Method for improving the recycling of container structures, in particular containers, and data processing device, computer program, computer-readable medium and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for at least identifying a group of container structures having at least one container structure which causes a measured value deviating from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling. The method comprises the following steps: conveying container structures through a first region (2) and then conveying at least a part of each container structure through a second region (3). The method additionally comprises the following steps: recording, by means of an image recording apparatus (4), images or image sequences of different groups of the container structures in the first region (2) at different recording times; detecting, by means of an electronic processing unit (5), that, in the presence of at least a part of a deviating container structure of the container structures in the second region (3), a measured value of the second region (3) deviating from a specification is caused; and identifying, by means of the electronic processing unit (5), the image or the image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained.

Description

[0001] ALPLA Works Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0002] P62989 / WO

[0003] 1

[0004] Methods for improving the recycling of container structures, in particular containers

[0005] The invention relates to a method for at least identifying a group of container structures, which has at least one container structure that causes a measured value that deviates from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling.

[0006] Plastic containers, especially plastic bottles, require less energy and resources to produce than containers made of glass or metal. Paper containers, especially paper packaging, only become airtight and usable after being coated with a layer of plastic. Consumer goods are therefore often packaged in plastic containers.

[0007] To reuse the material of such containers in an environmentally friendly way, energy-efficient recycling is necessary. Mechanical recycling is particularly energy-efficient, as it preserves the material and avoids the energy-intensive process of dismantling and reconstructing it, as is the case with chemical recycling. However, mechanical recycling relies on certain containers being specifically placed in a particular stream—for example, green bottles in a green recycling stream—or deliberately excluded from a specific stream, for example, due to their contents, a particularly harmful label, or a specific additive. For instance, a half-full motor oil bottle can only be recycled into a food-grade milk bottle with great difficulty and effort.Or a seemingly harmless container, such as a tube of peanut butter, can trigger unfortunate reactions due to residues it contains, for example in a person who is allergic to even the smallest amounts of peanuts.

[0008] In many cases, however, the issue is the color, which is not easily identifiable under a label or sleeve and often prevents high-quality recycling for the same application and color. Such unclear containers often end up in a very low-quality recycling stream or, unfortunately, still in incineration.

[0009] Special devices called "sniffers" can detect containers, especially bottles, that have been contaminated with particularly hazardous substances or misused packaging, for example, a cola bottle with traces of a paint dispersion. However, sniffers are very expensive and only react to known and volatile contaminants. What the sniffer doesn't recognize, it lets through, and what is not sufficiently in the gas phase cannot be detected by the system equipped with the sniffer. Furthermore, the sniffer technology is ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0010] P62989 / WO

[0011] 2

[0012] It is often not very reliable with deformed containers in a compressed bale. Furthermore, it often cannot achieve the required throughput.

[0013] Special infrared (IR) and near-infrared (NIR) irradiation and detectors analyze specific reflection, transmission, and absorption spectra, identify polymers by type, and enable sorting. Some of these systems can penetrate one or more layers and are also suitable for detecting residual fillers or coatings that are not plastics. However, with multiple plastics and layers, overlapping spectra occur, preventing unambiguous identification of a specific plastic. These systems are also susceptible to pigments like carbon black, which absorb the radiation, and the absorbed beam path makes detection difficult or impossible. These systems typically do not detect colors or toxins. In particular, copolymer components that cause clumping in recycling plants are not detected by these systems.

[0014] There are systems that operate in the visible light spectrum, and rarely also in the UV range, in which containers (especially bottles), shreds, or ground material ("flakes") of these containers or granules are selected or excluded based on their color directly before the recycling process or after reactive treatment (deliberate discoloration). Multicolored containers, labels, and sleeves, or the ground material in flake form, are often difficult to identify. This is particularly problematic with multi-layered structures that have one color on one side and a different color on the other; the flakes can overlap, preventing identification from both sides. Metallized colors that reflect light, or dark colors that absorb light, are also reasons why these systems can never perfectly identify and sort materials.

[0015] Furthermore, unfortunately, people still have to manually remove problematic containers from the recycling stream because all the sensors and issues described above are difficult or impossible to resolve mechanically. These people often cannot react quickly enough, are not focused enough, or simply overlook one or more containers. There is also no automatic feedback system indicating what is new and problematic or how much has been missed, which only exacerbates the problems.

[0016] Sorting systems using artificial intelligence, for example, recognize containers based on their contour and their visual appearance in different states of deformation, and clearly identify them as "good" or "bad". An example is ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG.

[0017] P62989 / WO

[0018] 3

[0019] One example of this is a system that can uniquely identify a crushed and perforated bottle in a returnable bottle return machine. Another example is sorting systems that can assign bottles with a different color under the sleeve to the correct color category. Yet another example is the detection of HDPE cartridges with residual contents, especially silicone, which is harmful to HDPE recycling. However, these systems have the problem that their intelligence usually relies on external input—a person to establish or program this connection. Rarely can such systems simply look at the neck or bottom of a bottle, where there is usually no label or sleeve, and assign the bottle to a color through self-learning.

[0020] Other systems, using artificial intelligence, can uniquely identify and sort bottles as good or bad based on a surface structure on the bottle, sleeve, or label—for example, a barcode, hazard symbol, or marker embedded in the material. However, a problem with these systems is that if this feature is missing, such as a hazard symbol like a skull on the label, the bottles will not be recognized. These systems are therefore dependent on prior preparation and the provision of a characteristic on or within the container. A further disadvantage arises from the fact that, particularly with one-sided detection, a defective container cannot be identified if the symbol is facing the conveyor belt.

[0021] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the recycling of container structures is to be improved, preferably by better identifying certain container structures that are detrimental to a defined, for example, high-quality recycling process.

[0022] These and other problems, which will be mentioned in the following description or which can be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are solved by the methods and subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims further develop the central idea of ​​the invention in a particularly advantageous way.

