Device and method for simultaneously focusing an optical system according to the diameter of the container

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for observing or illuminating a section (t) of containers (2) which are moved in translation and each have an axis of rotation (S), comprising an optical system (61) which is guided in translation in a direction parallel to an adjustment portion of its respective optical path and, for a container having a section of a first diameter, each of its respective working volumes coincides with a portion of said container section having the first diameter, the device comprising at least one drive device (15) which provides a movement of the optical system in translation in a direction parallel to an adjustment portion of its respective optical path and as a function of the difference between the first diameter and a second diameter of the section of the container when the latter has a section of the second diameter different from the first diameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention relates to the field of observation and analysis of optical singularities carried on glass containers (such as bottles, wide-mouthed bottles, and vials). Background Technology

[0002] Patent application WO2014 / 177814 describes a new technique for observing and analyzing optical singularities carried on the surface or walls of a container without rotating the container.

[0003] The term "optical singularity" refers to a confined portion of a container or its surface that exhibits properties different from those of its vicinity or within the container. Therefore, the term "optical singularity" refers to a portion of a container that possesses optical properties different from those of its vicinity or within the container. In this case, these optical singularities primarily exhibit anomalous refractive and / or reflective effects compared to their surroundings. Thus, refractive and / or reflective defects, coding, or embossed decorations marking the surface of a container are optical singularities that cause light to deflect differently from its vicinity in terms of transmission (refractive power) or specular reflection.

[0004] This patent application describes a device including a diffuse light source positioned to illuminate the exterior of a container and exhibiting variations in the properties of the light along changing directions. The device includes a series of image-capturing devices positioned around the travel path of the container to observe each container from several viewpoints, allowing observation of all or part of the periphery of each container. Typically, these image-capturing devices are cameras equipped with their objective lenses. The photographs from these viewpoints are processed to analyze optical singularities.

[0005] Of course, focusing via camera objective adjustments is done for an observed container of a given diameter. Furthermore, when the diameter of the observed container changes, focusing on all cameras is required. This focusing necessitates proximity to each camera to adjust its objective. This operation is generally impractical and relatively tedious because it requires manual adjustment of each objective, introducing the risk of operator error. Moreover, generally, no data sheet is provided for the adjustments to be made, or even a sufficiently precise rating of the focusing system, leading to a risk of poor repeatability. Finally, access to each objective is essential, which is not always feasible in practice. A possible alternative is the motorization of the objectives. In this case, the solution is expensive, especially when the number of objectives is large. Motorization of each objective presupposes as many servo systems as possible to ensure repeatability of adjustments.

[0006] Therefore, it seems necessary to be able to more easily adjust the camera to accommodate every change in the diameter of the observed container.

[0007] Furthermore, it should be noted that a conveyor belt is typically used to move the containers across the camera, with these containers positioned at random orientations relative to their direction of translation. Thus, the optical singularities to be observed are supported on the surface or walls of the containers, allowing them to be presented at any location on the container's perimeter. It seems necessary for the camera to be able to observe the entire perimeter of the container while allowing it to move through the camera.

[0008] Therefore, the problem arises of how to position the image capturing device relative to the cyclic path of the container, so as to enable the observation of optical singularities at any location on the periphery of the container while allowing easy focusing of the image capturing device.

[0009] In the prior art, patent application GB2075179 describes an apparatus for inspecting the sidewalls of empty bottles to detect foreign matter (such as mold or splatter marks) that easily adheres to the bottle walls. This apparatus is suitable for inspecting bottles of varying heights. The apparatus comprises two inspection systems offset by 90°. Each inspection system includes an illumination source and a lower lens. The illumination source is positioned on one side of a conveyor belt carrying the bottles, and the lower lens is located on the other side of the conveyor belt and adapted to vertically deflect a beam of light toward a superimposed upper lens, which deflects the light in the direction of a photodiode array via a focusing lens. The upper lens, focusing lens, and photodiode array of the inspection system are supported by a common support, which is mounted for vertical movement, allowing easy modification of the working distance between the bottle and the lens, thereby enabling the magnification of the lens to be adapted to the height of the bottle. For changes in layout, the working distance is modified, and the focus is adjusted using, for example, a spiral adjustment system for the focusing lens.

[0010] This device has proven unsuitable for identifying optical singularities mounted on the surface or walls of bottles with varying diameters. Specifically, for optical singularities corresponding to codes, the size of the code to be inspected remains the same even when the bottle diameter changes. The device modifies the field size, particularly the field height, by adjusting the working distance, which negatively impacts the sharpness of the inspection. Furthermore, this device requires focus adjustment after each change in bottle layout. Additionally, the system is designed to inspect the entire height of the bottle so that the bottom of the field remains at the level of the conveyor belt, making it impossible to adjust or maintain the height position of the inspection area when there are changes in field size related to variations in bottle height. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The subject of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a new configuration of a device designed to allow the optical system to be positioned at a focusing distance, thereby facilitating the focusing operation of the optical system while allowing observation or illumination over the entire periphery of the container.

[0012] The subject of this invention is to provide an apparatus for identifying optical singularities on the surface or wall of containers of different diameters and carried by the container cross-section, without changing the focus when the diameter of the container cross-section changes.

[0013] Another subject of the invention is to provide an apparatus that enables the identification of optical singularities on the surface or wall of containers of different diameters and carried by the container cross-section, without changing the height dimension of the observed or illuminated container cross-section or the angle of observation or illumination when the diameter of the container cross-section changes.

[0014] Another subject of the invention is to provide an apparatus that enables the identification of optical singularities on the surface or wall of containers of different diameters and carried by the container cross-section, while adapting the height of the observed or illuminated container cross-section independently of the container diameter.

[0015] To achieve this objective, the subject of this invention proposes an apparatus for observing or illuminating a container cross-section bearing an optical singularity on a surface or wall, the container traveling translationally and each container having an axis of rotation, the apparatus comprising optical systems, each optical system having a workspace located at a working distance, and each optical system having an optical path leading directly to the container cross-section contained within the working volume of the optical system.

[0016] According to the present invention, the device comprises:

[0017] *Optical System:

[0018] - For a container with a cross-section having a first diameter, each of the optical systems has a working volume, and each of the working volumes of the optical system coincides with a portion of the cross-section of the container having the first diameter, each of these working volumes at a given working distance;

[0019] - Each optical system has an optical path consisting of at least one adjustment section;

[0020] - It is guided by translation along the direction of the adjustment section parallel to the respective optical path of the optical system;

[0021] * An optical deflection device is placed on the optical path of the optical system in such a way that the optical paths are at least divided into the following portions:

[0022] A direct optical path located in the radial plane of the container, between the container and the optical deflection device, and having the same observation angle or illumination angle;

[0023] The optical refraction path is located between the optical deflection device and the optical system, and corresponds to the adjustment section of the optical path;

[0024] *At least one driving device, when the container has a cross-section with a second diameter different from the first diameter, provides a synchronous translational movement of the optical system along an adjustment portion parallel to the respective optical path of the optical system and as a function of the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, such that the optical system maintains its respective working distance and each of the respective working volumes of the optical system coincides with a portion of the cross-section of the container having the second diameter.

