packaging materials from one or more imaging components. The computer component employs an analysis of the one or more images to make a determination of a package integrity of the one or more packaging materials.

Abstract: An L.E.D. matrix light source illuminates a bottle at an inspection machine. A vertically periodic intensity pattern is defined to facilitate the identification of defects. The L.E.D. that locates the top of the bottle is identified and a peak of the pattern is located at that L.E.D.

Abstract: The image-based container defects detector consists of a plurality of camera units, a sensor unit, a frame grabber, and an image recognizer unit. The sensor unit serves to detect the vehicles entering the inspection station, and transmit a signal to the frame grabber for capturing the vehicle image by triggering the CCD camera thereby obtaining the information about the container's defect position and size. By dexterously utilizing image processing technique, the HIS (hue, saturation and intensity) color is employed to distinguish a normal area from a defected area in the container. Then quad-tree and merge is used to segregate image roughly. As for the non-defected area becoming obscured due to noise is removed using a filter. Finally the defected area is displayed on the screen. The present invention is well-suited for after detection as well as for on-line immediate detection for defect containers.