Adjustable Optoelectric Detection for Contoured Container Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment machines, such as labeling machines, face challenges in accurately detecting and aligning containers with diverse design or profile features due to limited adjustment options in lighting and camera systems, particularly for strongly contoured geometries.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera and adjustable lighting system is implemented, where four electronic cameras are housed together and can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, combined with a curved LED lighting device that can pivot, allowing for optimal illumination and image capture of container features from various angles, ensuring clear image data for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera and fixed lighting system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different container designs and the precision of feature detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple independent cameras (first camera and second camera) positioned at different locations. Each camera captures specific features of the container, allowing the system to handle diverse container designs by selectively using appropriate camera views without requiring a complete system redesign for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning cameras at different heights and angles relative to the container. The first camera is positioned above the container axis while the second camera is positioned below, creating multi-dimensional detection capability that enhances adaptability to various container geometries and feature orientations.
2Measurement precision
If fixed lighting and camera positions are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the precision of image capture for strongly contoured geometries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of light source positions and angles. This enables the lighting configuration to be optimized for different container geometries and detection requirements, significantly improving image capture precision for strongly contoured surfaces while maintaining operational flexibility through adjustable rather than fixed positions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cameras and adjustable lighting are implemented, then the precision of container alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional detection apparatus where the first and second cameras, along with the adjustable lighting device, serve multiple purposes. The same camera and lighting setup is used for detecting both the container profile and design features, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced precision capabilities.
4Illumination intensity
If fixed lighting angles are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the illumination quality for strongly contoured geometries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of light source positions and angles. This enables the lighting configuration to be optimized for different container geometries and detection requirements, significantly improving image capture precision for strongly contoured surfaces while maintaining operational flexibility through adjustable rather than fixed positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This setup enables clear and distinctive image capture of container features, allowing for precise alignment and orientation of containers, even at high speeds, by adjusting camera and lighting angles to suit different feature formations, enhancing the evaluation process in image processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a curved LED lighting device that can pivot, allowing for optimal illumination and image capture of container features from various angles
Data Source
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AI summary
An optoelectric detection system and method for detecting surface features on containers is disclosed herein. The system has an electronic camera arrangement and an illuminating arrangement configured to illuminate surfaces of containers. The illuminating arrangement comprises a strip-shaped light source that extends in the direction of movement of containers. The electronic camera arrangement and illuminating arrangement are adjustable relative to one another and configured to provide different angles of incidence of light on surfaces of containers and/or different angles of images of light reflected from surfaces of containers.