Method for inspecting containers with communication between a hot section and a cold section

Abstract

A method for inspecting circulating glass containers from a hot section of a glass container manufacturing installation to a cold section of the installation, in which the following are implemented for one of said containers: - an inspection (DET_D1) carried out by a first detection device (7H) configured for the inspection of circulating containers within the hot section and configured to detect the presence of at least one defect of a given type, - an emission (TX_M) by the first detection device of a message generated based on an inspection result by the first detection device, - a reception (RX_M) by a second detection device (7C) configured for the inspection of circulating containers within the cold section, of an alert message, - a modification (MOD_P), by the second detection device, of at least one detection parameter. Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling containers with communication between a hot sector and a cold sector technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing containers formed using molds, for example bottles, jars, or vials, and more specifically to the detection of defects affecting these containers. The invention also relates to controlling manufacturing parameters to avoid these defects. Prior art

[0002] Glass container manufacturing plants comprise at least two sections called the cold section and the hot section. These two sections are separated by an annealing arch, with the containers passing from the hot section to the cold section by passing through this arch. In fact, in the cold section, the containers cool down after passing through the annealing arch.

[0003] There are inspection machines for the cold sector and inspection machines for the hot sector. Inspection machines for the cold sector are designed to reject all defective containers, whereas machines for the hot sector can only detect some critical defects. In fact, inspections are more difficult in the hot sector, and some defects are currently undetectable in this environment. Inspection machines for the hot sector are generally used to detect critical defects as early as possible and limit the risk of sending them to the customer.

[0004] The containers are generally inspected in the cold sector approximately 35 minutes to 2.5 hours after they have been formed (in particular, because it is easier to handle cooled containers). Passage through the annealing arch can take an average of one hour.

[0005] Furthermore, it is observed in container manufacturing facilities that defect detection can be detrimental to production: for example, it may be advantageous to use particularly sensitive devices to prevent a container with a defect from being considered acceptable. This can lead to false positives, negatively impacting container production.

[0006] It is therefore necessary to find a good balance between the quality of defect detection and the production of containers. Description of the invention

[0007] The present description relates to a method for controlling glass containers circulating from a hot sector of a glass container manufacturing installation to a cold sector of the installation (the glass containers manufactured within the installation are those that circulate from the hot sector to the cold sector), in which the following is implemented for one of said containers: - an inspection carried out by a first detection device configured for the inspection of circulating vessels within the hot sector and configured for the detection of the presence of at least one defect of a given type, - the transmission by the first detection device of a message generated by the first detection device, based on an inspection result from the first detection device. - the reception by a second detection device configured for the inspection of circulating containers within the cold sector, of an alert message, the reception by the second detection device being implemented after said emission by the first detection device, - a modification, by the second detection device, of at least one fault detection parameter of said given type (thus, the second detection device is also configured for the detection of the presence of at least one fault of the given type), the modification being triggered by said reception.

[0008] This method can be implemented at least by the first and second inspection devices, each having a computer system structure.

[0009] An inspection result delivered by a detection device may be information indicating the presence or absence of a defect, for example, a flag indicator. An inspection result may also be information indicating the presence of a defect combined with location information, for example, location information indicating where the defect is located within an image acquired by the detection device (for example, by means of a bounding box) or location information indicating where the defect is located within the container (for example, at the container ring). An inspection result may also be an image acquired by the detection device (this image may or may not contain a defect; typically, it may be an image that has not yet been analyzed by the inspection device).

[0010] An inspection result may also include an instruction targeting the type of fault, for example an instruction to modify the inspection parameter (here, the instruction is an inspection result because its elaboration is triggered by an inspection).

[0011] The message sent may include this inspection result.

[0012] The method described above proposes using the inspection results of a device in a hot sector to modify how defects are detected in a cold sector. This application improves the detection of defects by inspection machines. because it is implemented automatically. For example, rules can be defined indicating how, based on the detection results of the first inspection machine, the detection parameter is modified (for example, the rule can be implemented by a lookup table or a mathematical function).

[0013] In fact, the inventors of the present invention have observed that the images that can be transmitted by inspection devices to other inspection systems within existing installations generally result in a simple display of the images on a human-machine interface (on devices in the cold sector or on devices in the hot sector). No decision is automatically made to impact detection, particularly in the cold sector.

[0014] By modifying a detection parameter, one can, for example, adjust the detection sensitivity and thus reduce the number of false negatives in the cold sector for only a specific period, so that this has little impact on the installation's production. Indeed, increasing sensitivity helps avoid false negatives but increases the number of false positives detected.

[0015] Here, using information from the hot sector, we can modify downstream the detection for containers that will later arrive in the cold sector.

[0016] It should be noted that detection devices in hot sectors are generally less precise than those in cold sectors. Therefore, information such as the detection of a fault in a hot sector corresponds to a situation where the fault is evident, which should prompt an increase in sensitivity in cold sectors.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the message emitted includes a result indicating the presence of at least one defect of the given type within at least one container inspected by the first detection device.