[0023] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for at least identifying a group of container structures, which includes at least one container structure that causes a measured value that deviates from a specified value and is therefore unsuitable for recycling. The method comprises the following steps: conveying container structures through a first area and then conveying at least a portion of each container structure through a second area. The method further comprises ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0024] P62989 / WO

[0025] 4

[0026] The following steps are performed: Recording, by an image acquisition device, of images or image sequences of different groups of container structures in the first area at different recording times; detecting, by an electronic processing unit, that the presence of at least one part of a deviating container structure in the second area causes a measurement value in the second area that deviates from a specification; and identifying, by the electronic processing unit, the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained.

[0027] This method allows a measurement that deviates from the target (a so-called "poor measurement") to be assigned to the group of container structures that contains the container structure responsible for this measurement. Thus, the method makes it possible to identify the container structure or type responsible for the poor measurement. Container structures of the same type or identical to this one can then be removed, for example, at the recycling inlet, thereby reducing deviations from the target and thus improving the recycling process, for example, by achieving higher purity.

[0028] The measured value can represent the quantity or concentration of a gaseous chemical compound, such as benzene. The abnormal container structure depicted in the identified image or image sequence therefore contains a characteristic indicative of this chemical compound, such as a label (e.g., a PVC label). This method thus makes it easy to identify the characteristic responsible for the excessively high quantity or concentration of the chemical compound. Container structures with this characteristic, such as a label (e.g., red or with a specific designation), will then be removed from the recycling process.

[0029] The measured value can represent a color. This allows unwanted discoloration, especially yellowing, to be avoided or at least significantly reduced during the recycling process.

[0030] The measured value can represent a brightness level. This allows undesirable optical properties (such as gray values, excessively low or high transparency, reflection properties, or absorption properties) to be avoided or at least significantly reduced in the recycling process. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0031] P62989 / WO

[0032] 5

[0033] The measured value can represent the presence or absence of a non-plastic material, such as a metal (especially aluminum). This makes it possible, in particular, to identify the container structure or type of container that might reveal the non-plastic material, which could be harmful to recycling. Containers with the same or similar structure can then be rejected at the recycling point, even if the consumer has removed the non-plastic material (for example, an aluminum layer under the lid, perhaps glued on) and small residues of the non-plastic material remain that cannot be detected by a suitable detector. This can significantly improve recycling.In particular, this prevents small residues from a plastic-free layer, for example containing aluminum, from entering the recycling stream and subsequently blocking recycling devices such as a filter.

[0034] The measured value can represent material turbidity. This makes it possible, in particular, to identify container structures or types of containers that, while appearing outwardly suitable for recycling (for example, due to a PET closure, PET label, and / or PET sleeves), actually cause turbidity in the recycling stream. Consequently, it can prevent, for example, a container structure such as a bottle from being mistakenly identified as PET and mistakenly sent for PET recycling, even though it is not made of PET, due to PET closures, PET labels, and / or PET sleeves. This prevents, for example, a container structure mistakenly deemed suitable for recycling, such as a polystyrene bottle, from later causing significant turbidity in the PET recycling stream.Rather, such a container structure can then be selectively diverted at the entrance of the recycling plant, thereby improving the recycling process.

[0035] The measured value can represent the presence or absence of a crosslinking material and / or a crosslinking process characteristic. This improves recycling, as the presence or absence of a crosslinking material and / or a crosslinking process characteristic is a major problem for recycling, particularly in terms of filter clogging or the formation of gels or even holes in the container structures manufactured from the recycled material.

[0036] A measuring device can detect a measured quantity from the second area, which is represented by the measured value. For this purpose, the measuring device is preferably arranged to monitor the second area. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0037] P62989 / WO

[0038] 6

[0039] The measured quantity can be determined by chromatography, in particular gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and / or high-performance chromatography (HPLC).

[0040] The container structures, or at least parts thereof, can undergo at least one, preferably mechanical, recycling step in the first and / or second section and / or between the first and second sections. A mechanical recycling step can provide a recycling process that requires less effort (especially in terms of energy) compared to chemical recycling processes. The at least one recycling step can include shredding, washing, and / or a mechanical separation process, in particular a float / sink process and / or an air classification process.

[0041] It is preferred if an SSP (Solid State Polycondensation) reactor (in particular a vacuum line of the SSP reactor), an LSP (Liquid State Polycondensation) reactor, a degassing extruder, a deodorization device, a dryer, and / or a condensation system at least partially incorporates the second area. At these locations, the measured quantity represented by the measured value can be particularly well detected (e.g., by measuring on or in an exhaust gas, in particular exhaust air, e.g., from the dryer), which is particularly advantageous for verifying whether the vessel structures contain a vessel structure that deviates from a specification.

[0042] The electronic processing unit can identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the deviating container structure by using a conveying time. The conveying time corresponds, for example, to a fixed value or, preferably, a calculated duration required to transport at least a portion of one of the container structures from the first area to the second area using a conveying device. For example, the measured quantity represented by the measurement value deviating from the specification is acquired at a specific acquisition time. The electronic processing unit then subtracts the conveying time or duration from the acquisition time, thereby obtaining a calculated time. The image or image sequence with the acquisition time corresponding to the calculated time is then identified by the electronic processing unit as the image or image sequence containing the deviating container structure.The image sequence of the group of container structures, which includes the differing container structure. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG.

[0043] P62989 / WO

[0044] 7

[0045] The electronic processing unit can identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the variant container structure by a calculation based on a conveying speed and / or path information of a path connecting the first area to the second area, wherein the path information preferably includes the path length. The conveying speed is, for example, the conveying speed of at least a portion of a container structure conveyed through the first area and / or the second area. Thus, the electronic processing unit can easily identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the variant container structure based on information about the conveying of at least a portion of a container structure.

[0046] It is preferred if at least a section of the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the differing container structure is displayed. This section can, for example, show an enlarged view of the differing container structure, allowing a person to sort out similar container structures based on the section. Consequently, recycling can be improved.

[0047] It is preferred if a signal is output that represents the detection of the different container structure and / or the group having the different container structure and / or that represents at least one feature, preferably an external feature, of the different container structure.

