Glass Container Inspection System

Abstract

The glass container inspection system includes a diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container symmetrically about a central axis of the container. The inspection system further includes an image capture system that generates at least one image including multiple views of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light. The at least one image may include a view of the portion of the container reflected by a mirror. The glass container inspection system further includes a computing system in communication with the image capture system. The computing system may be configured to output an indication of whether the container has a defect based on data from the image capture system. The computing system may be further configured to output an indication in response to detecting a crack in a sidewall of the glass container.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] During the manufacture of glass containers, defects may occur in one or more side walls of the glass container. A typical defect in a glass container is referred to as a crack, which is a break in the glass container (e.g., often found in the mouth of a glass bottle). A crack in a glass container is generally the result of a defect in the manufacturing process at a facility, which may result in cracks in other glass containers produced using that facility's manufacturing process.

[0002] Conventional approaches to detecting cracks tend to be time consuming and mechanically complex. As a first example, glass containers may be sampled from a conveyor such that roughly 1 in every N glass containers is inspected for cracks. A human can pick up the glass container and visually inspect the glass container for cracks, and if a crack is identified, the bottle may be discarded and the line may be stopped to analyze the manufacturing process. In another example, an automated inspection system may be added to the line, which rotates the glass container to direct collimated light to specific locations on the glass container. Images are captured at these specific locations to determine whether or not a crack is present at such locations. The mechanisms involved in rotating glass containers are complex, expensive, and subject to damage. Additionally, the use of such automated systems slows down the line, since each glass container must be stopped and rotated to be inspected. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following is a brief summary of the subject matter described herein that is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the claims.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a glass container inspection system is described herein. The glass container inspection system includes a diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light. The diffuse illuminator may be positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container symmetrically about a central axis of the container. The glass container inspection system further includes an image capture system configured to generate at least one image including a plurality of views of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light. The image capture system may generate the at least one image as the diffuse light passes through a sidewall of the glass container. The at least one image may include a view of the portion of the container reflected by a mirror. The glass container inspection system further includes a computing system in communication with the image capture system. The computing system may be configured to output an indication as to whether the container has a defect based on data from the image capture system. The computing system may be further configured to output the indication in response to detection of a crack in the sidewall of the glass container.

[0005] A method of forming a container inspection system includes positioning a diffuse illuminator to illuminate a portion of the glass container with diffuse light. The method further includes positioning a mirror to reflect the portion of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse illuminator. The method also includes positioning an image capture system in a position to capture a plurality of views of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light. The image capture system may include a camera configured to capture the images. The images captured by the camera may include a first view of the portion of the glass container and a second view of the portion of the glass container. The first view and the second view may be included in a second mirror directed at the portion of the glass container. The second view may be based on reflection from the mirror.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, described herein is a glass container inspection system that includes a diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light. The diffuse illuminator may be positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container symmetrically about a central axis of the glass container. The container inspection system further includes an annular mirror positioned between the diffuse illuminator and the glass container to be inspected. The annular mirror may include an opening having a cross section smaller than an inner cross section of the open end of the glass container to allow the diffuse light to pass therethrough and pass through the transparent or translucent container near a top of the container. The annular mirror may be positioned to reflect a portion of the glass container. The container inspection system also includes a plurality of flat mirrors each positioned to reflect a view of the portion of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light and a view of the portion of the annular mirror. The container inspection system further includes a camera configured to capture at least one image. The at least one image may include reflections from the plurality of flat mirrors simultaneously. The container inspection system further includes a computing system in communication with the camera. The computing system may be configured to output an indication as to whether the glass container has a defect based on data from the camera. The computing system may be configured to output an indication in response to detecting a crack in a sidewall of the glass container.

[0007] The above summary presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the systems and / or methods described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the systems and / or methods described herein. It is not intended to identify key critical elements or to delineate the scope of such systems and / or methods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a typical container inspection system. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates another exemplary container inspection system. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an image collected by an image capture system of a typical container inspection system. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an additional exemplary container inspection system. [Diagram 5] 2 illustrates yet another exemplary container inspection system. [Figure 6] 2 illustrates yet another exemplary container inspection system. [Figure 7] 2 illustrates another exemplary container inspection system. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an additional exemplary container inspection system. [Figure 9] 2 illustrates yet another exemplary container inspection system. [Figure 10] 2 illustrates yet another exemplary container inspection system. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of a computing system of the container inspection system. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for forming a container inspection system. [Figure 13] A typical computing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Now, with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, various techniques relating to a system for inspecting glass containers are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details.

[0010] In connection with the disclosure herein, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, upward, downward, upper, lower, above, above, below, lower, rear, front, etc. may be used for convenience and clarity only. Such directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the features described herein in any way. It should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are illustrative and not limiting. The intent of the following detailed description is to describe exemplary embodiments, but to be construed as including all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments that may fall within the spirit and scope of the features described herein.

[0011] Also, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrase "X uses A or B" means either X uses A, X uses B, or X uses both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more," unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to be directed to the singular form. Also, as used herein, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean serving as an example or instance of something, and is not intended to indicate preference.

