Single Camera Container Inspection with Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection systems require multiple cameras and complex setups to inspect different areas of containers, leading to increased complexity, larger installation spaces, and the need for format conversions when changing container types.
Innovation Solution
A compact system using a single camera positioned to capture both top and side views of containers, with adjustable lighting and a reflector to enable simultaneous recording of different inspection areas without the need for format changes, allowing for efficient inspection of various container types with reduced hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to inspect different areas of containers, then inspection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single camera is designed to perform multiple inspection functions by capturing both top views and side views of containers. The camera is positioned and configured to inspect different areas of the container through strategic placement of reflectors and use of both reflected and transmitted light, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cameras for different inspection areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system utilizes multiple lighting dimensions (reflected light and transmitted light) to enable a single camera to capture different views and aspects of the container. By switching between these lighting modes, the system achieves comprehensive inspection coverage that would otherwise require multiple cameras positioned at different locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and test stations are provided for different inspections, then inspection capability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inspection functions that would traditionally require separate cameras and test stations are merged into a single camera system. The camera, combined with strategically placed reflectors and multiple lighting sources, performs both top view and side view inspections, significantly reducing the installation space required while maintaining comprehensive inspection capability.
3Measurement precision
If device configuration is optimized for specific container formats, then inspection precision is improved, but adaptability to different container types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is designed with dynamic adjustability to accommodate different container formats. The camera position, reflector angles, and lighting configurations can be adjusted to optimize inspection precision for various container types and sizes, allowing the system to maintain high precision across diverse formats without requiring dedicated configurations for each container type.
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
The system simplifies the inspection process by using a single camera for multiple inspections, reducing complexity and installation space, while maintaining high reliability and flexibility to handle different container sizes and types without the need for format conversions.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitted light 19 generates a beam path directed essentially perpendicularly to the optical axis 6 and/or container axis 7
Implementation Method 2
The reflector 11 is preferably arranged at an angle of 45° to the optical axis of the camera 15
Implementation Method 3
An incident light 18 generates a beam path which is preferably directed laterally or from above onto the container 12 or the head of the container 12
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and a method for inspecting containers are proposed, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one camera (15) with an optical axis (6) for inspecting at least the container (12) having a container axis (7), at least one container receptacle (21) for receiving the container (12) to be inspected, at least a reflected light (18) for illuminating the container (12) to be inspected, in particular a head region of the container (12), at least a transmitted light (19) for transillumination of the container (12) to be inspected, at least one reflector (11), which reflects a beam path of the reflected light (18) and/or of the transmitted light (19) to the camera (15), wherein the optical axis (6) extends at a distance from the container axis (7) when the container (12) is situated in the container receptacle (21).