[0025] This device allows for easy adjustment of the optical system's focus to accommodate each change in the container's diameter. It also benefits from space savings achieved by folding the optical path using optical deflectors so that all folded portions of the path are parallel after reflection from these deflectors.

[0026] In a preferred variant embodiment, the optical path adjustment portions of the optical system are parallel to each other and correspond to the same optical path portion with the same sequence number.

[0027] Advantageously, each optical system has an optical path contained in a radial plane, which contains the axis of rotation.

[0028] According to the characteristics of the implementation, the device includes a system for moving an optical system and an optical deflection device along a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the container to adjust the height position of the container cross section observed or illuminated by the optical system.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the driving device includes a common frame that supports an optical system having adjustment portions of their respective optical paths, which are parallel to each other and parallel to the direction of movement of the frame, the common frame being translatedally driven by at least one actuator.

[0030] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the driving device includes an optomechanical assembly, each of which consists of an optical system associated with its optical deflection device and an independent guiding system that provides separate relative translation between the optical system and the associated optical deflection device along an optical path. The optical system is supported by at least a first common frame, and the optical deflection device is supported by at least a second common frame. At least one of the first and second common frames is translatedly driven by at least one actuator.

[0031] Advantageously, the optical system is supported by two first common frames arranged on either side of the translational travel path of the container, while the optical deflection device is supported by two common frames arranged on either side of the travel path, with the first and second common frames arranged in an overlapping position.

[0032] Preferably, each optical mechanical component is equipped with a removable attachment system on a first common frame and a second common frame, the first and second common frames including an adapter that provides mounting of the optical mechanical component in a predetermined position oriented about a rotation axis.

[0033] According to one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a semi-circular guide rail as an adapter accessory, which is attached to one of a common frame that interacts with a plurality of rollers carried by each optomechanical component.

[0034] In addition, the device includes a system for locking each optomechanical component in a fixed position and in predetermined positions distributed in a semicircle on the first and second common frames.

[0035] To allow for adjustment as a function of the container size, a common frame is mounted on a support fixture that is configured to move along a direction parallel to the container's axis of rotation.

[0036] According to a first method of the present invention, the optical system is an image capture optical system, each image capture optical system comprising at least one camera and at least one objective lens, and connected to at least one image processing unit.

[0037] According to a first method of the present invention, the device includes an irradiation source consisting of irradiation half-sources arranged on either side of the translational travel path of the container, the irradiation half-sources preferably being adjustable in relative spacing and / or in height parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes a camera positioned to observe the entire periphery of the container while allowing the container to travel past the camera.

[0039] To meet this need, the present invention provides an apparatus in which an image capturing optical system includes at least twelve cameras arranged such that twelve projections of a direct optical path located in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation have azimuth angles relative to the direction of travel, the azimuth angles being respectively between [15°; 30°], [50°; 60°], [60°; 75°], [105°; 120°], [120°; 130°], [150°; 165°], [195°; 210°], [230°; 240°], [240°; 255°], [285°; 300°], [300°; 310°], and [300°; 345°].

[0040] Another subject of the invention relates to an adjustment method for an optical system, each optical system having a working volume located at a working distance, and each optical system having an optical path extending to a container cross-section contained within the working volume of the optical system, observing or illuminating a container cross-section carrying an optical singularity on a surface or in a wall, each container cross-section having an axis of rotation and traveling through each container cross-section in translation, the method comprising:

[0041] - For a container with a cross section having a first diameter, the optical system has its own working volume, each working volume coinciding with a portion of the cross section having the first diameter, each of these working volumes having an optical path consisting of at least one adjustment part at a fixed and constant working distance;

[0042] - and during the adjustment phase of the container having a cross-section with a second diameter different from the first diameter, the optical systems are synchronously translated along the direction parallel to the adjustment portion of the respective optical path of each optical system and as a function of the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, such that the optical systems maintain their respective working distances and that each of the respective working volumes of the optical systems coincides with a portion of the cross-section of the container having the second diameter.

[0043] Based on the characteristics of this method's implementation, the optical system is distributed in orientation as a function of the diameter of the container's cross-section.

[0044] According to another feature of the implementation of this method, the number of optical systems is chosen as a function of the diameter of the container cross-section.

[0045] Typically, after each adjustment phase of the optical system and during the image capture phase, for each container that has been translated through, the method consists of the following:

[0046] - Irradiate at least the cross-section of the container to be inspected;

[0047] - An image covering the cross-section of the container, captured by an optical system;

[0048] - Analyze the captured images to identify at least one optical singularity presented in the container cross-section. Attached Figure Description

[0049] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0050] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 It is roughly along Figure 1 The three-dimensional image intercepted by line II-II.

[0051] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a schematic front view showing a preferred variant embodiment of the apparatus suitable for observing a container cross-section with a reference diameter.

[0052] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 A similar view shows a device suitable for observing a container cross-section with a diameter larger than a reference diameter.

[0053] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a detailed view showing the focusing of the optical system on the container.

[0054] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view illustrating another example of the configuration of the device according to the invention.

[0055] [Figures 7A-7C] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic diagrams showing various configurations of the adjustment part of the optical path, which are respectively set along the generator of the cylinder, along the outer surface of the truncated cone and the spiral.

[0056] [ Figure 8A ] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement principle of the optical system when the selected adjustment section is the third part of the optical path.

[0057] [ Figure 8B ] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement principle of the optical system when the selected adjustment section is the second part of the optical path.

[0058] [ Figure 8C ] Figure 8C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement principle of the optical system when the selected adjustment section is the first part of the optical path. Detailed Implementation

[0059] As can be seen from the figures, the subject matter of this invention relates to an apparatus for observing or illuminating a glass container 2 having a rotation axis S. According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the container 2 is moved along a curved trajectory, or more simply, the container 2 is still moved along the direction of travel indicated by arrow f, in such a way that the container 2 can be observed by the apparatus 1. Thus, for example, a conveyor belt 3 is used to move the container 2 so that the container 2 moves sequentially in front of the apparatus 1, which generally has a fixing clamp 4 provided with tools for observing or illuminating the container 2.

[0060] The apparatus 1 also includes at least two optical systems 61, 62… (referred to by the general designation 6i in the remainder of the description), and each optical system includes a working distance within the meaning of this invention. The working distance of the optical systems 6i is the distance separating them from their working volume Vt in the direction of observation or illumination. The working volume Vt is the volume at a certain distance from the optical system 6i, within which a portion of the cross-section of the container being observed or illuminated must be placed for optimal observation or illumination.

[0061] When optical systems 6i are used for observation, their working distance is the distance to the volume of the observed container in which a sharp image is obtained. In other words, the working volume Vt corresponds to the depth of field region Pf, and the working distance is close to the focusing or conjugate distance. Such optical systems 6i include at least one optical conjugate device between the object point and the image point. The working distance of optical systems 6i can be fixed or adjustable.

[0062] In a preferred variant embodiment, the optical system 6i is an optical image capture system, each optical image capture system including a camera 7i and at least one objective lens 8i with or without focus adjustment.

[0063] In another variant embodiment, the optical system 6i is a projector-type illumination system, including at least one optical conjugate device for projecting a light pattern at a given distance. For such illumination optics, illumination at a certain working distance is optimal because their optical conjugate device conjugates the illumination source with the container to be illuminated.

