Image analysis – Applications – Manufacturing or product inspection
Reexamination Certificate
1994-09-07
2001-06-26
Chang, Jon (Department: 2723)
Image analysis
Applications
Manufacturing or product inspection
C356S427000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06252980
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
Generally, the field of this invention relates to quality and process control, particularly to the inspection of dynamic fluid levels in containers as well as suspended bubbles (gas) in the fluid.
2. System of Prior Parent Application
Our above parent co-pending application relates to a system (shown in
FIG. 1
) for the inspection of containers with a fluid and suspended bubbles in the fluid, where the fluid is in a dynamic state as a result of a filling process at a filling station.
This system is designed to (a) inspect containers while they move on a production line, and (b) predict the container's final fluid level, its pressure, and recommend any needed fill nozzle adjustment. The system contains a light source having a unique wavelength to illuminate the containers being inspected. Images of the inspected containers are modified and stored in a computer's memory for analysis by means of an algorithm. The algorithm is also stored in the computer's memory. However this technique is applicable to an inspection system in the vicinity of the filling station only. It does not apply to inspection at other areas, including areas ahead of the filling station.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly one object of the present invention is to inspect fluid -filled container at areas other than near the filling station, including areas ahead of the filling station.
Other objects are as follows:
(1) to inspect a dynamic fluid for the presence of gas that was intentionally injected into the fluid and to recommend any needed filling adjustment for fluid or gas.
(2) to inspect a dynamic fluid for the presence of unwanted gas that was unintentionally injected into the fluid and to recommend any needed filling adjustment for fluid or gas.
(3) to indicate a malfunctioning filling unit, e.g., one which produces insufficient or no gas and to correlate the malfunctioning unit with inspected containers for quality and process control,
(4) to inspect a dynamic fluid that is not supposed to have gas, i.e., to inspect for the presence of unwanted gas in a fluid where the gas was unintentionally injected into the container by a malfunctioning unit.
(5) to indicate a malfunctioning filling unit, e.g., one which creates unwanted gas or air, and to correlate the malfunctioning unit with containers for quality and process control,
(6) to indicate a malfunctioning pasteurization unit, e.g., one which creates unwanted gas or air (as a result of over or under heating) and to correlate the malfunctioning unit with an inspected containers for quality and process control,
(7) to provide an improved way to predict final fluid level and the amount of dissolved gasses in containers while they move on a production line,
(8) to indicate the quality of the fluid within the container and whether the container's cap is properly sealed,
(9) to predict a liquid's viscosity as a function of the rate bubbles in the liquid are dissolving,
(10) to create a dynamic state of fluid and bubbles by the use of thermal or mechanical forces to implement inspection past the filling or the pasteurizing station,
(11) to provide improved an way to inspect a pasteurization process by the amount of gas or air for quality and process control,
(12) to inspect ungased dynamic fluids for the existence of bubbles for quality and process control, and
(13) to correlate a fill nozzle on a filling carousel with an inspected container for easy nozzle adjustment for the right amount of fluid and bubbles inside a container, thereby to provide an automatic alarm if one of the nozzles on the carousel is off calibration.
Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
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Schwartz Nira
Shahar Arie
Woods Richard
Chang Jon
Pressman David
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