Metal Container Inspection via Color and UV Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracing defective metal containers back to their source equipment on production lines are inefficient and slow, hindering the identification of production issues in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that capture and analyze color attributes on metal containers using a color camera, binary illumination, and image processing to identify embossed identifiers and coatings, enabling rapid correlation of defects to specific production equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual off-line tracing back is used to identify defective containers, then the system complexity is reduced, but the speed and efficiency of defect identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking containers with body maker identifiers, color dots, and rim coatings during the manufacturing process. These markers are applied in advance to enable automatic identification and tracing of defective containers to specific equipment without requiring complex manual tracing procedures later.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate imaging devices are used to capture different container features, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single integrated imaging device that can capture various container features simultaneously. The device combines white light illumination for color dot capture and UV illumination for rim coating detection, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple detection tasks. It can identify body maker identifiers, detect color dots for spray gun tracing, and inspect rim coatings using UV light, all within a single device that serves multiple inspection purposes.
3Measurement precision
If UV light illumination is used to detect rim coatings, then the measurement precision for coating inspection is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using UV illumination only during the specific inspection phase when rim coating detection is required, rather than continuously. The imaging device alternates between white light illumination for general viewing and UV illumination for coating inspection, optimizing energy usage while maintaining detection precision.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate tracing of defective containers to their production sources, allowing for timely identification and addressing of production problems.
Implementation Method 1
the rim coating on the bottom surface rim of a container is typically invisible under normal lighting conditions but is sensitive to ultraviolet light. That is, when the coated rim is illuminated with ultraviolet (UV) light, the rim will give off, for example, a blue color hue.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of metal containers on a metal container production line, detect defects in the metal containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the metal container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.