[0064] The following description describes in more detail a preferred device 1, which implements an image-capturing optical system as an optical system 6i, each image-capturing optical system including a camera 7i equipped with at least one objective lens 8i. The device 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for observing optical singularities carried on the surface or wall of a container 2. By means of "optical singularities," observation and analysis of, for example, embossing or decoration formed by laser etching or molding can be provided. According to another variant embodiment, optical singularities are defects that must be detected. For example, device 1 is suitable for observing optical singularities carried by different parts of the container (such as the neck, base, or shoulder). According to this preferred application using a camera, device 1 includes an illumination source 9 for illuminating the exterior of the container 3, particularly the outer surface of the container that must be observed and is prone to containing optical singularities. Similarly, these cameras 7i are connected to at least one image processing unit adapted to analyze the captured images to at least identify optical singularities presented or carried by the container.

[0065] Of course, the apparatus 1 may include multiple illumination systems with optical conjugate devices as optical system 6i. Such apparatus 1 makes it possible to illuminate the container using several illumination sources. The reader will be able to easily convert the following observation of the container using camera 7i, which is equipped with objective lens 8i, into the illumination of the container.

[0066] Device 1 is suitable for observing all or part of the cross section t of a container 2 that is moving in translational motion using at least two cameras 7i. Figure 2 The container section t to be inspected corresponds to the portion of the container that carries the optical singularity on its surface or in its walls. The container section t to be inspected corresponds to the outer periphery or external portion of the container extending in an azimuth plane A perpendicular to the axis of rotation S (i.e., a plane parallel to the plane of the conveyor belt 3 defining the transport container). The container section t to be inspected extends along a given height, which is intercepted along the axis of rotation S and is limited relative to the height of the container. In cases where the height dimension of the section t to be inspected, intercepted along the axis of symmetry S of the container, corresponds to the height of the Datamatrix code to be observed (e.g., a code with a measured side length of 1cm x 1cm), the height of section t will be 1cm, with a certain tolerance range added, for example, the inspected section being 2cm in height. For simplicity, in the remainder of the description, the container section t to be inspected will be referred to as the container section. In other usage examples, section t may, for example, correspond to the neck or collar of the container and occupy 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, or 1 / 10 of its total height.

[0067] The cameras 7i are positioned to observe different portions of the container cross-section, with or without overlap between the observed portions. The number and arrangement of the cameras 7i allow for individual, partial observation of the periphery of the container cross-section, or preferably, for complete observation of the container cross-section, i.e., complete observation of the entire periphery of the container cross-section. Therefore, the device 1 is particularly suitable for observing the entire periphery of a container cross-section (e.g., the cross-section of the neck bearing the optical singularity to be observed).

[0068] For optical system 6i, there exists a direction of observation or illumination. For simplicity, consider a camera 7i by way of example. Each camera 7i includes a linear or matrix image sensor and a camera objective 8i, which defines an optical axis substantially corresponding to the rotation axis of the objective and connects the sensor to the area being observed. Along two directions corresponding to the two directions of the planar image, the size of the area being observed is a function of the working distance, magnification, and the size of the planar image, or a function of the size of the image sensor or the size of the area of ​​use of the image sensor (i.e., the observation field). Furthermore, each optical system 6i has a third dimension, Vt, in the observation direction, corresponding to the depth of field Pf of the optical system. The depth of field Pf is a known concept that depends on the objective, the sensor, and the resolution requirements of the image according to the final purpose of measurement, reading, or inspection.

[0069] Conventionally, each optical system 6i is connected to its working volume Vt via an optical path Li, and the length of the optical path Li is the working distance of the optical system 6i. If the optical path Li is straight, it is oriented along the observation direction. In the special case of observation by means of a camera 7i and its objective lens 8i defining the optical axis, the path Li is carried by an optical axis generally centered on the objective lens. In cases where the observation direction is not strictly centered on the optical axis, for example, if the focus is on a portion of the image not centered on the optical axis, the subject matter of the invention can certainly be adjusted. Therefore, under such observation conditions, a small deviation may exist between the optical axis and the optical path. According to an advantageous embodiment, each camera 7i equipped with its objective lens 8i includes an optical path that extends to the container and points towards the axis of rotation S to observe a portion of the container cross-section that differs from the portion of the container cross-section observed by other cameras.

[0070] It can be noted that the optical path of each optical system 6i has one or more portions depending on the presence of one or more optical deflection devices 10i arranged in the optical path between the container 2 and the camera. These optical deflection devices 10i encompass any optical component or optical assembly used to change the average direction of the beam without modifying the conjugate, without obstructing image transmission and therefore without obstructing the existence of the focusing distance. Preferably, the optical deflection device 10i is a planar metal mirror. Folding can be implemented using other optical deflection devices (e.g., curved mirrors, prisms, translucent plates, or combinations of such systems).

[0071] The portion of the optical path between container 2 and the first optical deflector encountered is called the direct optical path Ldi, while the other portions are called the optical refraction path Lri. When the number of optical deflectors 10i on the optical path is greater than 1, an index j related to the reference of the optical deflector is added. In addition, a portion of the optical path of each optical system 6i is selected to constitute the so-called adjustment portion (denoted as PR), the function of which will become clearer in the remainder of the description.

[0072] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the preferred variant embodiment shown, the direction of the optical path of each optical system 6i is modified between the camera and the container 2 by an optical deflection device 10i, which is inserted between the container 2 and the camera. In this variant embodiment, each optical system 61, 62 includes cameras 71, 72 and objectives 81, 82, while optical deflection devices 101, 102 are inserted between the container 2 and each camera. In this case, the optical paths L1, L2 ( Figure 3 ) or L'1, L'2 ( Figure 4 The optical path is divided into two parts: one part consists of the direct optical paths Ld1 and Ld2 located between container 2 and optical deflection devices 101 and 102. Figure 3 ) or L'd1, L'd2 ( Figure 4 The first part, on the other hand, corresponds to the optical refraction paths Lr1 and Lr2 located between the optical deflection devices 101 and 102 and the cameras 71 and 72. Figure 3 ) or L'r1, L'r2 ( Figure 4 The second part of ). Therefore, for Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the examples shown, the length of the optical path of each optical system 61, 62 corresponds to the cumulative distance between the optical deflection device and the direct optical path, or for Figure 3 Let L1 = Lr1 + Ld1 and L2 = Lr2 + Ld2 be the values ​​for L1, L2, Lr1, Ld1, L2, Ld2, L2, Lr2, Ld2, L2, Lr1, Ld1, L ...2, L2, Ld1, L2, Lr2, Ld2, L2, L Figure 4 Let L1 = L'r1 + L'd1 and L2 = L'r2 + L'd2, respectively. One of the two parts of the optical path corresponds to the adjustment part PR of the optical system. The selection of the adjustment part PR will be explained in the remainder of the description.

