Partial Cross-Section Illumination for Liquid Container Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container inspection systems face challenges in detecting foreign particles in opaque or semi-opaque liquids due to low detection rates and high false rejection rates, particularly when using illumination methods that result in uniform illumination and blurred images.

Innovation Solution

The method involves rotating the container and illuminating only a partial cross-section with an electromagnetic radiation beam, which increases the optical dynamic range and enhances the detection of foreign bodies by reducing uniform illumination effects, allowing for improved recognition of particles against a non-homogeneous background.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the container is fully illuminated from behind, then the liquid is uniformly illuminated, but the particle images become blurred and detection rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform illuminationVSAvoidparticle detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by illuminating only a specific region of the container rather than the entire container uniformly. The illumination device is positioned to create a localized illuminated area, which allows particles in that region to be imaged with higher contrast and precision, resolving the contradiction between uniform illumination and detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the illumination into multiple zones or regions within the container. By dividing the illumination area and using multiple illumination devices or adjustable illumination regions, the system can illuminate specific segments while leaving other areas darker, thereby maintaining particle image sharpness while providing sufficient illumination for detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the liquid acts as a light diffuser, then the illumination is distributed uniformly, but the particle contrast is reduced and detection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform light distributionVSAvoidparticle contrast information

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - a reflective surface or additional optical component - between the light source and the liquid. This intermediary modifies the light path to create localized illumination patterns that penetrate or reflect off the liquid in controlled ways, preserving particle contrast information while maintaining sufficient light distribution for detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If illumination is applied from an angle between 90 and 180 degrees, then particle detection in opaque liquids is improved, but the optical dynamic range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle detection capabilityVSAvoidoptical dynamic range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the illumination approach from a single angular direction to multiple dimensions by using multiple illumination devices positioned at different angles and locations. This multi-dimensional illumination strategy enhances the optical dynamic range by capturing particle information from various perspectives, thereby improving both detection capability and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach significantly improves the detection rate and reduces false rejection rates by increasing the optical dynamic range and providing better contrast between foreign bodies and the container contents, especially in opaque or semi-opaque liquids.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the container (10), its contents (12, 13, 16, 17) or both around a rotation axis (29)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

irradiating the container (10) with an electromagnetic radiation beam (46)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 3

the liquid or suspension serve as a light diffuser to the illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight interaction with liquid:

Data Source

PatentUS8036444B2Method and system for irradiating and inspecting liquid-carrying containers

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 STEVANATO GRP DENMARK AS

AI summary

A method and system of irradiating a liquid-carrying container for inspection, including rotating the container, its contents or both around a rotation axis and irradiating the container with an electromagnetic radiation beam, wherein the irradiated cross-section of the container, irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation beam, is less than the cross-section of the container; and, a method and system for inspecting a liquid-carrying container for one or more test parameters of the container, the contents of the container, or both, including rotating the container, the contents or both around a rotation axis, irradiating the container with an electromagnetic radiation beam from a first direction along an irradiation center plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, capturing a representation of a section of the container from a second direction along a detection center plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and processing the representation, wherein the irradiated cross-section of the container, irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation beam, is less than the cross-section of the container.