[0018] In this particular mode of implementation, the message indicates the presence of a fault, but also the type of this fault, which is the given type.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the message emitted includes at least one image of a container acquired by the first detection device.

[0020] This method of implementation is particularly advantageous for enabling the implementation, in the second device, of image detection processing based on parameters other than those of the first detection device.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, the detection parameter is a detection sensitivity, and the modification is an increase in said detection sensitivity. It should be noted that an increase in sensitivity results in an increase in the number of rejections.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises an inspection configured for the detection of the defect of said given type and implemented by the second detection device using said modified parameter.

[0023] Thus, in this particular embodiment, after the parameter modification, a detection is implemented for a container which may provide a different result from the result which would have been obtained before the parameter modification.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one detection parameter is modified for a given period, the given period having a start time separated from said reception by a given delay.

[0025] This particular implementation method allows, by choosing an appropriate delay, the selection of the moment from which the parameter will be modified. In fact, it is known that a container, after its inspection in the hot sector, will only return to the cold sector approximately one hour after its inspection in the hot sector (due to its passage through the annealing arch). It therefore appears advantageous to choose the given delay based on the duration of the passage through the annealing arch.

[0026] By not immediately changing the detection parameter, over-detection of defects is avoided during a period, for example, during a period unrelated to what was observed in the hot sector. Over-detection refers to a high number of false positives, which is problematic in terms of production, because some defects, if detected, lead to the scrapping of containers.

[0027] It can be noted that the period can be fixed or dynamic, for example it can be defined according to an event such as an intervention within the container forming system (such as a mold change).

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the period is determined as follows. Each container bears a unique identifier of two possible types, allowing its exact manufacturing time to be determined. In the first case, the unique identifier includes a timestamp indicating the date or time of the container's manufacture, and it may also contain the mold number used for forming the container, or the section number and / or cavity number where the container was formed. This information can be encoded, for example, in a Datamatrix code. In the second case, the identifier is a serial number that allows the manufacturing time to be read from a manufacturing memory or database, as well as other manufacturing data for each container, such as the mold, section, or cavity number.In this implementation, the second device includes, or is connected to, an identifier reader, which allows for the acquisition of the manufacturing timestamp—that is, the exact manufacturing time of each inspected container, down to the minute or even the second. This optimizes the parameter modification time of the second device by applying the change only between the passage of the first container. whose manufacturing timestamp is the initial time of the period and the passage of a second container whose manufacturing timestamp is the initial time of the period. This improves the production of the installation.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the period is not determined by a start time and an end time, but by a manufacturing condition of the inspected containers. For example, a potentially defective manufacturing period is defined. Since the second device is capable of knowing the manufacturing timestamp of the containers, the modification only applies to any container whose timestamp falls within a given time interval, regardless of when it passes through the second device. The modified setting can also be applied to the inspection of any container whose timestamp falls within a given manufacturing period, with a mold, section, or cavity number determined by the received message.According to this implementation, if containers manufactured during a production period without a defect detected by the first device circulate in the second device at the same time as containers manufactured during the period with said type of defect detected, the modified setting is applied only to the containers manufactured during the defective production period. According to this embodiment, the modified setting and the unmodified setting are used alternately depending on the container inspected, i.e., according to the timestamp.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises obtaining, by the first detection device, an identifier of a mold used or a forming cavity used for the manufacture of the container (here, it may be a defective container if a defect was detected during said inspection), said message emitted further comprising the identifier of the mold or cavity, - the message received by the second detection device further comprising the identifier of the mold or cavity, and - the method further comprising obtaining, by the second detection device, an identifier of a mold used or a forming cavity used for the manufacture of a container inspected by the second detection device,said modification being implemented if the mold or forming cavity identifier of the container inspected (by the second inspection device) corresponds to the mold or forming cavity identifier included in said received message.

[0031] The detection devices may be equipped with readers configured to read mold or cavity identifiers. For example, these identifiers are marked by a relief specific to the mold, or may be marked by a two-dimensional code, for example applied by laser marking.

[0032] Certain defects may result from the use of a defective mold or an incorrect forming parameter used for a given forming cavity. Therefore, This particular implementation method allows the detection parameter to be modified only for containers formed with the same mold or in the same forming cavity. Thus, for the second device, the modified and unmodified settings are used alternately depending on the container being inspected, i.e., according to mold or cavity identifiers. These two settings can be stored within the second device.

[0033] Thanks to the reading of the identifiers for the second device, the modified setting and the unmodified setting are used alternately according to each container inspected, i.e. according to the original mold or cavity identifiers of each container and according to the timestamp of its production date.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the message emitted by the first detection device is said message received by the second detection device.

[0035] In this particular embodiment, the first detection device generates and transmits a message which is then received by the second detection device. This embodiment is advantageous in terms of simplicity. The message can be communicated via a wired or wireless communication interface, or even through a communication network (for example, an internal network of the installation).

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the message emitted by the first detection device is received by an installation controller, the installation controller developing and emitting the message received by the second control device.

