A method of inspecting two or more sides of an object is provided. The method includes generating one set of image data of two or more sides of the object, such as by using spherical mirror segments that project all sides of the object onto a single image and generating an X by Y array of image data of the single image. The projection of the image data is then compensated for, such as by identifying inspection processes to locate defects of the object in the projected image data or by converting the image data from the projected inspection coordinates to Cartesian coordinates. Predetermined inspection processes are then performed on the compensated image data, such as by using the inspection processes that are optimized for use with the projected image data or by converting the projected image data into a Cartesian format and using Cartesian image data inspection processes.

A method of inspecting two or more sides of an object is provided. The method includes generating one set of image data of two or more sides of the object, such as by using spherical mirror segments that project all sides of the object onto a single image and generating an X by Y array of image data of the single image. The projection of the image data is then compensated for, such as by identifying inspection processes to locate defects of the object in the projected image data or by converting the image data from the projected inspection coordinates to Cartesian coordinates. Predetermined inspection processes are then performed on the compensated image data, such as by using the inspection processes that are optimized for use with the projected image data or by converting the projected image data into a Cartesian format and using Cartesian image data inspection processes.

A method for the rapid optical inspection of stents is described wherein a stent is mounted on a mandrel with optical properties suitable for machine vision inspection of the stent is conveyed to a first inspection station containing a camera and illumination light source. A driving member securely contacts the mandrel and the stent is rotated in view of the inspection camera. The stent is then transferred to a second location for further operations. A unique identification tag is associated with each mandrel and tracks the location of the stent through the inspection process.

A method for the rapid optical inspection of stents is described wherein a stent is mounted on a mandrel with optical properties suitable for machine vision inspection of the stent is conveyed to a first inspection station containing a camera and illumination light source. A driving member securely contacts the mandrel and the stent is rotated in view of the inspection camera. The stent is then transferred to a second location for further operations. A unique identification tag is associated with each mandrel and tracks the location of the stent through the inspection process.

A fuel pellet visual inspection device for manufacturing a nuclear fuel rod improves convenience and workability of visual inspection of a plurality of pellets by simultaneously turning over the pellet. The fuel pellet visual inspection device for manufacturing a nuclear fuel rod includes: a rotary shaft; a pair of seats hinged to the hinge shaft, arranged at both sides from the rotary shaft, and seated with a tray thereon; and a dust-collecting unit disposed under the pair of seats and collecting dust scattered from pellets.

There are provided a system and a method of automatic tire inspection, the method comprising: obtaining at least one image capturing a wheel of a vehicle; segmenting the at least one image into image segments including a tire image segment corresponding to a tire of the wheel; straightening the tire image segment from a curved shape to a straight shape, giving rise to a straight tire segment; identifying text marked on the tire from the straight tire segment, comprising: detecting locations of a plurality of text portions on the straight tire segment, and recognizing text content for each of the text portions; and analyzing the recognized text content based on one or more predefined rules indicative of association between text content of different text portions at given relative locations, giving rise to a text analysis result indicative of condition of the tire.

A detecting unit 4 receives light reflected from the object 2. A detecting unit 4 has a plurality of light guiding members 404 and 405 adjacently arranged so that longitudinal surfaces thereof are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the object 2, and photo sensors 410 and 411 which receive rays that are incident from the longitudinal surfaces constituting a light incident surface of each of the light guiding members and are emitted from light emitting surfaces of the light guiding members. An image forming device 3 forms an image of the reflected light, on the vicinity of the light incident surface. The surface shape of the object 2 in a portion in which the reflected light has been reflected is measured according to an output distribution of each of the photo sensors 410 and 411 arranged to face the light emitting surfaces.

A detecting unit 4 receives light reflected from the object 2. A detecting unit 4 has a plurality of light guiding members 404 and 405 adjacently arranged so that longitudinal surfaces thereof are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the object 2, and photo sensors 410 and 411 which receive rays that are incident from the longitudinal surfaces constituting a light incident surface of each of the light guiding members and are emitted from light emitting surfaces of the light guiding members. An image forming device 3 forms an image of the reflected light, on the vicinity of the light incident surface. The surface shape of the object 2 in a portion in which the reflected light has been reflected is measured according to an output distribution of each of the photo sensors 410 and 411 arranged to face the light emitting surfaces.

A parts inspection system for automated video inspection for quality control processes. The inspection system is particularly adapted for rotationally symmetrical workpieces including small arms ammunition cartridges. The system provides a first array of light sources oriented radially around the workpiece path presenting zones of illumination on the workpiece at discrete radial positions. A second illuminator is in the form of linear arrays of light emitting elements oriented along linear arrays. A camera oriented to observe images of light provided by the first and second arrays records video images of the workpieces for use in resolving criteria of acceptable and unacceptable parts. An escapement mechanism moves acceptable and rejected parts into different parts streams.

A parts inspection system for automated video inspection for quality control processes. The inspection system is particularly adapted for rotationally symmetrical workpieces including small arms ammunition cartridges. The system provides a first array of light sources oriented radially around the workpiece path presenting zones of illumination on the workpiece at discrete radial positions. A second illuminator is in the form of linear arrays of light emitting elements oriented along linear arrays. A camera oriented to observe images of light provided by the first and second arrays records video images of the workpieces for use in resolving criteria of acceptable and unacceptable parts. An escapement mechanism moves acceptable and rejected parts into different parts streams.