DE102007010018A1 - Method and inspection device for inspecting containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an inspection device for the examination of containers, in particular of bottles (1). In this case, at least one container image is generated by means of at least one container receiving device (5) and analyzed in a connected image processing unit (6). According to the container image is evaluated to measure the associated container topology.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for the examination of containers of all kinds, such as bottles or cans for holding Goods of all kinds, in particular bottles or cans for receiving drinks, after which by means of at least one Container receiving device at least one container image generated and analyzed in a connected image processing unit becomes.

Such methods and associated inspection devices for containers, in particular bottles, are known from practice and are incidentally in the two documents DE 10 2005 017 957 A1 and DE 103 22 459 B3 described. As a container receiving device usually comes at this point a camera used. In the process, an associated image processing software ultimately makes sure that the inspection device downstream is subject to downstream sorting and / or discharge devices based on predetermined criteria. As a result, bottles with different contours and / or those with labels of label-free bottles can be separated (cf. DE 103 22 459 B3 , Section [0031]).

Of the The prior art uses the container image or image processing So only to make a target / actual comparison and the associated containers or bottles to classify into finally acceptable and unacceptable units. there become the unacceptable units or containers or Bottles logically sorted out. That basically has proven. However, the procedure described is unsuitable for error analysis. That is, the discharged Bottles or containers do not give a detailed conclusion about why they were sorted out and if and where an upstream one Error in bottle handling occurs. It is also from the The prior art is not aware of the results of the inspection process to influence the previous treatment steps to use. Here, the invention aims to provide a total remedy.

Of the Invention is the technical problem underlying such a Process to develop so that any errors of the container, or errors which by a previous treatment step arise, consideration in bottle treatment Find. In addition, an associated inspection device be specified.

to Solution of this technical problem is a generic A method characterized in that the container image for measuring including, if applicable, color / symbol analysis of the associated Container topology is evaluated.

According to the invention So the container image is not primarily for used a target / actual comparison for Flaschenausschleusung. Rather, the container image serves to the container topology to measure as completely as possible and not only qualitative in the sense of "good / bad", but in particular quantitatively capture. With the container topology are in the context of Invention all optical and geometric properties of the container to be examined, in particular its Length, size and diameter. But also the location, location and attachment of additional aggregates such as Closures, labels, etc. fall under this. As well belong to the generic term of container topology the level of a filled liquid, the color of the bottle, the color of the filled liquid or the color of labels, any symbols etc .. Finally may also be within the scope of surveying the container topology the lateral surface of the container and / or the contour or shape of the container with regard to any irregularities be measured and examined.

Such Irregularities can be, for example on damages, defects in the container material, Cracks, bumps, etc., in the frame of the invention quantitatively - like those already described Container properties - to be measured. In order to is meant that, for example, a crack in the container wall, the position of the label or a closure geometrically accurate be determined, for example by the crack a certain angular position the usually rotationally symmetrical container and a height above a footprint be assigned. The position and orientation of the label is in Frame of survey of container topology for example also by the swept angle between transverse edges of the label as well as the height course of the associated Longitudinal edges opposite the base documented. A closure can be used when examining the container topology be characterized by the fact that the height course of his upper and lower edge of the lid opposite the base and also, for example, the distance of the lower lid edge of measure individual threads of a screw thread become.

hereby Any damages can be clearly determined Assign position to the bottle. In addition, from the each container data obtained the exact location of the label are derived, for example, in terms of its height position opposite the base as well as in view on any inclinations. Also the seat of the lock can be checked on the basis of the container data, namely, whether there is a possible oblique seat, a suitable retaining ring is present etc ..

Next this from the geometric measurement of the container topology resulting container data wins the invention optionally still further container data by an optical measurement of Container topology resulting from the color / symbol analysis of the Container image results. As part of the color analysis of the Container image can not only color or base color the container and / or the bottled liquid recorded and, if necessary, reviewed, but Of course, deviations from the basic color of individual container areas geometrically assign. Likewise, the color analysis of the container image allows one virtually faithful reproduction and reproduction of a colored Labels, a closure, an associated imprint etc .. Also, this single color information can in Framework of the invention carried out Surveying the associated container topology clearly individual positions on the container or its lateral surface be assigned.

