Logo Recognition on Empty Containers Using Top Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting identification features on box-like or barrel-like empty containers interfere with each other when scanning the sides and tops, leading to inaccurate results and are too large to fit in available spaces due to complex equipment and wavelength issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a light source positioned above the transport device, using a light guide and diffuser to provide homogeneous, low-intensity illumination from above, allowing for simultaneous side and top scanning without interference, featuring a chamber with diffusely reflecting surfaces, a tinted disc, and a mirror to direct reflected light to the camera, ensuring minimal device size and preventing direct lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light sources are positioned at the side of the transport device for scanning, then side marking detection is enabled, but the device dimensions become too large to fit in available spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the light source from a lateral arrangement to a superior position above the transport device. The light source is arranged at a distance greater than the greatest possible height of an empty container, illuminating the side markings from above through a light guide system. This dimensional change allows the device to fit in limited spaces while maintaining side scanning capability.
2Ease of operation
If illumination is provided for side scanning, then side marking detection is enabled, but top scanning accuracy is impaired due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary system between the light source and the empty container. The light guide conducts the light from the superior position laterally above the transport device and emits it through a light-emitting device. This intermediary allows the light to illuminate the side markings without directly interfering with the top scanning area, enabling both side and top scanning to proceed accurately simultaneously.
3Productivity
If devices for side scanning and top scanning are positioned directly next to each other to speed up detection, then productivity is improved, but the devices interfere with each other's scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the interference problem by repositioning the side scanning light source to a superior location rather than placing it adjacent to the top scanning device. The light source is arranged above the transport device at a distance greater than the greatest possible height of an empty container, eliminating spatial interference between the two scanning systems while allowing them to operate simultaneously for improved productivity.
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 accurate and efficient detection of side markings on empty containers without impairing top scanning, reducing device size, and preventing interference between scanning devices, allowing for simultaneous feature detection on both sides and tops.
Implementation Method 1
The light is directed downwards by means of a light guide running laterally and above the transport device
Implementation Method 2
a light guide and diffuser to provide homogeneous, low-intensity illumination
Implementation Method 3
a chamber with diffusely reflecting surfaces, a tinted disc, and a mirror to direct reflected light to the camera
Implementation Method 4
a tinted disc, and a mirror to direct reflected light to the camera, ensuring minimal device size and preventing direct lighting
Implementation Method 5
a chamber with diffusely reflecting surfaces, a tinted disc, and a mirror to direct reflected light to the camera
Implementation Method 6
The light reflected from the side of an empty container is recorded by a camera and then evaluated
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device has a light source (4) outside a transport device (1), where a light conductor (5) is connected with the light source for injecting the light. A lens (6) is arranged outside the transport device and inside the source. The lens is attached with the light conductor for emission of light from the light conductor. A chamber (7) radiates the light emitted from the light conductor in direction of the transport device. A camera (11) receives the light reflected from surface of an empty container (3) and evaluates information contained in the reflected light.