Conveyor for conveying containers, and method for operating a conveyor

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveyor for conveying containers (3, 23, 31), such as bottles or cans, in a filling and / or packaging line. The conveyor (2, 22, 30) comprises at least one camera (33) for capturing temporally successive images (1, 8, 21) from a region of the conveyor; at least one data output (35) for transmitting image data from the images to a tracking analysis unit (34). The tracking analysis unit is provided for identifying containers and for tracking identified containers (7, 9, 29) and for calculating movement parameters of the identified and tracked containers, and for transmitting the movement parameters to a processing unit (36) for calculating control data on the basis of the movement parameters and providing the control data; a data input (37) for receiving the control data and a programmable logic controller (38) for controlling the conveyor on the basis of the received control data. The invention also relates to a method for operating the conveyor (2, 22, 30).

Description

[0001] Transport device for transporting containers and method for operating a transport device

[0002] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting containers and a method for operating the transport device according to the independent claims.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] It is known that in filling and packaging lines, containers such as cans, glass or PET bottles can be transported from the various production processes or machines to the next process or machine by means of conveyor belts. For the transport of the containers, various framework conditions may need to be specified. These framework conditions can include container properties and the operation of the line. The operation of the line can, for example, be understood as maintaining a coefficient of friction between the container and the conveyor belt. For canning lines, for example, a coefficient of friction between 0.09 and 0.12 can be specified as the framework condition. A line operator can adjust the coefficient of friction by means of belt lubrication.

[0005] Due to the wide variety of different container types and / or the differing requirements of the line operators, it can be difficult to adjust the lines according to the underlying conditions and, for example, to identify problems early on. The efficiency of the lines can therefore depend on the line operator or the people entrusted with adjusting or monitoring the underlying conditions.

[0006] Task

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a transport device for transporting containers and a method for operating the transport device, which can enable monitoring and control of the general conditions of the transport device before malfunctions of the transport device can occur.

[0008] Solution

[0009] This object is achieved by the transport device for transporting containers and the method for operating the transport device according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0010] The transport device according to the invention for transporting containers, such as bottles or cans, in a filling and / or packaging line comprises: at least one camera for recording temporally successive images of an area of ​​the transport device; at least one data output for sending image data of the images to a tracking analysis unit, wherein the tracking analysis unit is provided for detecting containers in the image data and for tracking detected containers and for calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers, and for sending the movement parameters to a processing unit for calculating control data based on the movement parameters and providing the control data; a data input for receiving the control data and a programmable logic controller for controlling the transport device based on the received control data.

[0011] Containers can be transported in upright and / or horizontal positions. A container can be one that stands on its base surface, for example on a transport surface of a device of the transport device. A container can be positioned horizontally or vertically on part of its outer surface, for example on a transport surface of a device of the transport device. A container can also be positioned horizontally or vertically on part of the container, for example with its neck. To distinguish between upright and horizontal containers, the alignment of the container's longitudinal axis to a transport surface of a transport device of the device can be used. If the longitudinal axis is aligned perpendicular to the transport surface, the container may be in upright position.The transport device can therefore be used to transport containers arranged in any way.

[0012] By capturing sequential images of an area of ​​the transport device, container movement parameters can be determined in subsequent analyses of associated image data. The at least one camera can be directed at the area of ​​the transport device to capture images of the area. The images can capture containers transported by the transport device in this area. Depending on the orientation of the camera and / or the arrangement of the containers on the transport device and / or the orientation of the transport device (e.g., tilted relative to the horizontal), the containers can be captured entirely or partially from above and / or from the side.Partially from above can mean that a container is entirely arranged in the area but can only be partially photographed from above, or that a container is only partially arranged in the area and can therefore only be partially photographed from above, for example regardless of the orientation of the camera and / or the arrangement of the container on the transport device and / or the orientation of the transport device.Partially from the side can mean that a container is arranged entirely within the area but can only be partially photographed from the side (for example, part of the casing area of ​​the container, whereby, for example, another part of the casing area of ​​the container can be partially covered by another container) or that a container is only partially arranged within the area and can therefore only be partially photographed from the side, for example regardless of the orientation of the camera and / or the arrangement of the container on the transport device and / or the orientation of the transport device. Depending on the orientation of the camera, containers lying down or covered when lying down can also be photographed.A horizontally covered container can be a container that is partially covered by one or more other containers (one or more horizontal and / or one or more upright containers), so that only a portion of the container's shell area can be captured. This means that, depending on the camera's orientation, containers of any orientation—overturned, lying, and / or upright—can be captured.

