Liquid Food Packaging Deviation Detection with Basis Function Grading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting deviations in packaging containers for liquid food are inefficient and unreliable, lacking automated and reliable tools for quality control and deviation grading.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing basis functions to analyze image data of packaging containers, determining a set of weights representing the deviation, and mapping these weights to a grading database for precise deviation classification, combined with a system for real-time feedback and control adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated detection methods are implemented, then productivity and reliability of quality control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control efficiencyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated imaging system that captures images of packaging containers and uses image processing algorithms to detect deviations. The system substitutes mechanical/optical inspection methods with computational analysis, achieving automated quality control without requiring physical contact or manual intervention.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between image capture and quality assessment. Basis functions serve as mathematical intermediaries that decompose complex deviation patterns into manageable components, enabling the system to handle diverse deviation types through a unified detection framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple deviation types are detected with high precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeviation detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the deviation detection problem by introducing basis functions that decompose complex deviation patterns into distinct computational components. Each basis function targets specific deviation characteristics, allowing the system to accurately detect and classify multiple deviation types (wrinkles, dents, tears, delamination) through separate, specialized analysis channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the detection problem from direct image analysis to parameter space analysis. By projecting image data onto basis functions and extracting weight parameters, the system converts complex visual patterns into simplified numerical representations that are easier to analyze and compare against quality thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If basis functions are used to represent deviations, then adaptability to different deviation types is improved, but computation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeviation classification capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining a library of basis functions that represent common deviation types before actual inspection begins. These basis functions are prepared in advance and stored for rapid retrieval during production, eliminating the need to generate them in real-time and reducing processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses basis functions as simplified copies or representations of actual deviation patterns. Instead of analyzing complete high-resolution images for every defect, the system compares extracted features against pre-computed basis function models, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3754602B1Detection of deviations in packaging containers for liquid food
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP3754602B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3754602B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3754602B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

A monitoring system implements a method for versatile and efficient detection and grading of deviations in packaging containers for liquid food in a manufacturing plant. The method comprises obtaining (31) image data of a packaging container, or a starting material for use in producing the packaging container; analyzing (32) the image data for detection of a current deviation; processing (33) the current deviation in relation to a set of basis functions, which is associated with a deviation type of the current deviation, to obtain a current set of weights that represent the current deviation; and determining (35) a current grading of the current deviation based on the current set of weights. The set of basis function may be pre-computed based on reproductions of packaging containers or starting material comprising different magnitudes of the deviation type.