Photogrammetric bung for evaluating the internal volume of a barrel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the internal volume of a barrel, particularly a barrel used in winemaking. The device comprises an arm (2) and a photoelectric receiving system (3) disposed on the arm (2) adapted to provide a signal representative of the dimensions, volume, and quality of the internal volume of the barrel being analyzed. The present invention also relates to a method for evaluating the internal volume of a barrel, particularly a barrel used in winemaking. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Photogrammetric bond for the evaluation of an interior volume of a barrel

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, also called a "photogrammetric bung" in the context of the present invention, for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of an interior volume of a barrel, in particular a barrel used in the wine-growing sector, said device comprising an arm and a photoelectric reception system arranged on said arm adapted to provide a signal representative of the dimensions, the useful volume and the quality of the internal surfaces of the barrel analyzed.

[0002] Barrels are containers made of wood and produced in more or less artisanal conditions. The machines used to finalize the step of placing the metal hoops on the barrel shells are not equipped with sufficient precision to allow each hooping to be repeated under conditions that could be considered identical. In fact, a cooper activates jacks and the irregularity is due to the human factor.

[0003] Historically, the measurement of barrel volumes is of real importance for stock management and logistics issues. Barrels, containers made of wood, have the advantage of being simple and rustic in construction but cannot be easily defined by their geometric shape. A barrel can be considered as an assembly of two truncated cone shapes. The characteristic curvature of such a barrel can be associated with a parabola or an ellipse. From these considerations were born the formulas of Johannes Kepler (1615), William Oughtred (1633), Charles Camus (1741) and Jean-Philippe Detz (1776). However, analysis of the barrel manufacturing method allows us to refute any interest in stereometry. It is better to observe rather than predict.

[0004] However, small volume variations can be observed, making it impossible to predict the capacity of each barrel. Similarly, a negligible but nevertheless existing part of the liquids present in the barrels penetrates the wood by infiltration. What is called the angel's share is irrecoverable, which distorts the idea of ​​measuring volume by weight.

[0005] Today, it is not possible to accurately predict the volume of a barrel. The age-old tool of the velte gives an approximation but is not sufficiently precise. The idea of ​​filling the barrel with water in order to weigh it is good information.

[0006] To date, there is still no reliable method in the art for accurately assessing the volume of a barrel, particularly one made of wood, other than filling the barrel with a liquid (such as water) and thus assessing its volume. However, due to the associated chemical risks, it is impossible to reuse the liquid (such as water). The hydraulic consumption would thus be far too high and would make the operation costly and energy-intensive. Such techniques are therefore lacking in practicality and economy and are therefore not reproducible for these reasons on an industrial scale.

[0007] The invention aims to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0008] Thus, one of the aims is to propose a device for determining qualitatively and quantitatively, and in a precise manner, an internal volume of a barrel, in particular a barrel used in the wine-growing sector.

[0009] A first aspect according to the present invention therefore relates to a device for estimating (preferably measuring) an interior volume of a barrel comprising: - an arm, - a photoelectric reception system arranged on said arm, said photoelectric reception system comprising an optical analysis field, characterized in that the photoelectric reception system is adapted to provide a signal representative of the dimensions and / or the volume(s) of at least one object placed in the optical analysis field.

[0010] One of the advantages of the invention is therefore its ease of implementation. Indeed, the device according to the invention has a detection system carried on a (rigid) arm which simply needs to be inserted into a hollow volume of an object to determine its characteristics such as its dimensions and the different projecting volumes of the internal surface of the barrel.

[0011] Advantageously, the photoelectric receiving system is a photogrammetric system.

[0012] Indeed, a photogrammetric system (photogrammetry is a technique which consists of carrying out measurements in an environment, using the parallax obtained between images acquired from different points of view) has the advantage of combining both a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the interior of the barrels analyzed.

[0013] Advantageously, a rangefinder or LIDAR can be combined with a photogrammetric system to improve, or even facilitate, measurements by allowing greater precision.