[0037] In this particular embodiment, there is no direct transmission between the first and second detection devices. This embodiment is suitable for a system controller (which may have a computer system structure) capable of implementing processing to determine the message to be generated for the second detection device.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the first detection device is configured to acquire one or more images of a controlled container by means of one or more cameras, in the visible range, in particular by using a light source, or in the infrared (without a light source but using infrared sensors sensitive to the radiation of hot containers).

[0039] According to a particular embodiment, the second detection device is configured to acquire one or more images of a controlled container by means of one or more cameras, illuminating the container by means of a light source, in particular in the visible range.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the first detection device and the second detection device are each configured to acquire an image of a container along the same observation direction at plus or minus 45°.

[0041] By way of example, this can be achieved by using a plurality of cameras, for example a plurality of cameras in the cold sector so that at least one camera can acquire an image at plus or minus 45° of the observation direction used in the hot sector.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, the first detection device and the second detection device are each configured to acquire an image of the same portion of the containers.

[0043] The portion can be, for example, the ring of the container, the bottom of the container, or even the body of the container.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the first detection device and the second detection device implement the same classifier or a different classifier but configured for classification according to said given type.

[0045] The classifier is used to classify the defects present or not within a container.

[0046] The first detection device implements a first classifier and the second detection device implements a second classifier. Both the first and second classifiers are configured to classify, if a container has a defect of a given type, the defect as being of that type.

[0047] The two classifiers may nevertheless be different, for example have a different complexity (such as a different number of parameters), or be able to deal with different classes (although the given type is common to both classifiers).

[0048] By way of example, the classifiers include deep learning models. In this case, they may differ in their parameters.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the message is issued if a given number of detections implemented by the first detection device for several containers indicate the presence of at least one defect of the given type, during a given time window.

[0050] For example, in this particular embodiment, an isolated detection of the presence of a defect of a given type does not lead to the development and issuance of the message, but if several containers present this defect in the same time window, this can be considered critical and leads here to the issuance of the alert message.

[0051] The invention also proposes a system for controlling circulating glass containers from a hot sector of a glass container manufacturing installation to a cold sector of the installation, the system comprising a first detection device configured for the inspection of circulating containers within the hot sector and a second detection device configured for the inspection of containers circulating within the cold sector, in which the first detection device is configured to implement: - an inspection, - the transmission by the first detection device of a message generated based on an inspection result by the first detection device, and in which the second detection device is configured to implement: - the reception of an alert message, the reception by the second detection device being implemented after said transmission by the first detection device, - a modification of at least one fault detection parameter of said given type, the modification being triggered by said reception.

[0052] This system can be configured for the implementation of the process as defined above according to any of the implementation modes.

[0053] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent from the following detailed description, examples of embodiments of the process and system defined above. This detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0054] The attached drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the exposition.

[0055] On these drawings, from one figure to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs.

[0056] [Fig.1A] Fig.1A shows an installation comprising a manufacturing system and detection devices.

[0057] [Fig.1B] [Fig.1B] is a top view of the installation of [Fig.1A].

[0058] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic representation of the steps of a process according to an example.

[0059] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic representation of the steps of a process according to another example.

[0060] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of the steps of a process according to Yet another example.

[0061] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an inspection device hot sector.

[0062] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic representation of an inspection device cold sector. Description of the implementation methods

[0063] We will now describe the control of a glass container manufacturing installation. In particular, we will describe the detection of defects in the hot sector and of Control systems that can be used to detect these defects will be described. We will also describe the determination of manufacturing system parameters related to these defects, and finally, the issuing and execution of commands affecting these parameters.

[0064] Figures IA and IB schematically represent an INS installation for manufacturing transparent or translucent glass containers. Figure IA shows the installation in side view and Figure 1B in top view. This installation is represented so that both the hot and cold sections of the installation are at least partially visible.

[0065] An SF manufacturing system is shown in the figure. This system manufactures generally transparent glass containers of all types known per se. At the output of the SF manufacturing system, the containers 2, such as for example glass bottles or flasks, exhibit a high temperature typically between 300°C and 600°C.

[0066] In a known manner, the containers 2 that have just been formed by the manufacturing system SF are successively placed on an output conveyor 5 to form a line of containers. The containers 2 are transported in a line by the conveyor 5 in a direction of travel F in order to convey them successively to different processing stations and in particular an annealing arch 6, upstream of which is placed a first detection device 7H configured to inspect the containers in the hot sector and in particular configured to inspect for defects of a given type.

[0067] The 7H detection device may be capable of carrying out inspections of the body of the containers, or of the rings of the containers, both of these inspections being carried out during the translation of the containers in motion.

[0068] These inspections can be carried out using cameras configured to acquire infrared radiation emitted by hot containers, and they can also be carried out using cameras configured to acquire visible radiation, with a light source illuminating the containers (images can be acquired, with respect to this light source, in reflection, plunging, transmission, etc.).

[0069] Defects that can be detected in the hot sector can be burr defects on the ring, unrendered ring, trapezoids (“bird swing” in English), fins, inclusions, burst bubbles, deformations or thins.

