Automated Container Tracing Using UV Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracing defective metal containers back to their source equipment on production lines are inefficient and slow, as they require manual identification under normal lighting conditions, which hinders quick detection and resolution of production issues.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method using a color camera with simultaneous illumination from multiple angles to enhance edge detection of embossed identifiers, combined with pattern recognition tools for real-time, automated identification of body maker identifiers and other features on metal containers as they pass through the production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification of body maker identifiers is used under normal lighting conditions, then the identification process is simple and does not require complex equipment, but the tracing speed is slow and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated imaging system that uses UV illumination and digital image processing to detect and identify body maker identifiers, color dots, and rim coatings on containers. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical and computational systems directly resolves the contradiction by dramatically increasing tracing speed while accepting the introduction of specialized imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes UV-induced color changes in the rim coating and color dot markers to enable automated detection. The rim coating fluoresces under UV light, and color dots have specific spectral signatures that can be detected by imaging sensors. This color change phenomenon allows the automated system to quickly identify container characteristics without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity.
2Productivity
If automated imaging with UV illumination is implemented, then the tracing efficiency and speed are significantly improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it detects body maker identifiers, identifies color dots, and inspects rim coating quality all through a single integrated UV imaging setup. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate inspection systems for each feature, thereby improving overall tracing efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity through consolidation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from normal visible light to UV light, which fundamentally improves the detectability of rim coatings and color dots. This parameter change enables automated detection capabilities that were not possible with conventional lighting, significantly boosting tracing efficiency. The complexity increase is managed by focusing the parameter change on the illumination source rather than overhauling the entire inspection system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used for illumination, then the image quality and edge detection accuracy are improved, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light sources positioned at different locations to illuminate specific regions of the container bottom from different angles. This local quality approach ensures that embossed identifiers and color dots are properly lit for optimal edge detection and image quality. The energy consumption is managed by directing light only where needed rather than uniformly illuminating the entire container, and by using efficient UV LED sources.
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 rapid, efficient tracing of defective containers to specific production equipment, improving the speed and accuracy of identifying and addressing production problems on high-speed metal container production lines.
Implementation Method 1
the rim coating on the bottom surface rim of a container is typically invisible under normal lighting conditions but is sensitive to ultraviolet light. That is, when the coated rim is illuminated with ultraviolet (UV) light, the rim will give off, for example, a blue color hue
Implementation Method 2
A first portion of the focused rays of light impinge substantially perpendicularly on the substantially concave surface of the metal container and subsequently reflect off of the concave surface back to the focal point and backward through the focusing lens toward the beam-splitting mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques.