Abstract: A computerized system, method, and computer-readable media implementing a method for determining a weight of a product, and optionally its shipping weight and postage are described. A product having a variable shape in two dimensions wherein the shape is defined in the two dimensions by a set of cutlines is manufactured from a product blank of known weight. The weight of the product is determined from the number of pixels in a scaled image of the cutlines, the image having the same aspect ratio as the product blank. The weight of the product blank and the ratio of the pixels to corresponding to product surface area relative to the total number of pixels in the image are used to calculated the actual weight of the product.

Abstract: A system for acquiring images includes a photographing machine. The photographing machine includes a base, a carrier coupled to the base, a camera coupled to the carrier, a camera positioning system, and a background panel coupled to the carrier. The camera can take photographs of an object when the object is in a target zone. The camera positioning system moves the carrier to position the camera and to point the camera at the target zone. When the carrier is moved to position the camera, at least a portion of the background panel moves such that at least a portion of the background panel maintains a position opposite the camera relative to the target zone.

Abstract: Methods and mark verification systems for evaluating the quality of a two-dimensional matrix dot peen mark on an object are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the methods includes scanning a two-dimensional matrix dot peen mark disposed on a surface of an object with a laser displacement sensor to generate three-dimensional scanned data for the mark, the mark including a plurality of dots disposed in a plurality of rows and columns on the surface; and determining whether the mark passes a verification test based on the scanned data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatic application and monitoring of a structure to be applied onto substrate. A plurality of cameras positioned around an application facility are utilized to monitor the automatic application of a structure on a substrate by means of a stereometry procedure. Three-dimensional recognition of a reference contour position results in the overlapping area to be used for gross adjustment of the application facility prior to applying the structure.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal array inspection that acquires an imaging picture by scanning a liquid crystal substrate in a two-dimensional manner with an electron beam to inspect a liquid crystal substrate array based on the imaging picture, the imaging picture obtained by imaging a stage with the electron beam is used to determine the amounts of displacement of an imaging range of each electron gun in an X direction and a Y direction. Amounts of correction for correcting displacements of the imaging range of each electron gun in the X direction and the Y direction are calculated according to the determined amounts of displacement. The displacement in the X direction is corrected by controlling the scanning with the electron beam in the X direction, and the displacement in the Y direction is corrected by aligning a mounting position of each electron gun in the Y direction.

Abstract: This solution relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a cell computing system. The invention provides a high performance machine vision system over the prior art and provides a method for executing image processing applications on a Cell and BPE3 image processing system. Moreover, implementations of the invention provide a machine vision system and method for distributing and managing the execution of image processing applications at a fine-grained level via a PCIe connected system. The hybrid system is replaced with the BPE3 and the switch is also eliminated from the prior in order to meet over 1 GB processing requirement.

Abstract: In logistic scenarios where multiple assets are stacked to form a package of assets, it is often important to determine the number and types of assets which are stacked together. Various systems and methods of determining the content of a package of assets are known in the art, however, there are cases in which they fail to detect one or more assets and also fail to provide any indication that an asset has been overlooked or is missing. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method that enable to automatically detect one or more assets in a package which are missing. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method for detecting the number of missing assets and also specific characteristics of each of one or more missing assets.

Abstract: Methods, machine-readable media, and devices for barcode verification are described herein. One method includes capturing an image of a barcode included with an item and an image of packaging associated with the item proximate to the barcode, decoding the image of the barcode included with the item to obtain item identification information represented by the barcode, extracting item identification information from the image of the packaging associated with the item, and determining whether the item identification information decoded from the image of the barcode matches the item identification information extracted from the image of the packaging associated with the item.

Abstract: A method and system of inspecting baggage to be transported from a location of origin to a destination is provided that includes generating scan data representative of a piece of baggage while the baggage is at the location of origin, and storing the scan data in a database. A rendered view representative of a content of the baggage is provided where the rendered views are based on the scan data retrieved from the database over a network. The rendered views are presented at a destination different from the origin.

Abstract: In logistic scenarios where multiple assets are stacked to form a package of assets, it is often important to determine the number and types of assets which are stacked together. Various systems and methods of determining the content of a package of assets are known in the art, however, there are cases in which they fail to detect one or more assets and also fail to provide any indication that an asset has been overlooked or is missing. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method that enable to automatically detect one or more assets in a package which are missing. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method for detecting the number of missing assets and also specific characteristics of each of one or more missing assets.

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: A device and a method are described for the optical selection of components of at least one fraction from a bulk material stream conveyed along a conveyance direction, having a camera unit, whose camera viewing direction is oriented toward the bulk material stream, a background, situated in the camera viewing direction behind the bulk material stream, whose color is adaptable to the color of a selected fraction of components of the bulk material stream, an analysis and control unit, connected to the camera unit, in which control commands for a separation unit, which is capable of separating the components to be selected out of the bulk material stream upon activation, may be generated according to a decision criterion.