[0012] An apparatus is disclosed for inspecting glass containers for defects in the body of the glass container (e.g., defects in the mouth of a glass bottle). As discussed above, conventional approaches for detecting cracks tend to be time consuming and mechanically complex. They involve a human picking up the glass container and visually inspecting it for cracks, or an automated inspection system rotating the glass container to direct collimated light at specific locations on the glass container and capturing images of those specific locations while the collimated light is directed at such locations. Manually picking up or rotating the glass container for visual inspection slows down the conveyor line due to the need to manipulate each glass container. In contrast, the embodiments described herein may be performed without the need to rotate the glass container during inspection because diffuse light is emitted to symmetrically illuminate the glass container around the central axis of the glass container, uniformly illuminating the glass container. The uniform illumination allows images to be collected from multiple sides of the glass container simultaneously without the need to rotate the glass container, light source, and / or image capture device, and thus without the need to slow down the conveyor line for manual manipulation of the glass container.

[0013] 1, an exemplary embodiment of a container inspection system 100 configured to illuminate glass containers and inspect the illuminated glass containers is shown. A conveyor 102 transports a plurality of glass containers 104-106 through the container inspection system 100. The container inspection system 100 includes an illuminator 108 configured to emit light to illuminate the plurality of glass containers 104-106 as they move through the container inspection system 100. The container inspection system 100 also includes an image capture system 110 configured to capture one or more images of each of the plurality of glass containers 104-106 as they are transported through the container inspection system 100 by the conveyor 102. The image capture system 110 may be configured to capture an image(s) during illumination of each container by the illuminator 108, as described in more detail below.

[0014] The illuminator 108 may be of any suitable shape and / or include any suitable components to provide light for illuminating each of the plurality of glass containers 104-106 as the plurality of glass containers 104-106 are transported through the container inspection system 100 by the conveyor 102. For example, the illuminator 108 may include a light source(s) configured to emit light at designated times, such as when a container is directly underneath the illuminator 108. Any suitable light source may be used, and the light source may be selected based on, for example, the type of container being inspected, the type of defects being detected, the type of emitted light desired, etc. As an example, the illuminator 108 may include an electroluminescent light source, such as, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). In the illustrated embodiment, the containers 104-106 are formed of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass), and light from the illuminator 108 passes through the sidewall(s) of the container to illuminate the container when the container is underneath the illuminator 108.

[0015] The illuminator 108 may include any suitable number of light sources, which may depend on the type of light desired and any other suitable factors. For example, the illuminator 108 may include a number of LEDs organized in a particular arrangement. Each LED may be configured to emit a similar light, or the light may vary. However, it should be understood that other types of light sources are contemplated.

[0016] The illuminator 108 may further include devices and / or structures that modify the light emitted from the light source. For example, the illuminator 108 may optionally include a lens or multiple lenses that focus the light from the light source onto a particular portion or portions of the container, and / or a diffusing element that diffuses the light.

[0017] More specifically, the illuminator 108 may include a diffuser that diffuses or scatters the light from the light source to uniformly illuminate the glass container (e.g., the first glass container 104). Diffusing the light from the light source may result in symmetric illumination of a portion of the glass container about the central axis of the container. As described above, in conventional glass container inspection systems, collimated or focused light is directed to a specific location on the glass container while an image of that location is captured. Because light is directed to a specific location on the container in conventional systems, either the container or the light source must be rotated to capture an illuminated image of the entire bottle. In contrast, the use of a diffuser allows the container to be illuminated rotationally symmetrically, eliminating the need to rotate the container.

[0018] The illuminator 108 may be configured to illuminate any suitable portion of a container (e.g., the first container 104) beneath the illuminator 108. For example, the container may be a bottle, and the illuminator 108 may be configured to illuminate the mouth of the bottle (i.e., the top of the bottle). In another example, the illuminator 108 may be configured to illuminate the entire bottle. The illuminator 108 may also be configured to emit light for any suitable period of time. For example, the illuminator 108 may be configured to emit light when the container is beneath the illuminator 108. More specifically, the illuminator 108 may be strobed such that the surface of the container described above is illuminated for a relatively short period of time (e.g., on the order of tens of microseconds) when the container is detected to be beneath the illuminator 108.

[0019] As briefly described above, the image capture system 110 is configured to capture at least one image of each of the plurality of containers 104-106 as the containers 104-106 are transported through the container inspection system 100 by the conveyor 102. As an example, the image capture system 110 may be configured to capture an image(s) of a container (e.g., the first container 104) when the container is directly beneath the illuminator 108. The image capture system 110 may also be configured to capture an image(s) of the container when the container is illuminated by the illuminator 108. The image capture system 110 may include any suitable number of image capture devices, each configured to capture any suitable number of images of the plurality of containers 104-106. For example, the image capture system 110 may include only one image capture device that captures an image including multiple views of the container. In other embodiments, the image capture system 110 may include multiple image capture devices, each capturing a different container image (simultaneously), with each image including a different view of the container. The image capture system 110 may be configured to capture an image(s) of each of the plurality of containers 104-106 during illumination by the illuminator 108.

[0020] 1, an image of a container (e.g., first container 104) captured by image capture system 110 may include multiple views of the container. As described below, the number of views captured in an image depends on the number of mirrors included in image capture system 110.

[0021] Image capture system 110 may be of any suitable shape and may include any suitable structure(s) for generating an image including multiple views of the container. For example, image capture system 110 may include a camera or multiple cameras. In another example, image capture system 110 may include a mirror or multiple mirrors positioned to capture a view(s) of the container while the container is illuminated.

