Dynamic fluid level and bubble inspection for quality and process control
US5414778A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30108
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.