[0070] Preferably, the 7H detection device operates in transmission mode with a visible or near-infrared light source and / or without a light source but uses cameras to acquire the infrared radiation emitted by the hot containers. If both solutions are implemented, the 7H detection device comprises several cameras. It can also monitor the ring by analyzing the light emitted by a light source that is reflected off the ring surface.

[0071] It can be noted that hot inspection is advantageous in that it allows for rapid reaction to modify parameters of container forming in the SF manufacturing system.

[0072] It can be noted that inspection using infrared radiation makes it possible to detect certain defects such as wings, open blisters, uneven glass distribution.

[0073] The 7H inspection device may be of the type described in document FR3131634.

[0074] The SF manufacturing system comprises several separate forming sections 12, each comprising at least one roughing mold 13 and at least one finishing mold 14. The SF system comprises a source 16 of malleable glass, i.e., hot glass, and a glass drop distributor 17 ("gobs") which distributes, by gravity, drops of malleable glass 18 to each roughing mold 13. In a known manner, the malleable glass source 16 is a reservoir supplied with molten glass, at the bottom of which is a basin having one to four circular opening(s). A rotating tube, the height of which is regulated, controls the flow of glass above the basin, and a system of one to four plunger(s) animated in a back-and-forth motion, extrudes the glass through the one to four opening(s) of the basin in order to deliver by gravity, the malleable glass in the form of one to four parallel string(s).The malleable glass strings are definitively separated into independent drops by a scissor system 19 arranged at the outlet of the hot glass source 16 and which is actuated at regular intervals to cut the malleable glass from the source 16 into sections (this scissor system is automatically controllable, for example to modify a weight or shape of section).

[0075] For systems with several (up to four) molding cavities per section, several segments are delivered in parallel and simultaneously. In this description, a parison 18 is an extruded droplet or segment of malleable glass as cut by the scissor system 19. In English, at this stage of a forming process, the parison is called a "gob." The malleable glass, at the point of cutting by the scissor system 19, generally has a temperature above 900°C, for example, between 1100 and 1300°C. This parison is essentially a solid cylinder of malleable glass having a volume and length defined by the setting of the source 16 cooperating with the cutting action of the scissor system 19. Indeed, the diameter of the parisons is defined by that of the openings in the cup.The flow rate is controlled both by the height of the tube, which affects the overall flow rate, and by the movements of one to four plunger(s), allowing the flow rate to be varied separately for each opening of the bowl. The time interval between two... The actuation of the scissor system 19 determines the length of the parison. In summary, the length, weight, and volume of each parison are determined by the parameters of the source 16 (the tube and the plungers) and the scissor system 19. The malleable glass source 16 is arranged above the roughing molds 13 to allow the gravity distribution of the parisons, which are loaded through openings 22 in the upper faces of the roughing molds 13.

[0076] The distributor 17 extends along several branches between the hot glass source 16 and the roughing molds 13 of each of the forming sections. Generally, the hot glass source 16, via the scissor system 19, simultaneously delivers as many parisons as there are roughing molds (respectively, finishing molds) in a forming section. It is therefore understood that the forming sections are supplied with parisons successively, one after the other.

[0077] The distributor 17 therefore collects the parisons cut by the scissor system 19 and conveys them to each of the roughing molds 13 of each of the forming sections 12 along a corresponding loading path. The loading paths for the different roughing molds 13 comprise common portions and specific portions. A specific portion is a portion of the loading path corresponding to a roughing mold 13 that is followed only by the parisons directed by the distributor towards that roughing mold.

[0078] The distributor 17 therefore includes diverting means, which are a type of pivoting chute or group of chutes, and parison guidance means comprising chutes and deflectors at the end of their travel, above the roughing molds. In particular, the position of the deflectors relative to the associated roughing molds partly determines the position and orientation of the loading of each parison in said roughing molds. In the distributor, the chutes, deflectors, and diverters determine the loading trajectory of the parisons.

[0079] Glass container manufacturing systems implement different processes combining successive filling, pressing and / or blowing steps. For clarity of description, the example is taken from the forming of containers according to the known processes called BB (i.e. "Blow-Blow"), PB (i.e. "Press and Blow"), or NNPB (i.e. "Narrow Neck Press and Blow" adapted for containers with a narrow opening).

[0080] In container manufacturing systems, each forming section 12 may include several molds, for example two molds, one of which is a roughing mold 13 and the other is a finishing mold 14. Each section 12 may include a set of roughing molds and a set of associated finishing molds. In this case, it is understood that a given parison is guided by the distributor 17 towards a roughing mold, for example a roughing mold 13 of the forming section where the parison undergoes a first forming operation, called drilling, carried out by blowing compressed air or by penetrating a punch. A transfer system (not shown) is then able to take the parison that has undergone the first forming operation, namely the rough piece, from the roughing mold 13 to take it to a finishing mold 14 where the rough piece can undergo at least a second forming operation, the last operation called finishing. Generally, each roughing or finishing mold of a forming section has two half-molds respectively (the half-molds 13a and 13b are visible in [Fig.lB]) which are movable relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to a parting plane by which the two half-molds are in contact in a closed position. In the illustrated example, the parting plane extends along the vertical direction Z and the transverse direction X.

