Bottle Inspection Patents (Class 382/142)
  • Patent number: 5414778
    Abstract: Fast image acquisition and image process control can be used to advantage to measure dynamic and transient phenomena. This technique can distinguish fluid from bubbles by modifying the image's gray levels. The technique is used for detecting fluid levels and bubbles, by counting image pixels dedicated to bubbles or to fluid along vertical or horizontal lines within the image. The rate of change of fluid level and the amount of bubbles with time indicate leakage in containers while they are in a dynamic state. The inspection of transient phenomena during a dynamic state gives an indication of the final quality and quantity of a product inside a container. It also provides a good feedback for the determination of fill nozzle operation, with the advantage of easy calibration and adjustment for the right amount of bubbles within the container. The application is highly beneficial in the beer and soft drink industry where the taste of the product is highly influenced by the amount of bubbles within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventors: Nira Schwartz, Arie Shahar, Richard Woods