Method and device for monitoring a tank treatment plant

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for monitoring a container treatment system (10). A sensor container (18) is conveyed by a container conveyor (12) of the container treatment system (10). Measured values ​​are acquired with time resolution by means of the sensor container (18) during conveying. The positions of the sensor container (18) as it is conveyed are determined with time resolution by means of a position determination device (20). A processing device (24) creates a measurement value-position mapping by temporally assigning the time-resolved measured values ​​to the time-resolved determined positions. The measurement value-position mapping is output by means of an output device (22).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a container treatment plant. The method and the device use a sensor container to acquire measured values. Technical background

[0002] In bottling plants for beverages, etc., bottles equipped with sensors can be used to check, for example, the stresses acting on the bottles during a passage through the bottling plant.

[0003] US 11,209,409 B2 discloses a bottle with sensors for testing and optimizing the performance of a bottling plant. According to one embodiment, a bottle comprises an outer layer and a tube within the outer layer. The bottle has a battery in the outer layer and one or more sensors powered by the battery.

[0004] WO 2013 / 113122 A1 relates to a pressure, force, and orientation sensing system that can be used on various industrial articles or sports equipment for remote analysis. Force-measuring packaging with sensor arrays can be used to improve production lines and the shipping of containers. The force-measuring package has a shape similar to a standard-sized package, onto which the usual forces are applied and which is scanned by the force-measuring package. The shapes include cylinders (cans), cylinders with conical sections (bottles), and parallelepipeds (boxes).

[0005] DE 10 2019 129 182 A1 describes a method and a monitoring system for monitoring a container flow in a filling plant. According to the patent, a placeholder for a container or for outer packaging for containers is introduced into the container flow. Furthermore, the placeholder continuously measures mechanical and / or thermal stresses, particularly those occurring during transport, using sensors integrated into it. A drone equipped with a camera autonomously follows the placeholder, and the drone images the placeholder together with an adjacent portion of the container flow and adjacent transport and guidance elements.

[0006] A disadvantage of conventional solutions is the difficulty in evaluating the measurement results. For example, the measurements contain no information about the position of the respective measurement. Subsequent analysis of the measurements does not readily allow for conclusions to be drawn about the position of the sensor container at a specific point in time. The measurements depend, among other things, on the respective production situation (backlog, restarting, normal operation) and the position of the measurement (e.g., curves, overruns, contact with a railing, etc.). Knowledge of the position and the instantaneous change in position (backlog / normal operation) is essential for evaluating the measurements. Comparing several purely time-dependent measurement runs is hardly meaningful. It is virtually impossible to obtain verifiable, reliable, and comparable measurement results and to draw conclusions about the production situation and the factors influencing the measured values.Even the basic monitoring of the position of the sensor container is often too inaccurate and cannot easily be evaluated together with the measured values.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technology for monitoring a tank treatment plant, preferably one that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages mentioned above. Preferably, it should enable improved evaluation of the measurement results. Preferably, it should enable improved flexibility at reduced costs and effort. Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] One aspect concerns a method for monitoring a container treatment plant. The method includes: - Conveying (at least) one sensor container by means of a (e.g. linear) container conveyor (e.g. container mass conveyor) of the container handling system; - Time-resolved acquisition of measured values ​​using the (at least one) sensor container during conveying; - time-resolved determination of the positions of the (at least one) sensor container that the sensor container assumes during conveying, by means of a, preferably camera-based, position determination device; - Creating a (e.g., tabular and / or time-independent) measurement value-position mapping by temporally assigning the time-resolved measurement values ​​to the time-resolved positions using a processing device; and - Output, preferably graphical output, of the measurement value-position assignment using an output device.

[0010] The method advantageously allows for the determination of a measured value (e.g., force) and the position of the sensor container at multiple points in time. The temporal resolution of the measurement enables a direct correlation between the measured values ​​and their positions (and vice versa). The measured values ​​can thus be output time-independently via the position, preferably in a visualized form. For each measured value, the position, as well as additional information such as a traffic jam, can be directly viewed. For example, if a constant sensor container position is detected over a longer period, this suggests a backup. This condition could be easily visualized in the evaluation graph using several superimposed measurement points. Therefore, traffic jams and measured value trends (e.g., force curves) during a traffic jam can be easily visualized and interpreted.In general, maximum measured values ​​can therefore be easily investigated for their cause.