[0013] The movement parameters of the containers, which can be determined, for example, in subsequent analyses of associated image data, can be movement parameters for upright, lying, or horizontally covered containers.

[0014] The detection of containers by means of the tracking analysis unit may include detection of upright and / or lying containers.

[0015] The center of gravity of each detected container can be calculated to determine the container's position. The center of gravity can be converted from a camera coordinate system to a global coordinate system. This conversion can prevent errors caused by optical distortions. A center of gravity can include the center point of a container's lid, closure, or mouth opening.

[0016] Based on the chronologically successive images, one or more static parameters can also be determined, such as the number of containers.

[0017] From a single image it may be possible to determine one or more static parameters, such as the number of containers.

[0018] The sequential images of a section of the transport device can be captured at different frame rates. Frame rate information can be provided or accessed for tracking detected containers and for calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers.

[0019] The images can capture the area of ​​the transport device without a container if there is no container in the area at the time of the capture.

[0020] Container detection by the tracking analysis unit can be achieved using detection software that can be included in the tracking analysis unit or provided to it. Reference data can be provided for different container types. The detection software can be an image recognition algorithm or can include an image recognition algorithm.

[0021] Individual images captured by the camera can be analyzed using recognition software, and containers present in the individual images can be detected, at least based on partial areas. The recognition software can be pre-trained using recorded videos. For example, the recognition software can be or include a neural network.

[0022] The detection of existing containers based on at least partial areas in the individual images can include detection of a top or bottom or a mouth opening of a container or a lid or other closure of a container. The partial areas can include the top, bottom, mouth opening, lid or other closure, or other parts of the container. It is therefore not necessary for a container to be or be able to be detected in its entirety in each of the individual images. Detection of existing containers based on partial areas can be advantageous if the containers are transported in a group, for example.

[0023] Each detected container can be assigned a unique identification. This unique identification can be a number or can include a number.

[0024] The unique identification can be used to track detected containers using the tracking analysis unit.

[0025] The unique identification can be determined using a Kalman filter. The container can retain this unique identification as long as it is within the camera's range. The monitored area can consist of one or more combined image areas from one or more cameras. If the container is briefly obscured within the area (e.g., less than 5 seconds), for example, by obstructions such as struts, the unique identification can be assigned to the container with the highest probability of being located at the expected location within the visible area by applying the Kalman filter.

[0026] The Kalman filter can be used when the area covered by the container is smaller than the container's diameter and / or when the direction and speed of movement are not subject to significant changes due to external influences. It is also possible to increase the frame rate and / or use a neural network for unique identification.

[0027] The tracking of detected containers using the tracking analysis unit can be based on at least two consecutive images or their image data. Consecutive can mean that there can be an equal time interval between the times when the images were taken, or that the time intervals between consecutive images can be different, or that both the same and different time intervals can occur. The time when an image was taken and / or the time interval between consecutive images can be known. For example, images or their image data that were not taken one after the other can also be used to track detected containers. For example, a first, a second and a third image can be taken one after the other, whereby the image data from the first and third images can be used for tracking.

[0028] Image data from two, three, four, or more images can be used to track detected containers. The unique identification assigned to a detected container can be the same for each image. A container can therefore be tracked in different images. The unique identification can remain the same even if a container captured in a previous image is upright and becomes a lying or lying-covered container by the time a subsequent image is captured.

[0029] To calculate movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers using the tracking analysis unit, image data from different images can be combined. For example, historical image data can also be taken into account.

[0030] The speed of the detected and tracked containers can be calculated from the container's position and the camera's frame rate. For this purpose, the container's positions in several consecutive images can be used.

[0031] A future position of the containers can be predicted. This future position can be a position in the future time.

[0032] To calculate the control data based on the movement parameters by means of the processing unit, the (calculated) movement parameters can be compared with historical movement parameters and / or target movement parameters and / or offset against each other in order to obtain statements about an actual state and possibly a required adjustment or several required adjustments, wherein the possible adjustment or the possible adjustments can be achieved by controlling the transport device on the basis of the received control data.

