EP0895202A1 - Improvements by redundancy to optical recognition systems in reverse vending machines - Google Patents

Abstract

The container return centre makes use of redundancy in the marking of the container to improve identification. The reader uses logic 'OR' processing of multiple scans, and the scans are made at two or more reading sites. The two sites are preferably diametrically opposed, each fitted with a pair of light or infra-red emitters and detectors. The detectors control operation of a pair of jaws, which allow a rejected container to fall into a reject handler. Accepted containers are carried away on an automated conveyor, and a signal given to dispense the return value of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for withdrawal of rigid or non-rigid container of products liquids or solids whose identification is ensured by the recognition of a specific marking of this container recorded.

PRIOR ART

The recovery, for recycling or not, of containers of liquid or solid products, once these products consumed, is an important issue for the respect the environment.

To compensate for the lack of discipline of some consumers of these products, the principle of Returning the container has been shown to be effective.

However, the effectiveness of this principle is found totally subordinated to that of the deconsignation that is to say the return of a consideration, in particular monetary, when recovering the container. For favor the development of the restitution reflex of the empty container at the consumer, devices automatic termination codes have been developed.

These are particularly suitable for recovery cups delivered by the vending machines of drinks.

French Patent No. 2,580,418 mentions the use a device for detecting the presence of a marking on a goblet to identify it and restore a value. This patent, which was also abandoned, does not offer any embodiment of this detection device.

• augmente de façon significative le prix de revient du gobelet en imposant la fabrication de récipients de forme non standard;
• ne permet pas une distinction suffisamment précise de l'origine du gobelet et peut entraíner la restitution de consignes pour des gobelets provenant d'un autre appareil de distribution.

French patents nos. 2,618,239 and 2,656,942 describe a device for identifying cups by recognizing a specific shape. The exploitation of this device revealed several drawbacks. Indeed, this type of recognition:

• significantly increases the cost price of the cup by requiring the manufacture of non-standard shaped containers;
• does not allow a sufficiently precise distinction of the origin of the cup and may result in the return of instructions for cups from another dispensing device.

WO 93/03461 describes a control device of identification signs for cups. This picks up and uses a light barrier to evaluate a light thoughtful characteristic of identification signs.

However, the reading device, placed too close to the cup to be identified provides insufficient results reliable. Indeed, the light barrier thus arranged is very easily soiled.

French Patent No. 2,645,305 describes a system of recognition by optoelectronic means.

French Patent No. 2,631,477 describes a system of recognition of the cup by depression.

US Patent 4,316,533 describes a device for recovery of empty containers leading to delivery of a counter value. The marked containers are identified by reading this mark using a program ultraviolet which, when it meets the mark, gives birth of a fluorescent emission.

US Patent 4,248,334 describes a recycling device in which a reader identifies the reflection of a ray laser by a marking made on the container.

US Patent 4,248,389 describes a sorting device for various types of container. Identifying these types of container is provided by an optical reader (whose technical characteristics are not developed in this document).

The diversity of inventions made in the field recovery of watch product containers the economic interest of these devices.

However, the inventions already made have a limited reliability as their systems identifying the type or origin of the container take into account neither the stain or deterioration partial marking or reading cells, nor the reading on the overlay of the container marking.

An object of the present invention is an apparatus for withdrawal of a container whose reliability identification is significantly increased by redundancy reading the marking.

Another object of the present invention is an apparatus of disconnection of a container capable of ensuring a reading fine enough to read with great precision a relatively complex marking and therefore hardly falsifiable.

Another object of the present invention is an apparatus of disconnection of a container presenting a device for security allowing the delivery of the deposit only after the container has fallen into a specific receptacle, thus avoiding multiple restitution of instructions for the same container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for deconsigning a whether or not rigidly containing liquid or solid products.

However, the invention can be used for any type of object likely to bear a mark which can be read by the device described below.

• introduction du contenant;
• détection de la présence du contenant;
• lecture du marquage;
• comparaison du code obtenu par la lecture du marquage avec un code de référence à l'aide d'une carte électronique pouvant contenir un microprocesseur;
• choix de la déconsignation ou de la non déconsignation;
• chute du contenant dans un réceptacle;
• contrôle du bon cheminement du contenant;
• le cas échéant, restitution de la consigne.

The device according to the invention is constructed so as to carry out all or part of the following steps:

• introduction of the container;
• detection of the presence of the container;
• reading the marking;
• comparison of the code obtained by reading the marking with a reference code using an electronic card which may contain a microprocessor;
• choice of termination or non-termination;
• dropping the container into a receptacle;
• control of the correct progress of the container;
• if necessary, return of the deposit.

Graphic or screen printing is carried out on the container with a conductive or non-conductive food ink by a known method.

Improvement of the device for identifying the marking according to the invention consists of redundancy of reading this marking.