[0014] A LIDAR (English acronym whose translation into French would be "detection and estimation of the distance by light" or "by laser") is a method of telemetry and remote sensing similar to radar, emitting pulses of light (for example infrared), instead of radio waves, then measuring the return time after being reflected off nearby objects, allows us to assess their distances.

[0015] In one embodiment, the photoelectric receiving system is a rangefinder or LIDAR.

[0016] In one embodiment, a rangefinder measures the distance between the two bottoms of the barrel to provide a scale for the photogrammetry.

[0017] Thus, in a particular embodiment, the photogrammetric system comprises a photographic objective.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, said device comprises a light source, preferably a tricolor light source, arranged on said arm.

[0019] The tricolor light source allows, particularly in the case where the photoelectric reception system is a photogrammetric system, a better resolution of the dimensions and / or volume(s) analyzed. Some photogrammetry software in fact uses tricolor light to reconstruct the different photographs taken, and / or to stack them and obtain information related to the spatial arrangement of the photographed object(s).

[0020] For example, the tri-color light source may comprise a first color having a wavelength between 400 and 500 nm, a second color having a wavelength between 500 and 600 nm, and a third color having a wavelength between 600 and 800 nm.

[0021] Preferably, the tricolor light source may comprise a first color whose wavelength is between 450 and 490 nm, a second color whose wavelength is between 510 and 560 nm and a third color whose wavelength is between 680 and 720 nm.

[0022] More preferably, the tricolor light source may comprise a first color whose wavelength is 470 nm± 10 nm, a second color whose wavelength is 540 nm± 10 nm and a third color whose wavelength is 700 nm±10 nm.

[0023] Furthermore, the device according to the present invention can in one embodiment allow a visual (and therefore qualitative) inspection of the interior of a barrel by adapting the photoelectric reception system so that it delivers two-dimensional or even three-dimensional images of the internal surfaces of a barrel.

[0024] In one embodiment, the arm comprises a first rigid part called a "body" and a second part called a "support" attached to the body to constitute the arm of the device according to the present invention.

[0025] Advantageously, the photoelectric reception system and, where appropriate, a light source, are placed on a support, preferably at one end of the arm.

[0026] This placement allows in certain cases a possible optimization of the shots. In addition, the device according to the present invention can be adapted to comprise a reversible fixing means of said support, which facilitates its implementation, in particular in the event of replacement of the photoelectric reception system (for example, in the case of replacement due to maintenance, a failure, or even an unsuitability of the photoelectric reception system previously in place).

[0027] Preferably, the body and / or the support is / are elongated to allow the insertion of a photoelectric receiving system sufficiently deep to carry out the measurements and / or the collection of data necessary to determine the characteristics such as its dimensions and the different projecting volumes of the internal surface of the barrel.

[0028] Advantageously, said support is movably fixed to the rest of the arm (i.e. to the body thereof) by means of a gimbal configured to maintain an orientation on at least one axis.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, said support is movably attached to the rest of the arm (i.e. to the body thereof) by means of a gimbal configured to maintain an orientation on at least two axes.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, said support is movably attached to the rest of the arm (i.e. to the body thereof) by means of a gimbal configured to maintain an orientation on at least three axes.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, said support is movably attached to the rest of the arm (i.e. to the body thereof) by means of a gimbal configured to maintain an orientation on at least one, two or three axes.

[0032] Thus, the support which comprises the photoelectric reception system can be adapted to each case encountered. For example, it may be necessary to repeat measurements but by blocking one or more orientation axes of the support which comprises the photoelectric reception system.

[0033] It is therefore implicit that in certain particular embodiments including those described below but without this being an obligation, the orientation of the photoelectric reception system does not vary with respect to the orientation of its support.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, said device comprises a guide means for its at least partial insertion into a barrel.