[0011] In one embodiment, the positioning device comprises at least one camera (e.g., a photo and / or video camera) directed at the container conveyor (e.g., from directly above the conveyor or obliquely from above). Preferably, the at least one camera can be carried by at least one drone flying above the conveyor during the conveying of the sensor container; or the at least one camera can be a handheld camera that is detachably attached to at least one stationary support frame during conveying. Advantageously, the desired section of the container handling system or the conveyor to be examined can be defined by the camera's perspective orientation. Larger sections can also be monitored by multiple cameras.

[0012] Alternatively, it is possible, for example, that the positioning device uses other, sensor-based measurement methods (radio, Bluetooth triangulation, ...).

[0013] In another embodiment, the at least one camera remains stationary or essentially stationary during the conveying of the sensor container and / or always records the same section of the container conveyor. This advantageously allows for particularly easy evaluation, as the positions of the sensor container can be readily identified as pixel positions in the camera images. These positions are advantageously comparable across different camera images because the camera remains stationary or always records the same section of the container conveyor. In a further step, a conversion of the perspective pixel coordinates to actual machine coordinates would also be conceivable, although an advantage of the method lies precisely in its independence from machine coordinates.

[0014] In one embodiment, the time-resolved determination of the sensor container's position involves applying image recognition (e.g., AI-supported) to images from at least one camera to identify the sensor container in the images. Advantageously, this allows the sensor container's position to be determined reliably and quickly.

[0015] In another embodiment, the positions of the sensor container during conveying are determined as pixel positions in the recordings. Advantageously, the method can thus be used flexibly and independently of machine coordinate systems. Furthermore, the pixel positions can be used again for graphical output to easily enable a scaled and perspectively correct output of the measured values ​​and their associated positions (sensor container positions).

[0016] In one embodiment, when the measured value-position mapping is output via the output device, the positions of the sensor container, determined as pixel positions, are displayed in a graphical representation of the container conveyor, preferably determined by the position determination device. Advantageously, this allows for a simple output of the measured values ​​and their associated positions, enabling a particularly intuitive and straightforward evaluation of the measurements.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the method also includes determining the course of one or both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor. This determination is preferably carried out by: - manually guiding the sensor container along one or both long outer sides; and - Determining the (e.g., pixel) positions of the sensor container as it is guided along one or both of its longitudinal outer sides, preferably using the (e.g., camera-based) positioning device, preferably in the same orientation of the positioning device relative to the container conveyor as when determining the sensor container's positions during conveying. Advantageously, the path of the container conveyor can be determined in this way using the sensor container, which can be used when outputting the measured values ​​and their corresponding positions to enable a particularly intuitive and simple evaluation of the measurements. Advantageously, the path of the container conveyor can also be determined in the same orientation of the positioning device relative to the container conveyor as when determining the sensor container's positions.Preferably, the output device can then output the path of the container conveyor together with the measured values ​​and associated measuring positions in a perspectively correct way, e.g. in a top view or in a bird's-eye view.

[0018] In one embodiment, the graphical representation of the container conveyor is determined by the processing unit and / or output by the output unit, depending on the specific shape of one or both of the conveyor's longitudinal outer sides. This advantageously enables an easily interpretable output of the measured values ​​and their associated positions.

[0019] In another embodiment, determining the positions of the sensor container, which the sensor container assumes during guidance along one or both longitudinal outer sides, involves: - Applying (e.g. AI-supported) image recognition to images from the at least one camera to identify the sensor container in the images, optionally determining the positions of the sensor container that the sensor container assumes while being guided along one or both longitudinal outer sides as pixel positions in the images.

[0020] Advantageously, the path of the container conveyor can be determined using the same technique as the positions of the sensor container when acquiring the measured values. This allows the recorded pixel positions to be directly compared and processed and output together without any conversions or other adjustments.

