Integrated Lighting for Glass Container Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical inspection systems for high-temperature glass containers, such as those exiting a forming machine, often cannot be installed at the output due to space constraints, limiting both visual inspection by operators and automated control.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a lighting system with a light-emitting surface that emits a flash luminous flux with wavelengths greater than 650 nm for a duration of less than 1 ms and a mirage luminous flux with visible wavelengths for at least 2 seconds, allowing for both automated inspection and visual inspection by operators, with the lighting system controlled to synchronize with the camera's image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional optical inspection system with separate light source and camera is installed at the exit of the forming machine, then automated inspection capability is achieved, but the available space is insufficient for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and camera into a single integrated inspection unit that fits within the limited space at the forming machine exit. The light source is positioned within the same housing as the camera, creating a compact automated inspection system that occupies minimal installation space while maintaining full automated inspection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed to serve multiple functions: automated optical inspection of containers, visual inspection assistance for operators through the sight glass, and adaptability to different container types. This multi-functionality justifies the space occupation and maximizes the utility of the limited installation area.
2Ease of operation
If a sight glass is installed for operator visual inspection at the machine exit, then visual control is enabled, but the available space is insufficient for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The sight glass is integrated into the same inspection unit housing as the automated camera system. The light source serves both the automated camera and the operator's visual inspection through the sight glass, combining multiple inspection functions into a single compact unit that fits within the constrained space.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection unit provides both automated digital inspection capabilities and manual visual inspection through the sight glass, serving multiple user needs (automated quality control and operator verification) from a single installation point, thereby maximizing the utility of limited space.
3Ease of operation
If the light source emits continuous visible light for operator inspection, then visual control is enabled, but automated camera inspection at high speed becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into two distinct light sources: a continuous visible light source for operator visual inspection through the sight glass, and a pulsed infrared flash source for automated camera inspection. This segmentation allows each light source to optimize its performance for its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated inspection uses periodic pulsed infrared lighting synchronized with the camera's high-speed shutter, enabling frozen images of rapidly moving containers. The continuous visible light for operator inspection operates independently, creating no conflict between the two inspection modes.
4Measurement precision
If the light source uses wavelengths greater than 650 nm for flash inspection, then automated image capture is improved, but operator visual inspection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two separate light sources with different wavelength characteristics: an infrared light source (wavelength > 650 nm) optimized for automated camera inspection with reduced glare, and a visible light source optimized for operator visual inspection through the sight glass. Each light source is dedicated to its specific inspection modality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the inspection system use different light wavelengths optimized for their specific function: the infrared flash illuminates the container for the camera sensor with minimal visible glare, while the visible light illuminates the container for operator viewing through the sight glass. Each inspection path has locally optimized lighting quality.
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
Enables effective optical inspection of high-temperature glass containers at high speeds, allowing for timely detection of defects and process corrections, while being compact enough to be installed at the forming machine output.
Implementation Method 1
a container lighting system (7) having a light-emitting surface (8) extending across the front of the case (9)
Implementation Method 2
a first luminous flux called flash for a flash duration of less than 1 ms and with a wavelength greater than 650 nm and on the other hand; a second luminous flux called mirage comprising visible wavelengths less than 650 nm and for a duration at least greater than 2 s
Implementation Method 3
at least one camera (10) taking images of the containers backlit by the light from the emitting surface (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for optically inspecting glass receptacles (2) at a high temperature, comprising a lighting system (7), the emitting surface of which is designed to emit both: - a first luminous flux, referred to as 'flash', for a flash duration of less than 1 ms and a wavelength greater than 650 nm, as well as; - a second luminous flux, referred to as 'candling', with wavelengths less than 650 nm and for a duration of, at least, more than 2 s, said lighting system (7) being controlled so as to: - emit the flash luminous flux such that the camera can take images of each receptacle illuminated from behind by said flash luminous flux; and - emit the candling luminous flux, which is perceived continuously by the human eye.