Machine and method for quality control of containers

Abstract

A machine for quality control of containers, comprising: - a conveyor (2), configured to move a succession of containers along an advancement path; - at least one plate (3), mounted on the conveyor (2), configured to supportingly transport a container (C) and to rotate it around its own axis along the advancement path so as to impart to said container (C) a combined rotation and displacement movement along the advancement path; - a fixed optical camera (6) arranged at one side of the advancement path and oriented facing it and configured to acquire a succession of images of a lateral surface of the container (C) during a combined rotation and displacement movement along the advancement path; Such optical camera (6) is a full-frame type camera configured to acquire images with an acquisition speed higher than 200 fps, so as to acquire images of the entire height of the containers (C).

Description

[0001] “Machine and method for quality control of containers”

[0002] ★★★★★★★

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention falls within the technical sector of quality control of containers conveyed along machines for the treatment of containers, preferably bottles, of various nature, for example semi-transparent or opaque or still others not expressly cited here. The expression “quality control” is intended here as meaning, in general, analysis of the external features of the container (welding of the glass, notches on the lower part of the bottle, analysis of the position of the labels) in order to assess compliance of the product with the quality specifications dictated by the customer.

[0005] In detail, the present invention relates to a machine for controlling the visual quality of containers, arranged to operate when they are conveyed along an advancement path.

[0006] In even more detail, the present invention relates to machines that are capable of detecting the outer lateral surface of the containers, in order to be able to then analyse the good visual quality thereof with reference, for example, to correct positioning of the label with respect to the contours of the bottle (right and left sides and / or base and top) or with respect to predefined reference points, such as raised parts, recesses, spots, etc.

[0007] As an alternative, it should be noted that the present invention can be used for different purposes to identification by quality control, i.e. for orientation of the containers on the plate before performing a treatment on the container, such as, for example, labelling.

[0008] Prior art

[0009] With particular reference to the sector of processing bottles, it is known to load them onto conveyors, which can, for example, be obtained by means of rotating turntable conveyors or by means of linear motors with movable carriages. In any case, the conveyors comprise a plurality of rotating plates movable along an advancement path and onto which the containers to be treated are loaded. Such rotating plates are rotating around an axis of rotation thereof which, during use, coincides with the main extension axis of the container.

[0010] For example, in relation to rotating turntable conveyors, they comprise a plurality of rotatable plates, positioned along the periphery of the turntable, onto which the bottles are loaded (one bottle per each plate). During the normal use of the conveyor, the combined movement of the turntable and of the individual plates imparts to the bottles a roto-revolution movement (rotation about the axis of the plate and revolution about the axis of the turntable) which enables the progressive and sequential exposition of the entire lateral surface of the bottle to an appropriate detector.

[0011] With reference to quality control, cameras arranged at the side of the conveyor are currently used and are configured to take one or more photographs of each container during movement thereof in working conditions (and at working speeds which are, for example, from 1 ,500 to 50,000 bottles per hour).

[0012] Therefore, since a very rapid acquisition of images is necessary and, at the same time, an equally rapid transmission of data, the known technology currently envisages using one or more cameras arranged at a specific portion of the bottle, for example the neck or the label, and which are configured to frame only said part. In fact, the acquisition of images of the “detail” of interest of the bottle allows “less heavy” images (in terms of the digital dimensions) to be obtained, which are thus more rapidly transmissible.

[0013] In particular, there are two possible embodiments currently known:

[0014] - a first embodiment in which there are several cameras, each oriented towards a specific zone of the bottle;

[0015] - a second embodiment in which there is a single camera mounted on an adjustable support and that must be moved at the point of interest of the bottle to be controlled.

[0016] In both cases, the systems currently known involve a considerable construction complexity of the machines.

[0017] In the case of the first embodiment, in fact, the installation of several cameras in a machine results in the need to occupy more space inside the machine, e.g. a rotating turntable, which could be occupied by other equipment or which, in any case, creates higher overall dimensions inside the machine itself (it should also be considered that the cameras must be connected with cables, which in turn occupy space). Furthermore, the use of several cameras can also result in the implementation of a turntable with a higher diameter, with consequent higher manufacturing costs and times.