[0048] The signal can be an acoustic signal, an optical signal, and / or a control signal. The control signal can, for example, cause a device to sort out container structures that exhibit the characteristic.

[0049] It is preferred that the container structures are recycled in a first recycling system and the signal (for example, via a wireless and / or wired communication link) is transmitted to a second recycling system. Thus, the information obtained in the first recycling system regarding the different container or the feature of this different container is shared with the second recycling system, thereby improving recycling there as well. The recycling systems can be spatially separated from each other, preferably such that the respective recyclates are obtained at different locations. The recycling systems can be located in different recycling plants. In another embodiment, the recycling systems can also be located in the same recycling plant, but, for example, in different rooms. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0050] P62989 / WO

[0051] 8

[0052] It is preferred if the electronic processing unit identifies the differing container structure based at least on the identified image or image sequence.

[0053] The electronic processing unit identifies the deviating container structure preferably through optical image recognition and / or through artificial intelligence such as a neural network.The neural network or a model required for optical image recognition can be trained by: at least one first image or image sequence of a first group of container structures in which no container structure deviating from the specification is included, wherein the first image or image sequence is labelled to indicate that the first group of container structures does not contain a deviating container structure; and at least one second image or image sequence of a second group of container structures in which a container structure deviating from the specification is included, wherein the second image or image sequence is labelled to indicate that the second group of container structures contains a deviating container structure.

[0054] The method can further comprise the following steps, performed by the electronic processing unit: recognizing that the presence of at least part of another deviating container structure in the second area causes another measurement in the second area that deviates from the specification; and identifying the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the additional deviating container structure. This allows for the comparison of several groups, each containing multiple container structures and each containing at least one deviating container structure that causes a poor measurement, with a feature (e.g., a specific container) being assigned to this poor measurement.

[0055] The electronic processing unit can identify a common feature, preferably a common external feature, of the different container structures or groups of different container structures based at least on the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the different container structure and on the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the other different container structure. Thus, for example, a type of container structure that is detrimental to recycling can be identified particularly well, thereby leading to improved recycling. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0056] P62989 / WO

[0057] 9

[0058] The image sequence can be 5 seconds or more and / or 10 seconds or less long. This provides a particularly good basis for identifying the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the non-standard container structure, thus improving the identification of the non-standard container structure and consequently recycling.

[0059] The container structures can comprise or be containers and / or container parts. The container parts preferably have a closure, such as a lid. According to one embodiment, the container structures comprise cups, lids, and / or trays.

[0060] The container structures can be made of plastic. Each plastic container structure can be at least partially made of a polymer. The polymer can be a thermoplastic. The polymer can be a polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene (PP), and / or polyethylene (PE, for example HDPE and / or LDPE), and / or polystyrene (PS).

[0061] The procedure may include the following steps: conveying at least part of each container structure through a third area after conveying this at least part through the second area; recognizing, by the electronic processing unit, that the presence of at least part of the deviating container structure in the third area causes a measured value of the third area that deviates from a further specification.

[0062] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for at least identifying a group of container structures, which includes at least one container structure that causes a measured value that deviates from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling.The method comprises the following steps: capturing images or image sequences of different groups of container structures being conveyed through a first area at different times; detecting that the presence of at least part of a different container structure in a second area causes a measured value in the second area that deviates from a specification, wherein the first area and the second area are arranged along a conveying direction such that the container structures are first conveyed through the first area and then at least part of each container structure is conveyed through the second area; and ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG.

[0063] P62989 / WO

[0064] 10

[0065] Identifying the image or image sequence of the group of container structures that includes the aberrant container structure.

[0066] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a device for data processing, comprising means for carrying out the computer-implemented method.

[0067] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method.

[0068] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method.

[0069] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a system for at least identifying a group of container structures, which includes at least one container structure that causes a measured value that deviates from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling.The system comprises: a first area and a second area arranged along a conveying direction such that container structures are first conveyed through the first area and then at least a part of each container structure is conveyed through the second area; an image acquisition device configured to capture images or image sequences of different groups of container structures in the first area at different times; and an electronic processing unit configured: a) to detect, upon the presence of at least a part of a deviating container structure in the second area, that a measurement value of the second area deviating from a specification is being caused; and b) to identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained.

[0070] Further embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0071] Fig. i shows a schematic view of a system according to one embodiment.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a system 1 for at least identifying a group of container structures, which has at least one container structure that deviates from a specification. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0073] P62989 / WO

[0074] 11

[0075] The measured value is affected and therefore unsuitable for recycling. The container structures can comprise or be containers and / or container parts. The container parts preferably have a closure, such as a lid. According to one embodiment, the container structures comprise cups, lids, and / or trays. The container structures are preferably plastic container structures that are particularly well suited for recycling. A plastic container structure can also be a container structure made of paper and plastic, wherein the plastic, for example, provides a barrier function (preferably a barrier against oxygen or other gases or gas mixtures). Preferably, the containers are bottles and / or packaging.

[0076] System 1 has a first area 2 and a second area 3, which are arranged distributed along a conveying direction indicated by horizontal arrows in Fig. 1. Thus, container structures can first be conveyed through the first area 2, for example by using a conveying device, and then at least a part (for example as chips or ground material, or "flakes") of each of these container structures can be conveyed through the second area 3, for example by using the conveying device or a further conveying device.

[0077] System 1 comprises an image acquisition device 4 configured to capture images or image sequences (hereinafter referred to as "image or image sequence" or "image material") of different groups of container structures in the first area 2 at different acquisition times, in particular points in time. The image acquisition device 4 can, in particular, capture an image or image sequence of a first group of container structures in the first area 2 at a first acquisition time and an image or image sequence of a second group of container structures in the first area 2, which is different from the first group, at a second acquisition time. The image acquisition device 4 can be a camera, for example, a still camera and / or a video camera. The image sequence can be, for example, 5 seconds or more and / or 10 seconds or less long. Preferably, the image sequence is provided in the form of a video.