[0033] The control data can be provided for controlling the speed of one or more conveyor belts and / or for controlling belt lubrication of one or more conveyor belts. The processing unit does not need to be included in the transport device. It can be external to the transport device.

[0034] Alternatively, the transport device may further comprise the processing unit, wherein the processing unit may be configured to calculate the control data based on the movement parameters and to provide the control data.

[0035] The transport device may further comprise an inlet and / or an outlet of a container treatment machine, such as an inlet and / or an outlet of a container washing machine or a pasteurizer. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may comprise adjusting a speed of the inlet / outlet. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a tilt angle of the inlet / outlet. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a lubrication value of the inlet / outlet, for example, in a range between 0.08 and 0.15.For this purpose, lubricant, such as water, can be applied to a surface of the inlet / outlet, for example, by spraying it using spray nozzles that can be arranged above and / or to the side of the inlet / outlet and can be included in the transport device. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can also or alternatively include adjusting the supply of containers, for example, a number of containers, to / from the inlet.

[0036] The transport device can further comprise a mass conveyor. The mass conveyor can comprise one or more conveyor belts. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can comprise adjusting a speed of the mass conveyor. If multiple conveyor belts are present, the speeds of all or some of the conveyor belts or the speed of one of the conveyor belts can be adjusted. The speeds can be the same or different. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can also or alternatively comprise adjusting a tilt angle of the mass conveyor. If multiple conveyor belts are present, all of the conveyor belts can be tilted by the tilt angle so that the transport surfaces of the conveyor belts can continue to form a flat surface.Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a lubrication value of the mass conveyor, for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15. For this purpose, lubricant, such as water, may be applied to a surface of the mass conveyor, for example by means of spray nozzles that may be arranged above and / or to the side of the mass conveyor and may be included in the transport device. Applying it to the surface may comprise applying it to a conveyor belt, to some of the conveyor belts, or to all of the conveyor belts. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a supply of containers, for example a number of containers, to the mass conveyor.

[0037] The transport device can further comprise a conveyor belt for the single-track transport of containers. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can comprise adjusting a speed of the conveyor belt. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can also or alternatively comprise adjusting a tilt angle of the conveyor belt. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can also or alternatively comprise adjusting a lubrication value of the conveyor belt, for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15. For this purpose, lubricant, such as water, can be applied to a surface of the conveyor belt, for example by means of spray nozzles, which can be arranged above and / or to the side of the conveyor belt and can be included in the transport device.The control of the transport device on the basis of the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a supply of containers, for example a number of containers, to the conveyor belt.

[0038] The transport device may further comprise a singulating device. For example, the singulating device may comprise a tilted plane. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may comprise adjusting a speed of the singulating device. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a tilt angle of the singulating device. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a lubrication value of the singulating device, for example, in a range between 0.08 and 0.15.For this purpose, a lubricant, such as water, can be applied to a surface of the separating device, for example by means of spray nozzles that can be arranged above and / or to the side of the separating device and can be included in the transport device. Controlling the transport device based on the received control data can also or alternatively include adjusting the supply of containers, for example, a number of containers, to the separating device.

[0039] When calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers by the tracking analysis unit, at least one of the following can be calculated: friction coefficients, impact coefficients, container distributions, container fill levels, belt speeds, and the load acting on containers during an impact. The impact coefficients can, for example, include the number of elastic and / or partially elastic and / or plastic impacts between containers. Friction coefficients can, for example, be calculated for tilted surfaces, taking into account the behavior of the containers. Trends can also be detected by the tracking analysis unit. This detects whether containers are stationary and, at the same time, whether the conveyor belts are pulled under the containers, which could indicate increased pressure on the containers. By taking the friction coefficient into account, quantitative statements can be made regarding the force that can act on the containers.

[0040] The programmable logic controller can be programmed to automatically carry out the control of the transport device on the basis of the received control data, wherein the control can comprise: adjusting a lubrication value of the transport device, for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15 and / or adjusting a supply of containers to the transport device and / or adjusting a tilt angle of the transport device and / or adjusting a tilt angle of a singulating device and / or adjusting a width of a mass conveyor and / or adjusting belt speeds.

