Container Inspection Lighting Layout for Consistent Multi-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line inspection methods for transparent or translucent containers fail to provide consistent quality control due to varying illumination and viewing angles, leading to inconsistent defect detection and dimensional measurement, and require excessive space, making installation impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a first and second light source with controlled illumination zones and multiple image sensors positioned to ensure consistent illumination and viewing, allowing for the inspection of containers with a concave curve, and a control system to adjust light sources and sensors for symmetrical angular widths and non-simultaneous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light source panels are used to illuminate containers from different angles, then defect detection coverage is improved, but the space requirement and device complexity increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The light source panel is divided into multiple independently controllable light source groups along the conveying direction. Each group can be controlled individually to illuminate containers at different positions, allowing selective activation to reduce overall space requirements while maintaining comprehensive defect detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of light source groups where only the necessary light source groups are activated based on container position and inspection requirements. This dynamic activation pattern reduces the effective space occupied at any given moment while maintaining full inspection coverage over time.
2Area of stationary object
If light sources are positioned close together to reduce space, then space requirement is reduced, but illumination uniformity and defect detection consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different light source groups are assigned different control parameters including intensity, timing, and activation patterns. This allows each local region to be optimized for its specific inspection task, maintaining illumination consistency even when light sources are positioned closer together through selective and differential activation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple views at 60° angles are used for dimensional control, then measurement capability is improved, but the inspection system becomes overly complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The light source groups serve multiple functions: they provide illumination for defect detection, enable dimensional measurements through shadow analysis, and support both qualitative and quantitative inspection tasks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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
Ensures consistent image rendering and defect detection across different viewing angles while minimizing space requirements, providing reliable dimensional and optical quality control of containers.
Implementation Method 1
Using the light passing through the containers, the camera produces images of the containers
Implementation Method 2
A substantially curved or coiled diffuser intercepts the light coming from the two light sources of each inspection station, thus scattering the light and substantially removing the dark space between the two light sources
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for inspecting containers, comprising:providing a first source of light illuminating the containers, said source being composed of a plurality of elementary light sources that are controlled so as to define at least three illumination zones (S11);providing at least three image sensors (C11, C12, C13);acquiring at least one image of the container illuminated by an associated illumination zone, the elementary light sources of the illumination zones (S11) being controlled so that:the at least three illumination zones (S11) associated with the image sensors have identical angular widths (L11);the at least three illumination zones (S11) associated with the image sensors have symmetric angular widths (L11);and at least two angularly neighbouring illumination zones have a common illumination portion (S112).