[0081] A section 12 may include a single finishing die 14 receiving a blank from a single roughing die 13. However, as mentioned above, each of the different forming sections 12 may include at least two distinct finishing dies 14 and as many roughing dies 13. The Figures illustrate the case of four forming sections 12 offset along a longitudinal direction Y perpendicular to the transverse direction X. According to this example, each forming section 12 includes three roughing dies 13, respectively front, central, and rear (or external, central, and internal), each associated with a finishing die 14, respectively front, central, and rear, i.e., each receiving the blank from a roughing die 13. In the illustrated example, the different roughing dies 13 and the finishing dies 14 of the same section are offset relative to each other according to a transverse direction X.In the illustrated example, the finishing molds 14 of the same section are of identical shape, therefore generally intended to form identical containers, but different shapes and weights could be provided.

[0082] It should be noted that each finishing mold 14 is identified in the forming installation in relation to the other finishing molds 14. Similarly, each roughing mold 13 is identified in the manufacturing system. It is thus possible to identify the forming section 12, the roughing mold 13, and the finishing mold 14 from which each container 2 originates.

[0083] In a glass container manufacturing system, each blank mold location 13 in each section is marked, according to various possible conventions, with an identifier, for example a number or a letter. We can speak of these forming cavity locations, which are identified by a forming cavity number.

[0084] Furthermore, the finishing molds can be imprinted with a pattern to emboss the mold number, for example, from 1 to 99 or from 1 to 128, etc., onto the containers 2. A lookup table linking the forming cavity numbers to the mold numbers is permanently available to the operators or the plant's information system. In some plants, a laser marker, as described in patent EP 2 114 840 B1, is used to imprint a code onto each still-hot container immediately after it is formed. This code indicates the mold number or the section and forming cavity numbers, as well as a timestamp, i.e., the precise moment of manufacture.

[0085] Thus, containers generally bear, either in coded form (barcode, dot code, Datamatrix code) or in alphanumeric form, the mold number or the forming cavity number. To read these mold or forming cavity numbers on the containers, for example in cold storage environments, various optical reading systems exist for production lines, such as those described in EP 1 010 126, EP 2 297 672, or EP 2 992 315.

[0086] Thus, in the present description, it is understood that identifying the finishing mold from which a sample container originates amounts to knowing either the forming cavity number or the mold number. It is understood that identifying the finishing mold allows for the direct identification of the associated roughing mold that provides the blank.

[0087] In forming installations, the control and synchronization of parison forming operations, scissor cutting, mold movements, punch movements, blowing, transfers, etc. are carried out by means of a control device 200 in the general sense, allowing the control of the various mechanisms necessary for the operation of the installation for the implementation of the container forming process.

[0088] Although mechanical and pneumatic controls are still used in older installations, the control system generally has a structure similar to that of an automaton or a computer and includes, for example, a processor and non-volatile memory (in any form, for example arranged within the same semiconductor chip, arranged within separate chips, etc.) in which computer program instructions executable by the processor can be stored.

[0089] The formed containers are extracted from the finishing molds, placed on waiting plates, then transferred by means of pivoting articulated arms called "pushers" onto a linear chain conveyor, to be transported to the entrance of the annealing arch 6. They are pushed onto the conveyor belt of the slowly advancing annealing oven. Inside this oven, the temperature of the vessels is gradually raised, and then they are cooled slowly enough for the even cooling to release thermal stresses. The time spent in the oven is therefore relatively long, frequently on the order of 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the mass of glass.

[0090] Figures IA and IB show the hot sector extending up to the annealing arch 6, and part of the sector extending beyond the annealing arch 6, i.e., the cold sector. Here, a second detection device 7C is shown in the cold sector.

[0091] Inspection in a cold environment is generally easier to carry out than in a hot environment. Indeed, it is possible to handle the containers, and it is also possible to get closer to the containers to acquire images.

[0092] Here, the second detection device is configured to detect defects of the given type.

[0093] The 7C detection device may be capable of carrying out inspections of the body of the containers, or of the rings of the containers, both of these inspections being carried out during the translation of the containers in motion or even during a rotation of the containers.

[0094] These inspections can be carried out using cameras configured to acquire visible radiation, with a light source illuminating the containers (images can be acquired, relative to this light source, by reflection, plunging, transmission, etc.). It should be noted that wall thickness measurements are generally performed using optical sensors including at least one line-of-sight camera.

[0095] The detection device 7C can detect many defects but it can detect at least one defect in common with the detection device 7H, for example a defect of burr on the ring, of unrendered ring, of trapezoid, of fins, of inclusion, burst bubbles of deformation or even of thin zone. .

[0096] As an example, the 7C detection device can include from 6 to 18 cameras. Preferably, the number of cameras is chosen so that at least one observation direction of a camera is at plus or minus 45° of the observation direction of an image acquired by the 7H hot sector detection device.