[0035] This has the advantage of better controlling the insertion of the device and improving the consistency of signal capture representative of the dimensions and / or volume(s) of at least one object placed in the optical field of analysis.

[0036] Preferably, said device comprises a helical guide means for its at least partial insertion into a barrel.

[0037] Preferably, the guide means comprises: - a plug comprising a travel path, and - a projecting element, such as a pin or a stud, placed on said arm, said projecting element being adapted to be received in a movably manner in the travel path of the plug.

[0038] The use of a bung in combination with a protruding element, such as a pin or a nipple, is a simple and effective means of ensuring controlled insertion of the device according to the present invention.

[0039] Preferably, the raceway is helical.

[0040] Indeed, in a helical path of the photoelectric reception system, the acquisition of information relating to the characteristics (dimensions and / or volumes of the object(s) analyzed) is constant. This can be particularly advantageous in certain cases, for example when the interior of the barrel is very homogeneous or smooth. The trajectory of the acquisition of information relating to the characteristics can therefore be combined and used with the analysis results to optimize the calculations.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the helical movement of the photoelectric receiving system is enabled by an actuation means (for example in connection with a projecting element, such as a pin or a stud, actuable coming into a raceway).

[0042] Preferably, the actuating means comprises a button, which under pressure from the user, is configured to engage a means allowing the helical movement (for example in connection with a projecting element, such as a pin or a nipple, actuable coming into a raceway).

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises a means for returning the photoelectric reception system, for example once the photoelectric reception system has reached the end of its travel.

[0044] Preferably, the return means of the photoelectric receiving system allows a double measurement (in one direction then in the other).

[0045] In a particular preferred embodiment, pressing a button generates a helical movement and via a spring the system returns to its original location, which allows a double measurement (in one direction then in the other).

[0046] In a particular embodiment, said device comprises a gripping means such as an articulated bar, a handle or a grip, movably attached to one end of the arm.

[0047] This allows for easy handling of the device.

[0048] By "gripping means", it is understood in the context of the present invention a means allowing it to be grasped by a user, that is to say a means allowing it to be grasped by a user, in particular a means dedicated to this grasping such as a handle or a sleeve.

[0049] In one embodiment, the arm comprises at one of its ends a support, and at another of its ends (i.e. of the arm) a gripping means such as an articulated bar, a handle or a grip.

[0050] In another embodiment, the trajectory of the device can be motorized. This motorization can further be monitored to recover trajectory information taken by the photoelectric reception system and combine and use it with the analysis results to optimize the calculations.

[0051] The subject of the present invention also relates to a method for determining an interior volume of a barrel comprising the following successive steps: a) inserting at least partially a device of the present invention into said barrel; (b) make at least two signal recordings by the photoelectric receiving system, and c) calculating the internal volume of the barrel, characterized in that said at least two signal sockets of step b) have been made in at least two locations and / or orientations different from each other, to allow a determination of dimensions useful for the calculation of step c).

[0052] The term "process" is a synonym for the term "method" and these terms may be interchanged equivalently with each other in the context of the present invention.

[0053] Preferably, step b) comprises a helical movement of the photoelectric receiving system.

[0054] As explained above, in a helical race path, the acquisition of information relating to the characteristics (dimensions and / or volumes of the object(s) analyzed) is constant.

[0055] In one embodiment, step b) of capturing signals comprises capturing images suitable for photogrammetry.

[0056] The advantages of photogrammetry have been set out above.

[0057] Thus, in a particular embodiment, step c) for calculating the interior volume of the barrel uses software adapted to process photogrammetry data.

[0058] The subject of the present invention further relates to a ready-to-assemble and / or use assembly for determining an interior volume of barrels comprising: - a device according to the present invention; and - software for calculating the interior volume of barrels.

[0059] The term "kit" is a synonym for the expression "assembly ready to assemble and / or use" and these terms / expressions can be exchanged equivalently for each other in the context of the present invention.