[0018] In the case of the second embodiment, it is necessary to have a specific movable structure for orientation of the camera. It should also be considered that the movable structure must be preconfigured to bring the camera to the correct height each time there is a change in the container control / processing operations.

[0019] It is to be noted that the problems set out above in relation to the example of a rotating turntable conveyor also arise in the case of a linear motor conveyor with movable carriages to which the present invention relates.

[0020] Examples of the prior art are described in the prior documents WO 2023 / 222298 A1 , EA 038 813 B1 , US 2023 / 154012 A1 , US 2024 / 201102 A1 , US 2006 / 208172 A1.

[0021] Object of the present invention

[0022] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a machine for quality control of containers which overcomes at least some of the drawbacks in the prior art as described above.

[0023] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a machine for quality control of containers that is constructively simple and able to perform an acquisition of images that is simultaneously quick and of high quality.

[0024] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a machine for quality control of containers comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0025] Brief description of the figures

[0026] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a machine for quality control of containers, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] - Figure 1 schematically shows a machine according to the present invention;

[0028] - Figure 2 shows a detail of a possible embodiment of the machine;

[0029] - Figure 3 schematically shows the system of analysis of the images of the lateral surface of the container according to the present invention.

[0030] Description of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0031] In the appended figures, reference number 1 generically indicates a machine for controlling the container “C”, to which reference will be made in the following description simply as machine 1 .

[0032] The machine 1 comprises a conveyor 2 for transporting containers “C” along an advancement path. The latter can follow different shapes such as, for example, circular, oval, rectilinear or anything else not expressly identified herein as a function of the requirements.

[0033] The machine 1 further comprises at least one plate 3 rotatable about an axis of rotation “Y” of the plate 3 which, preferably, coincides with the axis of rotation of the container “C”.

[0034] The present invention covers at least two embodiments of the conveyor 2: a first embodiment in which the conveyor 2 comprises a rotating turntable, and a second embodiment (not illustrated in the appended figures) in which the conveyor is made with a linear motor having a plurality of carriages movable along the advancement path thanks to the electromagnetic field variation.

[0035] According to the first embodiment of the conveyor 2, the rotating turntable is rotatable about an axis of rotation “X” of the turntable, which as it turns describes an advancement path in whose centre the axis of rotation “X” passes.

[0036] In particular, the at least one plate is arranged at a peripheral edge of the rotating turntable 2, so that the axis of rotation “Y” of the plate 3 (parallel to the axis of rotation “X” of the turntable 2) intersects the advancement path. In other words, during the rotation of the rotating turntable 2, the axis of rotation “Y” of the plate 3 moves along the advancement path.

[0037] Additionally, each plate 3 defines a support surface for a container “C”.

[0038] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of plates 3 arranged circumferentially to the rotating turntable 2 at a predefined distance, identified as the pitch of the turntable, from one another.

[0039] Each plate is configured to rotate about its own axis of rotation “Y”, when it moves along the advancement path.

[0040] In this way, the combined movement of the rotating turntable 2 and of the plate 3 enables a roto-revolution motion to be imparted to the container “C” housed therein (rotation about the axis of rotation “Y” of the plate 3 and revolution about the axis of rotation “X” of the rotating turntable 2).

[0041] In the case of the embodiment of the linear motor, each plate 3 is mounted on a respective carriage movable along the advancement path.

[0042] The machine 1 further comprises a first angular position sensor 4 configured to detect an angular position of the rotating turntable 2 or the position of the plate 3 (or of the carriage on which the plate 3 is mounted) along the advancement path.

[0043] Such first sensor 4 therefore enables the exact orientation of the rotating turntable 2, or the position of the plate 3 along the advancement path, to be known at all times.

[0044] The machine 1 further comprises at least a second angular position sensor 5 configured to detect an angular position of the at least one plate 3 with respect to the axis of rotation “Y”.

[0045] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a second sensor 5 for each plate 3, so as to be able to know at all times the exact orientation of the individual plates 3 directly and independently from the detections performed by the first sensor 4 on the rotating turntable 2 or on the linear motor carriage.

[0046] In particular, in the case of the rotating turntable, the machine 1 comprises a first motor means that is associated with the rotating turntable 2 and a second motor means associated with the plate 3. Preferably, the first motor means is distinct and controllable independently from the second motor means and vice versa.

[0047] Should there be more plates 3, the second motor means is associated with each of them so that each plate 3 can be placed in rotation independently from each other plate 3 of the machine 1 and obviously independently from the rotation motion of the rotating turntable 2.

[0048] According to such aspect, the first sensor 4 comprises an encoder coupled or integrated into the first motor means while the second sensor 5 comprises an encoder coupled or integrated into the second motor means. In particular, the machine 1 can comprise a plurality of encoders coupled to respective plates 3, so as to be able to independently detect the angular position of the individual plates while they are made to rotate along the advancement path under the action of the second motor means.

[0049] In the case of the linear motor, the first sensor 4 is implemented directly in the electromagnetic control and command system of the carriage along the advancement path, whereas the second sensor 5 is made in the control system of the rotation of the plate 3 which can be performed through auxiliary carriages that act mechanically on the rotation of the plate 3 mounted on the main carriage as a function of the variation of the mutual distance controlled and / or through electric motors mounted directly on board the carriage and / or through other methods not expressly mentioned herein.

[0050] The machine 1 further comprises an optical camera 6 facing the advancement path and configured to acquire a succession of images representative of respective adjacent portions of a lateral surface of the container “C” during its rotation and advancement movement at a predefined portion of conveyor 2 (in the case of the turntable, it is a predefined angular portion).

[0051] In other words, the optical camera 6 is situated in a fixed position adjacent to the advancement path, at one side (preferably outer) of the advancement path, so as to have a field of vision that covers a predefined portion of the advancement path. As can be seen in the appended figures, the optical camera 6 is one only at least for one side, preferably outer, of the conveyor 2.

[0052] The optical camera 6 can, for example, be made by means of a camera able to take a succession of photographs on distinct portions of the lateral surface of the container “C” in rotation.

[0053] The rotation and advancement motion imparted to the container “C” is such as to guarantee that, during crossing of the field of vision of the optical camera 6, the entire lateral surface of the container “C” is exposed and can be correctly acquired.

[0054] To synchronise the acquisition of the images during the rotation of the containers “C”, the machine comprises a control unit 7 configured to activate the optical camera 6 (preferably, the control unit 7 is a separate unit with respect to the control unit present in the camera 6 and used for acquisition of the images) so as to acquire the succession of images as a function of the angular position of the rotating turntable 2 or of the plate 3 along the advancement direction and of the angular position of the at least one plate 3 with respect to the axis “Y”.

[0055] In other words, the control unit 7 receives from the first sensor 4 and from the second sensor 5 the information related to the angular position of the turntable 2 and of the plate 3 through respective electric signals representative of the position along the advancement path and of the angular position of the plate 3, and uses this information to activate the acquisition of the images by the optical camera 6.

[0056] In particular, the control unit 7 is configured to activate the optical camera 6 as a function of a plurality of predetermined combinations of angular positions of the rotating turntable 2 and of the at least one plate 3.

[0057] In accordance with the present invention, the optical camera 6 is a fullframe type camera configured to acquire images of the entire height of the containers “C”, calculated with respect to the axis “Y”. By way of example, it is indicated that such height of the containers “C” (in relation to which the optical camera is able to acquire the entire image thereof) is comprised between 0 cm and 35 cm. By way of example, the images acquired are around 2000 pixel x 1500 pixel.

[0058] Furthermore, such optical camera 6 is configured to acquire images at an acquisition speed higher than 200 fps (frames per second), preferably around 400 fps, so that the images are acquired at a working speed of the machine, for example higher than 400 rpm (rotations per minute).

