Tim J Hebert

US Patent:

6519356, Feb 11, 2003

Filed:

Aug 3, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/366407

Inventors:

Jeff Hooker - Melbourne FL
James Spencer - Oviedo FL
Jeff Starnes - Merritt Island FL
Ed Tajudeen - Oviedo FL
Jim Kirk - Port St. John FL
Tim Hebert - Orlando FL
Steve Simmons - Melbourne FL

Assignee:

Intelligent Machine Concepts, L.L.C. - Titusville FL

International Classification:

G06K 900

US Classification:

382143, 3562394, 209526, 209524, 348127

Abstract:

A system and method inspects containers and cans and includes a conveyor for advancing a plurality of containers into an inspection area. A sensor senses when a can has advanced into the inspection area. At least one light source illuminates the exterior of the can and interior of the can through the top opening after sensing that a can has advanced into the inspection area. The top camera has a field of view looking down into the top opening for obtaining a pixel image of the top and interior of the can and opposing side cameras obtain pixel images in elevation of the container. A processor processes the pixel images and calculates eccentricity, diameter of the opening, and flange width measurements based on the pixel image of the top and the interior of the container. The processor calculates height and flange angle measurements based on the pixel images obtained in the elevation of the container. The processor includes a circuit for comparing the calculated measurements with a threshold measurement requirement.