[0073] Figure 6 The left side shows another variant embodiment, in which the optical system 61 includes a camera 71 equipped with its objective lens 81, while the first optical deflection device 10 11 The second optical deflection device 10 is located directly before container 2 in the optical path. 21 Arranged between objective lens 81 and first optical deflection device 10 11In this case, the optical path L1 is divided into three parts, corresponding to the locations between container 2 and the first optical deflection device 10. 11 The first part of the direct optical path Ld1 between them corresponds to the first optical deflection device 10. 11 With the second optical deflection device 10 21 The second part of the optical refraction path Lr11 considered between, and corresponding to the second optical deflection device 10 21 The third part of the optical path Lr12 between the optical system 61 and the camera 71. The length of the optical path of the optical system 61 corresponds to the cumulative length of the three parts, i.e., L1 = Ld1 + Lr11 + Lr12. One of the three parts of the optical path corresponds to the adjustment part PR of the optical system. The selection of the adjustment part PR will be explained later in the description.

[0074] By convention, the first part (or direct path) of the optical path is considered to be between the container and the first optical deflector encountered along the optical path, while the last part is considered to be between the optical system 6i and the optical deflector directly preceding the optical system along the optical path. Each of these parts of the optical path is assigned an increasing number from the container to the camera, i.e., first part, second part, third part, etc. Of course, the number of optical deflectors arranged along the path of light between the optical system and the container may differ from the example shown which implements one or two optical deflectors.

[0075] According to a feature of the invention, each first portion of the optical path of the optical system 6i is oriented toward the rotation axis S of the container, which extends in a radial plane containing the rotation axis S. Each first portion of the optical path of the optical system 6i defines a so-called observation angle (or illumination angle for illuminating the optical system) alpha (α) relative to the normal of the rotation axis S. Advantageously, all first portions of the optical path of the optical system 6i have the same value of angle α, as shown in the figure.

[0076] In a preferred variant embodiment, the optical path of the optical system 6i is contained in a radial plane that includes the rotation axis S. In this variant, all portions of the optical path of each optical system are contained within a radial plane including the rotation axis S.

[0077] According to a feature of the invention, each optical system 6i is translated along a translational direction T of the adjustment portion PR parallel to its optical path. For this purpose, the clamp 4 of the device 1 includes a guiding system 13 that ensures the translational guidance of the optical system 6i along its travel direction Ti. These guiding systems 13 can be implemented in any suitable manner, such as guide rails, columns, guides, or sliders. According to an advantageous variant, the guiding system 13 ensures slider coupling by allowing only translational movement of each optical system 6i relative to the clamp 4 of the device. This variant is particularly advantageous due to the implementation of the optical deflection device 10i, as will be explained in detail in the remainder of the description.

[0078] According to another feature of the invention, the device 1 includes a driving device 15 that provides synchronous translation of the optical systems 6i along a direction parallel to the adjustment portion PR of the optical path of each optical system 6i. It must be understood that the driving device 15 is adapted to move all optical systems 6i together or simultaneously along a translational track. Each optical system 6i translates along a direction parallel to the adjustment portion PR of its respective optical path.

[0079] According to the present invention, the drive device 15 translates the optical system 6i along a given track, which is a function of the diameter variation of the container cross-section. In practice, recalling that to obtain a clear image, the use of the optical system 6i requires consideration of the optical path, i.e., the working distance between the optical system and the container 2. However, the device 1 is designed to observe containers with cross-sections of different diameters.

[0080] Therefore, it must be understood that device 1 must be adjusted or configured each time the diameter of the container changes. In practice, for a container with a given diameter (referred to as the first diameter), the working volume Vt of each optical system 6i must coincide with a portion of the container cross-section having the first diameter to obtain a sufficiently clear image. Of course, as mentioned above, considering that the working volume of the optical system may or may not overlap with different portions of the container cross-section, each working volume Vt of the optical system 6i must coincide with a portion of the container cross-section. For this first diameter, each working volume Vt of the optical system is located at a given working distance along its optical path. Similarly, for a container with a given diameter (referred to as the second diameter) that differs from the first diameter, the working volume Vt of each optical system 6i must coincide with a portion of the container cross-section having the second diameter to obtain a sufficiently clear image. According to the invention, for observation (or illumination) of a container cross-section having the second diameter, the fixed working distance of each optical system for observation (or illumination) of a container cross-section having the first diameter remains unchanged. In other words, the working distance of each optical system is maintained at a fixed distance for observation (or illumination) of a container cross-section with a given diameter, in order to observe (or illuminate) container cross-sections with different diameters.

[0081] Of course, at least the initial configuration phase is achieved, for which all optical systems 6i are adjusted to obtain a sufficiently clear image of the container with a cross-section of a given diameter. In this initial configuration phase, each objective lens 8i of each camera 7i is adjusted to have a clear image of a portion of the container's cross-section to be observed. In other words, the working volume Vt of each optical system contains a portion of the cross-section being examined, such that portion of the cross-section being examined is located at a fixed working distance along its optical path. Simultaneously, the alpha angle α is fixed as a function of the desired observation or illumination conditions. For example, all optical systems are positioned to observe such... Figure 3 The container shown is of diameter Dr. When the conjugate device is adjustable, such as an objective lens with a focusing ring, the initial configuration phase consists of adjusting the conjugate device to determine the focusing distance, and consequently the working distance. Figure 5 As shown, when reading the code placed on the surface of container 2, the aiming point is generally placed outside the tangent of the container, on the focusing plane Pm. Figure 5 The minimum depth of field Pf that the optical system 6i must allow, to which container position tolerances must be added, is shown. The working volume Vt includes the curved shape of the container with coded cylindrical walls. Of course, the initial configuration phase, corresponding to the first assembly of the optical system or the adjustment corresponding to the optical system being put into use or for maintenance, can be completed based on a theoretical container with zero diameter Dr by positioning the optical system relative to the central axis Z of the device.

[0082] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the optical path and working distance of the optical system 6i are defined relative to the container (i.e., relative to the container's axis of rotation S). It must be understood that when the container occupies a position where its axis of rotation S is collinear with the central axis Z of the device during its travel, the axis of rotation S is equivalent to the central axis Z of the device.

[0083] This initial configuration phase allows for the adjustment of the focusing distance to a container cross-section with a given diameter using the objectives of the optical system 6i. At the end of this initial adjustment phase, each of the optical systems 6i has an optical path with a fixed, given length or working distance.

[0084] therefore, Figure 3 An apparatus 1 comprising two optical systems 61 and 62 is illustrated by way of example. Each objective lens 71 and 72 focuses the optical system to obtain a clear image of a container 2 having a cross-section with a first diameter Dr to be observed. Figure 3 In the example shown and as explained above, the lengths of the optical paths of the two optical systems 61 and 62 correspond to the cumulative distances of the optical refraction path and the direct optical path, respectively. The paths are L1 = Lr1 + Ld1 and L2 = Lr2 + Ld2.

[0085] Advantageously, the subject matter of the invention is particularly well-suited for peripheral observation using the same optical system, all of which have the same focusing distance, such that if the container is cylindrical for the cross-section being inspected, the working distances are equal, where L1 = L2.

[0086] According to the features of the invention, the optical system 6i has a given optical path length at the end of the initial configuration phase, which remains unchanged even when the device observes a container cross-section with a diameter different from the diameter used for adjustment. In other words, the same objective lens 8i of the optical system 6i is no longer used as a focusing tool for observing containers of different diameters.