[0078] System 1 also includes an electronic processing unit 5, which is configured to compare a measured value with a target value (for example, stored in the electronic processing unit 5) and to detect whether the measured value deviates from the target value. The measured value represents a measurand from the second area 3, where the measurand represents, for example, a quantity or concentration of a gaseous chemical compound, a color, and / or a brightness level. The target value can be, for example, a limit value or a range, where, for example, ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0079] P62989 / WO

[0080] 12

[0081] The measured value deviates from the specification by falling below or exceeding the limit value or by lying outside, in particular below or above, the range.

[0082] The system i can include a measuring device 6 arranged to detect a measurand of the second area 3, which is represented by the measured value. The measuring device 6 can include one or more sensors for detecting the measurand. The measurand can be detected, for example, by chromatography, in particular gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and / or high-performance chromatography (HPLC).

[0083] System 1 can have one or more recycling sections 7, which are arranged between the first section 2 and the second section 3 and preferably distributed along the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, the first section 2 and / or the second section 3 can each have one of the at least one recycling section 7. The at least one recycling section 7 is arranged to be traversed by the container structures or at least parts thereof and is configured to subject the container structures or at least parts thereof to at least one, preferably mechanical, recycling step. The at least one recycling step can include shredding, washing, and / or a mechanical separation process, in particular a float / sink process and / or an air classification process.Alternatively or additionally, the first area 2 and / or the second area 3 can be set up to subject the container structures or at least parts of them to at least one, preferably mechanical, recycling step.

[0084] System 1 can comprise the following devices: an SSP reactor, in particular a vacuum line of the SSP reactor; an LSP reactor; a degassing extruder; a deodorizing device; a dryer; and / or a condensation system. It is preferred if at least one of these devices comprises at least part of the second section 2. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one recycling section 7 comprises at least part of one or more of these devices.

[0085] To enable the identification of the deviating container structure, i.e., the container structure that caused the "poor" measurement, or at least a feature of the deviating container structure (for example, "red label"), the electronic processing unit 5 is further configured to identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained. This can be done in various ways. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0086] P62989 / WO

[0087] 13

[0088] For example, the electronic processing unit 5 is configured to identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the deviating container structure by using a conveying time, i.e., by so-called "back-calculation." The conveying time preferably corresponds to the duration required for at least a part of one of the container structures (for example, a wall section) to move from the first area 2 to the second area 3 using one or more conveying devices of the system 1. For example, the measured quantity represented by the measurement value deviating from the specification is acquired at a certain acquisition time. The electronic processing unit 5 subtracts the conveying time from this acquisition time, thereby obtaining a calculated time.The electronic processing unit 5 compares the calculated time with the acquisition times and selects the image or image sequence with the acquisition time that corresponds to the calculated time. This image or image sequence is the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained, i.e., the container structure that caused the measured value in the second area 3 to deviate from the specification.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic processing device 5 can be configured to identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the deviating container structure by a calculation based on a conveying speed and / or path information connecting the first area 2 with the second area 3. The conveying speed is preferably the conveying speed of at least a part of one of the container structures (for example, a wall section) that is moved using one or more conveying devices of the system 1, for example, in the first area 2 and / or in the second area 3 and / or from the first area 2 to the second area 3. For example, the measured quantity represented by the measurement value deviating from the specification is acquired at a specific acquisition time.The electronic processing unit 5 calculates a value, for example, a conveying time, from the conveying speed and the path information, and calculates a calculated time based on this value and the acquisition time (for example, the value is subtracted from the acquisition time). The electronic processing unit 5 compares the calculated time with the acquisition times and selects the image or image sequence with the acquisition time that corresponds to the calculated time. This image or image sequence is the image or image sequence of the group of container structures that includes the deviating container structure, i.e., the container structure that caused the measured value in the second area 3 to deviate from the specification.

[0090] It is preferred if system 1 is used not only to identify the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained, but also for ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0091] P62989 / WO

[0092] 14

[0093] The identification of the deviating container structure is set up. For this purpose, the electronic processing unit 5 can be configured to identify the deviating container structure based on the identified image or image sequence (the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained). For example, the electronic processing unit 5 is configured to identify the deviating container structure in the identified image material (image or image sequence) by optical image recognition. The optical image recognition is preferably based on machine learning, in particular on a trained model or module. The model (for example, a neural network) is preferably trained by: 1.) at least one first image of a first group of container structures in which no container structure deviating from the specification is contained, wherein the first image is marked to indicate that the first group of container structures does not contain any deviating container structures; and 2.) at least one second image of a second group of container structures in which a container structure deviating from the specification is contained, wherein the second image is marked to indicate that the second group of container structures contains a deviating container structure.

[0094] The optical image recognition model, for example, has learned that image material of white container structures does not represent a different container structure. The electronic processing unit 5 applies the optical image recognition to the identified image material in which a different container structure is depicted and, through optical image recognition, identifies the different container structure (for example, its position in the image material) because it is not white, but, for example, red.

[0095] System 1 can include an output unit 8 that is connected to or part of the electronic processing unit 5. The output unit 8 is preferably configured to display a message and / or output a signal. For example, the output unit 8 is configured to display at least a portion of the identified image or image sequence of the group of container structures containing the atypical container structure. If only a portion is displayed, this preferably depicts at least the atypical container structure, preferably enlarged. It is preferred that the electronic processing unit 5 identifies the atypical container structure in the identified image material (i.e.,image or image sequence) identified by optical image recognition and then the identified image material with marking or highlighting of the differing container structure shown therein (this is in the image material for example by a closed form ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG.

[0096] P62989 / WO

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[0098] such as a ring marked or highlighted) is displayed by output unit 8, or only a section of the identified image material, where the section represents the differing container structure, is displayed by output unit 8.

