Method and device for tracking containers in a filling system and system for producing and / or packaging containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a device for tracking containers in a device for producing and / or packaging containers and / or for filling containers, in particular with beverages, and to a device for producing and / or packaging containers. The container is transported through a fixed imaging area of the at least one surface imaging sensor. The latter images a plurality of containers together in each case in a time shifted receiver. The receivers are electronically evaluated in order to extract tracking data individually assigned to the containers, including: identification information for identifying the respective containers; and dwell information about a series of dwell positions and associated dwell time points of the respective containers. Containers may thus be positioned and tracked independently of relative movement with respect to the vehicle being used.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for tracking containers in a filling device or in a similar device for manufacturing and / or packaging containers. Background Art

[0002] A method for monitoring and controlling a filling device and a device for carrying out the method are known from WO2014 / 170079A1.

[0003] It is well known that, for filling beverages, containers can move in a single track along a production path on a conveyor (e.g., a link made of metal or plastic). Then, due to its static friction with the conveyor, the container moves in principle synchronously with the conveyor. The tracking of the container, i.e., its individual positioning along the production path, is basically achieved by means of the conveyor, since the movement of the conveyor is picked up, for example, by an angular momentum emitter on a drive shaft, thereby determining the path increment. However, due to the following reasons, the synchronism between the container and the conveyor required for this purpose cannot usually be fully observed: vibrations of the conveyor, e.g., due to polygonal drive wheels, can cause asynchrony. For example, this can be further enhanced by the inclination of the conveyor. At a bend or an overrun, when the container comes into contact with the guide rail, it may be delayed relative to the conveyor.

[0004] For example, if the corresponding offset is greater than half of the container diameter, such asynchrony must be corrected by post-synchronization by means of a light barrier or a similar device. Depending on the route and length of the relevant transport route, this may also be required several times in succession.

[0005] Another disadvantage is that, as described above, it is impossible to track containers on a multi-track conveyor with the movement of shapeless containers, i.e., in disordered batch transport, where the order of the containers in the product flow may change.

[0006] Furthermore, re-synchronization results in undesired technical expenditure and, in some cases, is only possible to a limited extent or not at all, for example, if there is no space in the area of several transport channels arranged side by side to arrange each reflective light barrier. In addition, the sensors for this purpose may need to be arranged or adjusted several times according to the format. In addition, the sensor system for re-synchronization cannot operate reliably under certain environmental conditions, such as the humidity at the outlet of the filling machine. The sensor system also results in additional costs for cleaning and maintaining the corresponding container tracking path.

[0007] Therefore, improvement is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The subject matter of the independent claims eliminates or at least mitigates at least one of the above technical problems. Preferred embodiments are given especially in the dependent claims.

[0009] Accordingly, the method is used to track containers in a filling device or a similar device for manufacturing and / or packaging containers (such as bottles or cans), and / or for filling containers, in particular with beverages. The containers are transported continuously, in particular through a fixed imaging area of at least one surface imaging sensor, which in each case jointly images a plurality of containers in receivers with a time offset. The receivers are evaluated electronically, so that tracking data is extracted (calculated) and assigned individually to the containers. The tracking data includes at least identification information for identifying the respective container and residence information about a series of residence positions and associated residence time points of the respective container.

[0010] The device is configured to track containers in a filling device or a similar device for manufacturing and / or packaging containers, in particular bottles or cans, and for this purpose comprises: at least one surface imaging sensor having a fixed imaging area for jointly imaging containers during the transport of a plurality of containers in receivers with a time offset in each case; an electronic evaluation unit which is arranged to extract the tracking data of individual containers from the receivers and assign it individually to the containers, wherein the tracking data includes identification information for identifying the respective container and residence information about a series of residence positions and associated residence time points of the respective container.

[0011] The device is, for example, a component of a device for manufacturing and / or packaging containers and / or for filling containers, in particular with beverages, in particular a component of a filling device, which in each case comprises: a device according to at least one of the described embodiments and at least one transport means for transporting the containers, in particular freely standing and / or continuously, through the fixed imaging area.

[0012] Upstream and / or downstream of the device in the equipment can be: another device according to at least one of the described embodiments; a transport means for forcibly guiding the containers; and / or a processing unit for forcibly guiding the containers for manufacturing, processing, filling or packaging the containers; a conveyor with conventional synchronous tracking.

