Optical Watermark for Contamination Detection in Inspection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection devices in automatic bottling plants struggle to detect contamination of optical components, which can lead to blurred images and undetected contaminants, especially in areas with low contrast, and require complex methods like repeated tests or special lighting patterns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical watermark in the inspection device's optical path between the radiation source and detection device, which allows the evaluation device to detect contamination or faults in optical components by analyzing changes in the watermark's frequency spectrum without affecting container inspection, using multiple watermarks to identify specific components if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inspection methods using visible light sources and semiconductor cameras are used, then container contaminants can be detected, but optical component contamination cannot be reliably detected and requires complex verification methods
Solution Approach 1:
An identification element with an optical watermark is introduced as an intermediary object in the optical path between the radiation source and detection device. This watermark serves as a mediator to indirectly detect optical component contamination - when optical components become contaminated, the watermark's appearance changes in the captured images, providing information about the contamination state without requiring direct inspection of the optical components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification element creates an optical copy or representation (the watermark) that can be captured by the detection device. Instead of directly detecting optical component contamination, the system detects a copied visual pattern whose properties change in response to contamination, simplifying the detection process while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If repeated tests with specially prepared analysis products or additional image acquisitions are performed to detect optical component contamination, then contamination can be detected, but inspection time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection of optical component contamination is merged with the regular container inspection process. The identification element with the optical watermark is continuously present in the optical path during normal inspection operations, allowing contamination detection to occur simultaneously with container inspection without requiring separate tests or additional image acquisitions, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable contamination detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical watermark provides continuous information about the state of optical components throughout the inspection process. Rather than performing discrete, periodic checks that require stopping production, the watermark is constantly visible in captured images, enabling continuous monitoring of optical component contamination while maintaining uninterrupted container inspection and maximizing productivity.
3Measurement precision
If optical components are cleaned or replaced to maintain inspection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but device downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical watermark serves as a feedback mechanism that continuously provides information about the cleanliness and operational state of optical components. By analyzing changes in the watermark's appearance in captured images, the system can detect contamination early and trigger maintenance actions before they significantly impact inspection accuracy, optimizing the balance between maintaining precision and minimizing downtime by scheduling maintenance proactively rather than reactively.
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 simple and accurate detection of contamination or faults in optical components, ensuring reliable container inspection without disturbing the detection of container contaminants, and allows for precise identification of affected components.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source, wherein the radiation source is configured to emit radiation that passes through a container to be inspected
Implementation Method 2
a detection device, which is configured to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation source and which has passed through the container
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an inspection of containers for impurities, using a radiation source. The radiation source is designed to emit radiation that radiates through a container to be examined. The device also comprises a detection element which is designed to detect the radiation that has been emitted by the radiation source and has radiated through the container. The device further comprises an evaluation element which is designed to evaluate the radiation detected by the detection element. An identification element comprising an optical watermark is arranged in the optical path between the radiation source and the detection element.