Abstract: An object inspection system and a method for detecting defects which utilizes a plurality of cameras and lights to capture images of a portion of an object and which uses the captured images to determine the presence of a defect upon a surface, such as surface, of the object and which may communicated the location of the identified defect to an automated defect repair assembly.

Abstract: A method for quality assessment of a sealing section of a package, wherein the package includes at least a robustness layer and a plastic layer. The sealing section is formed by holding a first section and a second section of the package against each other while providing heat such that the plastic layer of the first and second section melt and thereby provide for that the first and second section adhere to each other. The method includes capturing image data depicting the sealing section using a camera, identifying a reference line in the image data, identifying a sealing section boundary line in the image data, determining a sealing section assessment feature set based on the reference line and the sealing section boundary line, and comparing the sealing section assessment feature set with a reference feature set.

Abstract: The present invention may include acquiring a plurality of overlay metrology measurement signals from a plurality of metrology targets distributed across one or more fields of a wafer of a lot of wafers, determining a plurality of overlay estimates for each of the plurality of overlay metrology measurement signals using a plurality of overlay algorithms, generating a plurality of overlay estimate distributions, and generating a first plurality of quality metrics utilizing the generated plurality of overlay estimate distributions, wherein each quality metric corresponds with one overlay estimate distribution of the generated plurality of overlay estimate distributions, each quality metric a function of a width of a corresponding generated overlay estimate distribution, each quality metric further being a function of asymmetry present in an overlay metrology measurement signal from an associated metrology target.

Abstract: An alignment mark for determining a two-dimensional alignment position of a substrate is discussed. The alignment mark includes an array of patterns. The array of patterns includes a first set of patterns and a second set of patterns arranged. The first set of patterns is arranged in a first sequence along a first direction. The second set of patterns is arranged in a second sequence along the first direction. The second sequence is different from the first sequence. Each pattern of the array of patterns is different from other patterns of the array of patterns that are adjacent to the each pattern.

Abstract: Side coordinate groups that correspond to the four sides of the well are extracted from the edge coordinate group. Approximate lines are generated from the side coordinate groups. Corner coordinate groups that correspond to the four corners of the well are extracted from the edge coordinate group. Two intersecting approximate lines are selected from the approximate lines, and a contact candidate coordinates is set on each of the two approximate lines. Every possible pair of one contact candidate coordinate on one of the two approximate lines and one contact candidate coordinates set on the other approximate line are generated. For the generated pairs, processing for calculating an approximate curve by polynomial approximation from the corner coordinate group is performed, the approximate curve being in contact with two contact candidate coordinates. An approximate curve that is closest to the corner coordinate group is selected from all the calculated approximate curves.

Abstract: An inspecting device includes: an image acquiring unit which acquires a light-emitting surface image as a photographed image of the light-emitting surface; an inspecting unit which sets an inspecting range in a position in the light-emitting surface image in which the failure may appear, generates a one-dimensional luminance profile representing change in a luminance value along the first side in the inspecting range, detects an extreme value in the luminance profile, calculates an evaluation value for evaluating the difference between adjacent extreme values, and determines the presence or absence of the failure on the basis of the evaluation value; and an output unit which output information obtained by the inspecting unit.

Abstract: An item stowed at an inventory location may rest or be supported by a surface, such as a shelf, that includes an optical sensor array. The optical sensor array comprises a plurality of optical sensors that detect light intensity values. When a light source illuminates the item resting on the surface, a footprint or shadow is cast by the item onto the surface. Such a shadow is detected by the light intensity values at the optical sensors in the optical sensor array. Once the shadow is detected, information about the area, shape, and perimeter of the shadow can be determined and saved as footprint data for a single item. Such a process can be performed at intake of the item to the facility and later accessed to determine a quantity of the item on a shelf of a facility.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for finding line features in an image that allows multiple lines to be efficiently and accurately identified and characterized. When lines are identified, the user can train the system to associate predetermined (e.g. text) labels with respect to such lines. These labels can be used to define neural net classifiers. The neural net operates at runtime to identify and score lines in a runtime image that are found using a line-finding process. The found lines can be displayed to the user with labels and an associated probability score map based upon the neural net results. Lines that are not labeled are generally deemed to have a low score, and are either not flagged by the interface, or identified as not relevant.