It can, for example, be implemented by providing the deconsignation device of at least two reading. The plurality of these sites makes it possible to avoid reading errors, and therefore non-restitution of instructions for normally returnable products, caused by soiling, soiling, deterioration partial, etc. identification marking or reading device. The signals corresponding to the reading the marking are then processed by a function logical, for example "or" inclusive. In the case of processing by an inclusive “or” logic function, the recognition of marking by a single reading site therefore involves the return of the deposit. The second site, and possibly the following ones, therefore constitute sort of the compliance verification sites the marking.

Besides the existence of two sites for reading the marking container, positioning the container relative to these sites provide improved reading reliability.

Indeed, the container to be identified, which can carry soiling, soiling, etc. is sufficiently far away elements ensuring reading to avoid any contamination or deterioration of these.

Finally, the sufficiently large distance left between these elements and the container ensures their adjustment by adapting their positioning to the container to be identified.

The improvement of the reading device marking according to the invention also consists of the use of at least two cells emitting light beams and two photoelectric sensors, arranged in pairs, by reconnaissance site.

The number of these cell / sensor pairs varies according to the complexity of the marking to be identified. Complex marking, and therefore difficult to falsify could be recognized by the combination of multiple pairs cell / sensor.

When a container is placed in position of identification, these cells emit beams bright such as white light, laser beams, ultraviolet, infrared, etc. whose reflection varies in depending on the area encountered of said container. Indeed, a marked area does not reflect these beams as a unmarked area. The reflected beams are then received by photoelectric sensors that analyze digitally these signals, achieve a combination which is then compared to a reference combination stored at using a card that can contain a microprocessor by a known process.

The instruction to return the deposit is then given if the marking has been recognized.

• la figure 1 est une vue générale de face d'une partie à encastrer d'un appareil de déconsignation selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue de profil d'un appareil de déconsignation selon l'invention montrant le chemin suivi par le contenant et par les pièces correspondant à la consigne;
• la figure 3 est une vue arrière d'un appareil de déconsignation montrant un exemple de positionnement des dispositifs de lecture et de contrôle du cheminement du contenant;
• la figure 4 est une vue de face du sas de lecture du marquage et un exemple de positionnement des paires cellule/capteur;
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté du même sas de lecture;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du même sas de lecture.

The construction of this device will be better understood using the drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a general front view of a built-in part of a disconnect device according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a side view of a disconnection device according to the invention showing the path followed by the container and by the parts corresponding to the deposit;
• FIG. 3 is a rear view of a disconnection device showing an example of positioning of the devices for reading and controlling the path of the container;
• FIG. 4 is a front view of the airlock for reading the marking and an example of positioning of the cell / sensor pairs;
• Figure 5 is a side view of the same reading airlock;
• Figure 6 is a top view of the same reading airlock.

EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a built-in part (4) of the general device of the disconnection device according to the invention. It particularly shows the introduction of the container (1) in the chute (9) shown in the figure 3. Introductory (2) and recovery (3) lamps indicate the evolution of the identification process of the containing (1) preceding the issue or not in the coin receptacle (7) for coins corresponding to the value of the deposit.

Figure 2 shows the progress of the container and parts in the voucher according to the invention. The container (1) is introduced into the introduction chute, slides between two jaws, located in the reading airlock, which immobilize it so precise with respect to a plurality of pairs cell / sensor arranged in two sites (only the site (10A) is shown) to ensure reliable identification of the marking.

The combination of cell / sensor pairs (11a), (11b) and (11c) identifies the presence of a type of container other than that intended for the device by detecting the time path of the container.

The cell / sensor pairs (11b) and (11c) are used to check the path, represented by the arrow (8), in the common sense of the container. When the end of passage signal container (1) is received by the corresponding sensor, usually the closest to the container receptacle used, the deposit is returned. The parts stored in the storage rotor (5) are released in the lowering of the parts (6) and fall into the receptacle (7).

In Figure 3, the container (1), after its introduction by the chute (9), is immobilized between two jaws (15) in the reading airlock (12) in its position of reading.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 particularly represent a example of positioning of the recognition device (10) marking of the container (1), of the recognition of conformity of the type of container formed by the pairs (11a), (11b) and (11c) and of the control of the correct progress of the container (11b) and (11c).

The cell / sensor pairs (10) of the device identification marking are arranged in two sites (10A) and (10B). Open windows in the airlock wall read (12) allow them to send to the container (1) and to receive light beams from it. Each cell / sensor pair of each reading site (10A) or (10B) is arranged so that the transmitting cell is placed on the same site as the sensor assigned to it associated, thus being able to capture the reflected beam.

For cell / sensor pairs (11a) (11b) (11c) of other devices, the emitting cells are diametrically opposed to the sensors associated with them.

Figure 6 shows, in addition, the device allowing the immobilization of the container (1) by jaws (15). A spring (14) keeps them at rest for retain the container (1) and allows them to be separated by actuation of a cam (13) driven by a motor according to a known method for releasing said container.

