Capsule Seal Detection Using Infrared Temperature Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule sealing detection systems rely on color differentiation, which is not flexible and may not accurately detect sealing states or drying states of capsules.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an infrared camera or a camera with an infrared filter to detect temperature changes during the application and drying of a sealing liquid, allowing for image-based temperature detection of capsule sealing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a line sensor camera is used to detect capsule sealing based on color differentiation, then the sealing status can be checked, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot accurately detect sealing states or drying states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from color (visual property) to temperature (thermal property). By using an infrared camera to detect temperature changes during sealing and drying processes, the system achieves both high measurement precision for sealing state detection and adaptability for different detection scenarios (sealing, drying, positioning).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical line sensor camera system with a thermal detection system (infrared camera). This substitution enables detection based on thermal radiation rather than reflected light, providing flexibility to detect various states (sealing, drying, positioning) without requiring color differentiation.
2Ease of manufacture
If color differentiation is used for sealing detection, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot detect sealing states or drying states reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from color to temperature, which provides reliable detection of sealing and drying states. The infrared camera detects temperature changes that occur during these processes, ensuring reliable detection without the limitations of color-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect sealing and drying states. Instead of directly observing color changes, the system uses temperature changes (caused by the sealing process and evaporation) as a reliable indicator of the capsule's state, improving detection reliability.
3Reliability
If an infrared camera is used to detect temperature changes, then reliable and automated detection of sealing and drying states is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a potentially complex color-based detection system with a thermal detection system. While infrared cameras are specialized devices, they simplify the overall system by eliminating the need for complex color image processing, lighting control, and color differentiation algorithms, achieving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared camera detects temperature changes that occur naturally during the sealing and drying processes. The sealing liquid application and evaporation processes generate their own thermal signatures, which the camera detects without requiring additional heating elements, cooling systems, or complex intervention mechanisms.
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
Enables reliable and automated detection of sealing states and drying states without color differentiation, determining the position, orientation, and spatial extent of the sealing liquid, and optimizing the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring device comprises an infrared camera or a camera with an infrared filter, wherein the measuring device detects a temperature or a temperature change of the sealing area
Implementation Method 2
the application of a still-flowing and warm sealing liquid is initially accompanied by heat input into the sealing area
Implementation Method 3
During the subsequent drying of the sealing liquid, the solvent in the sealing liquid evaporates, removing heat from the sealing liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical production facility (10) comprising a measuring device (30, 32) for monitoring a seal of capsules (20). The capsules have a capsule shell which is made of a first shell part and a second shell part, said shell parts being provided with a sealing liquid in a sealing region, wherein the measuring device comprises an infrared camera (34) or a camera with an infrared filter, and the measuring device detects the temperature or a change in the temperature of the sealing region and/or capsule sections adjoining the sealing region.