Container Mark Inspection Using Multi-Angle Optical Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems struggle to effectively inspect marks on container surfaces regardless of container orientation, particularly for cylindrical containers like bottles, jars, and cans, due to limitations in optical systems that require precise orientation.
Innovation Solution
A system with four optical blocks, each equipped with a camera and mirrors, providing 360-degree coverage by capturing eight different views of the container at 45-degree intervals, using synchronized illumination and analysis via an algorithm to inspect marks like QR codes, bar codes, or dot matrices, regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera inspects marks on container surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inspection reliability deteriorates due to orientation dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into four independent optical blocks, each with its own camera and illumination system. Each optical block is positioned at specific angular intervals (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) around the container, allowing independent inspection from multiple orientations. This segmentation enables reliable mark detection regardless of container orientation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If four optical blocks provide 360-degree coverage, then the inspection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical block is designed as a universal inspection unit that can function independently to inspect marks from its specific angular position. The four optical blocks collectively provide universal coverage of all orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), making the system capable of inspecting marks regardless of their orientation on the container surface. This multi-functionality approach achieves comprehensive inspection reliability while keeping each individual optical block relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras capture images from different angles, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four optical blocks are positioned and configured to capture images simultaneously from different angular positions as the container passes through the inspection zone. The illumination systems are synchronized with camera triggers to capture marks at the optimal moment. This continuous multi-angle capture approach maintains high measurement precision by obtaining multiple views without requiring sequential inspection steps that would increase inspection time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the container is rotated for inspection, then the adaptability improves, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic inspection approach where the container moves through a fixed array of four optical blocks positioned at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° angular intervals. Instead of rotating the container mechanically, the system captures images from multiple fixed angles simultaneously as the container passes through, achieving orientation independence while maintaining high inspection throughput. The synchronization system coordinates camera triggers with container position to ensure accurate capture at each angular position.
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 high detection efficiency of over 98% without mechanical interference, allowing inspection of marks on various materials including transparent, translucent, and opaque containers.
Implementation Method 1
each illumination system includes at least one light source configured to illuminate the container simultaneously with a triggering of the camera of its associated optical block
Implementation Method 2
each optical block further includes an optical assembly formed by at least four mirrors to allow the camera of each optical block to acquire two simultaneous images of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A system and method for inspection of marks on the surface of containers is proposed. The system comprises means for displacement of a container that includes a mark engraved on its surface and four optical blocks. Each optical block is displaced with respect to the other three, thus covering an area of 360 degrees around an inspection point, and includes a camera; an illumination system associated with each optical block, to illuminate the container simultaneously with a shot of the camera of its associated optical block; and an analyzer to inspect said engraved mark by executing an algorithm on images of the container obtained by the cameras. Each optical block further includes an optical assembly formed by at least four mirrors to allow two simultaneous images of the container, so that eight different views are obtained, arranged at about 45 degrees to each other.