Abstract: A learning image automatic sorting device for sorting learning images to be stored while identifying and eliminating repeated images by discriminating the geometric deformation, changes in grayscale, the difference in noise level, and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for finding line features in an image that allows multiple lines to be efficiently and accurately identified and characterized. When lines are identified, the user can train the system to associate predetermined (e.g. text) labels with respect to such lines. These labels can be used to define neural net classifiers. The neural net operates at runtime to identify and score lines in a runtime image that are found using a line-finding process. The found lines can be displayed to the user with labels and an associated probability score map based upon the neural net results. Lines that are not labeled are generally deemed to have a low score, and are either not flagged by the interface, or identified as not relevant.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and/or methods may provide for generating a packing order of items within a container that consolidates the items into a reduced space. Items may be scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) imager, and models may be generated of the items based on the data from the 3D imager. The items may be located within minimal-volume enclosing bounding boxes, which may be analyzed to determine whether they may be merged together in one of their bounding boxes, or into a new bounding box that is spatially advantageous in terms of packing. If a combination of items is realizable and is determined to take up less space in a bounding box than the bounding boxes of the items considered separately, then they may be merged into a single bounding box. Thus, a spatially efficient packing sequence for a plurality of real objects may be generated to maximize packing efficiency.

Abstract: Metrology targets, design files, and design and production methods thereof are provided. Metrology targets comprising at least one reflection-symmetric pair of reflection-asymmetric structures are disclosed. The structures may or may not be periodic, may comprise a plurality of unevenly-spaced target elements, which may or may not be segmented. The asymmetry may be with respect to target element segmentation or structural dimensions. Also, target design files and metrology measurements of the various metrology targets are disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement make includes four rectangular regions having a first region and a second region arranged diagonally, and a third region and a fourth region arranged diagonally. A plurality sets of first inner pattern blocks, first middle pattern blocks, and first outer reference pattern blocks, are disposed within the first region. Each first inner pattern block comprises line patterns and a block pattern. The block pattern has multiple space patterns arranged therein. The first inner pattern block is rotational symmetrical to the first middle pattern block.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an image sensor operable to capture image data and an image processor operable to process frames of captured image data. The image processor is operable to detect edges or corners in the captured images. The image processor is operable to determine a number of edges detected in individual frames of captured image data. The vision system adjusts a sensitivity of the image processor responsive to the determined number of edges detected in at least one frame of captured image data. The image processor may detect up to a selected maximum number of edges in a frame of captured image data, and the vision system may adjust the sensitivity of the image processor so that the determined number of edges detected in a subsequent frame of captured image data is at or near the selected maximum number of edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection apparatus for use in lithography. It comprises a support for a substrate carrying a plurality of metrology targets; an optical system for illuminating the targets under predetermined illumination conditions and for detecting predetermined portions of radiation diffracted by the targets under the illumination conditions; a processor arranged to calculate from said detected portions of diffracted radiation a measurement of asymmetry for a specific target; and a controller for causing the optical system and processor to measure asymmetry in at least two of said targets which have different known components of positional offset between structures and smaller sub-structures within a layer on the substrate and calculate from the results of said asymmetry measurements a measurement of a performance parameter of the lithographic process for structures of said smaller size. Also disclosed are substrates provided with a plurality of novel metrology targets formed by a lithographic process.

Abstract: A see-through head-mounted display (HMD) device provides an augmented reality image which is associated with a real-world object, such as a picture frame, wall or billboard. Initially, the object is identified by a user, e.g., based on the user gazing at the object for a period of time, making a gesture such as pointing at the object and/or providing a verbal command. The location and visual characteristics of the object are determined by a front-facing camera of the HMD device, and stored in a record. The user selects from among candidate data streams, such as a web page, game feed, video or stocker ticker. Subsequently, when the user is in the location of the object and looks at the object, the HMD device matches the visual characteristics to the record to identify the data stream, and displays corresponding augmented reality images registered to the object.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to weighing moving objects in a weighing platform functionally coupled to a computer-vision tracking platform. The objects can translate, rotate, and translate and rotate. Weighing of the objects can be accomplished through combination of object imaging and upstream weighing. Object imaging can permit tracking, through computer vision, a logical object moving in a trajectory from the first location to the second location, wherein a logical object is a formal representation of one or more physical objects. Upstream weighing can permit updating a record indicative of weight of the one or more physical objects associated with the tracked logical object. As a part of weighing termination, data integrity check(s) can be performed on a plurality of records indicative of a weight of a single physical object. Based on outcome of the data integrity check(s), a record indicative of the weight of the single physical object can be supplied.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatic optoelectronic detection and inspection of objects, based on capturing digital images of a two-dimensional field of view in which an object to be detected or inspected may be located, analyzing the images, and making and reporting decisions on the status of the object. Decisions are based on evidence obtained from a plurality of images for which the object is located in the field of view, generally corresponding to a plurality of viewing perspectives. Evidence that an object is located in the field of view is used for detection, and evidence that the object satisfies appropriate inspection criteria is used for inspection. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and analyzing images at high speed so that multiple viewing perspectives can be obtained for objects in continuous motion.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying an embossed character, light of one color is directed in one direction across the embossed character to illuminate certain character parts and light of another color is directed in another direction across the embossed character to illuminate other character parts. Image data for the two colors are captured and are subjected to separate image processing to detect edges highlighted by the directed light. The processed images are combined and supplemented with OCR analysis before being compared with predicted characters. Based on the comparison, a determination is made as to the probable identity of the character.

