Container Inspection Using Integrated Cameras and 3D Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current container inspection methods are inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring manual visual inspections that are slow and prone to errors, and do not adequately address damage detection or content verification, leading to increased turnaround times and unclear damage causes in container handling processes.

Innovation Solution

A container inspection arrangement using cameras integrated into handling equipment and software for remote analysis of image data to detect damage points, forming 3D models of containers for comprehensive inspection from multiple angles, and automating reporting processes, allowing for remote inspection and reducing the need for manual labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual visual inspection is used, then inspection thoroughness is improved, but inspection speed and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection thoroughnessVSAvoidinspection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image-based inspection system using cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system captures images of containers and uses software to automatically detect damage, substitute human inspectors, and generate reports, thereby maintaining inspection quality while dramatically improving speed and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies (images) of the container and its contents, allowing multiple analyses to be performed on the copied data without requiring physical access to the actual container. This enables parallel processing and automated analysis, improving inspection speed while maintaining thoroughness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If separate inspection area is provided, then inspection quality is improved, but container turnaround time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection qualityVSAvoidcontainer turnaround time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inspection function with the existing container handling equipment and processes. Cameras are integrated into handling areas, allowing inspection to occur during normal container movement and handling operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated inspection areas and reducing turnaround time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs inspection actions preliminarily during container handling operations. By capturing images during normal handling and processing them automatically, the inspection is completed before the container needs to be dispatched, eliminating post-handling inspection delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If handheld measuring devices are used, then measurement flexibility is improved, but inspection efficiency for large numbers of containers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement flexibilityVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces handheld measuring devices with fixed or mobile camera-based automated measurement systems. These systems can rapidly capture and analyze multiple containers in sequence, maintaining the flexibility to measure various parameters while dramatically improving inspection efficiency for large volumes of containers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera-based inspection system serves multiple functions: detecting container damage, verifying contents, measuring dimensions, and identifying container identifiers. This universal system replaces multiple specialized handheld devices, providing both flexibility and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3271707B1Arrangement, method, apparatus, and software for inspecting a container
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 CONEXBIRD
  • EP3271707B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3271707B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3271707B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for inspecting a container and a method for inspecting a container. Furthermore, the invention relates to software and a device for running it for carrying out the method steps. In an embodiment, an arrangement for container inspection comprises means for receiving image data (1020) on a container (100), means for verifying the location and/or position data of the image data in relation to the container, means for analyzing the received image data (1020), and means for detecting possible damage points.