[0087] When a container with a second diameter, different from the first diameter, is observed through device 1, the observation of this container involves an adjustment phase of the device, particularly an adjustment phase of the optical system. During this adjustment phase, the optical path length of the optical system 6i, which was fixed during the initial configuration phase of the device, is maintained. Therefore, the objective lens 8i of the optical system 6i is not touched in each successive adjustment phase of the optical system, whereas these successive adjustment phases are readily involved for container cross-sections with different diameters. In practice, adjustment of the device is necessary when the respective working volumes no longer coincide with a portion of the observed or illuminated container cross-section due to a change in the diameter of the cross-section. This obviously depends on the depth of field of the optical system. Generally, a container is considered to have cross-sections with different diameters when the diameter change between the two cross-sections is greater than 10% of the depth of field of the optical system 6i.

[0088] However, in order to produce a clear image of a container cross-section with a second diameter different from the first diameter, the control drive device 15 synchronously translates the optical systems 6i along a direction parallel to the adjustment portion PR of each optical system and as a function of the difference between the first and second diameters, in order to maintain the length of the optical path. The synchronous movement of the optical systems 6i allows for simultaneous adjustment of the optical systems. Therefore, for all optical systems 6i, the distance of the focusing plane Pm relative to the rotation axis S of the container varies by a conjugate as a function of the diameter of the container cross-section. This movement trajectory may also include the container's observation mode, i.e., transmission or reflection. Specifically, observing the same diameter under transmission or reflection may require focusing according to the chords of different depths to minimize depth-of-field problems, because the maximum probability of the maximum observation result encoded in the reflection mode may be greater than that in the transmission mode.

[0089] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the so-called observation (or illumination for illuminating the optical system) angle alpha α remains the same value during the movement of the optical system 6i in order to maintain the length of the optical path. Depending on the observation angle and the shape of the conical or cylindrical container, when the diameter of the container cross-section changes, it may be necessary to maintain the cross-sectional height observed along the rotation axis S, while adjusting by the translation of the optical system along the adjustment part PR and the vertical translation of the inspection device, to maintain the overlap of the cross-section with the working volume of the optical system. Generally, when the so-called observation or illumination angle alpha α is zero, the cross-sectional height observed along the rotation axis S can be maintained even if the diameter of the container cross-section changes. When the so-called observation or illumination angle alpha α is non-zero, when the diameter of the container cross-section changes, the cross-sectional height observed along the rotation axis S is modified by the vertical translation of the inspection device to maintain the overlap of the cross-section with the working volume of the optical system.

[0090] Advantageously, the device includes a system for moving the optical system 6i and the optical deflection device 10i along a direction parallel to the rotation axis S of the container, thus allowing adjustment of the position of the container section 2 observed or illuminated by the optical system 6i. Therefore, the optical system 6i and the optical deflection device 10i are mounted on the clamp 4 via any known system or one or more, thereby ensuring that the optical system 6i and the optical deflection device 10i move along a direction parallel to the rotation axis S of the container.

[0091] Figure 4 The observation of container 2 is shown, where the diameter D'r of the cross-section to be observed in container 2 is greater than... Figure 3 The diameter Dr of the cross-section of container 2 is shown. For observation of a container with a cross-section of diameter D'r, the orbital drive device 15, a function of the diameter difference (D'r-Dr), is relative to optical systems 61 and 62. Figure 3 The optical systems 61 and 62 are moved synchronously to the positions shown. Therefore, during the inspection of a container with diameter D'r, the lengths of the optical paths L'r1+L'd1 and L'r2+L'd2 of the optical systems 61 and 62 are equal to the lengths of the optical paths Lr1+Ld1 and Lr2+Ld2 of the optical systems 61 and 62 during the inspection of a reference container with diameter Dr, respectively. Therefore, Lr1+Ld1 = L'r1+L'd1 and Lr2+Ld2 = L'r2+L'd2.

[0092] It must be considered that the drive device 15 can be implemented in different ways and depends specifically on the orientation of one or more parts of the optical path, as well as the orientation of the adjustment part that moves parallel to the optical system 6i.

[0093] Advantageously, the choice of the adjustment part depends on the simplicity of implementing the drive device 15. Figures 8A to 8C Different configurations of the drive device 15 are shown depending on the selection of the optical path adjustment section PR. Figure 8A A variation is shown in which the optical path L1 is divided into three parts (i.e., a first part corresponding to the direct optical path Ld1 located between the container 2 and the first optical deflection device 101, a second part corresponding to the optical refracting path Lr11 located between the first optical deflection device 101 and the second optical deflection device 102, and a third part corresponding to the optical path Lr12 located between the second optical deflection device 102 and the optical system 61).

[0094] according to Figure 8AIn the example shown, the third portion of the optical path is selected as the adjustment portion PR of the optical system 61. For observation of a container with a diameter ranging from the first diameter Dr to the second diameter D'r, the mobile device 15 ensures that the optical system 61 moves along a direction parallel to the third portion of the optical path. According to this example, the mobile device 15 provides translation of the optical system 61 along a direction parallel to the third portion and parallel to the rotation axis S. Figure 8B In the example shown, the second portion of the optical path is selected as the adjustment portion PR of the optical system 61. To observe containers with different cross-sectional diameters, the mobile device 15 moves the optical system 61 and the second optical deflection device 102 together along a direction parallel to the second portion of the optical path of the optical system 61. According to this example, the mobile device 15 moves the optical system 61 and the second optical deflection device 102 along a direction not parallel to the rotation axis S. Similarly, according to... Figure 8C In the example shown, the first portion of the optical path is selected as the adjustment portion PR of the optical system 61. To observe containers with different cross-sectional diameters, the mobile device 15 moves the optical system 61, the first optical deflector 101, and the second optical deflector 102 along a direction parallel to the first portion of the optical path of the optical system 61. According to this example, the mobile device 15 moves the optical system 61, the first optical deflector 101, and the second optical deflector 102 along a direction not parallel to the rotation axis S.

[0095] It is evident from this example that, for the sake of simplicity in the embodiment of mobile device 15 and the overall size of the device, the second and final portions of the optical path will preferably be selected as the adjustment portions of all optical systems, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The examples shown depict a single optical deflection device. It can be noted that in these cases, adjustment is achieved by moving the optical system 6i relative to the optical deflection device 10i. In variations of the invention, the possibility of moving the optical system or optical deflection device is provided. Moving components are also provided to position or maintain the cross-section being inspected or observed along the axis of rotation S.

[0096] According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment portions PR of the optical path of the optical system 6i are parallel to each other and correspond to one optical path portion with the same serial number. Therefore, for example, the last portion of the optical path is selected as the adjustment portion of all optical systems 6i. According to an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment portions PR of the optical path of the optical system 6i are all parallel to each other and parallel to the rotation axis S, thereby saving space in terms of the device and achieving simplicity in terms of the mobile device 15.