Abstract: A medicine inspection device includes an inspection unit for inspecting a medicine disposed on the inspection unit; a vibrator to impart vibration to the medicine disposed on the inspection unit; and a shooting unit capable of photographing the medicine disposed on the inspection unit. The medicine inspection device further includes a medicine information detector capable of detecting at least the quantity or type of the medicine based on an image obtained by the shooting unit and a distribution detector which is configured to detect a distribution of the medicine on the inspection unit based on the image obtained by the shooting unit. The inspection unit includes a plurality of inspection areas where the vibrator independently provides vibration to each inspection area. The medicine inspection device is characterized by operating the vibrator so as to provide vibration in the inspection areas chosen based on the detection result of the distribution detector.

Abstract: A tablet inspecting device which can overcome counting and discrimination errors is provided. A medicine packaging envelope strip is formed by connecting in a strip shape multiple envelopes separated when a user takes tablets, and is imaged, thus counting the tablets. A conveyance passage along which the strip is conveyed in an associated longitudinal direction, conveyance mechanism, and gap forming part forming a gap between adjacent tablets, the conveyance passage including a horizontal passage, a first inclined passage with upward inclination extending from the horizontal passage, and a second inclined passage with downward inclination and an upper end spaced apart from an upper end of the first passage, the gap forming part including a rod body having projecting portions staggered throughout a peripheral surface thereof, being arranged at the space approximately orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and being rotatable about a center axis thereof, are provided.

Abstract: A medicine inspection device includes an inspection unit for inspecting a medicine disposed on the inspection unit; a vibrator to impart vibration to the medicine disposed on the inspection unit; and a shooting unit capable of photographing the medicine disposed on the inspection unit. The medicine inspection device further includes a medicine information detector capable of detecting at least the quantity or type of the medicine based on an image obtained by the shooting unit and a distribution detector which is configured to detect a distribution of the medicine on the inspection unit based on the image obtained by the shooting unit. The inspection unit includes a plurality of inspection areas where the vibrator independently provides vibration to each inspection area. The medicine inspection device is characterized by operating the vibrator so as to provide vibration in the inspection areas chosen based on the detection result of the distribution detector.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a system and method for reading the information on bundled packages wrapped in transparent film. The film can obscure information on the outside of the packages making the automated identification and tracking of the packages difficult. Embodiments described herein provide a system and method for capturing the unique information regardless of the obscuring effects of packaging films. A camera that is insensitive to UV light captures visible light emitted by labels after the labels are irradiated by UV light. The light emission induces greater contrast overcoming any distortion that might have occurred due to the transparent packaging film.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining an orientation of a unit dose package, such as by determining whether the cavity that houses the medication is facing upwards or downwards. As a result of the determination of the orientation of the unit dose package, a method and system may also be provided for selectively picking a unit dose package, thereby enabling automated restocking of singulated unit dose packages by taking into account the orientation of the unit dose packages.