[0099] The signal output by output unit 8 can represent: the detection of the non-standard container structure; and / or the group exhibiting the non-standard container structure; and / or at least one feature, preferably an external feature, of the non-standard container structure. The signal can be an acoustic signal, an optical signal, and / or a control signal. For example, the signal can be output if a non-standard container structure is at least present in the second area 3, even if it has not yet been (precisely, e.g., by optical image recognition) identified. The signal can thus serve as a "warning" that a non-standard container structure is at least present in the second area 3 and therefore in the recycling process. Alternatively or additionally, the signal can represent a feature, preferably an external feature, of the non-standard container structure.The feature is preferably detected by optical image recognition (for example, "container structure with the color red"). The signal can thus serve, in particular, as a control signal that is transmitted, for example, to a controller, especially a sorter, which then regulates the proportion of container structures exhibiting this feature in a container structure stream, specifically sorting out container structures exhibiting this feature, so that they, for example, cannot even reach the first area 2.

[0100] The electronic processing unit 5 can further be configured to perform the following steps: detecting that the presence of at least part of another deviating container structure in the second area 3 causes a further measurement value in the second area 3 that deviates from the specification; and identifying the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the further deviating container structure is contained. The electronic processing unit 5 is preferably configured to perform the identification of the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the further (or second) deviating container structure is contained analogously to the identification of the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the (first) deviating container structure is contained. Reference is made to the above descriptions in this respect.

[0101] Consequently, what can be obtained by the electronic processing unit 5 are at least two identified images or identified image sequences, namely the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

[0102] P62989 / WO

[0103] 16

[0104] The electronic processing unit 5 contains the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the further dissimilar container structure is contained. These images or image sequences can now be used in different ways by the electronic processing unit 5, in particular using optical image recognition. For example, the electronic processing unit 5 is configured to identify, based at least on these images or image sequences, a common feature, preferably a common external feature, of the dissimilar container structures or groups of dissimilar container structures. For example, the electronic processing unit 5, in particular its optical image recognition, identifies theThe model identifies two potentially different container structures in the first images or image sequences: a red container structure and a black container structure. In the second images or image sequences, two potentially different container structures appear: a red container structure and a yellow container structure. It then identifies the feature "red container structure" as the common (external) feature, since it occurs in both the first and second images or image sequences. The signal, for example, output by output unit 8, can then represent this common feature as the feature it can represent.

[0105] The following are some examples of procedures using System 1.

[0106] Example 1:

[0107] Containers are transported through the first area 2, wherein the image acquisition device takes 4 images or image sequences of different groups of containers in the first area 2 at different acquisition times, i.e. at least a first image or image sequence (“first image material”) of a first group of containers at a first acquisition time and a second image or image sequence (“second image material”) of a second group of containers at a second acquisition time.

[0108] Subsequently, at least a portion of each of these containers is conveyed through the second section 3, with the containers optionally passing through one or more recycling sections 7 between the first section 2 and the second section 3, and thus undergoing one or more (e.g., mechanical) recycling steps. In the at least one recycling step, the containers are, for example, shredded, so that only a portion of each container (e.g., as one or more chips, so-called "flakes," of each container) is conveyed through the second section 3. According to this example, the second section 3 is part of the vacuum line of an SSP reactor. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0111] The measuring device, a so-called "artificial nose" ("sniffer"), detects a measurement from the second area 3, namely a quantity or concentration of benzene. This occurs at a specific time. This measurement is represented by a measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value deviates from a predefined limit, i.e., in this example, that the quantity or concentration of benzene exceeds a predefined limit and is therefore too high.

[0112] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of a different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the different container is.

[0113] To identify at least the group of containers containing the outlier container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group. According to the present example, this is done as follows. The electronic processing unit 5 retrieves information about a path connecting the first area 2 with the second area 3 (i.e., information about at least part of the system or plant layout) and a conveying speed. Based on this information and the conveying speed, the electronic processing unit 5 calculates a conveying time, the time it takes for at least part of a container to travel from the first area 2 to the second area 3.The electronic processing unit 5 subtracts the conveying time from the acquisition time, resulting in a calculated time. It compares this calculated time with the acquisition times and selects the image material whose acquisition time corresponds to the calculated time. In this way, the electronic processing unit 5 identifies the image material of the group of containers in which the outlier container—that is, the container causing the outlier measurement—is identified.

[0114] The measuring device records another measured variable from the second area 3, namely a further quantity or concentration of benzene. This occurs at a further recording time. This measured variable is represented by another measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the further measured value also deviates from the specification, i.e., in the present example, the quantity or concentration of benzene exceeds the specified limit and is therefore too high.

[0115] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that in the second area 3 at least part of another different container is present, however ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0118] It has not yet been identified what kind of container the other, different container is.

[0119] To identify at least the group of containers containing the additional non-standard container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group of containers. This is done analogously to the identification of the image data of the group of containers containing the non-standard container, as described above.

[0120] As a result, the electronic processing unit 5 has identified the image material of the group of containers in which the further deviating container, i.e. the container that causes the deviating measurement again, is contained.

[0121] The electronic processing unit 5 identifies, through its optical image recognition and based on the image material of the group of containers in which the deviant container is contained and on the image material of the group of containers in which the further deviant container is contained, that the deviant containers have a common external feature, namely a special red label with the inscription "Thai Curry".

[0122] The output unit 8 then displays the misleading container or the common characteristic of misleading containers ("special red label with the inscription 'Thai Curry'") to at least one person, for example, the local recycling team. Based on this display, this person can then take various actions, in particular one action to ensure that all bottles with the characteristic "special red label with the inscription 'Thai Curry'" are rejected at the system's entrance, especially at the recycling plant, and another action to inspect containers with this characteristic. According to the latter action, the at least one person inspects such containers and recognizes that they are still labeled with a PVC label, which produces benzene during the recycling process.At least one person writes to the importer, demanding that he avoid using such PVC labels in the future and requesting financial compensation.

[0123] This process enabled the detection of a container that is detrimental to recycling—namely, a container with a distinctive-looking PVC label—which would otherwise have been difficult or possibly impossible to identify. This significantly improves the recycling process.

