Optical Inspection System for Glass Containers Using Spectral Mark Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical inspection systems for glass containers face challenges in reliably verifying the operation without disrupting production, as they require manual intervention, visual detection of witness marks, and often struggle to identify control containers amidst defects, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize optical recognition techniques to automatically identify control containers with witness marks by illuminating and analyzing specific spectral bands, allowing for the separation of inspection and recognition processes to ensure accurate detection without interrupting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification with visual detection of witness marks is used, then the inspection system can be verified, but production is disrupted and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual detection with an automated optical recognition system. A recognition device with light sources and sensors automatically detects witness marks on control containers, substituting the mechanical/manual verification process with an automated optical system that operates without interrupting production
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service verification by automatically inserting control containers into the inspection line, detecting their witness marks, and comparing results against expected outcomes without requiring operator intervention. The system verifies itself continuously during normal production
2Extent of automation
If witness marks are placed on control containers for recognition, then control containers can be identified, but the marks may interfere with optical inspection of defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the verification process into two distinct optical pathways: one for detecting witness marks on control containers and another for inspecting defects on all containers. The recognition device uses specific spectral bands different from the inspection device, separating the functions to avoid interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by using different spectral characteristics for witness mark detection versus defect inspection. The witness mark recognition uses specific wavelength ranges that do not overlap with the inspection band, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without mutual interference
3Extent of automation
If automatic ejection of control containers is implemented, then verification is automated, but the system complexity increases and may interfere with regular container handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the optical recognition device to handle both witness mark detection and container identification using the same hardware platform. The system can adapt its operation mode based on whether a control container or regular container is present, eliminating the need for separate automated ejection mechanisms
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 continuous operation of optical inspection systems by automatically recognizing control containers, reducing manual intervention and errors, and ensuring reliable verification of inspection accuracy without interfering with the inspection of regular containers.
Implementation Method 1
the witness mark comprises a photoluminescent material which, under the effect of illumination in an excitation spectral band, emits luminescence light which has a luminescence spectrum
Implementation Method 2
collecting return inspection light resulting from the interaction of the incident inspection light with the inspected portion of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention proposes a method and system for checking a method for optically inspecting containers (12) made of glass, characterized in that a method for optically recognising a reference mark (42) of a reference container possesses spectral transformation optical properties such that: the transformation of the spectral intensity distribution between incident recognition light (LRi) and return recognition light (LRr) by the mark (42) is different to that caused by interaction with a marking section (46) free of mark; and the transformation of the spectral intensity distribution between incident inspection light (LIi) and return inspection light (LIr) by the mark is not different, in the interior at least of a useful section of the spectral inspection band (BSI), from that caused by interaction with a marking section (46) free of mark.