[0022] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an image capture system 110, which includes a number of different mirrors. In the illustrated embodiment, the image capture system 110 includes a mirror disposed between the illuminator 108 and a container (e.g., the first container 104) on the conveyor 102. The mirror may be of any suitable shape and / or size for reflecting a portion of the container onto a surface. For example, the mirror may have a cross-section that is circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the mirror comprises an annular mirror 112. The annular mirror 112 includes an opening 114 extending therethrough that allows light from the illuminator 108 to reach a container directly below the illuminator 108. The opening 114 may have any suitable cross-section for allowing light from the illuminator 108 to pass through and illuminate the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 114 has a circular cross-section with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the open end of the container that faces the annular mirror 112.

[0023] The annular mirror 112 may be configured to be reflective on all surfaces or only a portion thereof. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the surface of the annular mirror 112 that faces downward toward the container is reflective such that when the viewpoint is below the annular mirror 112, a portion or portions of the container are reflected by the annular mirror 112. The surface of the annular mirror 112 that reflects the container may be of any suitable shape, and in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the surface is planar and approximately perpendicular to the open end of the container. The reflection of the container by the annular mirror 112 can be seen more clearly in Figure 2.

[0024] The image capture system 110 may further include an additional reflective surface positioned to simultaneously reflect a portion of the container and a portion of the annular mirror 112. By simultaneously reflecting the container and its reflection at the annular mirror 112, two different views of the container may be observed at the additional reflective surface. The additional reflective surface may be of any suitable shape and size for reflecting the container and the annular mirror 112. For example, the additional reflective surface may be rectangular, triangular, oval, circular, etc., and may be planar, oscillating, etc. For example, an additional reflective surface 116A is shown in FIG. 1 that is rectangular and planar.

[0025] Image capture system 110 may include any number of additional reflective surfaces. Each of the additional reflective surfaces may be of similar shape and size or may be different. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, image capture system 110 includes four additional reflective surfaces 116A-D, each of which is rectangular and planar.

[0026] Each of the four additional reflective surfaces 116A-D may be positioned at a suitable location to simultaneously reflect a view of a container being inspected (e.g., the first container 104) and a view of the container's reflection from the annular mirror 112. Each of the four additional reflective surfaces 116A-D may be positioned to reflect a different view of the container and / or a different view of the container's reflection from the annular mirror 112. For example, the first additional reflective surface 116A may be positioned at a first position relative to the annular mirror 112 and the second additional reflective surface 116B may be positioned at a different second position relative to the annular mirror 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the four additional reflective surfaces 116A-D are positioned along a curved path.

[0027] The image capture system 110 may further include a camera 118 configured to capture one or more images of the additional reflective surfaces while the container 104 is illuminated by the illuminator 108. The camera 118 may be positioned in any suitable location and include any suitable structure for capturing images of the one or more additional reflective surfaces 116A-116D. The image capture system 110 may include any suitable number of cameras for capturing images of the additional reflective surfaces 116A-116D while the container is illuminated by the illuminator 108. For example, a first camera may be positioned to capture an image of the first additional reflective surface and a second camera may be positioned to capture an image of the second additional reflective surface.

[0028] 1, camera 118 is configured to capture images of each of the four additional reflective surfaces 116A-D while the container is illuminated by and directly beneath illuminator 108. To capture a clear image of each of the additional reflective surfaces 116A-116D, camera 118 may be positioned such that each additional reflective surface 116A-116D is at the same focal distance from camera 118.

[0029] The container inspection system 100 may further include a sensor 120 that outputs a signal indicative of when a container (e.g., the first container 104) reaches an inspection area beneath the illuminator 108. As described above, the image capture system 110 is configured to capture an image(s) of the first container 104 when the first container 104 is in the inspection area. Any suitable sensor 120 for detecting when the container reaches the inspection area may be used. For example, the sensor 120 may be a presence sensor that may detect when the first container 104 reaches a particular location (e.g., when the first container 104 is beneath the illuminator 108). In another example, the sensor 120 may be a rotational sensor configured to output data based on the movement of the conveyor 102. Thus, the output data is indicative of the position of the first container 104 relative to a past position of the first container 104 on the conveyor 102, and thus the position of the first container 104 relative to the inspection area.

[0030] The container inspection system 100 may further include a computing system 122 that receives a signal output by the sensor 120. The computing system 122 may receive the signal from the sensor 120 via a wireless or wired connection. The computing system 122 may also receive information from and / or transmit information to the illuminator 108 and / or the image capture system 110. For example, the computing system 122 may transmit a signal to the illuminator 108, causing the illuminator 108 to emit light. The signal transmitted to the illuminator 108 may be transmitted in response to the computing system 122 receiving a signal output by the sensor 120 indicating that a container, such as the first container 104, is beneath the illuminator 108. As an example, the computing system 122 may be configured to transmit a signal to the illuminator 108, causing the illuminator 108 to strobe whenever a container is detected beneath the illuminator 108.

[0031] As another example, the computing system 122 may transmit an image request signal to the camera 118 to cause the camera 118 to capture an image(s) of the container within the inspection area. The computing system 122 may be configured to transmit the image request signal in response to receiving the signal output by the sensor 120, simultaneously with the signal transmitted to the illuminator 108 described above, after the signal is transmitted to the illuminator 108, and / or at any other suitable time. For example, the computing system 122 may be configured to transmit a signal to the illuminator 108 and a signal to the camera 118 substantially simultaneously such that the camera 118 captures an image(s) of the illuminated container at the same time that light from the illuminator 108 is emitted to illuminate the container. The computing system 122 may further be configured to receive data from the camera 118, such as, for example, one or more images generated by the camera 118. The computing system 122 may then determine whether the container includes a defect (e.g., a crack) based on the image(s) of the illuminated container.