[0013] The residence position of the container can be indicated, for example, by one-dimensional position coordinates (in the case of an ordered single-track container transport and in the transport direction of the transport means used) or two-dimensional position coordinates (in the case of an unordered multi-track container transport and, for example, in the transport direction of the transport means used and transversely thereto), by a movement vector (corresponding movement direction and speed) and / or by the distance between the containers (in the case of an ordered single-track container transport).

[0014] The assigned residence time point is, for example, the reception time point of the receiver for the container being extracted, but can also be derived from such a reception time point by interpolation or extrapolation. This also applies to the extraction of position data (such as position coordinates).

[0015] Since the extraction does not require the movement data of the transport means used, it is possible to track the movement of an individual container along a container tracking path monitored by a surface imaging sensor independently of the relative movement between the container and the transport means transporting the container through the imaging area. Thus, container tracking or container tracing is possible without the need to resynchronize the movements of the container and the transport means relative to each other.

[0016] In other words, the described tracking of the container is based on imaging the container multiple times at appropriate time intervals during container transport by means of at least one surface imaging sensor (e.g., a camera), and on the identification of the container and the calculation of the spatial and temporal resolution residence information of the individual container in each case by means of electronic security image evaluation.

[0017] In each case, the residence information of multiple, in particular consecutive, residence positions and associated residence time points of a specific container can be assigned a single electronic container identification at least by way of the route of the container tracking path to be monitored. Thus, a data set with tracking data is then assigned to each container in a traceable manner, for example in the form of a single identifier retained by the device along the production path, and in the form of the position coordinates of the extraction of the respective container and the position coordinates of the assigned time points, which are image reception time points and / or can be derived from these time points by interpolation or extrapolation.

[0018] Preferably, a fixed imaging area is assigned to the container tracking path, and the tracking data specifies at least for the entry area and the exit area of the container tracking path the identity of the respective container as well as the residence position and residence time point, and is in particular stored in a traceable manner. Then, at least the order in which the container enters and leaves the container tracking path is known, in particular the respective associated time points and / or (transfer) positions of the individual container. Thus, it is also possible to track the container individually outside the boundaries of the container tracking path, for example to upstream and / or downstream transport means or processing units, where the container is preferably guided forcefully, i.e., processed at a fixed transport distance, and to other container tracking paths of this type or conveyors with traditional synchronous tracking.

[0019] The tracking data can be stored, for example, in the evaluation unit used or at a central location outside the device, and allows individual container tracking even after the production process, for example for quality assurance purposes.

[0020] Preferably, this is camera-based tracking, in which the actual position of a single container along the container tracking path is determined cyclically and simultaneously for a plurality of containers. Preferably, in each reception cycle, each container present in the imaging area of at least one surface sensor is detected, which enables particularly reliable tracking of the containers with a high degree of redundancy.

[0021] At least one surface sensor can be configured as a matrix camera (a 2D camera of a conventional design) or a 3D camera. Image evaluation can be based on methods known in principle, such as triangulation, time-of-flight, shadow shape, and / or stereometry. In principle, it is also conceivable to use at least one line camera.

[0022] The surface sensor can be sensitive to ultraviolet, visible, and / or infrared light. In principle, other non-contact imaging surface sensors are also conceivable, such as those based on radar, ultrasound, or lidar, as long as it is possible to perform spatially resolved detection of the transport path to be monitored by container tracking.

[0023] The sensor system for tracking the containers is configured to operate independently of the movement of the respective conveyor that moves the containers during tracking. That is, for the described method, the participation of a rotary encoder or a similar sensor system present in the respective conveyor is not necessary, but optionally possible, for example, for checking the plausibility of the results.

[0024] The (trajectory) tracking of the described containers can also be used to identify different container movements, such as manually removing a container, an emergency stop, a container drop, and / or contact with other containers or fixed equipment parts for transportation.

[0025] Preferably, the image reception rate of at least one surface sensor is 5 to 40 images per second.

[0026] The position data of a single container can be identified by algorithms based on rules known in principle, such as those based on α / β / γ filters, Kalman filters, and / or sequential Monte Carlo methods. However, image evaluation can also be performed with the aid of a neural network optimized specifically for image evaluation, such as a CNN.

[0027] Features for positioning the container in the respective container are, for example, the closed lid of the container, or, in the case where the container is not closed, its interface. However, it is also conceivable to use contour features of the container or its contents.