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 camera tracking system includes a controllable camera, an array of microphones, and a controller. The microphones are positioned adjacent the controllable camera and are at least responsive to ultrasound emitted from a source. The microphones may additionally be capable of responding to sound in the audible spectrum. The controller receives ultrasound signals communicated from the microphones in response to ultrasound emitted from the source and processes the ultrasound signals to determine an at least approximate location of the source. Then, the controller sends one or more command signals to the controllable camera to direct at least approximately at the determined location of the source. The camera tracking system tracks the source as it moves and continues to emit ultrasound. The source can be an emitter pack having one or more ultrasonic transducers that produce tones that sweep form about 24-kHz to about 40-kHz.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of evaluating packages are provided. In a vision evaluation system embodiment, the system includes a light source, a first and second camera and a control system. The light source provides polarized backlight. The first camera has a first lens positioned to image the polarized back light. A ninety degree polarized filter is positioned between the first lens of the first camera and the light source. The ninety degree polarized filter is polarized 90 degrees from the polarized back light of the light source. The second camera has a second lens that is positioned near the first lens of the first camera. The control system is coupled to control the first and second cameras to take simultaneous images at a given frequency. The control system is further configured to determine locations to analyze based on image data from the first camera. Moreover, the control system is still further configured to analyze the determined locations in associated image data from the second camera.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a cigarette package. A transport device is configured to transport individual cigarette packages to an inspection position such that at least a portion of the cigarette package is visibly accessible for optical inspection. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each cigarette package, at least about the visibly accessible portion thereof, as the cigarette package is transported through the inspection position, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected cigarette package is defective.

Abstract: An image registration system for aligning first and second images. The novel system includes a first system for extracting a region of interest (ROI) from each image and a second system for coarsely aligning the regions of interest. The first system determines the size and location of the ROI based on the number of features contained within the region. The size of the ROI is enlarged until a number of features contained in the ROI is larger than a predetermined lower bound or until the size is greater than a predetermined upper bound. The second system computes a cross-correlation on the regions of interest using a plurality of transforms to find a coarse alignment transform having a highest correlation. The image registration system may also include a third system for performing sub-pixel alignment on the regions of interest.

Abstract: A stand alone imaging system is disclosed that captures undistorted, high resolution, stop-action images of objects (e.g., medicine pills) moving at automation speeds, processes the images in real time, and then performs real-time I/O based control that is a function of the image processing results. The imaging system has a form factor that enables it to be embedded inside a product (e.g., a pill dispenser). The imaging system also has a flexible I/O system so that a variety of different applications can be handled by changing only the programming and the external hardware connected to the device in which the imaging system is embedded. In the case of pill dispensing and quality control, a miniature, low cost imaging system can be embedded in a pill dispenser to obtain a pill image and then process the image in real time as the pill moves through a counting system.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a feature applied to a box blank during manufacture of a paper box, comprising the steps of illuminating at least that portion of box blank including the feature with an illumination source, receiving an image of the illuminated portion of the box blank from at least one optical sensor, varying a characteristic of the illumination source for optically distinguishing between the feature a surface of said portion of the box blank to which the feature is applied, comparing the received image to a stored product profile containing an optimal image of the feature to determine if features in the received image are similar to the features in the stored product profile, and using the comparison to indicate when the box blank does not conform to the product profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of automated process control operation wherein a physical object is directed into a read zone, information stored on an ID Container attached to the physical object is retrieved, physimetric property of the physical object is captured, the retrieved information is processed to provide recorded physimetric property specific to the physical object, the recorded physimetric property and captured physimetric property are passed to an analysis algorithm for comparison, and the results of the comparison are delivered to a controlling device. The results of the comparison will determine whether the physical property will continue to pass through the read zone or require to be rotated by the operator.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

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: An occlusion detector (200, 201, 203, 205, 207) for detecting occlusion areas (108, 110) in an image (100) comprises a motion vector selector (202) for selecting at least two motion vectors (118, 120) from a set of motion vectors. It further comprises a pixel value comparator (206) for calculating a first and a second pixel value difference between a particular value of a particular pixel (112) of the image (100) and a second value of a second pixel (116) and a third value of a third pixel (114), both of a further image (102). The occlusion detector (200, 201, 203, 205, 207) further comprises a decision unit (204) for deciding whether the particular pixel (112) belongs to one of the occlusion areas (108, 110) by checking whether the first and second pixel value differences are larger than a first predetermined threshold and a second predetermined threshold, respectively.

