Machine vision system and method for non-contact container inspection
US6172748A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/9054
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is directed to a process of inspecting a container wherein a container is positioned at a predetermined location for inspection. At least a portion of the container is illuminated over a defined finish surface, which can relate to various complete surfaces of the container design. Illuminating light is captured from an area corresponding to the defined finish surface without physical manipulation of the container. Thereafter, it is determined whether the defined finish surface of the container is within predetermined tolerances, which then can be used for quality control or other purposes. An apparatus in accordance with the invention preferably has a source of illuminating light to direct light over defined finish surface of the container, and a light sensor to capture light from an area corresponding to at least the defined finish surface. The light sensor provides image information relating to the defined finish surface, and a processor allows determination of whether the defined finish surface is within the predetermined tolerance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.