Multiple Camera Sets The WebSPECTOR uses three lighting methods, and each method uses its own cameras, lights and computers. In fact each method is an inspection system in its own right. These are linked together by a central computer, called the front end computer, so that they can all be controlled, started and stopped together, and their results can be displayed onto one screen. Powerful and flexible defect detection algorithms There are a large number of independant fault detection algorithmns on the WebSPECTOR. This gives the WebSPECTOR the ability to detect practically any type of defect, both obvious and subtle, and has been achieved through the demanding applications the WebSPECTOR was designed and developed for. The system performance is determined by available PC processing power and methods, not by hardware which may have been designed several years ago. This makes it very cost effective in terms of defect detection, sensitivity and reliability. Rugged machanical design The camera and lighting systems can be placed in a hightemperature, dusty and humind environment. The ambient temperatures can exceed 50 degrees centigrade. despite these intolerable conditions the system is able to operate successfully. It uses insulated equipment housing positive pressure and air cooling to keep the equipment clean and cool. The Pcs are enclosed in an IP55 rated cabinet, with filters and cooling fans. The Pcs themselves are of server grade with extensive cooling arrangements. Based on PCs and mostly standard hardware. Easy to maintain. There are no highly expensive "black box" hardware elements that are difficult to replace. The image processing units use PC technology , which most engineers are familiar with. It takes full advantage of the Pentium 4 instruction set, which is well suited to image processing applications. The cameras, lighting and vision components are supplied by leading manufacturers, and are also well supported. Highly developed front end, making it easy to use for operators. The WebSPECTOR comes complete with a highly developed front end makeing it easy to use for any operator. Much attention has been given to simplifying the use of the system, and presenting the defect data in a clear and accurate fashion, without sacrificing the systems capabilities. All of our customers have commented on the ease of use of the system. Highly developed settings level, including auto training, making it easy to adjust settings for new products. In order for the system to be capable of detecting the most demanding of defects, it employs a large number of user configurable processes. These need to be set and trained correctly for optimum performance of the system. In order to keep the task of training the system to a minimum, an unsupervised auto training system - The WebTRAINER was developed. This trains the system onto any product. Although it can work completely on its own, it is designed in such a way as to allow manual input from quality inspectors. So, although it automatically trains its detection settings, it will do according to inspectors wishes and takes advantage of their experience. Easy to use and clearly presented roll reports using the defect software library. A highly developed and patented system is used to enable the system to handle large product ranges. An automatic system of sorting the products into similar groups, and then automatically training the parameters for each one is extremely useful. It provides an objective level of defect detection sensitivity, as well as avoiding the need for much manual effort and personnel time. Defect classification and analysis system. The defect library software can be installed anywhere within the plant and is used to look at past production reports. This can be helpful when dealing with complaints, because it is possible to see whether the defects came from the manufacturers or the customers processes. The software can also print out reports which show the exact positions of the defects if the rolls were run on rewind. Easily upgradable. The defects can be named according to their type. The system is then able to show which fault types occured where on the production machine, for one or more rolls, even over a period of several months if necessary. The analysis software can show fault maps for different combinations of fault as well as filter by their severity. The classification is done in process, and can then be used to count certain defects which, although not objectionable enough to be considered as needing re-working or degrading of the rolls, they need to be counted for production purposes. Connects to plant network systems. the systems operation is entirely done in software. the architecture is such that the system can be quickly and easily modified to incorporate customer wishes. Upgrades can be installed without much effort, sometimes online through the VPN connection. We do not need to change any major hardware components to allow this to happen. Uses a parameter database for storing system and products settings. The system is designed to operate either manually or automatically, in terms of switching its settings according to the next product in the process. This removes the error in entering the wrong work order manually. The work orders automatically increment when the rolls are chopped and we can also set the product recipe from the network. Supports a large product range using an auto-training facility, and product grouping architecture. The database stores all the parameter settings for each product. These databases can be backed up as frequently as necessary, and restored if a problem has arisen, or as part of an audit trail. Rapid maintenance using VPN connectivity. As Shelton systems can be controlled remotely using the VPN system across the internet. this allows rapid response times to queries, as well as allow moderate software upgrades. Sheltons philosophy is to continue to work closely with the customer to meet their exact requirements which may not be obvious at the time of specifying the system. The VPN system allows us to continually check on and establish the system in the first few months of its life. This facility has proved very helpful for many customers. Edge Tracking The WebSPECTOR is able to inspect right up to the edge, and continually monitors the edge to see where to inspect to. it also uses this to report the sheet width and position.