To The color analysis may be added to or replace a symbol analysis. As part of the symbol analysis, the container image or the associated container topology with regard to Measure symbols on the container. With these symbols it can be printed graphic symbols as label replacement or additive. Usually, however, the symbols are trained and represented as letters / number combinations For example, the expiration date applied to the container. By evaluating the container image in the course of the survey the associated container topology now takes place the symbol analysis, for example, by the fact that the letter / number sequence in the sense of a text recognition in corresponding container data is implemented. Of course, the said container data also flanked with position data which are the location, extent and possibly color of the reflect the symbols examined.

In any case stand according to the invention comprehensive container data available from the optical and geometric Surveying the container topology by means of the associated Container image result. This includes the container data not just geometric information about the size, Shape, surface finish etc. of the container in itself, but it is also upstream in the image acquisition Handing on or on the container in addition attached aggregates and their characteristics, position and seat checked. These aggregates include, for example, labels and Closures. The respective label can not only in terms of size and location on the respective Containers are measured, but allows the additional Color / symbol analysis also the recording of container data, which reflect the measured color design and any symbols.

After all may in the context of the invention also any additional symbols applied to the container, character or font codes, expiration dates etc. measured in a symbol analysis and in associated Container data to be converted. This container data So reflect, for example, in the sense of a text recognition (z. B. OCR, Optical Character Recognition) information and their relative position on the container. This means, the container data draw a comprehensive geometric and possibly color and symbolic exact measured image of the container topology of the container examined.

According to the invention also provided, the partial results of the inspection also in terms their common occurrence with a single container to check. So it will be z. B. allows, automatically to check if the color of the filling matches the label on the bottle, and whether the best before date on the bottle or on the label with the current date and the known minimum holdings of the bottled product.

These resulting from the survey of the container topology and consequently the container individualizing container data can now be beneficial in relation to one or more upstream treatment routines are set. This means, the comprehensive measurement of the associated container topology Based on the recorded container image usually leads that the container image in question or the container data and the associated container each individualized are. In other words, the container data clearly a single container image and thus the associated individual containers are assigned.

Also is provided according to the invention, the results the inspection also to use one or more of the upstream Control or regulate process steps. So z. B. if as part of the image processing is determined that the on bottle labels are not in the correct orientation or arrangement to each other, for example, the starting point one or more labeling operations, for example the time of label dispensing when labeling with self-adhesive labels moved to an earlier or later date be to the desired alignment of the labels restore.

If, in the course of the further analysis, the speed or the Be knows wegungsabläufe of the respective container before its image acquisition, so any and laid down in the container data exemplary error can be exactly assigned to an associated treatment routine or a corresponding treatment plant, more precisely even a single treatment center within a determined treatment plant. So z. For example, specify which filling valve a tuned container was filled, or on which turntable a particular container was positioned during labeling. In fact, the individual treatment routines or associated treatment systems are generally monitored and controlled by a common control unit, which according to the invention cooperates with the image processing unit in such a way that any container density data anomalies resulting from the container data can be clearly assigned to an associated treatment facility. It image processing unit and control unit may also be combined into one unit.

For example let the resulting from the survey of the container topology Container data of a particular container finalize too that the level is insufficient. Based on the data from the control unit about the transport of the questionable Container, in particular the elapsed time of one Filling up to the image, can now to conclude which of the individual filling valves a filling machine for the underfill described responsible. For example, like in the relevant Filler or single filler the determined filling valve close too soon or another malfunction exhibit.

In comparable way can from the container data for example, closed on a crooked closure become. On the basis of the data in the control unit, it is now possible to the respective single capper of a capping plant or even the single screw spindle or the individual capping head to identify which one for this oblique seat responsible. Because that's just the speed of the examined container together with the recording time be evaluated during image acquisition. With all these Procedures are expressly not required to sort out the associated container or otherwise how to further investigate. Rather, only serve that Container image and the resulting or from the measurement of the associated container topology resulting container data to do the described error analysis.

To further advantageous embodiment proposes the invention before, the container data of respective containers Pool container data pools. These container data pools can be formed according to predetermined criteria, for example according to the date of the image, the manufacturer of the container, the container material used, the respectively used Additional units (closure, label, etc.) etc .. Leave these container data pools Now - as well as the individual frame - save and analyze specifically. For this purpose, the respective container image or the container data pool to an optionally remote Diagnostic unit to be transmitted.