[0032] 3, a typical image 300 captured by camera 118 is shown. In the illustrated example, image 300 includes eight views of the container: four reflections of the container at the additional reflective surfaces 116A-D, respectively, and four double reflections of the container (where the reflection of the container at the annular mirror 112 is reflected again at each of the additional reflective surfaces 116A-D). Thus, camera 118 would capture image 300 if image capture system 110 included the four additional reflective surfaces 116A-D described above.

[0033] The image 300 includes four sections, each including two views: a view of the container reflected (directly) from the additional reflective surface and a view of the container reflected from the additional reflective surface after being reflected from the annular mirror. The first section 302 includes a first view 310 of the container and a first view 312 of the annular mirror reflecting the container reflected from the fourth additional reflective surface 116D. The second section 304 includes a second view 314 of the container and a second view 316 of the annular mirror reflecting the container reflected from the third additional reflective surface 116C. The third section 306 includes a third view 318 of the container and a third view 320 of the annular mirror reflecting the container reflected from the second additional reflective surface 116B. The fourth section 308 includes a fourth view 322 of the container and a fourth view 324 of the annular mirror reflecting the container reflected from the first additional reflective surface 116A.

[0034] As described above, the image 300 may be received by the computing system 122, which may then determine whether the container mouth contains a defect based on the image 300. For example, the computing system 122 may align the image 300 with a statistical model of a defect-free container. The statistical model may include expected values ​​of image pixels in a portion of the container as well as an expected distribution of such values, such that the image 300 may be aligned with various portions of the statistical model and a determination may be made as to whether the glass container contains a defect. In another example, to detect defects in glass containers, a template (also referred to as a signature) for the defect desired to be identified may be used. For example, the template may represent the shape of the defect to be identified, and the image 300 may be searched for such shape. In response to detection of a defect in the inspected container, the computing system 122 may be configured to output a signal indicative of such detection.

[0035] As can be seen in image 300, the inspected container includes a defect 326. In the illustrated embodiment, the defect 326 comprises a crack or fissure in the neck of the container. A portion of this defect 326 is visible in each of the first section 302, the second section 304, the third section 306, and the fourth section 308. More specifically, a portion of the defect 326 is visible in a double reflection of the container (a reflection of the container at the annular mirror 112 and then reflected again off of additional reflective surfaces 116A-D).

[0036] 4, another embodiment of an image capture system 400 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the image capture system 400 includes an annular mirror 402 (similar to the annular mirror 112 described above) configured to reflect a container to be inspected, such as the first container 104. Instead of using multiple additional reflective surfaces, the illustrated image capture system 400 employs multiple cameras 404A-D that perform a similar function to the additional reflective surfaces described above. More specifically, each camera of the multiple cameras 404A-D is configured to capture an image comprising a view of the container to be inspected and a view of the annular mirror 402 reflecting the container. The multiple cameras 404A-D may be positioned at any suitable position or positions for collecting images. In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple cameras 404A-D are positioned along an arcuate path.

[0037] The computing system 122 may be configured to receive images generated from the multiple cameras 404A-D. The computing system 122 may then identify defects in one or more containers based on the received images. In one embodiment, a template of the defects may be developed and the computing system may compare the template to the content of the images to identify defects in the glass containers.

[0038] 5, another embodiment of an image capture system 500 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the image capture system 500 comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces 502A-H arranged to reflect different views of a portion of a container to be inspected (e.g., the first container 104) and a camera 504 arranged to capture an image comprising reflections from the plurality of reflective surfaces 502A-H. The plurality of reflective surfaces 502A-H may be arranged in any suitable pattern to reflect views of the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of reflective surfaces 502A-H are arranged along an arcuate path having a first portion below an open end of the container and a second portion above the open end of the container. The camera 504 may be arranged such that the plurality of mirrors 502A-H are at the same focal distance from the camera 504. The computing system 122 may be configured to receive images from the camera 504 and detect defects in the glass container based on the images, as described above.

[0039] 6, yet another embodiment of an image capture system 600 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the image capture system 600 comprises a plurality of cameras 602A-F, each configured to capture an image comprising a different view of a portion of a container to be inspected (e.g., the first container 104). Each camera of the plurality of cameras 602A-F may be configured to capture an image comprising a view of the container to be inspected. The plurality of cameras 602A-F may be arranged in any suitable pattern to capture an image of the portion of the container to be inspected. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the plurality of cameras 602A-F are arranged along an arcuate path, with a portion of the plurality of cameras 602A-F positioned below an open end of the container and a second portion of the plurality of cameras 602A-F positioned above the open end of the container.

[0040] The computing system 122 may be configured to receive images generated by the multiple cameras 602A-F. The computing system 122 may then detect defects in the glass container based on the images output by the multiple cameras 602A-F.

[0041] In the previously illustrated embodiments, the reflective surface and / or camera are positioned along a first side of the container to capture image(s) along the first side of the container. If the illuminator 108 emits diffuse light, the container being inspected is uniformly illuminated and an additional image capture system can be used to obtain image(s) of a second side of the container without having to rotate the container. Thus, the container inspection system 100 described above can be used to inspect different sides of a container without touching the container to rotate it.

[0042] The container inspection system 100 may include any suitable number of additional image capture systems. The multiple image capture systems may be similar to one another and / or different. The number of additional image capture systems may be based on any suitable factor, such as, for example, the size of the container, the shape of the container, the amount of containers to be inspected, etc. For example, the container inspection system 100 may include two image capture systems. In another example, the container inspection system 100 may include six image capture systems. In a further example, the container inspection system 100 may include eight image capture systems. The additional image capture systems may be located in any suitable location, as described in more detail below.