[0060] The software for calculating the interior volume of barrels is adapted to process signals from the photoelectric reception system of said device. Brief description of the drawings

[0061] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0062] [Fig-1] represents an exploded schematic perspective view of a device for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention.

[0063] [Fig.2] represents an enlargement in schematic perspective view of one end of a device for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention, end on which there is at least one photoelectric reception system.

[0064] [Fig.3] represents a schematic side view in section of one end of a device for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention, on which end there is at least one photoelectric reception system.

[0065] [Fig. 1] represents an embodiment of the device 1 for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention, such as a photogrammetric bung device with its housing, comprising an arm 2. The arm 2 comprises an arm body 11 to which is connected a bar 9, mounted here in a movable manner via a movable connection 10, such as a pivot. This bar 9 allows the user to manipulate and orient the device 1 in the interior volume of a barrel. A support 5 is mounted here in a movable manner (for example via a gimbal) at one end of the body 11 of the arm of the device 1 for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention. Said support 5 comprises in the representation according to [Fig. 1] a photoelectric reception system 3 as well as a light source 4. A bung 6 accommodates the device 1 for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention.The plug 6 comprises a raceway 7 (for example helical) which can accommodate a pin 8 placed on the estimation device 1. of an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention, for example on the surface of the body 11 of the arm. The pin 8 inserted in the raceway 7 makes it possible to move the photoelectric reception system 3 along a predetermined path. The plug 6 is intended to be introduced into an orifice of the barrel called a plug hole. Thus, the device 1 for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention is adapted to take 360-degree shots in order to allow the determination of the interior volume of the barrel, for example by photogrammetry via dedicated software. The device 1 shown in [Fig.l] therefore comprises a plug, and an arm provided with a pair consisting of a light source 4 and a photoelectric reception system 3 (such as a photographic lens), allowing a helical movement to take data via human force.

[0066] In a particular embodiment (not shown here), the movement of the pair consisting of a light source 4 and a photoelectric reception system 3 (such as a photographic lens), is motorized.

[0067] In a particular embodiment (not shown here), at the end of the travel (for example helical), the light / lens pair will change direction, thereby making it possible to complete the missing data (depending on the optical field covered by the photoelectric reception system 3).

[0068] [Fig. 2] represents a perspective enlargement of an embodiment of the end of the device for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention where there is, fixed on the body 11 of the arm, a support 5 comprising a photoelectric reception system including a first camera 3A, a second camera 3B and a third camera 3C, a body 16A of the first camera, a body 16B of the second camera and a body 16C of the third camera, connections 15A of the first camera, connections 15B of the second camera and connections 15C of the third camera, as well as a light source comprising a body 4A of the light source and a light focusing zone 4B. The support 5 comprises a first support element 14A, a second support element 14B and a third support element 14C for the photoelectric receiving system and light source, connected to each other by support rods 13.Cable glands 12 are arranged on the support 5.

[0069] [Fig. 3] represents an enlargement in schematic side view in section of the end of the device for estimating an interior volume of a barrel according to the present invention where there is, fixed on the body 11 of the arm, a support 5 comprising a photoelectric reception system including a first camera 3A, a second camera 3B and a third camera 3C, a body 16A of the first camera, a body 16B of the second camera and a body 16C of the third camera, of the connector 15A of the first camera, of the connector 15B of the second camera and the connector 15C of the third camera, as well as a light source comprising a body 4A of the light source and a light focusing zone 4B. The support 5 comprises a first support element 14A, a second support element 14B and a third support element 14C of the photoelectric receiving system and light source, connected together by support rods 13. Cable glands 12 are arranged on the support 5.

[0070] Obviously, other applications of the invention can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] Example(s)

[0072] The measurement taken using the present invention allows for rapid action, without damage to the barrel and with significant precision. These three results are unprecedented for the given problem given the state of the art.

[0073] A comparative example was carried out.