[0041] A method for operating a transport device, as described above or below, is provided. The method comprises: transporting containers, such as bottles or cans, by means of the transport device; capturing chronologically successive images of an area of ​​the transport device using at least one camera; sending image data of the images to the tracking analysis unit; detecting containers and tracking detected containers and calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers using the tracking analysis unit; and sending the movement parameters to the processing unit via at least one data output; receiving control data via a data input; and controlling the transport device based on the received control data using the programmable logic controller.

[0042] The features, properties and / or functions already mentioned in connection with the transport device may also apply in connection with the method.

[0043] The method may further comprise calculating the control data based on the movement parameters and providing the control data by means of the processing unit.

[0044] The recording of temporally successive images of a region of the transport device by means of the at least one camera can comprise recording of temporally successive images of an inlet or an outlet of a container treatment machine, such as a container washing machine or a pasteurizer, which is comprised by the transport device, or recording of temporally successive images of a mass conveyor which is comprised by the transport device, or recording of temporally successive images of a conveyor belt for the single-track transport of containers which is comprised by the transport device, or recording of temporally successive images of a singling device which is comprised by the transport device, wherein, for example, the singling device comprises a tilted plane.

[0045] Calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers can include calculating friction coefficients and / or calculating impact coefficients, for example, the number of elastic and / or partially elastic and / or plastic impacts between containers, and / or calculating the load acting on containers during an impact, and / or calculating container distributions, and / or calculating container fill levels, and / or calculating belt speeds. Trends can also be detected by the tracking analysis unit. This detects whether containers are stationary and, at the same time, whether the conveyor belts are being pulled under the containers, which can indicate increased pressure on the containers. By taking the friction coefficient into account, quantitative statements can be made regarding the force that can act on the containers.

[0046] Controlling the transport device on the basis of the received control data by means of the programmable logic controller may comprise automatically adjusting a lubrication value of the transport device, for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15 and / or automatically adjusting a feed of containers to the transport device and / or automatically adjusting a tilt angle of the transport device and / or adjusting a tilt angle of a singulating device and / or automatically adjusting a width of a mass conveyor and / or automatically adjusting belt speeds.

[0047] Short character description

[0048] The attached figures represent aspects and / or embodiments of the invention by way of example for better understanding and illustration. It shows:

[0049] Figure 1A shows a first image taken by a first camera,

[0050] Figure 1 B shows a second image taken by a second camera,

[0051] Figure 2 shows a representation of containers detected in the first and second images,

[0052] Figure 3A shows a representation of the number of containers per evaluation area,

[0053] Figure 3B shows the speeds of the conveyor belts,

[0054] Figure 4A shows an image taken by a camera, Figure 4B shows a representation with containers detected in the image and

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a transport device.

[0056] Detailed character description

[0057] Figure 1A shows a first image 1 captured by a first camera. The image 1, which may have been captured at a first point in time, comprises a first region of the transport device 2, wherein a plurality of containers 3 are arranged. From the transport direction, the containers 3 can initially be transported by conveyor belts 5 in the y-direction before they encounter a railing 4 and, by means of the railing 4 and, for example, also by pushing containers 3, reach a mass conveyor 6, where they can be transported in the x-direction.

[0058] In the first image 1, recognized containers 7 are marked by a rectangle, wherein these containers were recognized by means of a tracking analysis unit comprised by the transport device 2.

[0059] Figure 1B shows a second image 8 taken by a second camera. Image 8, which may also have been taken at the first time, comprises a second region of the transport device 2, which may adjoin the first region of the transport device 2 from Figure 1A, wherein a plurality of containers 3 are arranged there. From the transport direction, the containers 3 can initially be transported by the conveyor belts 5 in the y-direction and, for example, can reach the mass conveyor 6 by pushing containers 3 and can be transported there in the x-direction.

[0060] In the second image 8, containers 7 that have been recognized are again marked by a rectangle, whereby these containers were recognized by means of the tracking analysis unit.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a representation of containers 9 detected in the first image 1 and the second image 8. In the representation, the detected containers are identified by ellipses or flattened circles. A center of the mass conveyor 6 was defined as the zero point of the y-axis in the representation. The width b of the mass conveyor 6 was divided into ten evaluation areas 10-19 for further calculations, for example, of static parameters and / or motion parameters.

[0062] Based on this representation 20, one or more static parameters can be determined or calculated, such as a number and / or position of detected containers 9 per evaluation area (see Figure 3A).

[0063] To determine or calculate movement parameters, it may be necessary to evaluate several of these representations, which were created using images from different recording times, so that a temporal sequence can be taken into account (see Figure 3B).