Conceivable it is at this point, the container images or the the survey of the associated container topology resulting container data on site, that is, at an inspection device in a bottle treatment plant record and save here if necessary. About that In addition, the container data in question can then on the possibly removed from this manufacturer be transmitted to the bottle treatment plant. For the transmission offers usual transmission paths, For example, wireless or wired (via the Internet, telephone line etc.). This is the manufacturer of the bottle treatment plant with the help of the diagnostic unit capable of the individual container images to analyze in which of the upstream handlers or treatment facilities, where appropriate, an error exists and can instruct the user accordingly or take targeted countermeasures. Such a remote evaluation of errors was previously not possible.

Thereby, that the container data and possibly the respective Container data pool can be stored, the described Analysis not only off-set but also made with a time delay for example, even years later. This allows the manufacturer the bottle treatment plant a complete documentation the filled container and in particular the Answering the question of whether any errors in container treatment led to later on occurring impairments or not. This will increase consumer safety and also the process security and also the plant availability enormously increased and can a gapless history of the each treated container - even after Years and their consumption - provided become.

In this case, it has additionally proven useful if two or more image pickup devices, which are offset by 90 ° from one another, are realized. Because their respective container images can be assembled in the image processing unit to a two- or three-dimensional container full frame or container partial image. Incidentally, the image processing unit, the individual containers based on their respective examined container image under Classify one or more specifications and, if necessary, reject them. For example, it is conceivable to dispose of a certain number of containers for laboratory examinations according to specific specifications or at specific time intervals. Or, targeted investigations are made that relate to specific changes in the container material.

object The invention is also an inspection device for Containers that are advantageous but not limiting suitable for carrying out the method described and is described in claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of this Inspection device are the subject of claims 9 and 10.

in the The result will be a method of inspecting containers and an associated inspection device proposed, with their help a comprehensive treatment management possible is. Because the fact that the individual container images (container images or container part images) for measuring the associated Container topology are used and evaluated and advantageous at the same time data on the passage of the question Container through a treatment plant are known to combine a variety of information. Because the timing of optical imaging is known and well the speed of the container through the bottle treatment plant or their individual treatment plants (filling plant, sealing plant, Labeling unit, etc.) can draw conclusions drawn to the person (s) responsible for any anomalies become. That is, let the mistakes and their causer to isolate themselves in a way that has never been seen before, and determine.

There the container data are stored in total stand In addition, they are independent of location and time virtually unlimited available. This makes it possible Error in the treatment plant for the containers also by remote diagnosis and countermeasures initiate. It also leaves a gapless History to identify any and subsequent errors, Verify or exclude health problems etc. to be able to. Here are the main benefits.

in the The invention will be described below with reference to a purely exemplary embodiment illustrative drawing explained in more detail. The only FIG. 1 shows an inspection device according to the invention for container schematic.

In the figure can be seen an inspection device for containers, in this case for bottles 1 , The said bottle 1 is with a liquid 2 have been filled to a certain level in an upstream treatment routine in a filling plant. In addition, the bottle points 1 a in the context of a likewise upstream treatment routine with the aid of a labeling unit, not shown, applied label 3 on. In addition, the bottle features 1 over an indicated closure 4 which was installed in a capping plant. The inspection device and the described upstream treatment plants (filling plant, capping plant and labeling plant) together form essential parts of a bottle treatment line or plant.

With the help of two by about 90 ° staggered container receiving devices 5 In the form of CCD cameras in the example case, two or more container images are now generated at a certain time T. These container images are in one of the container receiving devices or CCD cameras 5 connected image processing unit 6 assembled into a container frame. This three-dimensional container frame gives the detected container or bottle 1 three-dimensional again, over its entire peripheral surface.

The three-dimensional container full frame or generally the container image is now in the image processing unit 6 analyzed. This is the image processing unit 6 for measuring the associated container topology, as has already been described in the introduction.