[0021] In one embodiment, the measured value-position mapping is graphically output by the output device, preferably in a graphical representation (e.g., a photograph or illustration) of the container conveyor. Preferably, at least one of the following is fulfilled: - the measured values ​​are graphically displayed in different colors depending on their respective size according to a predefined color scale at the respective positions; - the measured values ​​are graphically displayed in geometric shapes of varying sizes, preferably columns, depending on their respective size at the respective positions; - Measured values ​​that exceed a predefined limit are graphically highlighted at the respective positions, and - The measurement position assignment and optionally the graphical representation of the container conveyor is output by means of the output device in a top view or from a bird's-eye view, preferably according to an orientation of at least one camera of the position determination device to the container conveyor.

[0022] This approach offers the advantage of a simple and intuitive interpretation of the measurements. For example, the user can be directly alerted to a specific line segment exhibiting exceptionally high forces.

[0023] For example, the graphical output can be a two-dimensional / two-axis visualization (plot) or a three-dimensional / three-axis visualization (plot) of the measurement position mapping. With the three-axis visualization, it is advantageous, for example, to allow individual measurement points to overlap, making it easier to visualize a backup.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the conveying process, the time-resolved acquisition of the measured values, and / or the time-resolved determination of the positions are repeated for several measurement runs. Preferably, a measured value-position mapping can be created for each measurement run, and when outputting the data via the output device, the multiple measured value-position mappings can be output together, preferably graphically, and particularly preferably in a graphical representation of the container conveyor. Advantageously, different movement paths along the container conveyor can be examined in this way, and, for example, problems and weaknesses that only occur very locally can be identified.

[0025] In one implementation variant, the measured values ​​are acquired and the positions determined with high time resolution based on a common and / or synchronized time base, preferably using timestamps. This advantageously ensures that the assignment of measured values ​​to positions can be carried out with high accuracy, resulting in particularly high data quality for evaluation.

[0026] In another embodiment, the container conveyor is either a standalone unit or integrated into a container treatment device for treating containers (e.g., for conveying containers during treatment). This technology can therefore be advantageously applied in various scenarios.

[0027] In one embodiment, the time-resolved measured values ​​indicate forces and / or temperatures acting on the sensor container, preferably on a lateral surface of the sensor container.

[0028] In another embodiment, the sensor container is conveyed together with other containers by means of the container conveyor, preferably in the mass flow and / or during normal operation of the container handling system. Advantageously, measurements can be obtained in this way that are highly relevant to practical application, so that their evaluation and interpretation ultimately enable an improvement in normal operation.

[0029] In one embodiment, the sensor container has a signal light (e.g., a status light), preferably on the top, and / or an interchangeable, preferably top-mounted and / or colored, attachment. Advantageously, this allows for particularly easy identification of the sensor container in camera images using image recognition. Advantageously, for example, different attachments can be used for different container diameters.

[0030] Another aspect concerns a device for monitoring a container handling system. The device includes a sensor container that can be conveyed along a container conveyor (e.g., a linear conveyor, such as a bulk conveyor) of the container handling system for time-resolved acquisition of measured values ​​(e.g., during conveying). The device also includes a position determination device, preferably camera-based, for time-resolved determination of the sensor container's position. Furthermore, the device includes a processing unit configured to create a measurement-position mapping by temporally assigning the time-resolved measured values ​​to the time-resolved determined positions. Finally, the device includes an output device for displaying the measurement-position mapping, preferably graphically.The device can advantageously achieve the same benefits that have already been explained with reference to the method.

[0031] In one embodiment, the device is portable, preferably housed in one or more cases. This advantageously allows the device to be used at different operating locations, thus making particularly beneficial the system-independent and simple commissioning of the device.

[0032] In another embodiment, the device is configured to perform a method as disclosed herein.

[0033] It is hereby noted that all features described herein with reference to the method are also disclosed and claimable with respect to the device, individually or in any combination. Likewise, all features described herein with reference to the device are also disclosed and claimable with respect to the method, individually or in any combination.

[0034] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container handling system (e.g., for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries). The container handling system may include the device as disclosed herein. The container handling system may, for example, be a beverage filling plant.