Abstract: A method of acquiring an image of a pharmaceutical in a colored, transparent pharmaceutical vial includes the steps of: providing a generally cylindrical, colored, transparent pharmaceutical vial having a closed lower end, the lower end having a radially outward lower section, a radially inward upper section, and a transition section that merges with the upper and lower sections; identifying the transition section of the vial with a vision system; detecting the color of the transition section; illuminating the vial; acquiring an image of the vial and pharmaceutical; and adjusting the colors of the image based on the color of the transition section. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of comparing the image to a pre-stored image of an expected pharmaceutical to determine whether the identity of the pharmaceutical in the vial matches the identity of the expected pharmaceutical. This method can improve the reliability and consistency of the images produced.

Abstract: A workpiece picking device capable of correctly detecting the size of a workpiece. The picking device has a robot capable of picking the same kind of workpieces contained in a work container, a robot controller for controlling the robot, a video camera positioned above the work container so as to widely image the workpieces and an image processor for processing an image obtained by the video camera. The three-dimensional position and posture of each workpiece is measured by a three-dimensional vision sensor arranged on a wrist element of the robot.

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: The present invention discloses a portable image monitoring and identifying device suitable for monitoring an activity in the image and/or identifying image contents and when an image activity and/or an identified image content triggers certain preset event, a command or trigger signal can be sent out for controlling other external devices to act and/or send out a message to the user. The portable device includes an image input unit for inputting an input video, a main processor unit for executing functions of processing image data, detecting activity and triggering event, a memory unit for storing an operation data of the main processor, an input port for connecting with an input device so as to support the necessary operation by the user, and a control output port for outputting the command or trigger signal described above so as to control other external devices connected to the control output port to act.

Abstract: A test system includes a rotatable turntable, a loading section, a first image pickup section, a second image pickup section, a system control section and an unloading section. The loading section loads a display panel assembly onto the stage. The loading section recognizes a unique number of the display panel assembly. The first image pickup section obtains an active area image data from an active area image. A valid first active area defect is detected using an active area image data obtained from an active area image displayed on the display panel assembly. An inactive area defect is detected based on an inactive area image data and a reference inactive area image data.

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 method for determining the change in position of an object in an item of luggage using two X-ray images. The method includes allocating points to individual features in each X-ray image, and extracting the individual features to produce a set of extracted points for each X-ray image. The method includes searching for clusters in each set of extracted points. For each X-ray image a valuation function that displays different values when points of a cluster are close than when points of the cluster are not close is used to determine the proximity of each cluster. This permits analysis of the movement of the object to be performed by observing the proximities of the clusters.

Abstract: A foil lid inspection system for detecting and separating defective foil lids on a container in a production line includes one or more light sources, an inspection camera, and inspection software. The light sources are positioned to direct light in an upward direction to illuminate the container. The inspection camera is positioned above the foil lid, and the camera includes one or more outputs. The inspection software is in communication with the inspection camera. The inspection software is constructed and arranged to determine if the foil lid on the container is defective. A reject signal is applied to an output if the software determines that the foil lid is defective.

Abstract: A contraband detection system includes a first contraband detection apparatus designed to perform a first scan on an object and a second contraband detection apparatus positioned in-line with the first contraband detection apparatus to perform a second scan on the object. A computer is included in the contraband detection system and is programmed to cause the first contraband detection apparatus to perform the first scan and acquire object data therefrom. The computer is further programmed to identify one or more regions of interest (ROI) in the object based on the object data, cause the second contraband detection apparatus to perform the second scan on the one or more identified ROIs, and acquire object data from the second scan.

Abstract: The present video tracking technique outputs a Maximum A Posterior (MAP) solution for a target object based on two object templates obtained from a start and an end keyframe of a whole state sequence. The technique first minimizes the whole state space of the sequence by generating a sparse set of local two-dimensional modes in each frame of the sequence. The two-dimensional modes are converted into three-dimensional points within a three-dimensional volume. The three-dimensional points are clustered using a spectral clustering technique where each cluster corresponds to a possible trajectory segment of the target object. If there is occlusion in the sequence, occlusion segments are generated so that an optimal trajectory of the target object can be obtained.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

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: A system and method for detecting metal contraband such as weapons related material in shipping containers where a container is scanned with at least one penetrating beam, preferably a tomographic x-ray beam, and at least one image is formed. The image can be analyzed by a pattern recognizer to find voids representing metal. The voids can be further classified with respect to their 2 or 3-dimensional geometric shapes. Container ID and contents or bill of lading information can be combined along with other parameters such as total container weight to allow a processor to generate a detection probability. The processor can use artificial intelligence methods to classify suspicious containers for manual inspection.