[0097] Similarly, the drive device 15 can be implemented in different ways and depends specifically on the orientation associated with the adjustment section of the optical system.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 7A, the optical system 6i is positioned such that all adjustment portions PR are parallel to each other. In a preferred variant embodiment, the drive device 15 may include a common frame or non-deformable entity supporting the optical system 6i. This frame can be translated along a direction of movement parallel to the adjustment portions PR using at least one actuator, thereby simultaneously translating all cameras by the same distance relative to the rotation axis of the container, thus achieving simultaneous focusing of the optical system 6i. The actuator may be a single unit.

[0099] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, all optical systems 6i are supported by a common frame C. If the second part corresponding to the first fold is the adjustment part PR selected for each optical system 61, 62, then each optical system 61, 62 is translated along the translation direction T1 parallel to the optical refraction paths Lr11 and Lr2, with the optical refraction paths Lr11 and Lr2 respectively located at the first optical deflection device 10. 11 With the second optical deflection device 10 21 Between the common frame C and between the first optical deflection device 101 and the optical system 62. The direction of movement of the common frame C relative to the axis of rotation S forms an angle beta β.

[0100] Based on advantageous features, all adjustment parts PR are parallel to the rotation axis S of the container (β = 0). Therefore, the preferred folding direction of the optical path is parallel to the vertical rotation axis S, ensuring the vertical translation of the optical system 6i. Thus, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, all optical systems 6i are supported by a common frame C, and the adjustment parts PR are the second parts of the optical path. These second parts are parallel to each other and parallel to the rotation axis S. The common frame C is moved along the displacement direction T1 of each second part of the optical path, which is parallel to the rotation axis S and the optical path of the optical system.

[0101] In the example shown in Figure 7B, the optical system 6i is positioned such that all adjustment portions PR are positioned on the outer surface of the cone. In the example shown in Figure 7C, the optical system 6i is positioned such that all adjustment portions PR are positioned along a segment of equal length connecting two parallel circles of the same diameter, i.e., all adjustment portions PR are in a hyperboloid. In these variant embodiments, all optical systems 6i can be attached to an indeformable entity that does not move in the same direction as the optical systems 6i. These optical systems 6i are guided translationally parallel to the adjustment portions PR, which themselves are not parallel to the axis of rotation S. The indeformable driving entity translates parallel to the axis of rotation S. Therefore, the guided translation can be decomposed into a component parallel to the translation direction of the entity and thus parallel to the axis of rotation S, and a second component. The translation of the driving entity is sufficient to drive movement parallel to the axis of rotation S without preventing movement along the other components, such that, under the guidance, the resulting movement is parallel to the adjustment portions PR. Therefore, this technique, specifically by providing appropriate guidance, degrees of freedom, and mechanical clearance, is easily adaptable to adjustment sections that are not parallel to each other and not parallel to the axis of rotation S, but the solution according to Figure 7A appears to be simpler. The translation of the entity produces simultaneous translation of all optical systems 6i with the same orbit.

[0102] It should be noted that the optical system 6i can be positioned such that the adjustment portion is in different directions, however the angle around the cylinder is limited. In this case, the indeformable entity can be replaced by an actuator (e.g., a pull-out cable or actuator that can be easily provided to the optical system 6i for synchronous translation), with each optical system translating along a direction parallel to its adjustment portion.

[0103] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 includes a control system (not shown) that allows the drive device 15 to be controlled in such a way that the drive device 15 can synchronously translate the optical system 6i along a defined track. This control system can be implemented in any suitable manner (e.g., as an automatic or manual controller).

[0104] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of apparatus 1 for implementing the features of the present invention is shown, the principle of which is as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 Description. According to this embodiment, the device 1 includes optical systems 6i, each optical system 6i having an optical path on which a single optical deflection device 10i is mounted. Thus, as explained, each optical path is divided into a direct optical path and an optical refraction path considered as an adjustment portion. All optical refraction paths are parallel to each other and parallel to the rotation axis S. The optical system 6i is moved by a drive system 15 along a direction T1 parallel to the optical refraction path and parallel to the rotation axis S.

[0105] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the optical system 6i is distributed on either side of the translational travel path D of the container 2. Therefore, the drive device 15 includes two half-assemblies arranged on either side of the travel path D. In each half-assembly, the optical system 6i is supported by a first common frame C1, while the optical deflection device 10i is supported by a second common frame C2. Each first common frame C1 is implemented via a plate, and each second common frame C2 is implemented via a plate. In each half-assembly, each first common frame C1 is arranged in a position overlapping with the second common frame C2.

[0106] At least one actuator 21 provides a relative translation between the first common frame C1 and the second common frame C2 along the displacement direction T1. Preferably, for each half-assembly, the first common frame C1 and the second common frame C2 in the overlapping position are translated by a guide post 23. The actuator 21, such as a jack or worm gear system, translates each of the first common frames C1 relative to the second common frame C2 along the movement direction T1. In the example shown, the actuator 21 translates the first common frame C1 relative to the second common frame C2, which remains fixed relative to the first common frame.

[0107] In the example shown, the optical system 6i is supported by two half-assemblies arranged on either side of the translational travel path D of the container 2. It should be noted that the device may include a single half-assembly.

[0108] According to an advantageous embodiment, common frames C1 and C2 are mounted on support clamps 4 in such a way that common frames C1 and C2 are movable along a direction parallel to the rotation axis S of the container. This mounting ensures adaptation of the device relative to the conveyor belt 3, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of the observation area of ​​the optical system. Where applicable, observation half-assemblies are mounted on frame 4, and the relative spacing of the observation half-assemblies can be adjusted along a direction perpendicular to the travel direction f. Therefore, their relative spacing can be adjusted according to the diameter of the container 2.

[0109] According to an advantageous embodiment, the drive device 15 includes an optomechanical assembly Mi, each optomechanical assembly Mi consisting of an optical system 6i associated with its optical deflection device 10i and an independent guiding system 25 that provides individual relative translation between the optical system 6i and the associated optical deflection device 10i along the optical path. According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each optomechanical assembly Mi is equipped with removable systems 26, 27 for attachment to a first common frame C1 and a second common frame C2.

[0110] It must be considered that each optomechanical component Mi constitutes a unit assembly, which can be easily installed, moved, or removed from the common frame using removable attachment systems 26, 27. (The last part, "from...", appears to be incomplete and unrelated to the preceding text. It has been left as is.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen more precisely in the exemplary embodiments shown, each individual guide system 25 of the optomechanical assembly Mi includes, for example, a base 25a to which an optical deflection device 10i is attached and from which a guide rod 25b is raised, and a support 25c to which an optical system 6i (more precisely, a camera 7i) is mounted. The support 25c is slidably mounted on the guide rod 25b to provide individual translation relative to the base 25a along the optical path. For this purpose, the guide rod 25b includes, for example, a groove extending parallel to its axis and interacting with a connector carried by the sliding support 25c.

[0111] Of course, the independent guide systems 25 for the optical-mechanical components Mi can be implemented differently (e.g., in the form of tracks). Although the optical system 6i slides relative to the optical deflection device 10i along the optical path, each independent guide system 25 allows the direction of the optical path to be maintained in a radial plane containing the axis of rotation.