[0035] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0036] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) that, depending on its design, can perform control tasks, regulation tasks, and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass or refer to "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing."

[0037] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0038] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a section of a tank treatment plant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a process according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 an example measurement value-position mapping; and Fig. 4 An exemplary graphical output of a measured value-position mapping in a graphical representation of a container conveyor.

[0039] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0040] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a container treatment plant 10. Preferably, the container treatment plant 10 is a PET container treatment plant, a glass container treatment plant or a can container treatment plant.

[0041] The container treatment plant 10 has a container conveyor 12 for conveying containers 14. The container conveyor 12 can transport the containers 14 through a section of the container treatment plant 10. For example, the container conveyor 12 can connect two container treatment devices of the container treatment plant 10.

[0042] Preferably, the container conveyor 12 is a container mass flow conveyor. The container conveyor 12 can convey the containers 14 in a mass flow. Alternatively, the container conveyor 12 can be, for example, a single-lane or a multi-lane container conveyor that conveys the containers 14 in one or more separate lanes.

[0043] Preferably, the container conveyor 12 can support the containers 14 at their base during conveying. For example, the container conveyor 12 can be a belt conveyor, a plate conveyor, a belt conveyor, a mat conveyor, or a chain conveyor, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the container conveyor 12 can support and optionally carry the containers 14, for example, at their container shell, at their container neck, or at their container neck ring.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the container conveyor 12 can be a standalone conveyor. Alternatively, the container conveyor 12 can be integrated, for example, into a container handling device. In the container handling device, the containers 14 can be treated, e.g., filled, sealed, equipped, or packaged, while being conveyed by the container conveyor 12.

[0045] The path of the container conveyor 12 can have at least one curve, at least one overrun and / or at least one change in the direction of transport.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 1 further shows a device 16 for monitoring the container treatment plant 10. The device 16 has at least one sensor container 18, a position determination device 20, a dispensing device 22 and a processing device 24.

[0047] Preferably, the device 16 is portable to enable its use at different operating locations. For example, the at least one sensor container 18, the position determination device 20, the dispensing device 22, and the processing device 24 can be stored in one or more cases and thus used successively at different container handling systems 10.

[0048] The sensor container 18 can be conveyed by the container conveyor 12, e.g. in mass flow, either alone or together with the containers 14.

[0049] Preferably, the sensor container 18 has a circumference that substantially corresponds to the circumference of one of the containers 14. Preferably, the sensor container 18 has an outer surface that is substantially shaped like an outer surface of one of the containers 14. For example, the containers 14 can each have a cylindrical body or body section, and the sensor container 18 can also have a cylindrical body or body section, preferably with substantially corresponding diameters.

[0050] The sensor container 18 is designed to acquire measured values ​​F(t_i). For example, the sensor container 18 can have at least one sensor for acquiring the measured values ​​F(t_i).

[0051] The at least one sensor may preferably comprise at least one force sensor, one temperature sensor, one internal pressure sensor, at least one acceleration sensor and / or one gyroscope.

[0052] For example, the at least one force sensor can measure a force acting upon it directly or indirectly. The force sensor is preferably designed as a strain gauge. The strain gauges can, for example, be arranged vertically. However, it is also possible for the at least one force sensor to be designed differently, e.g., as a load cell or similar device. Preferably, the at least one force sensor can output signals indicating the detected forces.

[0053] The at least one force sensor can preferably detect forces acting on a lateral surface of the sensor container 18. Alternatively or additionally, a force sensor can, for example, detect a force acting on the sensor container 18 from above.

[0054] For example, the temperature sensor can detect a temperature in or on the sensor container 18. Preferably, the temperature sensor can output signals indicating the detected temperature.

[0055] For example, the internal pressure sensor can detect the internal pressure in the sensor container 18. Preferably, the internal pressure sensor can output signals indicating the detected internal pressures.

[0056] For example, the at least one accelerometer can detect the acceleration of the sensor container 18 with respect to one, two, or three spatial axes. Preferably, the at least one accelerometer can output signals indicating the detected accelerations.