[0028] Dwell information can be determined by evaluating multiple, in particular all, images of a specific container. The dwell information can include calculating the movement vector of a single container from one receiver to another. By interpolation, the position of the container can be stated for the time interval between the evaluated receivers. Similarly, the future position of the container can be predicted by extrapolation, which is used, for example, to identify and reliably recognize a single container in successive images.

[0029] Based on the described container tracking, inspection sensors can be triggered at or immediately after the container tracking path, for example, when the container is in the optimal receiving position relative to the inspection sensor. Similarly, when a single container is in the discharge position, the actuator for container manipulation can be precisely controlled, for example, the discharge system for a single container.

[0030] The described container tracking is also referred to as tracking. These terms are used synonymously here. In other words, tracking is understood as tracking a single container over a specific transport distance and / or a period of time, where the identity of the corresponding container is always given.

[0031] Advantageous applications include:

[0032] - Tracking at the outlet of a can filling machine, where cans come out of the outlet star at high speed and slide variable distances on a conveyor until they are braked to run synchronously with the conveyor. By arranging surface sensors (such as cameras) outside the filling machine and with an inclined receiving angle, the surface sensors can be placed outside areas with unfavorable high humidity.

[0033] - Tracking on complex transport paths with curves, overrun areas, guiding elements, etc., where otherwise multiple synchronizations and / or inspection sensors or container manipulators cannot be reliably triggered.

[0034] - Tracking at the outlet of a height-adjustable filling machine, where the outlet conveyor runs at different slopes according to the variety.

[0035] - Tracking when transporting containers under dynamic pressure, for example, in the feed of a rotary machine with a feed screw, where the associated conveyor runs faster under the container than the container and the feed screw.

[0036] - Tracking on a multi-track conveyor with an amorphous container flow, for example, also independent of whether it is a rigid buffer path or a variable buffer path on demand. In this case, the containers can overtake each other, and even be partially pressed against the transport direction or laterally in a stacking area. In addition, tracking can also be carried out at the transition from single-track transport to multi-track transport and vice versa.

[0037] The container tracking described is independent of the wear state of the conveyor used. Consequently, the requirements for the conveyor in this regard are lower, and thus maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0038] By means of the (trajectory) tracking described, the containers can not only be positioned upright. In addition, other container postures can also be detected, such as different rotational positions, horizontal conveyance, etc. Then, the determined dwell information can include, for example, additional information regarding the alignment of the container relative to the transport direction.

[0039] Since the containers are imaged in a plurality of receivers respectively, if an individual container cannot be recognized and positioned in a specific receiver, the position data derived therefrom can optionally be interpolated. In this way, the dwell information of a container temporarily hidden by a crossbeam or the like extending through the imaging area can be determined, i.e., in the sense of an interpolated reconstruction of the position data or the dwell information.

[0040] In principle, at least one surface sensor is also suitable for monitoring a plurality of transport paths running adjacent to each other in the manner described, even if these paths run at different speeds or in opposite directions.

[0041] In addition, by means of at least one surface sensor, characteristics of the container can be recognized, such as the presence of a seal, the type of seal, the presence and / or alignment of embossing, and / or the color of the container.

[0042] Using at least one surface sensor, different types of objects and / or situations can be distinguished, such as manual intervention in the container flow and / or overturned containers. Description of the Drawings

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic top view of the device is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, the device 1 for individually tracking (tracking) containers B1 to B15 includes a container tracking path 2 along which the containers B1 to B15 are transported. In this case, for example, they are transported in a multi-track disordered manner by means of a first transport means 3a and in a single-track ordered manner by means of second and third transport means 3b, 3c.

[0046] The containers B1 to B15, such as bottles or cans, can each be independently placed on the transport means 3a, 3b, 3c, i.e., there is no individual forced guidance of the containers B1 to B15 during transportation.

[0047] The transport means 3a, 3b, 3c preferably operate continuously during the production operation. However, this is not absolutely necessary for the method described.

[0048] To track containers B1 to B15 along a trajectory, device 1 includes a fixed imaging area 4 of at least one surface imaging sensor 5 for imaging containers B1 to B15 on a container tracking path 2 with an ordered sequence of receivers 6.

