Backlight Illumination for Transparent Container Contour Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting empty containers in automatic return machines struggle to clearly identify the contours of empty containers with clear, transparent lateral surfaces due to reflections, leading to unreliable recognition.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illumination device that provides a backlight and additional side illumination for the empty container, using LED light sources and translucent wings to enhance contour recognition by the optical detection unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical recognition unit is used to detect empty containers with clear, transparent lateral surfaces, then the detection capability is improved, but the recognition reliability deteriorates due to reflections on the lateral surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is positioned to illuminate the empty container from the side opposite the optical detection unit before the optical recognition occurs. This preliminary illumination creates a backlight that enhances the contrast of the container's contour, making it visible against the background and eliminating the reflection problem that would otherwise occur during detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device acts as an intermediary element between the optical detection unit and the empty container. By introducing this intermediate light source, the system creates improved lighting conditions that enable reliable contour recognition without direct interference with the optical detection process itself.
2Measurement precision
If the empty container is illuminated from the side opposite the optical detection unit, then the contour recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple independent light sources that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive illumination of the empty container from multiple angles, improving contour recognition while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning light sources at different locations around the empty container. This multi-dimensional illumination approach ensures that the container is comprehensively lit from all relevant angles, improving detection accuracy without overcomplicating the overall system design.
3Reliability
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the empty container comprehensively, then the recognition reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device can operate in a periodic manner, activating light sources only when needed for detection. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable illumination during the critical detection moment, balancing energy efficiency with recognition reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different light sources can be selectively activated based on the specific detection requirements and container position. This localized illumination approach ensures that energy is consumed only where and when needed, improving recognition reliability for critical detection areas while minimizing overall energy consumption.
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 solution significantly improves the recognition of the empty container's contours, ensuring reliable and unambiguous identification, even for transparent containers, by creating improved contrast and comprehensive lighting.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device (4) for illuminating the empty container (2) resting on the support surface
Implementation Method 2
The wings are made of a translucent material so that the light emitted by the lower lighting unit can strike the empty container
Implementation Method 3
An optical recognition unit (3) for recognizing characteristic features of the empty container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a receiving unit (1) containing a rotating element mounted about a horizontal rotational axis. The rotating element has a bearing surface for receiving the empty container (2) in a rotary position and for releasing the containers in another rotary position. An optical detection unit (3) for is provided for detecting characteristic features of the empty container. A control unit is provided for processing image data of the optical detection unit and for controlling the rotary element. An illumination device (4) is provided for illuminating the empty container resting on the bearing surface of the rotating element, such that the empty container is illuminated from a side opposite to the optical detection unit.