Abstract: Removing material from the surface of a first circuit comprises generating a first laser pulse using a pulse generator; targeting a spot on the first circuit using a focusing component; delivering the first laser pulse to the spot on the first circuit, the first circuit including a digital component; ablating material from the spot using the first laser pulse without changing a state of the digital component; testing performance of the first circuit, the testing being performed without reinitializing the circuit between the steps of ablating material and testing performance. Targeting the spot on the first circuit comprises generating a second laser pulse using a pulse generator; delivering a second laser pulse to a sacrificial piece of material; detecting the position of the ablation caused by the second laser pulse with a vision system that forms an image; and using this image to guide the first laser to the spot.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for reinspecting a prescription drug, which reinspect the defect state of a defective drug pack after the defect state of an individually packaged drug has been inspected by analyzing the image of the drug. The apparatus includes a drug pack information transceiving module to receive primary inspection data, a drug reinspection controlling module to control a procedure of reinspecting a defect state of a drug pack which has been primarily determined as a defective drug pack, an image processing module to photograph the drug pack, which has been primarily determined as the defective drug pack, and to process an image of the drug pack, and a defect analyzing module to determine a defect state of the drug by analyzing a drug contained in the image of the drug pack provided from the image processing module.

Abstract: An inspection station identifies defects such as artifacts (e.g., dust, hair, particles) in the sealing areas of sealed sterile packages. A multi-head optical scanner can include at least two fiber optic sensors each comprised of a bundle of optical fibers arranged into a linear face coupled to an image processing module and oriented towards a scanning area of sealed packages moving through a conveyance system. An image processing module can analyze input from the at least two fiber optic sensor arrangements to identify artifacts in the sealing areas of the sealed packages.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for secure packaging, shipment, receipt and storage of mail, parcels and parcels is described. The apparatus includes an appliqué with a multitude of sensitized residue within that surround the parcel; the residue in the media forms a unique optical fingerprint, which is an exemplar image data for comparison. Substantial damage to one or more fibers alters the optical fingerprint pattern. The data is read and independently verified at waypoints and the destination. Comparing the current image data to the exemplar image data indicates damage or tampering.

Abstract: Described is a characteristic verification system that includes security marks, devices, systems and methods that may be used to authenticate a material good and to provide strong brand protection. A device, such as a smartphone, that includes a software application, a camera and a light source, may be used to interrogate the security mark and connect to remote servers to authenticate the material good at varying levels of assurance. In addition to authenticating the good, the system may also authenticate the user and provide different information to different users and/or limit information that is provided unauthenticated users.

Abstract: A method and a device for the optical testing of objects during the production and/or packaging of cigarettes, in particular of cigarette packs and/or blanks for cigarette packs and/or overprints and/or print substrates on or for cigarette packs, with the aid of a suitable testing device. For at least one feature characterizing the test object, in particular in a visual respect, a set of feature-value alternatives for the corresponding feature that are stored in a memory is displayed on a display means. By means of an input device, one of the displayed feature values of the set of feature-value alternatives is selected. The testing device is automatically set up or preset for the subsequent testing operations, in particular an evaluating device and/or an illuminating device and/or a suitable light detector of the testing device, the selection of the feature value influencing the setting up of the testing device.

Abstract: A system of monitoring movable articles, e.g. for detecting counterfeits, is described. It comprises applying to the article (30) a label thereon, coded data in the form of a visually perceptible marking (34) conveniently at the time and place of manufacture and using a digitally controlled printer. Details of the marking are stored in a high capacity memory store. When it is desired to monitor the article, a pictorial image of the marking is sent from the location of the article to a remote computer (37) via a wide area communications network, such as a mobile telephone network (50). Details concerning the location of the article are also transmitted to the remote computer, which is programmed, to extract the coded data from the transmitted image file, and evaluate whether the coded data matches coded data stored in the high capacity memory store. If there is a match, the item is genuine and the remote computer can return a message to that effect.

Abstract: A failure detection system that includes an image processing unit configured to acquire a morphological image illustrating a morphology of the absorbent article after processing of the absorbent article, in each of the plurality of steps, a failure detection unit configured to detect the existence of a failure location of the absorbent article after processing, based on the morphological image acquired by the image processing unit, and an image display unit configured to display an image of the absorbent article after processing, when a failure location of the absorbent article is detected by the failure detection unit.