[0097] Information communication is possible directly or indirectly, via a COM communication means shown in the figure connecting the first detection device and the second detection device. More specifically, the figure shows a COM communication means that allows indirect communication. between the first detection device 7H and the second detection device 7C. This communication takes place through a controller of the installation CI.

[0098] The first detection device 7H communicates with the CI installation controller through a communication means C0M_H, and the second detection device 7C communicates with the CI installation controller through a communication means COM_C. The CI installation controller, and the communication means COM_C and COM_H form the communication means COM.

[0099] Alternatively, communication is direct between the two detection devices, as represented by the COM_D link shown as a dashed line in the figure. Direct communication can be implemented by wired or wireless means known per se.

[0100] In what follows and with reference to Figures 2 and 3, we will describe the emission of messages between the hot sector and the cold sector to improve fault detection and the productivity of the installation.

[0101] Figure 2 shows the steps of a process according to an example. This process is shown here implemented by the first detection device 7H and by the second detection device 7C described with reference to figures IA and IB (but, in the illustrated case, the communication is direct between the two detection devices).

[0102] In a first step DET_D1, the first detection device carries out an inspection of at least one container. If the container has a defect of a given type, the test step CT is carried out in which it is verified whether a given number of detections of this defect of the given type have been carried out (in other words, the number of occurrences of the defect is counted) during a time window (for example a sliding time window).

[0103] If the given number has not been reached, then the DET_D1 step is implemented again to reach another container with the defect.

[0104] If the specified number is reached, the first detection device generates a message for transmission (TX_M step), the generation being based on an inspection result from the first detection device. Here, the inspection result may include an indication that the specified number of defects was detected during the time window, the inspection result may include acquired images of the containers with the defects, and the inspection result may include information on the location of the defects.

[0105] By way of example, the given number (of fault occurrences during the time window) may be 1 for a fault of a given type, such as a fin considered a critical fault. In other words, the message may signify a specific alert, such as the hot detection of a critical fin-type fault.

[0106] The message may include, for example, all or part of the inspection result. The message may also, particularly in the example shown in the present figure, include instructions for the second inspection device.

[0107] The message is then transmitted to the second inspection device 7C, which receives the message at the RX_M stage. This transmission is implemented through the COM communication means described above. In particular, in the example of [Fig. 2], the COM communication means can be a direct communication means between the two inspection devices.

[0108] As mentioned above, the message may contain instructions for the second inspection device. This is the case in the example in this figure, and these instructions may tell the second inspection device that a fault detection parameter of a given type needs to be changed. In this case, these instructions are implemented directly in the MOD_P step where the parameter is changed. This parameter may be, for example, a detection sensitivity that may need to be changed due to the hot sector detection of the fault.

[0109] During the parameter modification in the MOD_P step, the parameter, which may have a value, changes from an initial value to a modified value. The initial value has been used for at least one inspection of a container prior to the implementation of the MOD_P step. In some implementations, the initial value is stored by the second inspection device. After a specified period, calculated from the implementation of the MOD_P step, during which the modified value of the parameter is used for inspections, the parameter can be modified again to revert to the initial value. Subsequent inspections will then be carried out using the initial value.

[0110] By way of example, sensitivity can be a size criterion (for example, the size of the defect), a threshold-type criterion beyond which a detection score corresponds to the presence of the defect, or any other type of sensitivity. For example, if the given type is a fin, then the second device will be made very sensitive to fins, which means, for example, that even with a fin detection of low confidence level by the second device, the container will be ejected. This can be explained in this example because fins are sometimes mistaken for mold seals. The more sensitive setting could then consist of temporarily rejecting certain heavily marked mold seals that resemble fins.

[0111] The second device being capable of classifying defects according to at least one given type, preferably several given types, the sensitivity of the second device can be different for each type and the modification of the parameter is the modification of the sensitivity for a given type.

[0112] At the DET_D2 step following the modification, for a container (for example the container for which a DET_D1 detection was implemented triggering the emission of the message or another container other than the one for which the DET_D1 detection was implemented for which a message was emitted or not), the modified detection parameter is used to implement an inspection by the second detection device.

[0113] Preferably, the MOD_P step, in the two examples described here, is triggered by the reception of the RX_M message but is not implemented immediately, but only after a given delay has elapsed. This delay corresponds to the time it takes for a container to move from the first inspection device to the second inspection device, passing through the annealing arch (approximately one hour). Therefore, the modification of the detection parameter can be temporary; it can be applied for a given period. This given period can be chosen to encompass the containers surrounding those for which the DET_D1 step has been implemented.

[0114] Also, the first detection device can obtain a mold or forming cavity identifier used for one or more containers in the DET_D1 step. This identifier is then added to the emitted message. The MOD_P modification can apply only to containers formed by the same mold or within the same forming cavity. This is particularly advantageous because containers formed by other molds or forming cavities, which are assumed not to produce the given type of defect, are not affected by an unnecessary change in the detection parameter, thus improving plant production (fewer containers are scrapped). An inspection is then carried out with the modified parameter during the DET_D2 step.