That is, in the image processing unit 6 is the container full frame or the individual container images are measured, including in the way that the required dimensions are determined as real actual dimensions, ie as numeric numerical value. This means in the context of the embodiment, a measurement of a length L of the bottle 1 , whose diameter D, as well as any diameter variations. For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the length L is determined to be 160.34 mm and the diameter D to be 44.70 mm. In addition, the size and location of the label 3 Determined by the extension of the label 3 is measured over an indicated angle range of about 110 ° in the example between transverse edges. In addition, based on the container data, the course of the lower and upper longitudinal edge of the label 3 detected against a base G. This is represented by corresponding height arrows H ₁ and H ₂ in the drawing. One recognizes that due to the misalignment of the label 3 the lower and possibly the upper longitudinal edge of the label 3 are inclined, so that this results in different values for one hand H ₁ and on the other hand H ₂ . - Finally, the closure will be 4 as described in the introduction.

Since the time T of image acquisition in the image processing unit 6 is stored and the image processing unit 6 with a control unit 7 Working together for the container treatment plant or the bottle treatment plant, conclusions can be drawn on the already mentioned labeling, with the help of the label 3 on the container or bottle 1 has been attached. This means that the illustrated inspection device is integrated in total in the described container treatment plant or bottle treatment plant, with several treatment routines and logically also treatment facilities are upstream, such as the already mentioned labeling, one or more fillers filler for filling the liquid, the Verschließeranlage for mounting the closure 4 etc..

Because the control unit 7 controls the questionable and upstream and optionally downstream additional treatment plants and the speed of associated and unrepresented conveyor belts, can from the distance of the respective treatment plant and the speed of each guided through the container treatment plant containers or bottles 1 be deduced in the respective section, which labeling unit has not worked properly in the example, so that it leads to the skew of the label shown in the figure 3 has come. In the simplest case, the speed V of the container or the bottle 1 from the labeling unit in question up to the inspection device with the time difference of the labeling time t compared to the image recording time T multiplied by the distance or the local position or the path S of the inspection device back to the labeling unit producing the error in the sense of S = V · (t - T) to determine. This is of course only to be understood as an example and in a simplistic manner.

The image processing unit 6 is still a memory 8th assigned. This can be an internal or external memory 8th act. In this store 8th the container data or the container data pools already described in the introduction are stored. With the help of a diagnostic unit 9 Now, the (stored) container data can be analyzed time and place offset, as has already been described. Incidentally, the image processing unit 6 in connection with the control unit 7 individual containers or bottles 1 on the basis of the container data or of the respective container image examined in each case classify under consideration of one or more specifications and possibly eject. These are the individual containers or bottles 1 identifies and gives the control unit 7 corresponding discharge / sorting commands to a downstream of the inspection device Ausschleus- / sorting.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005017957 A1 [0002]
• - DE 10322459 B3 [0002, 0002]

Claims (14)

Method for analyzing containers, in particular bottles ( 1 ), whereby by means of at least one container receiving device ( 5 ) generates at least one container image and in a connected image processing unit ( 6 ), characterized in that the container image is evaluated for measuring the associated container topology. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that resulting from the survey of the container topology Container data related to one or more upstream Be set treatment routines. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the container data of respective containers to Container data pools summarized according to given criteria become. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the respective container image is stored and to an optionally removed diagnostic unit ( 9 ) is transmitted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that two or more staggered container receiving devices ( 5 ), the respective container images in the image processing unit ( 6 ) are assembled into a three-dimensional container full frame or container partial image. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the image processing unit ( 6 ) classifies the individual containers on the basis of their respective examined container image taking into account one or more specifications and possibly ejects them. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the image processing unit ( 6 ) and a control unit ( 7 ) cooperate for one or more treatment facilities in such a way that any container topology anomalies that may arise can be unambiguously associated with an associated treatment facility and / or an associated treatment station. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least two individual results the container topology analysis whether they are allowed in this combination. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one result of the analysis the container topology to influence at least one previous process step is used. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one result of the Analysis of the container topology is an actual measure. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that that the actual measure is a numeric value. Inspection device for containers, in particular for bottles ( 1 ), preferably for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11, with at least one container receiving device ( 5 ) and a connected image processing unit ( 6 ), wherein the container receiving device ( 5 ) receives a container image which in the image processing unit ( 6 ), characterized in that the image processing unit ( 6 ) is arranged for measuring the container image with respect to the associated container topology. Inspection device according to claim 12, characterized in that two or more container receiving devices (CCD) are designed as 5 ) are staggered to produce a two- or three-dimensional container frame or container sub-image. Inspection device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the image processing unit ( 6 ) an external and / or internal memory ( 8th ) for permanent storage of the container images and optionally time and / or offset analysis has.