[0059] By way of example, the optical camera 6 has a resolution preferably of 3 MP (Megapixels).

[0060] By way of example, the optical camera 6 is arranged at a distance from the advancement path of the containers comprised between 20 cm and 35 cm, in which such distance is calculated as the distance between the axis of rotation “Y” of the container “C” and the sensor of the optical camera 6.

[0061] In addition, the machine 1 comprises a data transmission system connected to said optical camera 6 and configured to perform a highspeed transmission of the images acquired, preferably comprised between 1000 MB / s and 2000 MB / s. In this manner, it is advantageously possible to process the images, as they are transmitted rapidly, for each container

[0062] “C” that reaches the optical camera 6 without delay and considering the very high working speed (for example, 500 rpm). Preferably, such transmission system is obtained by means of one of the following alternatives:

[0063] - coaxial transmission system (coaxial cables); or

[0064] - USB system, preferably USB 3.0 (USB cables); or

[0065] - Ethernet system (network cables).

[0066] For each alternative, the transmission system comprises a corresponding electronic circuit board (installed on a PC) for receiving the coaxial cable, or USB card (usually already present on the PC) or an Ethernet connection card.

[0067] As already stated, the optical camera 6 is configured to acquire, on its own, images of the entire lateral surface (around the axis of rotation “Y”) of the container “C” by means of a plurality of acquisitions that are performed during the rotation of the container through 360° on said plate.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit 7 is further configured to operate according to two working methods: analyse singly each of said images to obtain a quality control with respect to a predefined image, or reconstruct a representation of the lateral surface of the container C by flanking respective portions of images of said succession of images and analyse said reconstructed representation to obtain said quality control.

[0069] It should be noted that the control unit 7 is configured to use the two working methods alternatively or in parallel.

[0070] Advantageously, in this manner, it is possible to perform an analysis of the total reconstructed representation of the lateral surface of the bottle “C” (as, for example, visible in Figure 3, CH.1 ) and, in parallel, an analysis of a detail, present only in a sub-group of images or a portion of image, to identify a specific detail (for example, a bar code, as visible in Figure 3, CH.2). In fact, such detail could occupy a part of surface greater than the portions of images (slices) acquired by the optical camera 6. For example, such detail could extend on several slices of the images acquired.

[0071] In addition, the control unit 7 could be configured to analyse singly each of said acquired images, performing, on them, two or more analyses in parallel.

[0072] For example, the control unit 7 is configured to perform, in parallel, a first analysis for quality control of a first subgroup of images or of a first image or of a portion of a first image, and a second analysis for quality control of a second subgroup of images or of a second image or of a portion of a second image.

[0073] Advantageously, it is thus possible to identify two or more details on the lateral surface of the container (e.g. barcode and “writing” on the rim).

[0074] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the control unit 7 is configured to perform an Artificial Intelligence algorithm that comprises a classifier trained with images having a specific reference layout (pattern matching). Such Artificial Intelligence algorithm is configured to automatically identify predefined parts of said reference layout in the images acquired by said optical camera 6.

[0075] In the case of a reconstruction of the entire lateral surface of the container “C”, the selection of a first portion of a first image is related to a first position of the plate 3 along the advancement path and of the angular position on itself. A second portion is taken from a second image, subsequent to the first, and is related to a second position of the plate 3 along the advancement path and angular position on itself. And so forth...

[0076] In this way, the acquisition of the images that are superposed with one another becomes superfluous, as the control unit 7 precisely knows the orientation of the container “C” (which is obtained from the combination of the angular position of the rotating turntable 2 or of the plate 3 along the advancement direction and of the plate 3 with respect to the axis “Y” on which such container “C” rests) and therefore unambiguously identifies which portion of its lateral surface is being inspected.

[0077] In particular, the control unit 7 is configured to individually analyse or to reconstruct a representation of the overall lateral surface of the container “C” by flanking without superposition the images of the succession of images to be analysed.