[0057] For example, the gyroscope can detect the orientation of the sensor container 18 with respect to one, two, or three spatial axes. Preferably, the gyroscope can output signals indicating the detected orientations.

[0058] The sensor container 18 can, for example, store the acquired measured values ​​F(t_i) on a data storage device within the sensor container 18. The data storage device can, for example, be permanently integrated into the sensor container 18 or be removable from the sensor container 18 by disconnecting it from a connection port.

[0059] Preferably, the data storage device can be connected to the processing unit 24 for transmitting the acquired measured values ​​to the processing unit 24. For example, after acquiring the measured values ​​F(t_i), the data storage device can be connected to the processing unit 24 via a wired connection and / or wirelessly via a wireless communication interface of the sensor container 18 for transmitting the measured values ​​F(t_i). Alternatively or additionally, the sensor container 18 can transmit the acquired measured values ​​F(t_i) directly to the processing unit 24 wirelessly via its wireless communication interface. It is also possible to remove the data storage device from the sensor container 18 and plug it into a connection port of the processing unit 24.

[0060] The measured values ​​F(t_i) are recorded with time resolution using the sensor container 18.

[0061] For example, the sensor container 18 itself can record the measured values ​​F(t_i) with time resolution. The sensor container 18 can save the recorded measured values ​​F(t_i) with a recording time or timestamp. The recording time / timestamp can be accurate to at least one second.

[0062] It is also possible for the sensor container 18 to send the acquired measured values ​​F(t_i) directly to the processing unit 24. The processing unit 24 can, for example, directly store the received measured values ​​F(t_i) with a reception time or timestamp, which can essentially correspond to an acquisition time. The acquisition time / timestamp can be accurate to at least one second. Thus, the measured values ​​F(t_i) can also be acquired with time resolution using the sensor container 18 in this way.

[0063] Preferably, the sensor container 18 further comprises a signal light, preferably a status light, e.g., a status LED. The signal light can, for example, be arranged on the sensor container 18 so that it is visible from the outside, preferably on a top surface of the sensor container 18. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor container 18 has an interchangeable, preferably colored, attachment. For example, different attachments for the sensor container 18 can be provided for different types of containers 14 that can be processed by the container treatment system 10. Advantageously, the position and, optionally, the operational capability or operating status of the sensor container 18 can be easily detected during its use by means of the signal light and / or the attachment, e.g., automatically by means of the position determination device 20.

[0064] For example, the sensor container 18 can be configured as disclosed in German patent application no. 10 2023 125 041.8 filed by KRONES AG on September 15, 2023. Accordingly, German patent application no. 10 2023 125 041.8 is incorporated herein by reference with regard to possible configurations of the sensor container 18.

[0065] The position determination device 20 is configured to determine positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) of the sensor container 18. Preferably, the determined position P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) can be at least two-dimensional. For example, the determined position P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) can have an x-coordinate (with respect to a longitudinal axis), a y-coordinate (with respect to a latitude axis), and optionally a z-coordinate (with respect to a height axis).

[0066] The positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) are determined with time resolution using the position determination device 20.

[0067] For example, the positioning device 20 can itself determine the positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) with time resolution. The positioning device 20 can store the determined positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) each with a corresponding time point or timestamp. The corresponding time point / timestamp can be accurate to at least the second.

[0068] It is also possible for the positioning device 20 to send the determined positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) directly to the processing device 24. The processing device 24 can, for example, directly store the received positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) with a reception time or timestamp, which can essentially correspond to a time associated with the determined position P(x(t_i), y(t_i)). The associated time / timestamp can be accurate to at least the second. Thus, the positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) of the sensor container 18 can also be determined with time resolution using the positioning device 20 in this way.

[0069] Preferably, the positioning device 20 is a camera-based positioning device. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning device 20 can use any other technique with which positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) of the sensor container 18 can be determined.

[0070] For example, the positioning device 20 can have at least one camera.

[0071] For example, the at least one camera can record the container conveyor 12 while the container conveyor 12 conveys the sensor container 18. Preferably, the at least one camera always records the same section of the container conveyor 12 or the container handling system 10. Preferably, the at least one camera can be stationary or substantially stationary while the sensor container 18 is conveying.