[0049] In the example shown, the at least one planar imaging sensor 5 is formed by three cameras 5a, 5b, 5c, whose image areas 4a, 4b, 4c partially overlap and complement each other to form a stationary imaging area 4. Correspondingly, the first camera 5a provides first camera images 6a (here B10 to B15) of containers respectively present in the first image area 4a in a known time sequence, the second camera 5b provides second camera images 6b (here B6 to B10) of containers respectively present in the second image area 4b in a known time sequence, and the third camera 5c provides third camera images 6c (here B1 to B6) of containers respectively present in the third image area 4c in a known time sequence.

[0050] However, it should be understood that the configuration of the planar imaging sensor 5 in the form of the first to third cameras 5a, 5b, 5c and the combination of the stationary imaging area 4 from the first to third image areas 4a, 4b, 4c are merely exemplary and optional. In this case, it may also only involve a single camera 5a, 5b or 5c or a similar planar imaging sensor 5 and a single image area 4a, 4b or 4c arranged in a suitable manner. Similarly, the individual image areas 4a, 4b, 4c of the imaging area 4 do not have to overlap, but can be directly adjacent to each other or arranged at a suitable distance from each other.

[0051] The receivers 6 in the form of the first to third camera images 6a, 6b, 6c are generated here, for example, at an image reception rate of 5 to 40 images per second.

[0052] Device 1 includes at least one electronic evaluation unit 7 for evaluating the receivers 6 or the camera images 6a, 6b, 6c. The evaluation unit 7 is configured to locate and identify the individual containers B1 to B15 in the receivers 6. For this purpose, algorithms and / or neural networks known in principle can be implemented in the evaluation unit 7. The evaluation unit 7 evaluates the individual images 6 or the camera images 6a, 6b, 6c and preferably additionally compares the images 6 or the camera images 6a, 6b, 6c with each other.

[0053] The electronic evaluation unit 7 extracts individual tracking data TD1 to TD15 from the receivers 6 or the camera images 6a, 6b, 6c, which are individually assigned to the individual containers B1 to B15 at least during the time when the individual containers B1 to B15 remain on the container tracking path 2.

[0054] Each of the tracking data TD1 to TD15 includes at least identification information 8 for identifying the respective containers B1 to B15 and dwell information 9 on a series of dwell positions and assigned dwell time points of the respective containers B1 to B15 within the container tracking path 2.

[0055] For example, the dwell information 9 can include a series of especially two-dimensional position coordinates and associated dwell time points, which are, for example, the reception time points of those receivers 6 (or camera images 6a, 6b, 6c) from which the position coordinates of the containers B1 to B15 are extracted. However, in principle, it is also conceivable to extract only one-dimensional position coordinates, for example, in the case of container transport in a single-track arrangement along a (usually) defined transport direction.

[0056] The dwell information 9 can also be calculated by interpolating or extrapolating the image data or the position coordinates and associated reception time points extracted therefrom. The extrapolated dwell information 9 can, for example, relate to the dwell positions of the containers B1 to B15 that cannot be seen sufficiently well and are at a suitable distance outside the stationary imaging area 4, for example, immediately downstream thereof. On this basis, for example, an inspection sensor (not shown) optically shielded from the stationary imaging area 4 can be triggered.

[0057] The individual tracking data TD1 to TD15 enable the containers B1 to B15, such as bottles or cans, to be individually located when the containers B1 to B15 are transported through a filling device 100 or a similar device for manufacturing, processing, and / or packaging the containers B1 to B15, and optionally also to be tracked along their production path.

[0058] As shown in the example, the container tracking path 2 includes an inlet area 2a and an outlet area 2b. In the inlet area 2a, the containers B1 to B15 are taken over, for example, by another upstream container tracking path 2, a transport means 20 that forcibly guides the containers B1 to B15, or a processing unit 30 (not shown in each case). In the outlet area 2b, the containers B1 to B15 are transferred, for example, to another downstream container tracking path 2, a transport means 20 that forcibly guides them, or a processing unit 30 (also not shown).

[0059] Inspection sensors (not shown) for inspecting the containers B1 to B15 and / or the container manipulator can be arranged in the area of the container tracking path 2, for example, for selectively guiding the individual containers B1 to B15.

[0060] In the example shown, the containers B1 to B15 are selectively distributed at the overload device 10 from a first transport means 3a (in this case a belt conveyor for disordered batch transport) to a second or third transport means 3b, 3c by means of guide elements 11 that deflect the containers B1 to B15 laterally. In this case, the second or third transport means 3b, 3c are, for example, belt conveyors for container transport in a monorail arrangement, such as chain links or the like.