[0112] The support members 25c of the optical system 6i are slidably displaced via the first common frame C1. For this purpose, each support member 25c of the optical system 6i is provided with a yoke 25d, between which the first common frame C1 is inserted. The support members 25c of the optical system 6i are attached to the first common frame C1 using a removable attachment system 26, which can be implemented, for example, in any suitable manner (such as by screw engagement or, as in the example shown, by removable interlocking coupling). In the example shown, each support member 25c of the optomechanical assembly Mi is provided with a locking pin 26 intended to be inserted into a complementary housing 28 formed in the first common frame C1. It can be noted that each optomechanical assembly Mi, whose camera is translated, is mounted on the common frame C1 via pivot coupling to avoid linear guidance between the first and second frames and statically indeterminate assembly via guide posts 23.

[0113] Similarly, the base 25a of the optical deflection device 10i is attached to the second common frame C2 using a removable attachment system 27, which can be implemented, for example, in any suitable manner (such as by screw engagement or, as in the illustrated example, by removable interlocking coupling). In the illustrated example, each base 25a of the optomechanical assembly Mi is provided with a locking pin 27 designed to insert into a complementary housing 29 formed in the second common frame C2. Each housing 29 formed in the second common frame C2 is implemented in a superimposed relationship with a housing 28 formed in the first common frame C1, such that the individual guide systems 25 are parallel to each other and parallel to the guide posts 23. Preferably, the housings 28, 29 are formed on each common frame in a regularly or irregularly distributed semicircular arrangement.

[0114] Each base 25a of the optomechanical assembly Mi is also provided with a pair of rollers 30, which interact with a semi-circular guide rail 31 attached to each second common frame C2. Thus, each base 25a can be positioned in a precise and stable position while being easily movable in the azimuth plane A.

[0115] Therefore, the first common frame C1 and the second common frame C2 include adapters via guide rails 31, locking pins 26, 27, and housings 28, 29 to ensure the mounting of the optomechanical components Mi in predetermined positions, which are oriented about the axis of rotation S. These adapters thus include, on the one hand, a semi-circular guide rail 31 attached to the common frame, which interacts with a plurality of rollers 30 carried by each optomechanical component, and on the other hand, locking systems 26, 27 located in the fixed positions of each optomechanical component in predetermined semi-circular locations on the first and second common frames.

[0116] In a variant embodiment, the image capture optical system includes at least twelve cameras 7i, arranged such that the twelve projections of the direct optical path located in a plane perpendicular to the projection axis S have azimuth angles with respect to the direction of travel f. These azimuth angles are respectively contained in the angle intervals [15°; 30°], [50°; 60°], [60°; 75°], [105°; 120°], [120°; 130°], [150°; 165°], [195°; 210°], [230°; 240°], [240°; 255°], [285°; 300°], [300°; 310°], and [300°; 345°].

[0117] Of course, the apparatus 1 may include a different number of optical systems 6i. Specifically, the number of optical systems 6i is chosen as a function of the diameter of the container cross-section. Similarly, the azimuth distribution of the optical systems 6i is a function of the diameter of the container cross-section under consideration, the spacing between the cross-sections of two consecutive containers, and the width of the angular sector of the container cross-section, which can be checked by each optical system 6i as a function of the azimuth angle in which it may be placed. The width of the angular sector of the container cross-section, which can be checked by each optical system 6i as a function of the azimuth angle in which it may be placed, itself depends on the choice of the container's illumination mode and observation mode. For example, it generally varies depending on whether the container is observed in transmission mode or reflection mode using a given light source.

[0118] In the initial configuration phase, the working distance of each optical system is predetermined. This initial configuration phase may include the following steps: during this step, assembling and aligning each optomechanical component Mi, and adjusting the working distance of the optical system to position the working volume at a given distance from the optical deflection device of the optical system at a given distance from the optical deflection device along the guide rail.

[0119] According to the present invention, an optical mechanical component Mi can be added (installed), removed (removed), or moved in the device while maintaining its working volume in a container cross-section with the same diameter as another optical mechanical component.

[0120] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example shown includes an illumination source comprising illumination half-sources 9 arranged on either side of the translational travel path D of the container. For example, each half-source 9 extends in a semi-circle above the optical deflection device 10i and is supported by a second frame C2. Preferably, the illumination half-sources 9 are adjustable in terms of their relative spacing and / or height relative to the second frame C2, truncated parallel to the rotation axis S. Each illumination half-source 9 is mounted on a sliding bar 32, the sliding direction of which is perpendicular to the travel direction, and / or each illumination half-source 9 is mounted on a sliding bar 33, the sliding direction of which is parallel to the rotation axis S. Preferably, the illumination source has the characteristics of the source described in patent application WO2014 / 177814.

[0121] As can be seen from the foregoing description, the subject matter of this invention also relates to a method for adjusting an optical system 6i for observing or illuminating a container cross-section 2, which translates and has a rotation axis S. The method comprises the following:

[0122] - To make the optical system available, for a container 2 having a cross section with a first diameter, the optical system makes each of the respective working volumes of the optical system coincide with a portion of the cross section having the first diameter, each of these working volumes having a fixed and constant working distance at a given working distance, each of the optical systems having an optical path consisting of at least one adjustment portion PR.

[0123] - and during the adjustment phase of container 2, wherein container 2 has a cross section with a second diameter different from the first diameter, optical systems 6i are synchronously translated along the direction Ti of the adjustment portion PR parallel to the respective optical path of each optical system and as a function of the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, such that the optical systems maintain their respective constant corresponding working distances and that each of the respective working volumes of the optical systems coincides with a portion of the container cross section having the second diameter.

[0124] Therefore, this method aims to provide an initial configuration phase for the optical system of a container with a given diameter using a system for focusing the optical system. A new adjustment phase for the optical system is performed each time the diameter of the container cross-section changes, without using a system for modifying the focusing distance of the optical system 6i.

[0125] Advantageously, the optical system 6i is distributed in orientation as a function of the diameter of the container cross section.

[0126] Furthermore, the number of optical systems 6i was chosen as a function of the diameter of the container cross-section.

[0127] After each adjustment phase, as in the initial configuration phase of the optical system, in the image capture phase, and for each container 2 during translational travel, the method consists of the following:

[0128] - Irradiate at least the cross-section of the container to be inspected by irradiation source 9;

[0129] - An image covering the cross-section of the container was captured by the 6i optical system;

[0130] - and analyze the captured images to identify at least one optical singularity presented in the container cross-section.

[0131] This invention allows for the observation of optical singularities located on container cross-sections of varying diameters. Specifically, it allows for the reading of identification codes etched onto the container surface and placed on the body or a neck with a diameter smaller than the body. Specifically, depending on the container model and the bottling company's requirements, the code is positioned on the neck or body. Therefore, this invention enables online reading devices to be adapted to any container model. This invention can be advantageously combined with patent application WO2014 / 177814 to also adapt to both dark and light-colored glass.

[0132] According to the present invention, the acceptable diameter of the container cross-section is the interval. This depends specifically on the working distance and the length of the adjusted PR section.

[0133] Here, the invention is described using an example of observing singularities on the surface of a container. The optical system 6i is an observation system (e.g., a camera), and the invention allows the working volume of the optical system to be positioned to contain the surface carrying the singularity. It has been specified that in this particular case, the working volume contains an object plane conjugate to the image sensor of the camera, and the object plane is optionally positioned slightly further than the surface carrying the singularity to account for the curvature of the cylindrical surface of the container at the location of the cross-section being examined. Of course, by moving the examination volume even further, the invention can easily be adapted to observe the interior of a container.