[0043] 7, one embodiment of a container inspection system 700 is shown that includes a first image capture system 702 (similar to image capture system 110 described above) and a second image capture system 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the first image capture system 702 is located on a first side of the container to be inspected (e.g., first container 104) and the second image capture system 704 is located on a second side opposite the first side.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the container inspection system 700 includes an annular mirror 706 that is used by both the first image capture system 702 and the second image capture system 704 to capture multiple views of the container.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the first image capture system 702 may include four reflective surfaces 708A-D positioned to each reflect an image including a view of the container and a view of the container reflected by the annular mirror 706. The first image capture system 702 further includes a camera 710 that captures images of the reflections from the four reflective surfaces 708A-D.

[0046] Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second image capture system 704 may include four reflective surfaces 712A-D each positioned to reflect a view of the container and a view of the container reflected by the annular mirror 706. The second image capture system 704 may further include a camera 714 that captures images of the reflections from the four reflective surfaces 712A-D.

[0047] The computing system 122 may be configured to receive images from the first image capture system 702 and the second image capture system 704 and detect defects in the glass containers based on such images.

[0048] 8, another embodiment of a container inspection system 800 is shown including a first image capture system 802 and a second image capture system 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the first image capture system 802 is located at a first inspection area along the conveyor path of the container, and the second image capture system 804 is located at a second inspection area along the conveyor path of the container.

[0049] The first inspection area and the second inspection area may each include a separate illuminator 806 and 808, respectively. The first inspection area and / or the second inspection area may each include a sensor (similar to sensor 120 described above) that indicates when a container is present in the first inspection area and / or the second inspection area. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inspection area includes a first sensor 810 and the second inspection area includes a second sensor 812. The first sensor 810 and / or the second sensor 812 may be configured to output a signal indicative of the position of the container (e.g., first container 104) relative to the first inspection area and / or the second inspection area.

[0050] As discussed above, the first image capture system 802 and the second image capture system 804 may be similar or different. In the illustrated embodiment, the first image capture system 802 and the second image capture system 804 are similar and each include an annular mirror (similar to the annular mirror 108 described above) for reflecting a view of the container. The first image capture system 802 and the second image capture system 804 may further include a plurality of additional reflective surfaces arranged to simultaneously reflect a view of the container and a view of a reflection of the container by the annular mirror, and a camera arranged to capture an image comprising reflections from the plurality of additional reflective surfaces. The first image capture system 802 may be configured to capture an image of a first side of the container, and the second image capture system 804 may be configured to capture an image of a second side of the container.

[0051] The computing system 122 may be configured to receive images generated by the cameras of the first image capture system 802 and the second image capture system 804. The computing system 122 may be configured to detect defects in the container based on the images generated by the cameras.

[0052] 9, a further image capture system 900 is shown including multiple devices to generate images for 360 degree inspection of a container via a single illuminator without the need to rotate the container. Any suitable number and / or type of devices may be used to generate images, e.g., six devices, eight devices, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the image capture system 900 includes six devices 902A-F that are equally spaced around an inspection area of ​​a container (e.g., first container 104). The image capture system 900 further includes an annular mirror 904 (similar to annular mirror 112 described above) that reflects a view of the container onto a surface. Although shown in FIG. 9 as a single annular mirror 904, it is contemplated that separate mirrors may be used for one or more of the multiple devices 902A-F.

[0053] Each of the devices 902A-F includes a plurality of flat mirrors (similar to the additional reflective surfaces 116A-D described above), each of which is configured to simultaneously reflect a view of the container and a view of the container's reflection by the annular mirror 904. Each of the plurality of devices 902A-F may further include a camera configured to capture an image comprising a respective reflection from the plurality of flat mirrors. Thus, by organizing the plurality of devices 902A-F in the illustrated pattern, the image capture system 900 provides a 360 degree inspection of the container via a single illuminator without the need to rotate the container. The illustrated organization of the plurality of devices 902A-F also allows the single annular mirror 904 positioned above the container to be used to generate multiple views of the container in each image captured by each camera.

[0054] The computing system 122 may be configured to receive images generated by the cameras of the image capture system 900. The computing system 122 may be configured to detect defects in the container based on the images generated by the cameras.

[0055] 10, another container inspection system 1000 is shown that includes an illuminator 1002 (similar to illuminator 108 described above), an image capture system 1004, and a rotation mechanism 1006. In the illustrated embodiment, instead of using multiple image capture systems to capture views of different sides of the container being inspected, the rotation mechanism 1006 may be used so that the image capture system 1004 captures views of any desired number of sides of the container (e.g., two sides, four sides, etc.) while rotating the container. Any suitable image capture system 1004 may be used to capture views of the sides of the container, such as, for example, the image capture systems described above.

[0056] 11, a functional block diagram of the computing system 122 is shown. The computing system 122 includes a processor 1100 and a memory 1102. The memory 1102 has images 1104 (generated by the image capture system(s) of the container inspection system 100) loaded therein. For example, the images 1104 may comprise 1) an image captured by a first image capture system and 2) an image captured by a second image capture system, where the images may be captured when the container is illuminated by diffuse light emitted from an illuminator.

[0057] The memory 1102 also includes one or more templates 1106 that correspond to defects detected by the container inspection system 100. In one embodiment, the templates 1106 may include mathematical representations of defects that may be found in glass containers (e.g., vertical cracks, horizontal cracks, etc.), and the computing system 122 may search the image for portions that correspond to such defects.