[0061] In this case, the optional combination of the overload device 10 with the guide elements 11 is intended to show that the movement of the containers B1 to B15 along the container tracking path 2 can differ from the movement of the conveyors 3a, 3b, 3c in terms of direction and speed without thereby impairing the container tracking described.

[0062] On the contrary, the device 1 described operates essentially independently of the drive parameters of the individual conveyors 3a, 3b, 3c. That is to say, in order to extract the tracking data TD1 to TD15, no actual drive data from the conveyors 3a, 3b, 3c, such as the transmission of path increments, etc., are required. However, this data can optionally be additionally taken into account in the electronic evaluation unit 7.

[0063] The overload device 10 shown is also intended to illustrate that the device 1 described for tracking the containers B1 to B15 and the method carried out thereby can in principle be carried out in any desired transport section in which the transported containers B1 to B15 can be properly seen by at least one surface imaging sensor 5. In this case, in principle, it is not important whether situations occur that cause the movement of the containers to deviate from the movement of the correspondingly assigned transport means 3a, 3b, 3c.

[0064] For example, in the sense of the present invention, the containers B1 to B15 can be tracked even under dynamic pressure, in curves and in the case of sudden decelerations and / or changes of direction (not shown), as well as in the case of disordered batch transport and / or lateral guidance to the fixed guide elements 11 of the containers B1 to B15.

[0065] Therefore, resynchronization of the container flow to be monitored with the correspondingly assigned transport means 3a, 3b, 3c, for example by means of light barriers, is not necessary.

[0066] Depending on the available installation space, at least one surface imaging sensor 5 or cameras 5a, 5b, 5c can in principle be placed above the container stream to be monitored (represented here by the block arrows) in different ways. For the sake of clarity, only the cameras 5a, 5b, 5c are shown here next to the transport means 3a, 3b, 3c. It is also conceivable that only a single surface imaging sensor 5, for example one of the cameras 5a, 5b, 5c, images the shown container tracking path 2 from an inclined position above the transport means 3a, 3b, 3c, such that a suitable receiver 6 can be generated with this sensor and processed in the electronic evaluation unit 7 to extract the tracking data TD1 to TD15.

[0067] By extracting the described individual tracking data TD1 to TD15, the residence positions and associated residence time points of the individual containers B1 to B15 within the container tracking path 2 can be predicted essentially independently of the transport movement of the transport means 3a, 3b, 3c used. For example, on this basis, the actuators of inspection sensors (not shown) and / or container manipulators can be triggered, for example for the discharge of target containers (not shown).

[0068] The tracking data TD1 to TD15 can be updated on multiple (monitored as described above) container tracking paths 2 to maintain identity. A separate data transfer from the container tracking paths 2 (not shown) that are transport-technologically connected upstream and / or downstream to the evaluation unit 7 is possible. As a result, the transport traceability of the individual containers B1 to B15 is also possible, at least back to the entry area 2a of the container tracking path 2 and thus, if required, also to upstream container tracking paths 2 or in particular to the forced transport means 20 or processing unit 30.

[0069] Therefore, the identity-preserving data transfer of the residence information 9 of the containers B1 to B15 can be transferred from the upstream processing unit 30 (not shown) to the evaluation unit 7 and / or from the latter to the downstream processing unit 30 (not shown), in particular for the forced processing of the containers B1 to B15 (for example in neck processing). In principle, this also applies to the inlet side and / or outlet side interfaces of the container tracking path 2 with other, in particular forced transport means 20 (not shown) (such as conveyor stars).

[0070] Therefore, in principle, the individual containers B1 to B15 can be continuously tracked along the production path in a device 100 of the above type. This also allows the individual containers B1 to B15 to be tracked accordingly for quality assurance purposes along the cascaded container tracking paths 2, transport means 20 and / or processing units 30.

[0071] To this end, the tracking data TD1 to TD15 can be stored, for example, in the evaluation unit 7 or externally or centrally at another location and can be retained for the corresponding data evaluation for the tracking of individual containers.