[0124] 2:ALPLA Works Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0127] Containers are transported through the first area 2, wherein the image acquisition device takes 4 images or image sequences of different groups of containers in the first area 2 at different acquisition times, in particular a first image or image sequence (i.e., "first image material") of a first group of containers at a first acquisition time and a second image or image sequence (i.e., "second image material") of a second group of containers at a second acquisition time.

[0128] Subsequently, at least a portion of each of these containers is conveyed through the second section 3, with the containers optionally passing through one or more recycling sections 7 between the first section 2 and the second section 3, and thus undergoing one or more (e.g., mechanical) recycling steps. In at least one recycling step, the containers are, for example, shredded, so that only a portion of each container (e.g., as one or more chips, so-called "flakes," of each container) is conveyed through the second section 3. According to this example, the second section 3 is a degassing extruder.

[0129] The measuring device, a so-called "artificial nose" ("sniffer"), detects a measurement from the second area 3, namely a quantity or concentration of benzene. This occurs at a specific time. This measurement is represented by a measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value deviates from a predefined limit, i.e., in this example, that the quantity or concentration of benzene exceeds a predefined limit and is therefore too high.

[0130] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of a different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the different container is.

[0131] To identify at least the group of containers containing the outlier container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of the group of containers in which the outlier container is located. This is done analogously to the identification according to Example 1. As a result, the electronic processing unit 5 has identified the image data of the group of containers in which the outlier container, i.e., the container causing the outlier measurement, is located.

[0132] This group of containers, or at least parts of these containers, is also conveyed through a third area which, according to this example, includes a drying device for drying the containers. A further measuring device records a measurement of the ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0135] The third area (after drying) is color. This measurement is represented by a measured value, where the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value deviates from a specification, i.e., in the present example, the detected color exceeds a maximum yellowing and thus represents excessive yellowing.

[0136] The measuring device records another measured variable from the second area 3, namely a further quantity or concentration of benzene. This occurs at a further recording time. This measured variable is represented by another measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the further measured value also deviates from the specification, i.e., in the present example, the quantity or concentration of benzene exceeds the specified limit and is therefore too high.

[0137] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of another different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the other different container is.

[0138] To identify at least the group of containers containing the additional deviating container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group. This is done analogously to the identification of the image data of the group containing the deviating container as described above. This allows the electronic processing unit 5 to identify the image data of the group of containers containing the additional deviating container, i.e., the container that causes the deviating measurement again.

[0139] This group of containers, or at least parts of these containers, is also conveyed through the third area. The additional measuring device records another measurement from the third area (after drying), namely color. The electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value also deviates from the target value; that is, in this example, the recorded color also exceeds the maximum yellowing limit and thus represents excessive yellowing.

[0140] The electronic processing unit 5 has therefore identified the following image material:

[0141] Image material of the group of containers, which includes the deviating container and which causes a poor benzene value in the second area and excessive yellowing in the third area; and ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0144] Image material of the group of containers, which includes the further deviating container and which causes a poor benzene value in the second area and excessive yellowing in the third area.

[0145] The electronic processing unit 5 identifies, through its optical image recognition and based on the image material of the group of containers in which the deviating container is contained and on the image material of the group of containers in which the further deviating container is contained, that the deviating containers have a common external feature, namely a prohibited PVC for the label of the containers.

[0146] The output unit 8 then displays the offending container or the common characteristic of the offending containers (prohibited PVC for the container label) to at least one person, for example, the local recycling team. Based on this display, this person can then take various actions, in particular one to ensure that all bottles with the characteristic "prohibited PVC for the container label" are rejected at the system's entry point, especially the recycling plant, and another to inspect containers with this characteristic. Following the latter action, the at least one person inspects such containers and recognizes that they are still labeled with a PVC label that produces benzene during the recycling process. The recycling team then contacts the importer, demanding that they avoid using such PVC labels in the future and requesting financial compensation.

[0147] This process enabled the detection of a container that is detrimental to recycling, namely one with a prohibited PVC label, which would otherwise have been difficult or possibly impossible to identify. Recycling has thus been significantly improved.

[0148] Example 3:

[0149] Containers are transported through the first area 2, wherein the image acquisition device takes 4 images or image sequences of different groups of containers in the first area 2 at different acquisition times, in particular a first image or image sequence (i.e., "first image material") of a first group of containers at a first acquisition time and a second image or image sequence (i.e., "second image material") of a second group of containers at a second acquisition time.

[0150] Afterwards, at least part of each of these containers is transported through the second area 3, with the containers optionally passing between the first area 2 and the second area 3. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0153] or several recycling sections 7 and thus undergo one or more (e.g., mechanical) recycling steps. In at least one recycling step, the containers according to this example are subjected to a process (e.g., a mechanical separation process, in particular a float / sink process and / or an air classification process) by which the decoration (e.g., label or sleeve) of a container is removed, so that only a part of each container, namely containers without decoration, is transported through the second area 3.

[0154] The measuring device is a color sensor and detects a measurement quantity from the second area 3, namely a color. This occurs at a specific acquisition time. This measurement quantity is represented by a measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value deviates from a specification, i.e., in the present example, the detected color deviates from a specified color and is therefore too white.

[0155] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of a different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the different container is.

[0156] To identify at least the group of containers containing the offending container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group of containers. This is done analogously to the identification described in Example 1. As a result, the electronic processing unit 5 has identified the image data of the group of containers containing the offending container, i.e., the container causing the offending measurement or color value.

[0157] The measuring device records another measurement variable from the second area 3, namely another color. This occurs at a further recording time. This measurement variable is represented by another measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the further measured value also deviates from the specification, i.e., in the present example, the recorded color deviates from a specified color and is therefore too white.

[0158] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of another different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container this other different container is. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0161] To identify at least the group of containers containing the additional deviating container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group. This is done analogously to the identification of the image data of the group containing the deviating container as described above. This allows the electronic processing unit 5 to identify the image data of the group of containers containing the additional deviating container, i.e., the container that causes the deviating measurement again.