Abstract: A method of identifying individual silicon substrates, and particularly solar cells, is disclosed. Every solar cell possesses a unique set of optical properties. The method identifies these properties and stores them in a database, where they can be associated to a particular solar cell. Unlike conventional tracking techniques, the present method requires no dedicated space on the surface of the silicon substrate. This method allows substrates to be tracked through the manufacturing process, as well as throughout the life of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model image acquisition support apparatus, a model image acquisition support method, and a model image acquisition support program that can easily and swiftly obtain an optimum model image for an image processing apparatus that performs matching processing based on a model image set in advance with respect to a measurement image that is obtained by imaging an object. A plurality of model image candidates, serving as candidates for model image, are extracted from a reference image obtained by imaging an object which can be a model. Matching processing with the plurality of extracted model images is executed on measurement images actually obtained by a visual sensor, so that trial results are obtained. A trial result is generated upon evaluating each of the trial results of the matching processing with the model image. An optimum model image is determined based on the evaluation result.

Abstract: A cigarette inspection device for inspecting a filter quality through an inspection image of filter end faces in a bundle of cigarettes for accurately detecting, for example, only contaminations. A pattern image is used for detecting a cigarette location on the basis of a preset location of each cigarette in the cigarette bundle and a search area on the inspection image is set. The pattern image is shifted within the search area, thereby obtaining a position at which the pattern image coincides with an image of the filter end face. An image of a filter end face of the cigarette is cut out from the inspection image according to the detected position, and quality (contamination) is inspected. Inspection results obtained with respect to the cigarettes are aggregated, and a judgment is made on the quality (presence or absence of a contamination) of the filter end face.

Abstract: A method and system of electronically inspecting baggage comprises generating scan data representative of a piece of baggage. At least one of a contour and a surface is extracted from the scan data, and the at least one of a contour and a surface is representative of an object within the baggage. An object database comprises data representative of shapes of known objects, and the at least one of a contour and surface is compared to the object database to identify an object match which is presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting anodes, and smelting management based thereon are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an imaging device configured to obtain images of at least one anode assembly, an image processor configured to producing imaging data based on the images, and a data analyzer configured to produce anode characteristic data based on the imaging data. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of obtaining at least one image of at least a portion of an anode assembly, producing imaging data based on the at least one image, and deriving anode characteristic data based, at least in part, on the imaging data.

Abstract: A plurality of first multivalued images of non-defective items picked up by an image pickup device are obtained, and a plurality of characteristic amounts at least including a pixel value of a color component and edge intensities in two different directions are extracted for each pixel in the obtained first multivalued images. Selection of any one of the plurality of extracted characteristic amounts is received, and the characteristic amount of which selection is received is extracted, whereby a distribution range for determining the non-defective item is calculated. A second multivalued image of a determination target object is obtained, and the characteristic amount of which selection is received is extracted for each pixel in the obtained second multivalued image, whereby determination is made as to whether the characteristic amount is included in the distribution range corresponding to the extracted characteristic amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the filling of a capsule with a medicament, to a corresponding filling method, to the associated apparatuses, and to a computer program for controlling the method and the apparatus. In the monitoring method, after at least part of the capsule has been filled with a predefined filling mass of a predefined closed contour of the medicament, at least the filling mass in the part of the capsule after the filling operation is recorded using digital imaging in a first step, the contour of the filling mass in the part of the capsule is determined from the digital imaging recording in a second step, and the contour is analysed in a third step in order to assess the filling operation in comparison with the predefined contour. The invention provides for external influences on the image properties to be compensated for by controlling the optical system.

Abstract: A method for testing moving products having at least two layers, such as cigarette packages wrapped with film, wherein at least one layer of the product, namely an inner layer which is arranged further inwards, is covered at least regionally by at least one, at least partially transparent product layer, namely an outer layer which is arranged further outwards, wherein the outer layer of the product is illuminated under an angle of incidence of about 35°, with light, in which the light that is reflected at this layer comprises at least 70%, at least 90%, or at least 95%, of linearly s-polarized light, the s-polarized component of the light reflected by the outer layer and/or of the light reflected by the inner layer and/or the p-polarized component of the light reflected by the outer layer and/or of the light reflected by the inner layer are recorded in each case using at least one suitable electrooptic recording element in the form of an image or partial image of the product and wherein the recorded s-polariz

Abstract: An system and method for tallying objects presented for purchase preferably images the objects with a machine vision system while the objects are still, or substantially still. Images of the objects may be used to recognize the objects and to collect information about each object, such as the price. A pre-tally list may be generated and displayed to a customer showing the customer the cost of the recognized objects. A prompt on a customer display may be given to urge a customer to re-orient unrecognized objects to assist the machine vision system with recognizing such unrecognized objects. A tallying event, such as removing a recognized object from the machine vision system's field of view, preferably automatically tallies recognized objects so it is not necessary for a cashier to scan or otherwise input object information into a point of sale system.