Claims

1. A method for tracking containers (B1-B15), in particular bottles or cans, in a filling plant (100) or a similar plant for producing and / or packaging containers (B1-B15), wherein: The containers are transported through a fixed imaging area (4) of at least one surface imaging sensor (5), and the sensor in each case jointly images a plurality of containers in a time-shifted receiver (6), wherein the receiver is electronically evaluated in order to extract tracking data (TD1-TD15) individually assigned to the container, comprising at least: identification information (8) for identifying the respective container; and stop information (9) about a series of stop positions and associated stop time points of the respective container.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed imaging area (4) is assigned a container tracking path (2), the tracking data (TD1-TD15) specifying at least the identity of the corresponding container (B1-B15) as well as the stop position and stop time point for an entry area (2a) and an exit area (2b) of the container tracking path, and the tracking data (TD1-TD15) are particularly stored in a traceable manner.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tracking data (TD1-TD15) are extracted by identifying and locating at least 10, in particular at least 20, corresponding containers (B1-B15) in the receiver (6).

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: The container (B1-B15) is in at least one transport vehicle (3a, 3b, 3c), as follows: in the form of unordered batch transport; under dynamic pressure; along slopes, inclines and / or bends; and / or along guide elements (11) that laterally guide and / or deflect the containers in a stationary arrangement.

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: The container is changed from a first transport means (3a) to at least one second transport means (3b, 3c) within the stationary imaging area (4), in particular by means of an overloading device (10) extending transversely to the transport means.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiver (6) creates in a reception cycle in the form of camera images (6a-6c) at an image reception rate of 5 to 40 images per second.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: Based on the tracking data (TD1-TD15): trigger at least one inspection sensor arranged at the container tracking path (2) and / or immediately after it, for inspecting the container (B1-B15), in particular when the container is in a predetermined receiving position relative to the inspection sensor; and / or operate at least one actuator for container manipulation, in particular for discharging a single container, in particular when the single container is in a predetermined discharge position.

8. A device (1) for tracking containers (B1-B15), in particular bottles or cans, in a filling plant (100), comprising: At least one surface imaging sensor (5) having a fixed imaging area (4) for the joint imaging of containers during transport of a plurality of containers in each case in a time-shifted receiver (6); an electronic evaluation unit (7) which is configured to extract tracking data (TD1-TD15) of individual containers from the receiver and to assign them individually to the containers, wherein the tracking data comprises identification information (8) for identifying the respective container and stop information (9) about a series of stop positions and associated stop time points of the respective container.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The fixed imaging area (4) is assigned a container tracking path (2), and the evaluation unit (7) is configured to extract the tracking data (TD1-TD15) in such a way that the identity as well as the stop position and the stop time point of the corresponding container (B1-B15) can be assigned at least for an entry area (2a) and an exit area (2b) of the container tracking path and can in particular be stored traceably.

10. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The evaluation unit (7) is configured to extract the tracking data (TD1-TD15) by identifying and locating at least 10, in particular at least 20, corresponding containers (B1-B15) in the receiver (6).

11. The device according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The at least one surface imaging sensor (5) is directed toward at least one transport vehicle (3a, 3b, 3c), which is configured to transport the containers (B1-B15) stationarily in a non-sequential batch transport along a gradient, a slope and / or a curve under dynamic pressure and / or along a guide element (11) that laterally guides and / or deflects the containers in a stationary arrangement.

12. The device according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The at least one surface imaging sensor (5) is guided to an overloading device (10) by means of which the containers (B1-B15) are changed from a first transport means (3a) to at least one second transport means (3b, 3c), in particular transversely to the latter.

13. The device according to at least one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The at least one surface imaging sensor (5) is configured such that the receiver (6) creates images in the form of camera images (6a-6c) during a reception cycle at an image reception rate of 5 to 40 images per second.

14. A device for producing and / or packaging containers (B1-B15) and / or for filling containers with beverages, in particular a filling device (100), comprising: An apparatus according to at least one of claims 7 to 12 and at least one transport means (3a, 3b, 3c) for transporting the container (B1-B15) in a standing position through the fixed imaging area (4).

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: Upstream and / or downstream of the device (1) is: another device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 12; a transport vehicle (20) for forced guidance of the containers (B1-B15); and / or a forced guidance processing unit (30) for manufacturing, processing, filling or packaging the containers.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The device comprises at least one inspection sensor, which is arranged at or immediately after the container tracking path (2) of the device (1) for inspecting the container (B1-B15), and / or an actuator for manipulating the container, in particular for its individual discharge, and is configured to trigger the inspection sensor based on the tracking data (TD1-TD15), in particular when the container is in a predetermined receiving position relative to the inspection sensor, and / or the actuator, in particular when a single container is in a discharge position.

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