[0162] The electronic processing unit 5 identifies, through its optical image recognition and based on the image material of the group of containers in which the deviating container is contained and on the image material of the group of containers in which the further deviating container is contained, that the deviating containers have a common external characteristic, namely that they are not a container with a colored or multicolored appearance under any decoration required for this recycling, but rather a container with a high-quality transparent appearance under a colored or multicolored decoration.

[0163] The output unit 8 then displays the mismatched container or the common characteristic of mismatched containers ("container with a high-quality transparent appearance under a colored or multicolored decoration") to at least one person, for example, the local recycling team. Based on this display, they can then take various actions, in particular one that ensures containers of this type are sorted into a separate, high-quality recycling stream, for example, a recycling stream for high-quality transparent containers.

[0164] This process enabled the identification of containers that were too valuable for recycling and therefore unsuitable for this purpose—namely, containers with a high-quality, transparent appearance beneath colored or multicolored decoration—which would otherwise have been difficult or possibly impossible to detect. This significantly improves the recycling process.

[0165] Example 4:

[0166] Containers are transported through the first area 2, wherein the image acquisition device records 4 images or image sequences of different groups of containers in the first area 2 at different recording times, i.e., in particular a first image or a first image sequence (i.e., "first image material") of a first group of containers to a first ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0169] Recording time and a second image or a second sequence of images (i.e., “second image material”) of a second group of containers at a second recording time.

[0170] Subsequently, at least a portion of each of these containers is conveyed through the second section 3, with the containers optionally passing through one or more recycling sections 7 between the first section 2 and the second section 3, and thus undergoing one or more (e.g., mechanical) recycling steps. In the at least one recycling step, at least portions of each container, as in this example, are conveyed through an extruder between the first section 2 and the second section 3. The second section 3 is located at the extruder outlet.

[0171] The measuring device is a color sensor and detects a measurement variable from the second area 3, namely a color. This occurs at a specific acquisition time. This measurement variable is represented by a measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value deviates from a specification, i.e., in the present example, the detected color is very gray and thus deviates from a specified white color; therefore, it is a very poor gray quality of at least parts (e.g., shreds) of each container in the second area 3.

[0172] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of a different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the different container is.

[0173] To identify at least the group of containers containing the offending container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group of containers. This is done analogously to the identification process described in Example 1. As a result, the electronic processing unit 5 has identified the image data of the group of containers containing the offending container, i.e., the container causing the very poor image quality.

[0174] The measuring device records another measurement parameter from the second area 3, namely another color. This occurs at a further recording time. This measurement parameter is represented by another measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the further measured value also deviates from the specification, i.e., in the present example, the recorded color is very gray and thus deviates from a specified white color, meaning that it is also a very poor gray quality of at least parts (e.g., shreds) of each container in the second area 3. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0177] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of another different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the other different container is.

[0178] To identify at least the group of containers containing the additional deviating container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group. This is done analogously to the identification of the image data of the group containing the deviating container as described above. This allows the electronic processing unit 5 to identify the image data of the group of containers containing the additional deviating container, i.e., the container that causes the deviating measurement again.

[0179] The electronic processing unit 5 informs at least one person (for example, a machine operator or a team, in particular a local recycling team) of the findings by transmitting, via output unit 8, the images of the group of containers containing the offending container and the images of the group of containers containing the other offending container, which shows at least one person. Through analysis of the images, this person recognizes that the offending containers are each multi-layer composite containers with a black layer ("carbon black") in a middle layer and informs the distributor of these containers about the harmful effect of their containers on the white material stream in the recycling process or plant.

[0180] This method enabled the detection of a container that is detrimental to recycling—namely, a container that appears white on the outside but has a black middle layer in its wall—which would otherwise have been difficult or even impossible to identify. This significantly improves the recycling process.

[0181] Example :

[0182] Containers are transported through the first area 2, wherein the image acquisition device captures 4 images or image sequences of different groups of containers in the first area 2 at different acquisition times, i.e., in particular a first image or image sequence (i.e., "first image material") of a first group of containers at a first acquisition time and a second image or image sequence (i.e., "second image material") of a second group of containers at a second acquisition time. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG

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[0185] After that, at least part of each of these containers is transported through the second area 3.

[0186] The measuring device is a color sensor and detects a measurement of the second area 3, namely a brightness level. This occurs at a specific acquisition time. This measurement is represented by a measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the measured value deviates from a predefined limit, i.e., in this example, the detected brightness level exceeds a predefined limit, meaning that the second area 3 is too bright.

[0187] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of a different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the different container is.

[0188] To identify at least the group of containers containing the offending container, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of that group of containers. This is done analogously to the identification according to Example 1. As a result, the electronic processing unit 5 has identified the image data of the group of containers containing the offending container, i.e., the container causing the excessive brightness of the second area 3.

[0189] The measuring device records another measurement parameter of the second area 3, namely another brightness level. This occurs at a further acquisition time. This measurement parameter is represented by another measured value, whereby the electronic processing unit 5 recognizes that the further measured value also deviates from the specification, i.e., the recorded brightness level exceeds a predefined limit, meaning that the second area 3 is too bright.

[0190] The electronic processing unit 5 has thus recognized that at least part of another different container is present in the second area 3, but has not yet identified what kind of container the other different container is.

[0191] To identify at least the group of containers in which the additional, non-standard container is contained, the electronic processing unit 5 now identifies the image data of the group of containers in which the additional, non-standard container is contained. This is done analogously to the identification of ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG as described above.

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[0194] Image material of the group of containers in which the deviating container is contained. This allowed the electronic processing unit 5 to identify the image material of the group of containers in which the further deviating container, i.e., the container that causes the deviating measurement again, is contained.

[0195] The electronic processing unit 5 identifies, through its optical image recognition and based on the image material of the group of containers in which the deviating container is contained, and on the image material of the group of containers in which the further deviating container is contained, that these groups of containers have a common external feature, namely a number of red containers that is below a defined number of red containers, whereby with the defined number of red containers (at least in previous measurements) a brightness level according to the specification can (could) be achieved.