[0115] Figure 3 shows another example of an implementation similar to that of Figure 2, but differing in that the message does not contain instructions. It nevertheless contains all or part of the inspection result.

[0116] After receiving RX_M, the detection device 7C then performs a PROC step to process the received message in order to determine instructions to be applied that may lead to the implementation of the MOD_P modification step. For example, the PROC step may correspond to an identification of the given type of fault identified in the message, or to the processing of an image or a portion of an image to identify a fault of the given type.

[0117] Fig. 4 shows another example of implementation which differs from that of Fig. 2 in that the first detection device transmits its message to the controller of the installation CI described with reference to Figures IA and IB, which receives it at the C_RX_M stage.

[0118] The installation controller may have the structure of a computer system and it may receive messages based on inspection results from several installation inspection devices.

[0119] Here, it implements a C_PROC step analogous to that described above with reference to [Fig.3], before implementing a C_TX_M step of transmitting a message to the second detection device 7C, containing instructions to modify the parameter for detecting faults of the given type.

[0120] The second detection device 7C receives this message at the RX_M stage, and the following stages are analogous to the M0D_P and DET_D2 stages described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0121] In the example of [Fig. 4], the means of communication is indirect and passes through the installation controller. This controller and the detection devices may be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless local area network. In some embodiments, the installation controller may simply relay the message emitted by the first detection device to the second detection device, but it may also perform processing and store information such as: - Arch times (the time it takes a container to pass through the annealing arch) allowing the determination of delays between emission, reception and modification, - the values ​​of parameters, whether modified or not (product records), - one or more given types of defects for which the method is to be implemented.

[0122] Figure 5 schematically shows the structure of a first detection device according to an example. The first detection device 7H is traversed by the passing containers 2. A CAMVIS camera is shown in the figure, configured to take downward-facing images of the ring 2B of the container 2 being inspected, illuminated by reflection from a visible light source EC directed downwards towards the ring 2B. In this embodiment, the first inspection device is capable of performing two different inspections. A first inspection is carried out using the lighting means, with the CAMVIS camera configured to acquire the visible radiation from the reflected-illuminated ring. The first device also includes another CAMIR camera configured to acquire the infrared radiation emitted by the hot containers.The CAMIR camera is configured to observe the 2C body of containers. These cameras can be configured to acquire two-dimensional images.

[0123] The CAMVIS camera can be sensitive to visible light and in some cases to near-infrared light, up to 900nm. The EC light source for Illuminating containers by reflection or transmission can, in some cases, emit visible light with a wavelength of up to 900nm.

[0124] The CAMIR camera can be sensitive to radiation from containers and therefore to wavelengths preferably greater than 1.1 pm.

[0125] The first detection device 7H has a computer system structure and includes a processor 100H and a memory 101H. In the memory, computer program instructions INS are stored for the implementation of the process described above in Figures 2 to 4 when these instructions are executed by the processor 100H. Also, the memory 101H contains inspection results RI (typically, these may be images or portions of images or inspection verdicts such as detected defects or classes of defects or measurements of conforming or non-conforming containers).

[0126] Communication through COM communication means is carried out by a 102H communication module of the network controller type.

[0127] The first detection device is generally installed near the exit of the manufacturing machine, i.e., so as to inspect the containers moving on the outfeed conveyor. The first detection device is connected to the manufacturing machine and synchronized with the machine cycles, so as to know the original section and cavity of each container, as well as its manufacturing time. The first detection device can therefore include in the message it transmits a mold identifier, cavity section identifier, and / or a timestamp.

[0128] It should be noted that the same means of connection and synchronization are used by marking devices on containers with a two-dimensional 2ID code (for example, of the Datamatrix type) which allows the containers to be uniquely identified. These hot-stamping devices are installed at the output of the manufacturing machine, upstream or downstream of the first inspection device.

[0129] If a hot stamping device is installed upstream of the first inspection device, the containers 2 in this figure bear a two-dimensional code 2ID (for example, of the Datamatrix type) obtained by marking the containers, which allows for the unique identification of the containers. The first detection device may include a RIDH reader capable of extracting from the two-dimensional code 2ID a mold number or a cavity (or section) number used for forming each container. This number may be added to the message transmitted by the first detection device.

[0130] Figure 6 schematically represents the structure of a second detection device according to an example. The second detection device 7C is traversed by the passing containers 2. A camera CAM1 is shown in the figure, configured to take downward or vertical images of the ring 2B of the container 2 being inspected, with an EC1 light source cooperating with the camera for reflection operation.

[0131] In this figure, a second camera CAM2 is also shown, configured to acquire images of the container body 2C in transmission with a light source EC2. Such a camera and light source configuration is also conceivable in the hot sector. The images acquired by the CAM2 camera can be close to those acquired by a similar camera within the first detection device. However, using a plurality of CAM1 cameras distributed around the vertical axis passing through the container 2 in the figure makes it possible to obtain an image of the container body at approximately 45 degrees from the observation direction used in the hot sector.