Abstract: A mask inspection system includes irradiation means for irradiating a sample with an electron beam, electron detection means for detecting a quantity of electrons generated from the sample, image processing means, storage means, and control means for determining divided areas in such a way that divided images adjacent to each other overlap with each other, and acquiring the divided images of the respective divided areas. The control means extracts two divided images adjacent to each other in a predetermined sequence, then detects an image of a same pattern formation area included in an overlap area, and determines the detected image to be a combination reference image. The control means then combines the two divided images adjacent to each other on the basis of the combination reference image to thereby form an entire SEM image of the observed area.

Abstract: A device to analyze and determine the movement characteristics of products moving in a determinate direction of feed (F) and emitting radiations, in particular products exiting from a casting line, comprises a camera to continuously acquire images of the product moving in the direction of feed (F) in at least two successive instants of time, and an electronic processing unit by means of which the comparison between at least two successive images acquired is carried out, using mathematical algorithms based on the image correlation principle, in order to determine the spatial displacement of the images and then the movement characteristics of the product moving in the direction of feed (F) are analyzed and determined.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of an additive, especially an additive that is not visible to a consumer, in an article with respect to a surface feature of the article is provided.

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing system can perform image processing with higher accuracy while a gloss is removed without immobilizing a continuously moving inspection object. The image processing apparatus images the inspection object moving in a predetermined direction plural times with an imaging unit disposed in a predetermined position while a visual field of the imaging unit is lighted by a lighting source disposed in a constant relative position with respect to the imaging unit, aligns plural images with the inspection object as a reference by searching sequentially a region indicating at least part of the inspection object between the two images in the plural images acquired by a series of imagings with the imaging unit, and produces a composite image from the aligned plural images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurately determining dimensional accuracy of a complex three dimensional shape are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes determining at least a non-critical feature and at least a critical feature of the 3-D component, determining a first datum using at least the non-critical feature, aligning the first datum to at least a portion of a reference shape, determining a second datum corresponding to the critical feature subsequent to the aligning, and determining the dimensional accuracy of the 3-D component by comparing the second datum to another portion of the reference shape.

Abstract: A color-unevenness inspection apparatus includes: an image pickup section picking up an image of an inspection target for a color-unevenness inspection; an image generation section generating an uneven-color image by determining one or more uneven-color regions existing in the picked-up image of the inspection target obtained by the image pickup section, and by classifying unit regions included in each of the uneven-color regions into a plurality of color groups; a calculation section calculating, on the uneven-color regions in the uneven-color image, an evaluation parameter to be used in the color-unevenness inspection; a correction section making a correction to the calculated evaluation parameter in consideration of a difference of color-unevenness visibility between the color groups; and an inspection section performing the color-unevenness inspection, based on a resultant evaluation parameter obtained by the correction.

Abstract: Methods and several apparatus embodiments are disclosed operating Optical Characteristic Systems (OCS) in a container storage and/or transfer yard supporting the automated recognition of container codes displayed on various sides of the containers being stored and/or transferred. At least one processor may initiate an operational process by an OCS mounted on a container handler to create an operational result, select the operational process based upon an operational schedule and communicate with at least one OCS to receive an image of a container being handled by the container handler to at least partly create a container code estimate for a container inventory management system. A program system directing at least one computer implementing these operations, and may reside in computer readable memory, an installation package and/or a download server. The computer readable memory may or may not be accessibly coupled to the computer.

Abstract: A quality control method for a machine for processing flat objects for producing packaging: A prepress file for packaging is used to define, in an extremely simple and quick way, masked zones which define which parts of the surface of the object are the parts in which the defects are not to be considered.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus inspects a package group including a plurality of discrete packages that are successively connected in a chain. The inspection apparatus includes an irradiating component, a light receiving component, a generating component, an identifying component, an estimating component and a weight diagnosing component. The irradiating component is configured and arranged to irradiate inspection waves to the package group with the inspection waves being X-rays or terahertz waves. The identifying component is configured to identify a plurality of discrete package regions corresponding to the discrete packages from an inspection image generated by the generating component. The estimating component is configured to estimate one or more weight values respectively corresponding to one or more of the discrete package regions. The weight diagnosing component is configured to diagnose the package group as being abnormal in weight when any of the weight values falls outside a predetermined range.