[0196] The electronic processing unit 5 is configured to output a control signal via the output unit 8 if the identified number of red containers is less than the defined number of red containers. In this example, the electronic processing unit 5 therefore outputs the control signal via the output unit 8. The control signal is received by a controller (for example, a gate or sorter), which then increases the proportion of red containers in the stream of containers passing through the first area 2 by, for example, reducing or eliminating the number of red containers exiting upstream of the first area 2. This adjusts, or reduces, the brightness level in the second area 3, meaning that the stream passing through the second area 3 becomes dimmer, at least in part, from each container.

[0197] The method revealed that increasing the proportion of a specific container type, namely red containers, in the stream of containers passing through the first area 2 alters the brightness level of at least some of the containers in the stream passing through the second area 3, specifically reducing it (i.e., the stream, e.g., a green stream, becomes darker), which would otherwise have been difficult or even impossible to detect. Recycling is thus significantly improved.

Claims

ALPLA Works Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62989 / WO 28 Patent claims 1. A method for at least identifying a group of container structures, which includes at least one container structure that causes a measurement value that deviates from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Conveying container structures through a first area (2) and then conveying at least a part of each container structure through a second area (3); the procedure additionally includes the following steps: Recording, by means of an image recording device (4), of images or image sequences of different groups of the container structures in the first area (2) at different recording times; Recognizing, by an electronic processing unit (5), that the presence of at least one part of a deviating container structure in the second area (3) causes a measured value of the second area (3) that deviates from a specification; and Identifying, by the electronic processing unit (5), the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the aberrant container structure is included.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measured value represents an amount or concentration of, for example, a gaseous chemical compound, wherein the chemical compound is, for example, benzene.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measured value represents a color.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measured value represents a brightness level.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measured value represents the presence or absence of a plastic-free material, for example a metal.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measured value represents a material turbidity. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62989 / WO 29 7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measured value represents the presence or absence of a crosslinking material and / or a crosslinking process feature.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a measuring device (6) detects a measured quantity of the second area (3) which is represented by the measured value.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the measured quantity is detected by chromatography, in particular gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and / or high-performance chromatography (HPLC).

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the measuring device (6) comprises a metal detector.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container structures or at least parts thereof in the first (2) and / or second area (3) and / or between the first area (2) and the second area (3) undergo at least one, preferably mechanical, recycling step, wherein preferably the at least one recycling step comprises shredding, washing and / or a mechanical separation process, in particular a float / sink process and / or an air classification process.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an SSP reactor, in particular a vacuum line of the SSP reactor, an LSP reactor, a degassing extruder, a deodorizing device, a dryer and / or a condensing system the second area (3) at least partially exhibits.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic processing unit (5) processes the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the deviating container structure is contained by applying a conveying time and / or by a calculation based on a conveying speed and / or path information of a path that connects the first area (2) with the ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62989 / WO 30 second area (3) connects, identifies, preferably the path information includes the path length of the path.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a section of the image or image sequence of the group of containers in which the differing container structure is contained is displayed.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a signal is output that represents the detection of the deviating container structure and / or the group having the deviating container structure and / or that represents at least one feature, preferably an external feature, of the deviating container structure.

16. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the signal is an acoustic signal, an optical signal and / or a control signal.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the container structures are recycled in a first recycling system and the signal is transmitted to a second recycling system, wherein the recycling systems are preferably spatially separated from each other and / or arranged in different recycling plants.

18. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic processing unit (5) identifies the deviating container structure based at least on the identified image or sequence of images.

19. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic processing unit (5) identifies the deviating container structure by optical image recognition and / or by artificial intelligence such as a neural network.

20. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the following steps performed by the electronic processing unit (5): Recognize that the presence of at least part of another deviating container structure in the second area (3) causes a further measurement value in the second area (3) that deviates from the specification; and Identifying the image or image sequence of the group of container structures that includes the additional, differing container structure. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62989 / WO 31 21. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the electronic processing unit (5) identifies a common feature, preferably a common external feature, of the different container structures or groups of different container structures based at least on the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the different container structure is contained and on the image or image sequence of the group of containers in which the further different container structure is contained.

22. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the image sequence is 5 seconds or more and / or 10 seconds or less long.

23. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container structures comprise or are containers and / or container parts, wherein the container parts preferably have a closure such as a lid.

24. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the container structures are plastic container structures.

25. Computer-implemented method for at least identifying a group of container structures that includes at least one container structure which causes a measurement value that deviates from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Recording images or image sequences of different groups of container structures being conveyed through a first area (2) at different recording times; Recognizing that the presence of at least a part of a deviating container structure in a second area (3) causes a measured value of the second area (3) that deviates from a specification, wherein the first area (2) and the second area (3) are arranged along a conveying direction such that first the container structures are conveyed through the first area (2) and then at least a part of each container structure is conveyed through the second area (3); and Identifying the image or image sequence of the group of container structures that includes the aberrant container structure.

26. Device for data processing, comprising means for carrying out the method according to the preceding claim. ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG P62989 / WO 32 27. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to perform the steps of the method according to claim 25.

28. Computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the steps of the method according to claim 25.

29. System (1) for at least identifying a group of container structures, which includes at least one container structure that causes a measured value that deviates from a specification and is therefore unsuitable for recycling, wherein the system (1) includes: a first area (2) and a second area (3) arranged along a conveying direction such that container structures are first conveyed through the first area (2) and then at least a part of each container structure is conveyed through the second area (3); an image acquisition device (4) which is configured to acquire images or image sequences of different groups of the container structures in the first area (2) at different acquisition times; and an electronic processing unit (5) that is set up: a) to recognize, in the presence of at least one part of a deviating container structure in the second area (2), that a measured value of the second area (3) deviating from a specification is caused; and b) to identify the image or image sequence of the group of container structures in which the divergent container structure is included.

Images