Inspection system for exterior article surfaces

摘要

A system for automated inspection of article exteriors includes a plurality of video cameras (32). One or more of these video cameras (32) is black and white while at least one is color capable. A strobe light for illuminating a specimen (22) disposed in a specimen area (24) onto which all of the cameras (32) are focused. The strobe allows for each camera (32) to capture a still image of the specimen (22), The black and white cameras (32) capture images which allow determining whether the exterior layout is acceptable. The color camera or cameras (30) captures an image which allows determining whether the coloration of the specimen (22) is acceptable. Specimens (22) are selectively rejected on the basis of these acquired images. The system is particularly useful in inspection of beverage container (22) and their associated labelling.