[0058] The memory 1102 further includes a defect detection application 1108 loaded therein. In one embodiment, the defect detection application 1108 may be configured to determine if the container has a defect based on the image 1104 and the template 1106. More specifically, the defect detection application 1108 may be configured to perform template matching by comparing the template to the image by moving the template around the image and calculating a numerical measure of similarity between the template and portions of the image it overlaps. For example, the defect detection application 1108 may use a template image of the defect to scan the image for defects based on the numerical measure. The defect detection application 1108 may be further configured to output a signal indicating that the inspected container has a defect.

[0059] 12 illustrates an exemplary method 1200 of forming a container inspection system. Although the method is illustrated as being a series of acts performed in a sequence, it should be understood and appreciated that the method is not limited by the order of the sequence. For example, some acts may occur in a different order than described herein. In addition, acts may occur simultaneously with other acts. Also, in some examples, not all acts may be required to implement the method described herein.

[0060] The method begins at 1200, where at 1204, a diffuse illuminator is positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container with diffuse light. At 1206, a first mirror is positioned relative to a conveyor configured to transport the glass container such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a first reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable in the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a first position. At 1208, a second mirror is positioned at a first position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a first reflection of the portion of the glass container in the first mirror is observable in the second mirror when the second mirror is viewed from a second position, and a second reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable in the second mirror. At 1210, a camera is positioned at a second position. The camera may be configured to capture an image of the second mirror when the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light such that the image captures a first reflection and a second reflection of the portion of the glass container. The method 1200 ends at 1212.

[0061] In an embodiment of method 1200, the first mirror is a flat mirror with an opening. Positioning the first mirror may include positioning the first mirror between the illuminator and the conveyor. A reflective surface of the flat mirror may be positioned to face the conveyor. The first mirror may be positioned relative to the illuminator such that diffuse light emitted by the illuminator passes through the opening toward the conveyor.

[0062] In another embodiment of method 1200, the first mirror is positioned such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a third reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable in the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a third position different from the first position. Method 1200 may further include positioning the third mirror in a third position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a third reflection of the portion of the glass container in the first mirror is observable in the third mirror and a fourth reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable in the third mirror when the third mirror is viewed from the second position. An image generated by the camera may capture the third mirror when the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light such that the image captures the third reflection and the fourth reflection of the portion of the glass container.

[0063] In a version of this embodiment, the first mirror is positioned such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a fifth reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable in the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a fourth position, different from the first and third positions. Method 1200 may further comprise positioning the fourth mirror in a fourth position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a fifth reflection of the portion of the glass container in the first mirror is observable in the fourth mirror when the fourth mirror is viewed from the second position, and a sixth reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable in the fourth mirror. An image generated by the camera may also capture the fourth mirror when the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, such that the image captures the fifth reflection and the sixth reflection of the portion of the glass container.

[0064] In this version of the format, the centers of the second, third, and fourth mirrors are equidistant to the camera.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 13, a high-level diagram of an exemplary computing device that may be used in accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein is shown. For example, the computing device 1300 may be or may include a mobile computing device or computing system. The computing device 1300 includes at least one processor 1302 that executes instructions stored in a memory 1304. The instructions may be, for example, instructions for implementing a function described as being performed by one or more components described above, or instructions for performing one or more methods described above. The processor 1302 may be a GPU, multiple GPUs, a CPU, multiple CPUs, a multi-core processor, etc. The processor 1302 may access the memory 1304 by way of a system bus 1306. In addition to storing executable instructions, the memory 1304 may also store images, defect signatures, and the like.

[0066] Computing device 1300 further includes a data store 1310 accessible by processor 1302 via system bus 1306. Data store 1310 may include executable instructions, images, statistical models, etc. Computing device 1300 also includes an input interface 1308 that allows external devices to communicate with computing device 1300. For example, input interface 1308 may be used to receive instructions from an external computer device, a user, etc. Computing device 1300 also includes an output interface 1312 that interfaces computing device 1300 with one or more external devices. For example, computing device 1300 may display text, images, etc. via output interface 1312.

[0067] It is contemplated that external devices communicating with computing device 1300 via input interface 1308 and output interface 1312 may be included in an environment that provides virtually any type of user interface with which a user can interact. Examples of types of user interfaces include graphical user interfaces, natural user interfaces, and the like. For example, a graphical user interface may receive input from a user using an input device(s), such as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, remote control, and provide output to an output device, such as, for example, a display. Also, a natural user interface may enable a user to interact with computing device 1300 in a manner free from constraints imposed by input devices, such as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, remote control, and the like. Rather, a natural user interface may rely on voice recognition, touch and stylus recognition, on-screen and adjacent-screen gesture recognition, air gestures, head and eye tracking, voice and speech, vision, touch, gestures, machine intelligence, and the like.

[0068] Also, although computing device 1300 is shown as a single system, it is understood that it may be a distributed system, so for example, several devices may be in communication over a network connection and collectively perform the tasks described as being performed by computing device 1300.

[0069] Various functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be any available storage medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium usable to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), where a disk typically reproduces data magnetically and a disc typically reproduces data optically by a laser. Additionally, propagating signals are not included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media also includes communication media, which includes any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. For example, a connection may be a communication medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included within the definition of communication media. Combinations of the above are also intended to be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on a chip (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0071] An example regarding a container inspection system will be described below.