[0064] Figure 3A shows a representation of the number of detected containers per evaluation area 10-19. The number of containers refers to detected containers that are located entirely within the respective evaluation area 10-19. Detected containers that are only partially located within the evaluation area were not included in the displayed number.

[0065] Figure 3B shows a representation of the belt speeds. The speed is given in meters per second. Calculating the belt speeds (i.e., motion parameters) can involve evaluating several, at least two, images taken at different times. The speed of the belt on which the container is located can then be calculated from the position changes of the detected containers in the respective images.

[0066] Figure 4A shows an image 21 captured by a camera. This comprises an area of ​​a transport device 22, wherein a plurality of containers 23 are arranged. The transport device 22 comprises first conveyor belts 24, which can transport the containers 23 counter to the x-direction. Parallel to the first conveyor belts 24, the transport device 22 comprises second conveyor belts 25, which can transport the containers 23 in the x-direction. In addition, the transport device 22 comprises a concave railing, which the containers 23 transported counter to the x-direction can strike and, as a result of this and the pushing of containers 23, can reach the second conveyor belts 25.

[0067] In Figure 21, recognized containers are marked by a rectangle 27, wherein these containers were recognized by means of a tracking analysis unit comprised by the transport device 22.

[0068] Figure 4B shows a representation 28 with containers 29 recognized in the image 21, resulting in a number and position of recognized containers 29 in the area of ​​the transport device 22 encompassed by the image 21.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram of a transport device 30 for transporting containers 31, such as bottles or cans, in a filling and / or packaging line. A conveyor 32 can be provided for transporting the containers 31. For example, the conveyor 32 can comprise an inlet and / or an outlet of a container treatment machine, such as an inlet and / or an outlet of a container washing machine or a pasteurizer, a mass conveyor, a conveyor belt for single-track transport of containers, or a separating device. The transport device 30 comprises a camera 33 for recording chronologically successive images of an area of ​​the transport device 30. For this purpose, the camera can be directed at the area of ​​the transport device 30 in order to be able to record images of the area. The images can be recorded of containers 31 transported by the transport device 30 in this area.Depending on the orientation of the camera 33 and / or the arrangement of the containers 31 on the transport device or conveyor 32 and / or the orientation of the transport device or conveyor 32 (for example, inclined relative to the horizontal), the containers 31 can be photographed entirely or partially from above and / or from the side. The images taken by the camera 33 can also capture the area of ​​the transport device 30 without a container, if no container is present in the area at the time of the recording.

[0070] The transport device 30 comprises a tracking analysis unit 34 for detecting containers 31 in the image data, for tracking detected containers, and for calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers. Furthermore, the transport device 30 comprises a data output 35 for sending the movement parameters to a processing unit 36 ​​for calculating control data based on the movement parameters and for providing the control data. The control data can be received via a data input 37 included in the transport device 30.

[0071] The transport device 30 comprises a programmable logic controller 38 for controlling the transport device 30 based on the received control data.

[0072] Controlling the transport device 30 based on the received control data may include adjusting a speed of the transport device 30. If multiple conveyor belts are present, the speeds of all or some of the conveyor belts, or the speed of one of the conveyor belts, may be adjusted. The speeds may be the same or different. Controlling the transport device 30 based on the received control data may also or alternatively include adjusting a tilt angle of the transport device 30. If multiple conveyor belts are present, all of the conveyor belts may be tilted by the tilt angle so that the transport surfaces of the conveyor belts can continue to form a flat surface.Controlling the transport device 30 on the basis of the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a lubrication value of the transport device 30, for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15. For this purpose, lubricant, such as water, can be applied to a surface of the transport device 30, for example by means of spray nozzles that can be arranged above and / or to the side of the transport device 30 and can be comprised by the transport device 30. Applying it to the surface can comprise applying it to a conveyor belt, to some of the conveyor belts, or to all of the conveyor belts. Controlling the transport device on the basis of the received control data may also or alternatively comprise adjusting a supply of containers, for example a number of containers, to the transport device 30.