[0074] The method according to the present invention consisted of partially introducing the device as shown in [Fig.l] with a folded length of 20 cm and a deployed length of 23 cm into a marked barrel with a theoretical capacity of 225 liters, and of actuating the mechanism allowing the deployment of the photoelectric reception system equipped with three cameras of the “RUISVISION ® U1WD2.0” type and a light source of the “OSRAM PARATHOM® LED PIN GY6.35 12V” type providing a white light of the 2700K type with three color filters allowing Xl = 700nm, / .2 = 540nm and / .3 = 470nm to filter into the volume of the barrel.In parallel, the data acquisition was done using the "Autodesk Recap Pro ®" software and then imported into "Dassault Système Solidworks®" to allow the relationship between the three-dimensional shape and the distance between the two bottoms, the latter being obtained by the "HC-SR04" ultrasonic rangefinder and correlated to the air temperature of the measurement. The data collection was done in 30 seconds. The software estimated the internal volume equal to 224.7 liters and made it possible to visualize the surface defects of the interior of the barrel.

[0075] The barrel was then placed on a scale, tared, and filled with water at a temperature of 20°C. The quantity of water introduced up to the overflow limit was 224.7 kg, or 224.7 liters at 20°C. The barrel filling time was 18 minutes and 40 seconds.

[0076] The differences in barrel volume values ​​are found in the following Table 1:

[0077] [Tables 1] Theoretical value Value measured by the device according to the invention Value determined by weighing 225 L 224.7 L 224.7 L

[0078] The advantages of the device according to the present invention highlighted by the comparative example are in particular the speed of implementation of the method using the device according to the present invention, the absence of movement of the barrel (in particular to position it on a scale), the absence of use of a liquid to be transferred from one barrel to another, ease of visual inspection of the interior of the barrels, as well as potential archiving of the measurements taken for each barrel making it possible to evaluate the variations of each barrel over time (which implies a means of tracing and / or identifying each barrel).

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for estimating an internal volume of a barrel used in the wine-growing sector comprising: - an arm (2), - a photoelectric reception system (3) arranged on said arm (2), said photoelectric reception system (3) comprising an optical analysis field, characterized in that the photoelectric reception system (3) is adapted to provide a signal representative of the dimensions and / or the volume(s) of at least one object placed in the optical analysis field; - a guide means for its at least partial insertion into the barrel, said guide means comprising a bung (6) intended to be introduced into an orifice of the barrel called a bung hole, the bung (6) comprising a travel path (7), and a projecting element, such as a pin (8) or a stud, placed on said arm (2), said projecting element being adapted to be received in a movably manner in the travel path (7) of the bung (6).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the photoelectric receiving system (3) is a photogrammetric system.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the photogrammetric system comprises a photographic objective.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said device (1) comprises a light source (4), preferably a tricolor light source (4), arranged on said arm (2).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photoelectric reception system (3) and, where appropriate, a light source (4), are placed on a support (5), preferably at one end of the arm (2).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support (5) is movably fixed to the rest of the arm (2) by means of a gimbal configured to maintain an orientation on at least one axis.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the raceway (7) is helical.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said device comprises a gripping means, such as an articulated bar (9), a handle or a grip, movably fixed to one end of the arm (2).

9. Method for determining an interior volume of a barrel comprising the following successive steps: a) inserting at least partially a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims into said barrel; b) taking at least two signal readings by the photoelectric reception system (3), and c) calculating the interior volume of the barrel, characterized in that said at least two signal readings of step b) have been taken in at least two locations and / or orientations different from each other, to allow a determination of dimensions useful for the calculation of step c).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that step b) comprises a helical movement of the photoelectric receiving system (3).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that step b) of capturing signals comprises capturing images suitable for photogrammetry.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that step c) for calculating the interior volume of the barrel uses software adapted to process photogrammetry data.

13. Ready-to-assemble assembly for determining an interior volume of barrels comprising: - a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and - software for calculating the interior volume of barrels.

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