[0072] (A1) In one aspect, some embodiments include a glass container inspection system. The glass container inspection system includes a diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light, the diffuse illuminator positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container symmetrically about a central axis of the glass container. The system also includes an image capture system with a first mirror and a second mirror, the image capture system configured to generate an image of the second mirror. The image of the second mirror includes a first view of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light and a second view of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light, the image capture system generating an image as the diffuse light passes through a sidewall of the glass container. The first view is a view of the portion of the container reflected by the second mirror, and the second view is a view of the portion of the container reflected by both the first mirror and the second mirror. The system further includes a computing system in communication with the image capture system, the computing system configured to output an indication of whether the container has a defect based on the image generated by the image capture system, the computing system configured to output the indication in response to detection of a crack in the sidewall of the glass container.

[0073] (A2) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of A1, the first mirror is an annular mirror positioned between the diffuse illuminator and the glass container to be inspected, and further, the annular mirror includes an opening having a cross-section smaller than the inner cross-section of the open end of the container.

[0074] (A3) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of A2, the second mirror is a flat mirror.

[0075] (A4) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of any of A1-A3, the image capture system further includes a third mirror, and the image includes a third view of the glass container and a fourth view of the glass container, the third view being a view of a portion of the container reflected by the third mirror, and the fourth view being a view of the portion of the container reflected by both the first mirror and the third mirror.

[0076] (A5) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of any of A1-A4, the image capture system includes a plurality of cameras configured to simultaneously capture a different image for each camera in the plurality of cameras, and each camera configured to capture an image comprising a view of a portion of the container illuminated by diffuse light and a view of a portion of the mirror.

[0077] (A6) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of any of A1-A5, the image capture system includes a plurality of mirrors, each configured to reflect a view of a portion of the container, and a camera configured to capture an image, wherein the image includes reflections from the multiple mirrors simultaneously.

[0078] (A7) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of A6, the plurality of planar mirrors comprises eight mirrors arranged along a curved path.

[0079] (A8) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of any of A1-A7, the system further includes a second image capture system configured to generate a second image capturing multiple views of the glass container, the computing system being in communication with the second image capture system, and the display output by the computing system being further based on the second image.

[0080] (A9) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of A8, the system further includes a second diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light. The system also includes a third mirror configured to direct the diffuse light from the second diffuse illuminator toward the glass container, the third mirror including an opening having a cross-section smaller than an interior cross-section of the open end of the glass container, and the second image capture system captures multiple views of the container illuminated by the second diffuse illuminator.

[0081] (A10) In some embodiments of the container inspection system of any of A1-A9, the system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the glass container under the diffuse illuminator.

[0082] (B1) In another aspect, a method for forming a container inspection system is described, the method including positioning a diffuse illuminator to illuminate a portion of a glass container with diffuse light. The method also includes positioning a first mirror relative to a conveyor configured to transport the glass container such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a first reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable on the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a first position. The method further includes positioning a second mirror at a first position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a first reflection of the portion of the glass container in the first mirror is observable on the second mirror when the second mirror is viewed from a second position, and a second reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable on the second mirror. The method further includes positioning a camera at a second position, the camera configured to capture an image of the second mirror when the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light such that the image captures the first reflection and the second reflection of the portion of the glass container.

[0083] (B2) In some embodiments of the method of B1, the first mirror is a planar mirror with an opening, and further, positioning the first mirror comprises positioning the first mirror between the illuminator and the conveyor, wherein a reflective surface of the planar mirror is positioned to face the conveyor, and further, the first mirror is positioned relative to the illuminator such that diffuse light emitted by the illuminator passes through the opening toward the conveyor.

[0084] (B3) In some embodiments of the method of B2, the first mirror is positioned such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a third reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable on the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a third position different from the first position. The method further includes positioning the third mirror in a third position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a third reflection of the portion of the glass container in the first mirror is observable on the third mirror when the third mirror is viewed from the second position, and a fourth reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable on the third mirror, and an image generated by the camera captures the third mirror when the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light such that the image captures the third reflection and the fourth reflection of the portion of the glass container.

[0085] (B4) In some embodiments of the method of B3, the first mirror is positioned such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a fifth reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable on the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a fourth position, different from the first position and the third position. The method also includes positioning the fourth mirror in a fourth position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light, a fifth reflection of the portion of the glass container in the first mirror is observable on the fourth mirror when the fourth mirror is viewed from the second position, and a sixth reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable on the fourth mirror, and an image generated by the camera captures the fourth mirror when the glass container is illuminated with diffuse light such that the image captures the fifth reflection and the sixth reflection of the portion of the glass container.

[0086] (B5) In some embodiments of the method of B4, the centers of the second mirror, the third mirror, and the fourth mirror are equidistant to the camera.

