Additional dynamic fluid level and bubble inspection for quality and process control
US6252980A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30108
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Fast image acquisition and image process control are used to advantage to measure dynamic and transient phenomena. This technique distinguishes fluid from bubbles by taking an image of a container containing fluid and modifying the gray levels of the image. Unmodified image processing can be performed without the disadvantage of large time consumption. 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 liquid 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 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. It also provides an indication of mechanical or thermal failures and feedback to indicate any unit which deviates from preset parameters. The system is highly beneficial in the beer and soft drink industry…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.