[0134] It should also be noted that the depth of field Pf of the conjugate system that determines the working distance of the optical system 6i can be more or less large, for example, between 1 mm and 2 cm. Therefore, the working volume will be more or less deep, and this depth is its dimension in the observation direction, which is therefore in the direction of the direct portion of the optical path Li. The working volume must be positioned with this depth of field accuracy, and any diameter difference exceeding this accuracy needs to be adjusted by means of a drive device.

[0135] In a manner similar to that already described, the subject matter of this invention simplifies the positioning and adjustment of an optical illumination system with a working distance to illuminate container cross-sections of different diameters.

Claims

1. An apparatus for observing or illuminating a cross-section (2) of a container bearing an optical singularity on the surface or in the wall of a container, the container translatingly passing through which it passes and each of the containers has an axis of rotation (S), the apparatus comprising: Optical systems (6i), each having a working space located at a working distance, and each having an optical path leading directly to a container cross-section, the container cross-section being contained within the working volume of each optical system, the optical systems (6i): - For a container with a cross-section having a first diameter, each of the optical systems (6i) has a working volume, each of the working volumes of the optical systems (6i) coinciding with a portion of the cross-section of the container having the first diameter, each of these working volumes at a given working distance; - Each optical system has the optical path consisting of at least one adjustment section (PR); - It is translated and guided along the direction of the adjustment portion (PR) parallel to the respective optical path of the optical system; An optical deflection device (10i) is placed on the optical path of the optical system in such a way that the optical paths are at least divided into the following portions: A direct optical path located in the radial plane of the container, the direct optical path being between the container (2) and the optical deflection device (10i), and having the same observation angle or illumination angle; An optical refraction path, located between the optical deflection device (10i) and the optical system (6i) and corresponding to the adjustment portion (PR) of the optical path; At least one drive device (15) provides the optical system (6i) with a synchronous translational movement along an adjustment portion parallel to the respective optical path of the optical system and as a function of the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter when the container has a cross section with a second diameter different from the first diameter, such that the optical system maintains its respective working distance and that each of the respective working volumes of the optical system coincides with a portion of the cross section of the container having the second diameter when the container has a cross section with a second diameter.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The optical path adjustment portions (PR) of the optical system (6i) are parallel to each other and correspond to the same optical path portion with the same number.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The optical path of each optical system (6i) is contained in a radial plane, which contains the axis of rotation (S).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a system for moving the optical system (6i) and the optical deflection device (10i) along a direction parallel to the rotation axis (S) of the container to adjust the height position of the container cross section (2) observed or illuminated by the optical system (6i).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The driving device (15) includes a common frame (C, C1, C2) that supports an optical system (6i) with an adjustment portion (PR) of its respective optical path, the adjustment portions (PR) of their respective optical paths being parallel to each other and parallel to the direction of movement of the frame, and the common frame being translated by at least one actuator (21).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The driving device (15) includes an optomechanical assembly (Mi), each optomechanical assembly consisting of an optical system (6i) associated with its optical deflection device (10i) and an independent guiding system (25), the independent guiding system (25) providing individual relative translation between the optical system (6i) and the associated optical deflection device (10i) along the optical path, the driving device (15) including a first common frame (C1) and a second common frame (C2), the optical system (6i) being supported by at least one first common frame (C1) and the optical deflection device (10i) being supported by at least one second common frame (C2), at least one of the first common frame and the second common frame being translated by the at least one actuator (21).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The optical system (6i) is supported by two first common frames (C1) arranged on either side of the translational travel path (D) of the container, while the optical deflection device (10i) is supported by two common frames (C2) arranged on either side of the travel path (D), with the first common frames (C1) and the second common frames (C2) arranged in an overlapping position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, Each optomechanical component (Mi) is equipped with a removable attachment system on the first common frame and the second common frame, the first common frame and the second common frame including adapters (26-28; 27-29) that provide mounting of the optomechanical component (Mi) in predetermined positions oriented about the rotation axis (S).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The device includes a semi-circular guide rail (31) as an adapter, which is attached to one of a common frame that interacts with a plurality of rollers (30) carried by each optomechanical component (Mi).

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The device includes a system for locking each optomechanical component (26-28; 27-29) in a fixed position and in predetermined positions distributed in a semicircle on the first common frame and the second common frame.

11. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The common frame (C1, C2) is mounted on a support clamp (4), which is configured to move along a direction parallel to the rotation axis (S) of the container.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The optical system (6i) is an image capture optical system, each image capture optical system including at least one camera (7i) and at least one objective lens (8i), and connected to at least one image processing unit.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The device includes an irradiation source consisting of irradiation half-sources (9) on either side of a translational travel path (D) of the container, preferably, the irradiation half-sources (9) being adjustable in relative spacing and / or in height parallel to the axis of rotation.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The image capture optical system includes at least twelve cameras (7i), which are distributed such that the twelve projections of the direct optical path located in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis have azimuth angles relative to the direction of travel, the azimuth angles being between [15°; 30°], [50°; 60°], [60°; 75°], [105°; 120°], [120°; 130°], [150°; 165°], [195°; 210°], [230°; 240°], [240°; 255°], [285°; 300°], [300°; 310°], and [300°; 345°].

15. A method for adjusting an optical system (6i) for the apparatus of claim 1, each optical system having a working volume at a working distance, and each optical system having an optical path extending to a container cross-section contained within the working volume of the optical system, observing or illuminating a container cross-section carrying an optical singularity on a surface or in a wall, each container cross-section having an axis of rotation and each container cross-section traveling through translationally, the method comprising: - For a container (2) with a cross-section having a first diameter, the optical system is made capable of having its own working volume, each working volume coinciding with a portion of the cross-section having the first diameter, each of the working volumes having an optical path consisting of at least one adjustment part (PR) at a fixed and constant working distance, and making optical deflection devices (10i) disposed on the optical path of the optical system available, in such a way that these optical paths are at least divided into: A direct optical path located in the radial plane of the container, the direct optical path being between the container (2) and the optical deflection device (10i), and having the same observation angle or illumination angle; An optical refraction path is located between the optical deflection device (10i) and the optical system (6i), and corresponds to the adjustment portion (PR) of the optical path. - and during the adjustment phase of the container (2) having a cross-section with a second diameter different from the first diameter, the optical system (6) is moved synchronously in the direction (Ti) of the adjustment portion (PR) parallel to the respective optical path of each optical system and as a function of the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter, such that the optical systems maintain their respective working distances and that each of the respective working volumes of the optical systems coincides with a portion of the cross-section of the container having the second diameter.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The optical system (6i) is oriented as a function of the diameter of the container cross section.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the number of the optical systems (6i) is selected as a function of the diameter of the container cross section.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein, according to the method, after each adjustment phase of the optical system and during the image capture phase, for each container that is translated and passed through, the method comprises: - Irradiate at least the cross-section of the container to be inspected; - An image covering the cross-section of the container is captured by the optical system (6i); - Analyze the captured images to identify at least one optical singularity presented in the cross-section of the container.

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