Patent US2583074A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent EP0330495A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0330495A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Package inspection system
Assignee: RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co
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Filing: 1989-02-24
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-02-24
Abstract
Abstract Package inspection systems are disclosed which are capable of high speed sensing and evaluation of package integrity as packages (18) are continuously conveyed in the manufacturing process. The systems are capable of measuring predetermined parameters of packages, e.g. cigarette packages, comparing the measured parameters with predetermined values, evaluating from the measured parameters the integrity of the packages and determining whether such packages are acceptable or, alternatively, should be rejected. The system can additionally obtain and store data on sensed package parameters for evaluating long-term and short-term manufacturing trends. In various embodiments of the invention, the system can inspect a single or plural package side(s), employing a single or plural line scan (12) or area array camera(s) and may employ special optics to enable plural package side images to be obtained using a single camera. There is also provided improved conveying systems for package inspection and master part detect systems which can be employed to obviate the need for synchronization between the inspection system and the conveying system.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth W. White
- 👤 Bain C. Mcconnell
- 👤 Calvin W. Henderson
- 👤 Shannun Warren Clark
- 👤 William R. Collett
- 👤 Charles F. Demey Iii
- 👤 Nancy Harmon Hawley
- 👤 Wallace R. Lassiter
- 👤 James G. Maddrey, Jr.
- 👤 Michael A. Warren
- 👤 David L. Wright
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 08:59
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B23/00; G05B23/02; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/8806; B; B65; B65B; B65B19/00; B65B19/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus for evaluation of positional integrity of packaging elements in a package structure comprising: a) a package inspection station including an inspection wall; b) a conveyor for transporting a plurality of spaced identical packages sequentially through said inspection station and past said inspection wall; c) retaining means at said inspection station to provide constant positional alignment of said packages against said inspection wall; d) a position sensor to detect the presence of the package structure to be evaluated at the package inspection station, and to produce a sensing signal; e) at least one light source to illuminate the package structure; f) recording means comprising at least one camera arranged to respond to said sensing signal to produce camera output signals representing images of the package structure at the package inspection station, at least one camera being optically perpendicularly aligned to a surface of the package while obtaining said package images; and g) analysis means responsive to the camera output signals for evaluating said package images.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus for evaluation of positional integrity of packaging elements in a package structure comprising: a) a package inspection station including an inspection wall; b) a conveyor for transporting a plurality of spaced identical packages sequentially through said inspection station and past said inspection wall; c) retaining means at said inspection station to provide constant positional alignment of said packages against said inspection wall; d) a position sensor to detect the presence of the package structure to be evaluated at the package inspection station, and to produce a sensing signal; e) at least one light source to illuminate the package structure; f) recording means comprising at least one camera arranged to respond to said sensing signal to produce camera output signals representing images of the package structure at the package inspection station, at least one camera being optically perpendicularly aligned to a surface of the package while obtaining said package images; and g) analysis means responsive to the camera output signals for evaluating said package images.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the light source is a polarized light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said recording means includes a polarizing filter which is cross polarized to the polarized light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein said package inspection station contains a rear wall retaining guide having a light colored portion and a dark colored portion.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as defined in any preceding claim, wherein said analysis means is a computer.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in any preceding claim, wherein said package structure is a cigarette package.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said camera is a line scan camera.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said camera is a video camera.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said recording means includes a plurality of video cameras for obtaining images of corresponding surfaces of the package structure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said analysis means includes image processor means responsive to said plurality of cameras for producing a single composite image of said package.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said analysis means includes means for comparing signals representing segments of said composite image with predetermined standard signals representing a desired package configuration and for producing error signals when the composite image of said package differs from the desired package configuration.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said light source comprises a strobe light responsive to said sensing signal to illuminate said package.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said one camera is a line scan camera, said apparatus further including; a plurality of position detectors for sensing the position of said package structure in said inspection station and producing a plurality of corresponding position sensing signals, said line scan camera being responsive to said position sensing signals to produce line camera output signals corresponding to line images of said package structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said analysis means includes means for comparing standard signals representing desired package line scan patterns with said camera output signals and for producing error signals when said package structure line images differ from said desired package line scan patterns.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recording means is a camera which records views of one or more sides of a cigarette package.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recording means are at least two cameras which each view a separate portion of the package.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for evaluating the positional integrity of packaging elements in package structures comprising the following steps: a) transporting a plurality of package structures through an inspection station; b) sensing the position of each package structure at the inspection station by means of a position sensor; c) projecting light onto surfaces of the package structure while located at the inspection station; d) recording camera output signals representing images of at least two different sides of the package structure while the package structure is located at the measuring station in response to a signal from the position sensor; e) scanning the output signals representing selected segments of said images to produce data corresponding to measured package patterns for said segments, and f) comparing the measured package patterns with reference patterns to qualitatively evaluate the package structure for the positional integrity of packaging elements including: i) wrapper centering alignment, ii) wrapper placement skew, iii) closure stamp position, and iv) flap closure.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for evaluating the positional integrity of packaging elements in package structures comprising the following steps: a) transporting a plurality of package structures through an inspection station; b) sensing the position of each package structure at the inspection station by means of a position sensor; c) projecting light onto surfaces of the package structure while located at the inspection station; d) recording camera output signals representing images of at least two different sides of the package structure while the package structure is located at the measuring station in response to a signal from the position sensor; e) scanning the output signals representing selected segments of said images to produce data corresponding to measured package patterns for said segments, and f) comparing the measured package patterns with reference patterns to qualitatively evaluate the package structure for the positional integrity of packaging elements including: i) wrapper centering alignment, ii) wrapper placement skew, iii) closure stamp position, and iv) flap closure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as defined in claim 17, further including the step of compiling output signals representing said images prior to analyzing said signals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in claim 18, wherein the step of compiling includes supplying camera output signals to an image processor to produce a single composite image of the package structure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 19 wherein the step of analyzing the output signals includes scanning output signals representing selected segments of said composite image.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