Claims

Claims 1. Transport device for transporting containers (3, 23, 31), such as bottles or cans, in a filling and / or packaging line, the transport device (2, 22, 30) comprising: - at least one camera (33) for recording temporally successive images (1, 8, 21) of an area of ​​the transport device (2, 22, 30), - at least one data output (35) for sending image data of the images to a tracking analysis unit (34), wherein the tracking analysis unit (34) is provided for detecting containers (3, 23, 31) in the image data and for tracking detected containers (7, 9, 29) and for calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers, and for sending the movement parameters to a processing unit (36) for calculating control data based on the movement parameters and providing the control data, - a data input (37) for receiving the control data and - a programmable logic controller (38) for controlling the transport device (2, 22, 30) on the basis of the received control data.

2. The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising the processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to calculate the control data based on the movement parameters and to provide the control data.

3. The transport device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an inlet and / or an outlet of a container treatment machine, such as an inlet and / or an outlet of a container washing machine or a pasteurizer.

4. The transport device according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mass conveyor (6).

5. The transport device according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a conveyor belt for single-track transport of containers (3, 23, 31).

6. The transport device according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a separating device, wherein, for example, the separating device comprises a tilted plane.

7. The transport device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers by the tracking analysis unit (34), at least one of: friction coefficients, impact coefficients, container distributions, Filling levels with containers (3, 23, 31), belt speeds, a load acting on containers in the event of an impact.

8. The transport device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the programmable logic controller (38) is programmed to automatically carry out the control of the transport device (2, 22, 30) on the basis of the received control data, the control comprising: - adjusting a lubrication value of the transport device (2, 22, 30), for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15 and / or - adjusting a supply of containers (3, 23, 31) to the transport device (2, 22, 30) and / or - adjusting a transport speed of the transport device (2, 22, 30) and / or - adjusting a tilt angle of the transport device (2, 22, 30) and / or - Adjusting a tilt angle of a separating device and / or - Adjusting the width of a mass conveyor and / or - Adjusting belt speeds.

9. The transport device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transport device is provided for transporting upright containers (3, 23, 31), horizontal containers or horizontally covered containers.

10. A method for operating a transport device (2, 22, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - transporting containers (3, 23, 31), such as bottles or cans, by means of the transport device (2, 22, 30), - taking temporally successive images of an area of ​​the transport device (2, 22, 30) by means of the at least one camera (33), - sending image data of the images to the tracking analysis unit (34), detecting containers (3, 23, 31) and tracking detected containers and calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers by means of the tracking analysis unit (34), and sending the movement parameters to the processing unit (36) via at least one data output (35), - receiving control data via a data input (37) and - Controlling the transport device (2, 22, 30) on the basis of the received control data by means of the programmable logic controller (38).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising calculating the control data based on the movement parameters and providing the control data by means of the processing unit (36).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the recording of temporally successive images of a region of the transport device (2, 22, 30) by means of the at least one camera (33) comprises: - taking temporally successive images of an inlet or an outlet of a container treatment machine, such as a container washing machine, a pasteuriser, which is comprised by the transport device (2, 22, 30), or - taking temporally successive images of a mass conveyor which is comprised by the transport device (2, 22, 30), or - taking temporally successive images of a conveyor belt for the single-track transport of containers (3, 23, 31), which is comprised by the transport device (2, 22, 30), or - Recording temporally successive images of a separating device which is comprised by the transport device (2, 22, 30), wherein, for example, the separating device comprises a tilted plane.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein calculating movement parameters of the detected and tracked containers comprises: - Calculating friction values ​​and / or - Calculating collision numbers, for example numbers of elastic and / or partially elastic and / or plastic collisions between containers (3, 23, 31) and / or - Calculate a load acting on a container in the event of an impact and / or - Calculating container distributions and / or - Calculating filling levels with containers (3, 23, 31) and / or - Calculating belt speeds.

14. The method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the controlling of the transport device (2, 22, 30) on the basis of the received control data by means of the programmable logic controller comprises an automatic: - adjusting a lubrication value of the transport device (2, 22, 30), for example in a range between 0.08 and 0.15 and / or - adjusting a supply of containers (3, 23, 31) to the transport device (2, 22, 30) and / or - adjusting a tilt angle of the transport device (2, 22, 30) and / or - Adjusting a tilt angle of a separating device and / or - Adjusting a width (b) of a mass conveyor (6) and / or - Adjusting belt speeds.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the transporting of containers (3, 23, 31) comprises transporting upright containers (3, 23, 31), lying containers or lying covered containers.

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