A small defect detection apparatus installed online in a glass sheet processing system includes a line scan camera, a background screen including contrasting elements arranged in a pre-defined pattern, an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor, wherein the upstream conveyor and downstream conveyor are positioned end-to-end, spaced apart by a selected size gap such that the camera may acquire multiple images of the background screen as the unsupported portion of the glass sheet is conveyed over the gap, and a computer programmed to execute logic for receiving the set of image data comprising multiple images of the background screen and identifying small defects in the glass from the data. The system may also include a glass sheet part identifier and a programmable control including logic for analyzing acquired image data and selecting an area of interest on the glass sheet for the analysis.

A method for measuring the optical quality of a delineated region of a glazing, the delineated region being intended to be placed in front of an acquiring or measuring device such as a camera. The method is particularly suitable for measuring the optical quality of a delineated region of a transportation-vehicle glazing, such as an airplane or automobile windshield, in front of which an optical device for recording images or a device for measuring the environment outside the vehicle is placed with a view to enabling operation of an advanced driver-assistance system of the vehicle.

A computer implemented method for detecting optical defects within a glass windshield. The method takes as input a map of angular distances between primary and ghost images of a periodical pattern viewed through said glass windshield, an image of the periodical pattern viewed through said glass windshield, and at least one shape parameter of the individual features of the periodical pattern. The method provides as output an image of optical defects within the glass windshield.

An in-line method for optically inspecting transparent or translucent containers (3) comprises illuminating each container with a light source that presents light intensity variation in a periodic pattern along at least a first variation direction. A number N greater than or equal to three of images of the container traveling in front of the light source and occupying N different respective positions along the travel path is taken. Between taking successive images, a relative shift between the container and the periodic pattern is created. A geometrical transformation is determined and applied in order to put the pixels belonging to the container in the N successive images of the same container into coincidence. A phase image for each container is constructed using the N registered images of the container. The phase image is analyzed in order to deduce therefrom at least the presence of defects or the quality of the container.

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.

Pellicles are inspected by projecting a light pattern thereon and monitoring the reflected light by CCD module or the like. Software-based inspection of the reflected pattern recognizes any distortions in the pattern or contamination, and thus identifies wrinkles or other defects in the pellicle prior to use in the manufacturing process. Recognition of defects and replacement will avoid instances of pellicle rupture thereby avoiding damage to wafers being patterned.

The present invention provides a dimensional measurement apparatus. The apparatus includes at least one light source, camera means spaced apart from and directed towards said light source, a platform located intermediate said light source and camera means, arranged to receive an article thereon to be measured by said apparatus, in use; and computing means in communication with at least said light source and camera means. The light source, upon communication with the computing means, is arranged in use to illuminate in portions or regions behind the article being measured with respect to the camera means, which correspond with edges and/or an outer profile of that article, as detected by the camera means and communicated to the light source via the computing means.