Abstract: A system for detection of doubles in a stream of flat items such as mail pieces being conveyed on a conveyor includes an electronic imaging camera positioned to receive an image of a side face of conveyed items over a first portion of its field of view, a reflector positioned to reflect an edge view of the items to the imaging camera, which edge view is received by the imaging camera over a second portion of its field of view, and a computer that receives image data from the camera. Program logic used by the computer determines whether the image shows one item, or more than one item.

Abstract: Easily and correctly measuring a dimension of a pattern of a photomask or of an OPC pattern of the photomask. A pattern measurement method of the present invention includes steps of obtaining both a standard pattern corresponding to a predetermined pattern and a measurement point specified in advance; setting a measurement area so that it includes two straight line segments on both sides of the measurement point among outlines of the standard pattern; and measuring a dimension between two contours of the scanned image of the predetermined pattern in the measurement area by superposing the measurement area on the scanned image of the predetermined pattern. The measurement area is set so as not to include portions near corner portions connected to two line segments.

Abstract: Classification methods are described that proceed in computer-assisted fashion, and in particular a method for evaluation and stabilization over time of classification results is described in which objects to be classified are sensed using sensors over a period of time, and are repeatedly classified with the inclusion of specific quality parameters for each object class. To ensure better classification reliability, the following steps may be carried out: a) increasing the value of the confidence parameter if a subsequent classification confirms the result of a previous classification; b) decreasing the value of the confidence parameter if a subsequent classification does not confirm the result of a previous classification; and c) generating a final classification result including the confidence parameters that have been increased or decreased in value.

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 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: Images may be captured of items being processed at a processing station of an order fulfillment center and made available electronically for review to verify quality assurance polices for the items. Alternatively, a short video clip may be captured of the items being processed. The images may be made electronically available for review from remote locations. The images may be associated with a customer order and the images may be reviewed to ensure that the order has been correctly processed. The processing station may be a shipping station and the images may be reviewed to ensure adherence to shipping quality assurance policies. The processing station may also be a receiving station and the images reviewed for defects in the shipping container or the items. The items may be associated with a returned customer order and the images may be reviewed to verify the validity of a customer complaint.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

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 method and apparatus for identifying 3-D coordinates of a target region on a tire includes: taking a digital image of a tire; finding an edge of a tire bead using pixel brightness values from the tire image; calculating tire bead circle center and radius using a plurality of image pixels on the tire bead edge; and performing a pixel brightness search around the bead circumference using the bead circle's center and radius to identify the target area X, Y coordinates. The Z-coordinate and slope of the target area are determined from multiple point distance calculations across the region.

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 controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.

Abstract: A system and associated method is provided for inspecting filter rods used to form cigarette filter elements, wherein each filter rod defines a longitudinal axis extending between opposed ends, with each end extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, and includes a filter material having an axially-extending strand disposed therein. A filter rod support device is adapted to receive at least one filter rod such that one end thereof is exposed. An analysis unit is disposed with respect to the filter rod support device so as to interact with the one end of the at least one filter rod to determine a status of the at least one filter rod and to provide a corresponding signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a seal in a sealing region between a container and a sealing film applied to the container comprises viewing at least the sealing region to detect the presence of a detectable predetermined feature in the sealing region. The presence of the detectable predetermined feature in the sealing region is indicative of an improper seal between the container and the sealing film whilst the absence of the detectable predetermined feature in the sealing region is indicative of an integral seal between the container and the sealing film.

Abstract: A system for authenticating products and/or packages, comprising a unit for acquiring primary configurations which represent meaningful images and for generating secondary configurations for the authentication marking of products and/or packages; a unit for applying the generated secondary configurations to a product and/or package; and a unit for recognizing the secondary configurations applied to the product and/or package. All the units are provided with means for mutual connection in an active configuration for transmitting digital data. A method for authenticating products and/or packages comprises the acquisition of primary configurations which represent meaningful images; the generation of secondary configurations for marking; the application of the generated secondary configurations to a product and/or package; and the recognition of the authenticity of the product and/or package.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an interior of a substantially cylindrical object are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a substantially cylindrical illuminator is positioned above an opening of a substantially cylindrical object to be imaged (e.g., a beverage can) in order to illuminate at least a portion of the interior surface of the object. A truncated conical mirror is positioned within an interior space of the illuminator to reflect an image of at least a portion of the interior surface of the object. A single camera is positioned above the illuminator and mirror to capture a single image of at least the interior surface of the object via light reflected directly from at least a portion of the interior surface of the object to the camera and from the mirror to the camera. The entire interior surface of the object is captured in the single image which may be analyzed for defects.