Container Inspection Using Multi-Wavelength Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection systems face challenges in detecting foreign objects within containers, especially when obstructed by applied ceramic labels, leading to inefficiencies and false positives.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple radiation sources, including visible and infrared light, combined with a mirror assembly and image processing software, allows for simultaneous imaging of containers from different angles, enabling differentiation between container features and foreign objects with minimal human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single radiation source is used for container inspection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection precision decreases due to inability to differentiate container features from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the radiation source into multiple independent sources emitting different wavelengths (e.g., visible light and infrared). Each wavelength provides different contrast information about the container and its contents, enabling the system to differentiate between container features (like ACL) and foreign objects by comparing images captured at different wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the radiation parameter (wavelength) to improve detection capability. By using multiple radiation sources with different wavelengths, the system can alter how different materials (container walls, liquid, foreign objects, ACL) interact with radiation, providing multiple views of the same object that reveal different features and enable accurate differentiation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sources are used to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision increases, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple radiation sources, but each source operates independently and can be controlled individually. The imaging device captures images sequentially or selectively from different wavelengths based on inspection needs, rather than all sources operating simultaneously at full power, thus reducing total energy consumption while maintaining detection precision.
3Reliability
If traditional single-wavelength inspection is used, then the device complexity is low, but false positives increase due to inability to differentiate ACL from foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the inspection process into multiple wavelength channels. By capturing images at different wavelengths (e.g., visible and infrared) and comparing them, the system can identify features that are consistent across wavelengths (container walls, ACL) versus features that appear differently or only at specific wavelengths (foreign objects), thereby reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the radiation wavelength parameter to reveal different material properties. ACL and container walls have characteristic spectral signatures that differ from foreign objects. By analyzing images at multiple wavelengths, the system can differentiate between legitimate container features and actual defects, improving reliability and reducing false positives.
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
The system enhances detection efficiency and reduces false positives by accurately identifying foreign objects and container conditions, even when obstructed by labels, without requiring specific container orientation.
Implementation Method 1
Two or more radiation sources may be used. Alternatively, a single light source that generates a combination of radiation may be used. In one example, at least one radiation source generates visible light and at least one radiation source generates another wavelength of radiation (e.g., infra-red light or gamma or another wavelength of radiation).
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiation source generates another wavelength of radiation (e.g., infra-red light or gamma or another wavelength of radiation)
Implementation Method 3
visible and infrared radiation reflected/refracted by the container is received by cameras or sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system having a light source, a mirror sensor, and an image sensor. The mirror assembly is aligned with the camera; the light is reflected from the container to the camera, and the camera creates multiple images of the container at a viewing angle. The multiple images are analyzed to detect defects.