[0072] Image recognition, preferably AI-supported, can be applied to recordings from at least one camera to identify the sensor container 18 in the recordings. For example, the sensor container 18 can be identified in the recordings using image recognition based on the signal light and / or the attachment and / or a specific shape, color, or pattern, e.g., on the top of the sensor container 18.

[0073] Preferably, the positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) of the sensor container 18, which the sensor container 18 assumes during conveying by the container conveyor 12, can be determined as pixel positions in the recordings of the at least one camera. The pixel position can be determined as an x-pixel coordinate / location and as a y-pixel coordinate / location in a respective recording.

[0074] Preferably, the at least one camera can be directed at the container conveyor 12, preferably from above. More preferably, the at least one camera can be arranged directly above the container conveyor 12 and preferably record the container conveyor 12 from a top view. Alternatively, the at least one camera can, for example, be directed obliquely from above at the container conveyor 12 and preferably record the container conveyor 12 from a bird's-eye view.

[0075] Preferably, the at least one camera can be carried, for example, by at least one drone flying above the container conveyor 12. Alternatively, the at least one camera could be a portable (mobile) camera. The portable camera could, for example, be detachably attached to at least one stationary support frame, e.g., of the container conveyor 12.

[0076] The output device 22 is designed to output information to a user. Preferably, the output device 22 can be designed to output information to a user graphically. For example, the output device 22 can have a display, preferably a touch-sensitive one. Alternatively or additionally, the output device 22 can, for example, have a loudspeaker and / or at least one indicator light for outputting information.

[0077] It is possible that the output device 22 is integrated into a user interface that can also receive user input. For example, the user interface may include a microphone, a keyboard, and / or at least one button.

[0078] It is possible that the output device 22 and the processing device 24 are integrated into one device. The device could be, for example, a PC, such as a notebook or a desktop PC. The device could also be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0079] The processing unit 24 can receive and process measured values ​​F(t_i) acquired by the sensor container 18 and positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) determined by the positioning unit 20. A measured value-position mapping created by the processing unit 24 can be output to a user via the output unit 22.

[0080] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a method for monitoring a container treatment plant 10. The method of Fig. 2 is below with reference to the remaining Fig. 1, 3 and 4 are described.

[0081] In an optional step S10, the course of one or both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor 12 can be determined.

[0082] For example, the sensor container 18 can be guided manually along one longitudinal outer side of the container conveyor 12. It is also possible for the sensor container 18 to be guided manually along both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor 12 sequentially. The sensor container 18 can be guided either inside or outside of the respective longitudinal outer side of the container conveyor 12.

[0083] Preferably, when guided manually, the sensor container 18 can touch a guide rail or a guide wall of the container conveyor 12 on the respective longitudinal outer side of the container conveyor 12.

[0084] While the sensor container 18 is manually guided along one or both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor 12, the positions of the sensor container 18 can be determined, e.g., by the position determination device 20. Preferably, the positions are determined as pixel positions in recordings of the position determination device 20.

[0085] Depending on the specific positions, a course of the longitudinal outer side(s) of the container conveyor 12 can be determined, e.g. from the processing device 24.

[0086] Preferably, step S10 can be carried out without the container conveyor 12 being in operation and / or conveying container 14.

[0087] Step S10 can be executed, for example, before step S12. Alternatively, it is also possible, for example, for step S10 to be executed after step S14 and before step S16.

[0088] In step S12, the sensor container 18 is conveyed by means of the container conveyor 12. Preferably, the sensor container 18 is conveyed together with the containers 14, preferably in a mass flow.

[0089] During conveying, the measured values ​​F(t_i) are recorded with time resolution using the sensor container 18, as already exemplified with reference to Fig. 1 was described. During conveying, the positions P(x(t_i),y(t_i) of the sensor container 18 are also determined with time resolution by means of the position determination device 20, as already exemplified by reference to Fig. 1 described. Preferably, the time-resolved acquisition of the measured values ​​F(t_i) and the time-resolved determination of the positions P(x(t_i),y(t_i)) are carried out based on a common and / or synchronized time base, preferably by means of timestamps.

