Abstract: The present invention provides a method for composing a robust reference image or reference image with permissible deviation values of the exterior of a series of practically identical containers, such as bottles, crates and the like, comprising steps for: a) making an image recording of a part of the exterior of a plurality of containers from the series; b) processing the recorded image in order to obtain a first representation; c) composing a complete peripheral view of the exterior of the container on the basis of the first representations; d) determining, on the basis of all recorded images and parameters to be preset, the robust reference image of the container on the basis of which acceptable differences can be taken into account during selection of containers.