Electro-Optical Detection for Tobacco Packaging Using Mirror Redirection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the tobacco industry, particularly in cigarette packaging, it is challenging to accurately detect the individual sides of cigarette packs using electro-optical detection devices due to limited space caused by moving reciprocating conveyor elements, leading to geometric distortions in image recordings.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electro-optical detection system aligned to detect the product contact side from a direction parallel to the conveyor plane, utilizing a mirror arranged in the conveyor plane and an electro-optical detection element outside the plane, such as a camera, to redirect light from the product contact side for clear imaging, while also using transparent materials to protect the detection system from tobacco dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is assigned to a slider to monitor the sides of packs facing the slider, then the sides of the packs can be detected, but the moving slider leaves little room for cameras and other devices, resulting in geometric distortions in the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the detection device from the horizontal conveying plane to a vertical position above or below the conveyor. The mirror redirects light from the product sides (in the horizontal plane) upward to the detection device (in the vertical dimension), eliminating space constraints and geometric distortions while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror acts as an intermediary between the product sides and the detection device. It redirects light from the product contact sides to the detection device positioned above or below the conveyor, enabling detection without direct line-of-sight and avoiding the need to mount cameras on the moving slider
2Measurement precision
If the detection device is positioned close to the conveying element to detect product sides, then detection is possible, but geometric distortions occur in the captured images
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the detection device in the vertical dimension (above or below the horizontal conveyor plane) and using a mirror to redirect light, the system achieves a perpendicular viewing angle to the product sides. This eliminates perspective distortion and provides accurate geometric representation of the product surfaces
3Device complexity
If the mirror is mounted on the conveying element without protection, then the detection system is simple, but tobacco dust settles on the mirror and impairs image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is extracted from the dusty environment by positioning it above or below the horizontal conveying plane. The mirror remains in a cleaner zone while still performing its light-redirection function, preventing tobacco dust contamination without adding complex protection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror serves as an intermediary that can be positioned in a clean zone (above or below the conveyor) while still interacting with light from the product areas. This spatial separation protects the mirror from dust while maintaining its detection function
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
This setup ensures accurate detection of product contact sides with minimal geometric distortions, improving image quality and enabling effective 'track and trace' capabilities in the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mirror arranged in the conveying plane... electromagnetic radiation, usually light rays, coming from the product side, falls onto the mirror of the conveying device and subsequently (optionally after redirection by further mirrors) onto the detection element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing and/or packaging products (13) in the tobacco industry, in particular for packaging cigarette packs (13) in multipacks (21), having a conveying mechanism (34) which can be moved preferably back and forth, for example a conveying mechanism which is intended for pushing or thrusting the products and by means of which at least in each case one product (13) can be conveyed, in particular pushed or thrust, in an in particular non-curved conveying plane, with at least temporary abutment against the conveying mechanism (34), from a first position into a second position. The invention is characterized by an electro-optical detecting device (32) which is oriented onto the side (36) of the product (13), the conveying mechanism (34) butting at least temporarily against said side - product-abutment side - and can detect the product-abutment side (36), in at least one movement state of the conveying mechanism (34), from the direction of the conveying mechanism (34).