[0090] In step S14, the processing unit 24 creates a measurement-position mapping by temporally assigning the time-resolved recorded measurement values ​​F(t_i) to the time-resolved determined positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)). For example, the Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of such a measurement-position mapping. The measurement-position mapping indicates at which specific position each measurement was recorded. The measurement-position mapping can therefore provide a time-independent statement about measurement values ​​and the positions at which the respective measurement value was recorded. The time resolution during the acquisition of the measurement values ​​F(t_i) and the determination of the positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) is only used for mapping the measurement values ​​F(t_i) to the positions P(x(t_i), y(t_i)).

[0091] In step S16, the measured value-position assignment is output by means of the output device 22, preferably graphically. The output device 22 can be operated accordingly by the processing device 24. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a preferred graphical output using output device 22.

[0092] Preferably, when outputting the measured value position assignment by means of the output device 22, the positions of the sensor container 18 determined as pixel positions are output in a graphical representation of the container conveyor 12.

[0093] This graphical representation of the container conveyor 12 can be determined and output depending on the course of one or both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor 12 as determined in the optional step S10.

[0094] As exemplified in grayscale in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the graphical representation of the container conveyor 12, the measured values ​​F(t_i) can be graphically displayed in different colors depending on their respective size (their respective value) according to a predefined color scale at the respective (e.g., pixel) positions P(x(t_i),y(t_i), e.g., according to a traffic light system (red-yellow-green). Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, for example, that the measured values ​​F(t_i) are graphically displayed in geometric shapes of different sizes, preferably columns, depending on their respective size at the respective (e.g., pixel) positions P(x(t_i),y(t_i) (not in Fig. 4 shown). For example, an additional z-axis could be present, and a height relative to the z-axis of a measured value F(t_i) represents its size / value.

[0095] As through the in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 2, the process from step S14 to step S12 is represented by the arrow shown. It is possible to repeat the conveying, the time-resolved acquisition of the measured value F(t_i), and the time-resolved determination of the positions P(x(t_i),y(t_i)) for several measurement runs. In step S14, a measured value-position mapping can then be created for each measurement run. In step S16, when outputting via the output device 22, the multiple measured value-position mappings can be output together, preferably graphically, and particularly preferably in a graphical representation of the container conveyor 12 (see Figure 2). Fig. 4 with three measurement series).

[0096] Although the procedure is described here for the sake of simplicity with reference to a single sensor container 18, it is possible to use multiple sensor containers 18. For example, in step S12, two or more sensor containers 18 can be conveyed by the container conveyor 12 and acquire measured values. Positions for each sensor container 18 can be acquired using the position determination device 20. A common measured value-position mapping can be created using the processing device 24 and output using the output device 22.

[0097] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list 10 container treatment plant 12 container conveyors 14 containers 16 Monitoring device 18 sensor containers 20 Position determination device 22 Output device 24 Processing unit F(t_i) time-resolved measured value P(x(t_i), y(t_i)) time-resolved determined position t time x x-coordinate y y-coordinate S10-S16 Procedure steps QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11,209,409 B2

[0003] WO 2013 / 113122 A1

[0004] DE 10 2019 129 182 A1

[0005] DE 10 2023 125 041.8

[0064]