[0132] Here, the light sources and the CAM1 and CAM2 cameras can operate in the visible or near-infrared range.

[0133] The second detection device 7C has a computer system structure and comprises a processor 100C and a memory 101H. Computer program instructions (INS) are stored in the memory for implementing the process described above in Figures 2 to 4 when these instructions are executed by the processor 100C. The memory 101C also includes a PAR inspection parameter that can be modified. The memory 101C can also contain inspection results such as images, or inspection verdicts such as detected defects or classes of defects, or measurements of compliant or non-compliant containers.

[0134] Communication through COM communication means is carried out by a 102C communication module of the network controller type.

[0135] Also, the containers 2 in this figure have a code that identifies a mold number or a forming cavity number for each container. This code is generally applied by molding during the forming of the containers, as each mold has a unique engraving that can be read to obtain the mold number. The second detection device includes a RIDC reader capable of extracting from the code a mold number or a cavity (or section) number used for forming each container. This number can be compared to a number contained in a message received by the second detection device to implement a modification. The RIDC reader is either a dedicated reader equipped with one or more sensors, generally image sensors, or capable of using a signal or image from a sensor on the second device.In other words, generally speaking, the second device may be capable of obtaining a mold number or a cavity (or section) number for each container it inspects.

[0136] When the containers have a two-dimensional 2ID code that allows the containers to be uniquely identified, the second detection device It includes a RIDC reader capable of obtaining 2D ID code, from which the mold number or cavity (or section) number used to form each container, or the production timestamp, can be determined. This number can be compared to a number contained in a message received by the second detection device to implement a modification. The timestamp can be compared to a production time interval contained in a message received by the second detection device to implement a modification.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0138] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

[0139]

Claims

Demands

1. A method for inspecting circulating glass containers from a hot sector of a glass container manufacturing installation (2) to a cold sector of the installation, wherein the following are implemented for one of said containers: - an inspection (DET_D1) carried out by a first detection device (7H) configured for the inspection of circulating containers within the hot sector and configured for the detection of the presence of at least one defect of a given type, - an emission (TX_M) by the first detection device of a message generated based on an inspection result by the first detection device, - a reception (RX_M) by a second detection device (7C) configured for the inspection of circulating containers within the cold sector, of an alert message, the reception by the second detection device being implemented after said emission by the first detection device, - a modification (MOD_P),by the second detection device, of at least one fault detection parameter of said given type, the modification being triggered by said reception.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the message emitted includes a result indicating the presence of at least one defect of the given type within at least one container inspected by the first detection device.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the message emitted includes at least one image of a container acquired by the first detection device.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection parameter is a detection sensitivity, and the modification is an increase in said detection sensitivity.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an inspection configured for the detection of the defect of said given type and implemented by the second detection device using said modified parameter.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one detection parameter is modified for a given period, the given period having a start time separated from said reception by a given delay.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising obtaining, by the first detection device, an identifier of a mold used or a forming cavity used for the manufacture of the container, said emitted message further comprising the identifier of the mold or cavity, - the message received by the second detection device further comprising the identifier of the mold or cavity, and - the method further comprising obtaining, by the second detection device, an identifier of a mold used or a forming cavity used for the manufacture of a container controlled by the second detection device, said modification being implemented if the identifier of the mold or forming cavity corresponds to the identifier of the mold or forming cavity of the controlled container included in said received message.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the message emitted by the first detection device is said message received by the second detection device.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the message emitted by the first detection device is received by an installation controller, the installation controller processing and emitting the message received by the second control device.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first detection device is configured to acquire one or more images of a controlled container by means of one or more cameras, in the visible range, in particular by using a light source, or in the infrared.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second detection device is configured to acquire one or more images of a controlled container by means of one or more cameras, by illuminating the container by means of a light source, in particular in the visible range.

12. A method according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the first detection device and the second detection device are each configured to acquire an image of a container along the same observation direction at plus or minus 45°.

13. A method according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the first detection device and the second detection device are each configured to acquire an image of the same portion of the containers.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the first detection device and the second detection device implement the same classifier or a different classifier but configured for classification according to said given type.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the message is issued if a given number of detections implemented by the first detection device for several containers indicate the presence of at least one defect of the given type, during a given time window.

16. A system for monitoring circulating glass containers from a hot sector of a glass container manufacturing installation to a cold sector of the installation, the system comprising a first detection device (7H) configured for inspecting circulating containers (2) within the hot sector and a second detection device (7C) configured for inspecting circulating containers within the cold sector, wherein the first detection device is configured to implement: - an inspection (DET_D1), - an emission (TX_M) by the first detection device of a message generated based on an inspection result by the first detection device, and wherein the second detection device is configured to implement: - a reception (RX_M) of an alert message, the reception by the second detection device being implemented after said emission by the first detection device,- a modification (M0D_P) of at least one fault detection parameter of said given type, the modification being triggered by said reception.

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