[0087] The above description includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe all possible variations and modifications of the device or method to describe the above-described aspects, but one skilled in the art can recognize that many further modifications and substitutions of the various aspects are possible. Therefore, the described aspects are intended to encompass all such modifications, changes, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Also, to the extent that the term "including" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising" interpreted when used as a transitional term in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A glass container inspection system comprising: a diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light, the diffuse illuminator positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container symmetrically about a central axis of the glass container; a first mirror disposed between the diffuse illuminator and a glass container to be inspected, the first mirror including an opening having a cross section smaller than an interior cross section of an open end of the glass container; an image capture system including a second mirror, the image capture system configured to generate an image of the second mirror, the image including a first view of the glass container illuminated by the diffused light and a second view of the glass container illuminated by the diffused light, the image capture system generating the image as the diffused light passes through a sidewall of the glass container, the first view being a view of a portion of the glass container reflected by the second mirror and the second view being a view of the portion of the glass container reflected by both the first mirror and the second mirror; a computing system in communication with the image capture system, the computing system configured to output an indication as to whether the glass container has a defect based on an image generated by the image capture system, the computing system configured to output the indication in response to detecting a crack in a sidewall of the glass container; A glass container inspection system comprising:

2. The glass container inspection system of claim 1 , wherein the first mirror is an annular mirror.

3. The glass container inspection system of claim 2 , wherein the second mirror is a plane mirror.

4. 2. The glass container inspection system of claim 1, wherein the image capture system further includes a third mirror, and the image includes a third view of the glass container and a fourth view of the glass container, the third view being a view of a portion of the glass container reflected by the third mirror, and the fourth view being a view of the portion of the glass container reflected by both the first mirror and the third mirror.

5. 2. The glass container inspection system of claim 1, wherein the image capture system includes a plurality of cameras configured to simultaneously capture a different image for each camera in the plurality of cameras, and each camera configured to capture an image comprising a view of a portion of a glass container illuminated by the diffuse light and a view of a portion of the first mirror.

6. 6. The glass container inspection system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of cameras comprises four cameras.

7. 10. The glass container inspection system of claim 1, wherein the image capture system includes a plurality of mirrors each configured to reflect a view of a portion of the glass container and a camera configured to capture the image, the image including reflections from the plurality of mirrors simultaneously.

8. 8. The glass container inspection system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of mirrors comprises eight mirrors arranged along a curved path.

9. The glass container inspection system includes: a second image capture system configured to generate a second image capturing a plurality of views of the glass container; Further comprising:

10. The glass container inspection system of claim 1, wherein the computing system is in communication with the second image capture system, and the display output by the computing system is further based on the second image.

10. The glass container inspection system includes: a second diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light; a third mirror configured to direct diffused light from the second diffuse illuminator toward the glass container, the third mirror including an opening having a cross section smaller than an interior cross section of an open end of the glass container; Further comprising:

10. The glass container inspection system of claim 9, wherein the second image capture system captures multiple views of the glass container illuminated by the second diffuse illuminator.

11. a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the glass container under the diffuse illuminator; The glass container inspection system of claim 1 , further comprising:

12. 10. The glass container inspection system of claim 1, wherein outputting an indication of whether the glass container has a defect comprises determining that the glass container contains the crack based on template matching.

13. 1. A method of forming a glass container inspection system, comprising: positioning a diffuse illuminator to illuminate a portion of the glass container with diffuse light; positioning a first mirror relative to a conveyor configured to transport a glass container such that when a portion of the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light, a first reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable on the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a first position, the first mirror having an opening, positioning the first mirror comprises positioning the first mirror between the diffuse illuminator and the conveyor, a reflective surface of the first mirror being positioned to face the conveyor, and further, the first mirror being positioned relative to the diffuse illuminator such that diffuse light emitted by the diffuse illuminator passes through the opening towards the conveyor; positioning the second mirror at the first position such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light, a first reflection of the portion of the glass container on the first mirror is observable on the second mirror and a second reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable on the second mirror when the second mirror is viewed from the second position; disposing a camera at the second location, the camera configured to capture an image of the second mirror when the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light such that the image captures a first reflection and a second reflection of a portion of the glass container; A method comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first mirror is a plane mirror with the opening.

15. the first mirror is positioned such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light, a third reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable on the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a third position different from the first position, the method further comprising: positioning the third mirror at the third position such that when the third mirror is viewed from the second position when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light, a third reflection of the portion of the glass container on the first mirror is observable on the third mirror and a fourth reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable on the third mirror, wherein an image generated by the camera captures the third mirror when the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light such that the image captures the third reflection and the fourth reflection of the portion of the glass container. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

16. the first mirror is positioned such that when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light, a fifth reflection of the portion of the glass container is observable on the first mirror when the first mirror is viewed from a fourth position different from the first position and the third position, the method further comprising: positioning the fourth mirror at the fourth position such that when the fourth mirror is viewed from the second position when the portion of the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light, a fifth reflection of the portion of the glass container on the first mirror is observable on the fourth mirror and a sixth reflection of the portion of the glass container is also observable on the fourth mirror, wherein an image generated by the camera captures the fourth mirror when the glass container is illuminated with the diffuse light such that the image captures the fifth reflection and the sixth reflection of the portion of the glass container. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the centers of the second mirror, the third mirror, and the fourth mirror are equidistant to the camera.

18. 1. A glass container inspection system comprising: a diffuse illuminator configured to provide diffuse light, the diffuse illuminator positioned to illuminate a portion of the glass container symmetrically about a central axis of the glass container; a mirror disposed between the diffuse illuminator and a glass container to be inspected, the mirror including an opening having a cross section smaller than an interior cross section of an open end of the glass container; a plurality of mirrors, each arranged to reflect a view of a portion of the glass container illuminated by the diffuse light and a view of a portion of the mirror; a camera configured to capture an image, the image including reflected views from the multiple mirrors simultaneously; a computing system in communication with the camera, the computing system configured to output an indication as to whether the glass container includes a crack at a mouth of the glass container based on an image captured by the camera; A glass container inspection system comprising:

19. 20. The glass container inspection system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of mirrors comprises between 4 and 24 mirrors.

20. 20. The glass container inspection system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of mirrors comprises four mirrors arranged along a curved path.

Images