Claims

[1] Method for monitoring a container treatment plant (10), wherein the method comprises: Conveying a sensor container (18) by means of a container conveyor (12) of the container treatment plant (10); Time-resolved acquisition of measured values ​​using the sensor container (18) during conveying; time-resolved determination of positions of the sensor container (18) that the sensor container (18) assumes during conveying, by means of a, preferably camera-based, position determination device (20); Creating a measurement-position mapping by temporally assigning the time-resolved recorded measurement values ​​to the time-resolved determined positions using a processing device (24); and Output, preferably graphical output, of the measurement value-position assignment by means of an output device (22). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein: the positioning device (20) comprises at least one camera directed at the container conveyor (12), preferably wherein: which carries at least one camera during the conveying of the sensor container (18) by at least one drone flying above the container conveyor (12); or the at least one camera is a portable camera that is detachably attached to at least one stationary support frame during transport. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein: which at least one camera is stationary or substantially stationary during the conveying of the sensor container (18) and / or always records the same section of the container conveyor (12). [4] Method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the time-resolved determination of the positions of the sensor container (18) comprises: Applying image recognition to images from the at least one camera to identify the sensor container (18) in the images. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein: The positions of the sensor container (18) that the sensor container (18) assumes during conveying are determined as pixel positions in the recordings. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When outputting the measured value position assignment by means of the output device (22), the positions of the sensor container (18) determined as pixel positions are output in a graphical representation of the container conveyor (12), which is preferably determined by means of the position determination device (20). [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Determining the course of one or both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor (12) by: - manually guiding the sensor container (18) along one or both longitudinal outer sides; and - Determining positions of the sensor container (18) that the sensor container (18) assumes during guidance along one or both longitudinal outer sides, preferably by means of the position determination device (20), preferably in the same orientation of the position determination device (20) to the container conveyor (12) as when determining the positions of the sensor container (18) that the sensor container (18) assumes during conveying. [8] Method according to claim 6 and claim 7, wherein: The graphic representation of the container conveyor (12) is determined by the processing device (24) and / or output by the output device (22), depending on the specific course of one or both longitudinal outer sides of the container conveyor (12). [9] Method according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising determining the positions of the sensor container (18) which the sensor container (18) assumes during guidance along one or both longitudinal outer sides: Applying image recognition to images from the at least one camera to identify the sensor container (18) in the images, optionally: the positions of the sensor container (18) that the sensor container (18) assumes during guidance along one or both longitudinal outer sides are determined as pixel positions in the images. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the measured value-position assignment is graphically output by means of the output device (22), preferably in a graphical representation of the container conveyor (12), wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: The measured values ​​are graphically displayed in different colors depending on their respective size according to a predefined color scale at the respective positions; The measured values ​​are graphically displayed in geometric shapes of varying sizes, preferably columns, depending on their respective size at the respective positions; Measurement values ​​that exceed a predefined limit are graphically highlighted at their respective positions; and The measurement position assignment and optionally the graphic representation of the container conveyor (12) is output by means of the output device (22) in a top view or from a bird's-eye view, preferably according to an orientation of at least one camera of the position determination device (20) to the container conveyor (12). [11] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The conveying, time-resolved acquisition of the measured values, and time-resolved determination of the positions can be repeated for several measurement runs; and optionally A measurement value position mapping is created for each measurement run; and When outputting via the output device (22), the multiple measured value position assignments are output together, preferably graphically, particularly preferably in a graphical representation of the container conveyor (12). [12] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The time-resolved acquisition of the measured values ​​and the time-resolved determination of the positions based on a common and / or synchronized time base is carried out, preferably by means of timestamps. [13] A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of: the container conveyor (12) is a stand-alone container conveyor or the container conveyor (12) is integrated into a container treatment device for treating containers (14); The time-resolved measured values ​​indicate forces and / or temperatures acting on the sensor container (18), preferably on a lateral surface of the sensor container (18); The sensor container (18) is conveyed together with containers (14) by means of the container conveyor (12), preferably in the mass flow and / or during normal operation of the container treatment plant (10); and the sensor container (18) has a signal light, preferably on the top, and / or an interchangeable, preferably on the top and / or colored, attachment. [14] Device (16) for monitoring a container treatment plant (10), wherein the device (16) comprises: a sensor container (18) which can be conveyed along a container conveyor (12) of the container treatment plant (10) for time-resolved acquisition of measured values; a position determination device (20), preferably camera-based, for determining the positions of the sensor container (18) in a time-resolved manner; a processing unit (24) configured to create a measurement-position mapping by temporally mapping the time-resolved measurement values ​​to the time-resolved positions; and an output device (22) for, preferably graphically, outputting the measured value position assignment. [15] Device (16) according to claim 14, wherein: the device (16) is portable, preferably in one or more cases of the device (16); and / or the device (16) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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