Optical Singularity Detection on Glass Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting optical singularities on glass containers, such as refractive defects and markings, are inadequate for containers with low refractive power and require container rotation, which is costly and disrupts manufacturing lines. Additionally, these methods are not suitable for analyzing codes on scrolling containers.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a diffused light source with a property variation along a direction of variation, allowing for image acquisition from multiple viewpoints without rotating the container, enabling analysis of optical singularities on containers with low or high transmission, and accommodating scrolling containers in translation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If container rotation is used to analyze optical singularities, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing disruption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the container to achieve multi-view detection, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the container stationary and moving the imaging device around it. This allows detection of optical singularities from multiple angles without disrupting the production line, as containers continue to move linearly through the inspection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a moving imaging device that travels along a trajectory around the container. This substitution eliminates the need for complex rotation mechanisms and their associated disruptions to manufacturing, while still achieving comprehensive optical singularity detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If focused directional light beams are used to read mold numbers, then code detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single diffused light source that serves multiple functions: it illuminates the container for general inspection and provides the necessary lighting for reading mold numbers and codes. This eliminates the need for separate focused lighting systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the gradient illumination approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the lighting parameter from focused directional beams to diffused light with intentional gradients. This parameter change simplifies the lighting system while the gradient characteristics of the diffused light still enable effective detection of optical singularities and codes through the imaging device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple imaging devices are deployed to capture views from different angles, then detection completeness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamic imaging device that moves along a defined trajectory around the container, capturing images from multiple angles sequentially. This dynamic approach achieves detection completeness equivalent to multiple stationary devices but with reduced overall system complexity, as only one imaging device needs to be implemented and controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 detection and analysis of optical singularities on glass containers with low refractive power without rotation, improving detection accuracy and efficiency, and allowing for real-time analysis of codes on scrolling containers, reducing manufacturing disruptions and costs.

Implementation Method 1

refraction of light by surface singularities such as folds, channels, burst bubbles, or material defects like bubbles in the wall, or even inclusions with a different refractive index

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

absorption by opaque defects or defects with different optical transmission in the glass (foreign bodies or excess tinted glass)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3702761B1Device for observing and analysing optical singularities created by glass containers
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 TIAMA SOCIETE ANONYME
  • EP3702761B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3702761B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3B
  • EP3702761B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for observing and analyzing optical singularities, consisting of: - illuminating the outside of the container with a luminous surface of axial symmetry (6) around a vertical axis (Z) parallel to the axis of symmetry of the containers, with a variation of a property of the emission detectable by the acquisition system(s) (11) along a generatrix of the luminous surface, - in the case of containers of low transmission, to obtain the view of the portion of the container by the image acquisition device receiving light beams from a portion of the luminous surface (6) located on the same side of the container, - or in the case of containers of high transmission, to obtain the view of the portion of the container by the image acquisition device receiving light beams from a portion of the luminous surface (6) diametrically opposite with respect to the container.