[0078] For example, a first image portion is used as a starting point and is positioned at a fixed lateral reference (for example, a right or left or central end of a display of a graphical interface) and as a reference for the reconstruction of the image.

[0079] Then, a second image portion and a third image portion are flanked to such first image in subsequent steps.

[0080] Therefore, in general, the control unit 7 receives in sequence the images acquired from the optical camera 6 when the container “C” is in a succession of predefined positions and arranges them sequentially flanked to one another making the ends match without superposing them.

[0081] Alternatively, the control unit 7 receives in sequence the images acquired from the optical camera 6 when the container “C” is in a succession of predefined positions and analyses them individually without needing to superpose them to perform the total reconstruction of the lateral surface of the container “C”.

[0082] In accordance with the present invention, the control unit 7 is configured to select a different portion of each image corresponding to a specific position of the plate 3 along the advancement path. The set of said portions selected for each image define said reconstruction of the representation of the lateral surface of the container C or are analysed individually.

[0083] In other words, the control unit 7 is configured to:

[0084] - receive the images detected by the optical camera 6;

[0085] - select a portion (or slice) of each image corresponding to a specific position of the plate 3 along the advancement path;

[0086] - flank without superposition the portions selected so as to compose the entire image of the lateral surface of the container “C” or individually analyse said selected portions.

[0087] In practice, the sensor 6 detects the container “C” that enters into its visual field from the right and advances to the left (or vice versa) and takes a series of photographs, for each of which a different portion that will contribute to composing the total image or that will be analysed is selected.

[0088] In any case, it is to be noted that, with each image portion detected, the control unit 7 associates the information related to the position of the container “C” along the advancement direction and the angular position of the container “C” on itself (information received from the position sensors 4 and 5) at that precise moment.

[0089] In other words, there is a precise relationship between the selected image portion with respect to the position of the plate 3 along the advancement path.

[0090] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the control unit 7 is configured to select the width of the portion (or slice) of each image after it has been acquired. In this manner, it is possible to vary the width of the portion (or slice) of each image to be processed as required (the width also depends on the diameter of the container “C” to be treated).

[0091] For example, in the case of reconstruction of the entire lateral surface, it is preferable for the slices to have a constant width, whereas, in the case of analysis of a detail (e.g. a barcode), it is preferable to analyse a slice with a larger width than those of the reconstruction.

[0092] In this latter case, one or more of said image portions has a larger width than the subdivision of the total width of the image acquired by the optical camera 6 by the number of images acquired by the optical camera 6 itself. In this way, a same characteristic (“spot” or weld of the bottle or the like) of a container “C” is visible in various consecutive image portions.

[0093] In this case, the control unit 7 does not perform the flanking and reconstruction of the entire image, but analyses one or more image portions.

[0094] Advantageously, such embodiment enables less significant “spots” to be identified (such as, for example, the vertical weld of the glass of the bottle) which, because of some light reflection play on the container “C”, might not be detected in a single image portion. Therefore, by acquiring image portions having a larger width (with respect to the precise subdivision of the number of photos) it is possible to find the “spot” again in one or more consecutive image portions in order to be able to choose the image portion in which the “spot” is more significant with respect to other image portions thanks, for example, to a different (and more favourable) reflection of the light on the container “C”.

[0095] In this latter case, the control unit 7 is configured to analyse every single image portion and to identify the “spot” within the chosen image portion. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can be configured to identify the position of the “spot” with respect to the entire lateral surface of the container “C” knowing the position of the central axis of the selected image portion with respect to the outer edges of the entire acquired image and knowing the position of the plate 3 with respect to the optical camera 6 as well as the angular position of the plate 3.

[0096] Another object of the present invention is also a method for performing quality control of a container C in a particularly successful manner by a machine that has any combination of the technical characteristics outlined above, which are referred to below in full.

[0097] In particular, the method is performed by providing a container “C” and moving it according to a rotation and advancement motion, for example by means of a plate 3 of a rotating turntable 2 or linear motor.