The invention will be better understood by reading a preferred embodiment example applied to a device for the withdrawal of a container (1), in particular from cups issued by vending machines for drinks hot or cold, by identifying a marking determined made on this container. The determined design allowing reliable identification of the cup is performed by graphic or serigraphic marking of the container with a conductive or non-conductive food ink according to a process known.

The cup (1) introduced into the device is first placed in a predetermined position in front of the reading of the marking. To do this, it is introduced in the device by the chute (9) in the vertical direction, its opening up. Going down into the device there passes between two jaws (15) which constitute a means known immobilization of such containers.

The cup is thus always immobilized at the same place in the same position in the reading airlock (12).

Once immobilized, it is subject to identification of its marking. This is done using a reading device comprising at least two sites (10A) and (10B) for reading each consisting of a plurality of cell / sensor pairs (10) as described previously. These pairs are fixedly arranged at specific points around the cup and at a distance of this between 3 and 7 mm. These sites allowing the read redundancy are mobile or fixed and usually arranged so as to touch the wall of the airlock.

The marking of the cup (1) constituting a series of clear codes and dark codes and each emitting cell a light beam directed on a determined area of the cup, the reflection of this beam is different depending whether it meets a dark area or a light area (area marked or unmarked area) of the cup. Reading this reflection is done remotely by the photoelectric sensor associated with each cell. For example, a light area returns a logic level zero, a dark area returns a logic level 1.

The information thus received and interpreted digitally by sensors, provide a combination. Using an electronic card that can contain a microprocessor, this combination is then compared to a reference combination previously stored for a marking determined according to a known process.

If the combinations are identical, the restitution of the deposit is granted. Otherwise, the instruction is not returned.

A variant of this preferred embodiment has a container type control system introduced into the device. This system consists of the three cell / sensor pairs (11a), (11b) and (11c) capable of detecting the time path of the container. A non-conforming container is not immobilized by jaws (15) and falls directly into the receptacle of used containers. Its non-compliance is signaled by the rapidity of this fall, the deposit is not returned. At on the contrary, a container of the type provided by the disallowed is immobilized by the jaws. His marking must then be identified so that the deposit is returned.

A preferred embodiment of a according to the invention, has a device for reading of marking of the container made up of two sites of diametrically opposed reading (10A) and (10B) in the airlock reading (12), each comprising three cell / sensor pairs (10) these being located at a distance of between 3 and 7 mm from the container put in place for identification.

An alternative embodiment of the invention has infrared emitting cells and their sensors associated photoelectric.

Another variant embodiment of the invention also has a safety device which does not allow issuing the deposit for the returnable container (1) and identified that after falling into a receptacle of recovery.

Indeed, this safety device prevents the return of a deposit if the container travels in the opposite direction to that leading to this receptacle.

This system consists of at least two pairs light beam emitting cell / sensor photoelectric (11b) and (11c), the former being able also, depending on its positioning in relation to the container immobilized, serve as presence detection device of a container.

These pairs are arranged at different levels of the path followed by the container. This arrangement allows check the direction of passage of the cup.

Each cell is diametrically opposite the sensor associated with it and is flush with the wall of the guide duct the container to the recovery receptacle. The cell constantly emits a light beam received by the sensor. The signal for the passage of the cup is given by the interruption of the reception of this beam by this sensor.

The return of the deposit is only granted after the end of the beam reception interruption illuminated by the sensor (11c) closest to the receptacle recovery.

The efficiency of the safety device is increased by its ability to detect the path of the container recovery receptacle to the introduction chute (9).

Indeed, such a progression causes a continuation obstructions and destructions of the pairs (11c), (11b) and (11a) from the pair (11c) to the pair (11a) generating a command to inhibit the return of instructions.

Claims (9)

Apparatus for unlocking containers rigid or not of liquid or solid products by identification of a specific marking of the container with an introduction chute, an airlock for reading the marking, a receptacle for used containers and a counter value recovery device characterized by what a redundancy in reading the markup is performed, in that the deposit return order is given after processing by a logical function "or" inclusive of the plurality of readings, in that the read redundancy is performed by at least two sites separate reading. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to claim 1, characterized in that it has two diametrically opposed reading sites. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each site of reading includes at least two pairs emitting cell light beam / photoelectric sensor. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each reading site includes three pairs light beam emitting cell / sensor photoelectric. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the light beam emitting cells emit infrared rays. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a container direction control device consisting of at least two pairs of cells emitting light beam / sensors. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the nonconformity of the container is indicated by the rapidity of its fall, its progress not being stopped by the jaws. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this container is precisely immobilized at a predetermined distance, between 3 and 7 mm, from reading device. Apparatus for disconnection of containers according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the path from the container to the chute generates a command to inhibit the restitution of the instructions.

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