[0098] In particular, the plates 3 and the conveyor 2 can be part of a machine 1 made according to what is described above.

[0099] During the movement of the container “C”, both the position of the plate 3 along the advancement direction and the angular position of the plate 3 are detected autonomously, separately and independently.

[0100] The combination of such information makes it possible to find out precisely at all times the effective orientation of the container “C”.

[0101] The optical camera 6 is then activated at predetermined combinations of positions of the plate 3 along the advancement direction and of the plate 3 with respect to the axis “Y” on which the container “C” is located, in order to acquire a succession of images representative of respective adjacent portions of the lateral surface of the container “C”.

[0102] In other words, whenever the conveyor 2 and the plate 3 assume specific angular positions, the acquisition of an image by the optical camera 6 is activated.

[0103] The plurality of predetermined combinations therefore determines the acquisition of a sequence of images that are analysed by the control unit 7 individually or after the reconstruction of a representation of the lateral surface of the container “C”.

[0104] In particular, the control unit 7 flanks without superposition the images acquired by the optical camera 6.

[0105] Furthermore, the acquisition step is performed with a full-frame type camera configured to acquire images of the entire height of the containers according to a vertical direction of extension of the container itself, with an acquisition speed higher than 200 fps, preferably 400 fps, so that the images are acquired at a working speed of the machine, for example higher than 400 rpm (rotations per minute).

[0106] The present invention achieves the stated objects.

[0107] In particular, thanks to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a structure for the quality control of containers arranged on a conveyor that is constructively simple and guarantees a rapid and high quality acquisition.

[0108] In particular, the presence of a full-frame camera combined with a sufficiently rapid data transmission system allows the transmission of images of the entire bottle (“heavier” in dimensions) in times compatible with the working speeds of the container treatment machines. In this manner, it is possible to analyse the images of the entire bottle by means of a single fixed camera, obtaining all the consequent advantages in reduction of the overall dimensions of the machine and the equipment applied to it. Furthermore, as already described, the present invention allows a reconstruction of the entire lateral surface of the container to be analysed, rather than individual image portions, as the width of the portion of each image to be acquired can be varied.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine for quality control of containers, comprising:- a conveyor (2), configured to move a succession of containers along an advancement path;- at least one plate (3), mounted on the conveyor (2), configured to supportingly transport a container (C) and to rotate it around its own axis along the advancement path so as to impart to said container (C) a combined rotation and displacement movement along the advancement path;- a fixed optical camera (6) arranged at one side of the advancement path and oriented facing it and configured to acquire a succession of images of a lateral surface of the container (C) during a combined rotation and displacement movement along the advancement path; characterised in that said optical camera is a full-frame type camera configured to acquire images with an acquisition speed higher than 200 fps so as to acquire images of the entire height of the containers; wherein said machine further comprises a control unit (7) connected to the optical camera (6) and configured to control said acquisition of said succession of images as a function of the position of the container (C) along the advancement path and of the angular position of the plate (3) itself; said control unit (7) being further configured to: receive the images detected by the optical camera (6); select a different portion or slice of each image corresponding with a specific position of the plate (3) along the advancement path;- flank without superposition the selected portions, so as to compose the total image of the lateral surface of the container “C” and reconstruct a representation of the lateral surface of the container (C) by flanking respective portions of images of said succession of images and analyse said reconstructed representation to obtain said quality control; or- analyse singly said selected portions of each of said images to obtain aquality control relative to a predefined image.

2. The machine according to claim 1 , characterised in that said optical camera (6) is configured to acquire images of a container (C) at an acquisition speed of around 400 fps.

3. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a data transmission system connected to said optical camera (6) and configured to perform a high-speed transmission of images comprised between 1000 MB / s and 2000 MB / s.

4. The machine according to claim 3, characterised in that said transmission system is obtained by means of: a coaxial system or USB system, preferably USB 3.0, or an Ethernet system.

5. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said optical camera (6) is configured to acquire, on its own, images of the entire lateral surface of the container (C) by means of a plurality of acquisitions that are performed during rotation of the container on said plate.

6. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (7) is configured to select the width of the portion or slice of each image after it has been acquired, so as to vary the width of the portion or slice of each image to be processed as required.

7. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (7) is configured to reconstruct a representation of the lateral surface of the container (C) by flanking said portions of images without superposition.

8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (7) is configured to perform, in parallel, a plurality of analyses of which a first analysis for quality control of a first subgroup of images or of a first image or of a portion of a first image, and a second analysis for quality control of a second subgroup of images or of a second image or of a portion of a second image.

9. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (7) is configured to carry out an Artificial Intelligence algorithm that comprises a classifier trained with images having a specific reference layout; said Artificial Intelligence algorithm being configured automatically to identify predefined parts of said reference layout in the images acquired by said optical camera (6).

10. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises first motor means associated with the conveyor (2) to move the containers along said advancement path and second motor means associated with the at least one plate (3) to make it rotate on itself; wherein said first motor means and said second motor means are independent from each other and controllable separately.

11. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises:- a first position sensor (4) configured to detect a position of the plate (3) with respect to the advancement path;- at least a second angular position sensor (5) configured to detect an angular position of the at least one plate (3) with respect to the axis of the container (C).

12. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said one control unit (7) is connected to said first and to said second position sensor (5) and is further configured to: receive a position signal of the plate (3) with respect to the advancement path from said first sensor (4); receive an angular position signal of the plate (3) with respect to the axis of the container (C) from said second sensor (5); acquire said succession of images as a function of the position of the plate (3) along the advancement path and the angular position of the plate (3) itself.

13. The machine according to claim 12, characterised in that said control unit (7) is further configured to select a different portion of eachimage as a function of the position of the plate (3) with respect to the advancement path detected by said first sensor (4) and as a function of the angular position of the plate (3) with respect to the axis of the container (C) detected by said second sensor(5).

14. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to activate different acquisition sectors of the optical sensor (6) so as to acquire a respective image sector to be analysed individually or to be flanked without superimposition with subsequent image sectors to define said representation of the lateral surface of the container (C).

15. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said conveyor (2) comprises a rotating turntable having a plurality of stations along the periphery thereof in which said plates (3) are mounted; said first position sensor (4) being configured to detect an angular position of said rotating turntable.

16. The machine according to any one of preceding claims, said first angular position sensor (4) comprising an encoder coupled to the first motor means and said second angular position sensor (5) comprising an encoder coupled to the second motor means.

17. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said conveyor (2) comprises a linear motor having a plurality of carriages movable along said advancement path; said rotating plate (3) being mounted on each of said carriages.

18. A method for performing quality control of a container (C), comprising the steps of:- preparing and moving a container (C) on a plate (3) of a machine (1 ) for quality control of the containers (C), preferably a machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the container (C) along the advancement path is a combined rotation and displacement movement along the advancement path;- acquiring, by means of a fixed optical camera (6) arranged at one side ofthe advancement path and oriented facing it, a succession of images representative of a lateral surface of the container (C); characterised in that said acquisition step is performed with a fullframe type camera configured to acquire images of the entire height of the containers (C) according to a vertical direction of extension of each container (C), with an acquisition speed higher than 200 fps; wherein said method envisages a step of providing a control unit (7) connected to the optical camera (6) and configured to control said acquisition of said succession of images as a function of the position of the container (C) along the advancement path and of the angular position of the plate (3) itself; said method envisages to perform the following steps by means of said control unit (7): receive the images detected by the optical camera (6); select a different portion (or slice) of each image corresponding with a specific position of the plate (3) along the advancement path;- flank without superposition the selected portions, so as to compose the total image of the lateral surface of the container “C” and reconstruct a representation of the lateral surface of the container (C) by flanking respective portions of images of said succession of images and analyse said reconstructed representation to obtain said quality control; or- analyse singly said selected portions of each of said images to obtain a quality control in relation to a predefined image.

Images