43 words
The method as defined in any of claims 17 to 20, further including comparing the measured package patterns with reference patterns to qualitatively evaluate the package structure for the positional integrity of packaging elements including: i) wrapper foil condition, and ii) package shape.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
31 words
The method as defined in any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the evaluation of the package structure for closure stamp position includes measuring closure stamp alignment and closure stamp skew.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in any of claims 17 to 22, wherein at least three different sides of the package structure are recorded, compiled and analyzed.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
46 words
The method as defined in any of claims 17 to 23, further including storing the data produced in step (e) in a computer and analyzing the stored data to determine long term trends in the positional integrity of packaging elements in package structures being mass produced.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
41 words
The method as defined in any of claims 17 to 24, further including storing the data produced in step (e) in a computer to determine short term trends in the positional integrity of packaging elements in package structures being mass produced.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
168 words
A package inspection system for evaluation of positional integrity of packaging elements in a package structure comprising: a) conveying means for transporting a plurality of spaced packages having proximate and remote sides, b) a package inspection station located along the conveying means, c) a position sensor to detect the presence of a package structure to be inspected at the inspection station and to produce a corresponding sensing signal, d) at least one light source to produce light to illuminate the sides of a package structure to be inspected, e) imaging means producing an image of at least a portion of at least one remote side of the package, f) recording means for simultaneously recording said image produced by said imaging means and an image of at least a portion of a proximate side of a package structure; g) scanning means for scanning the images recorded by said recording means; and h) analyzing means responsive to the output of the scanning means to determine whether a package contains defects.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
168 words
A package inspection system for evaluation of positional integrity of packaging elements in a package structure comprising: a) conveying means for transporting a plurality of spaced packages having proximate and remote sides, b) a package inspection station located along the conveying means, c) a position sensor to detect the presence of a package structure to be inspected at the inspection station and to produce a corresponding sensing signal, d) at least one light source to produce light to illuminate the sides of a package structure to be inspected, e) imaging means producing an image of at least a portion of at least one remote side of the package, f) recording means for simultaneously recording said image produced by said imaging means and an image of at least a portion of a proximate side of a package structure; g) scanning means for scanning the images recorded by said recording means; and h) analyzing means responsive to the output of the scanning means to determine whether a package contains defects.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The package inspection system as defined in claim 26 wherein the imaging means produces images of at least portions of two remote sides of a package.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The package inspection system as defined in claim 26 wherein the imaging means produces images of at least portions of three remote sides of a package.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The package inspection system as defined in claim 26 wherein the imaging means produces images of at least portions of four sides of a package.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the imaging means includes at least one prism.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the imaging means includes at least one mirror.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the imaging means include at least one prism containing an embedded mirror.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the imaging means includes at least a hinged mirror.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the imaging means includes at least a fiber optic coherent image conduit.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29 wherein the imaging means includes a Fresnel lens.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 35, further including photodetector means for positional location of a package structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
The package inspection system as defined in any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the images produced by the imaging means are directed to said recording means by additional mirror means.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for evaluating positional integrity of packaging elements in a package comprising the following steps: a) transporting a plurality of packages each having a proximate side and remote sides through an inspection station by a conveyor, b) sensing the position of each package at arrival at the inspection station, c) illuminating surfaces of the package structure for inspection while located at the inspection station, d) imaging the package to provide an image of a portion of at least one remote side of the package, e) recording an image of the proximate side of the package and said at least one remote side image by a camera, and f) compiling and analyzing the images recorded in step (e) to produce data to evaluate the positional integrity of packaging elements of the package for quality control.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for evaluating positional integrity of packaging elements in a package comprising the following steps: a) transporting a plurality of packages each having a proximate side and remote sides through an inspection station by a conveyor, b) sensing the position of each package at arrival at the inspection station, c) illuminating surfaces of the package structure for inspection while located at the inspection station, d) imaging the package to provide an image of a portion of at least one remote side of the package, e) recording an image of the proximate side of the package and said at least one remote side image by a camera, and f) compiling and analyzing the images recorded in step (e) to produce data to evaluate the positional integrity of packaging elements of the package for quality control.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
122 words
A package inspection system for evaluation of packages for defects comprising: a) conveying means for transporting a plurality of packages having proximate and remote sides, b) a plurality of package inspection positions located at an inspection station along the conveying means, c) a plurality of position sensors to detect the presence of a package at corresponding package inspection positions; d) imaging means for producing an output signal representing an image pattern for at least one side of the package at each package inspection position; e) recording means for recording the output signals produced by the imaging means at each package inspection location; and f) means for comparing the recorded output signals with reference pattern signals to obtain error signals representing package defects.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
122 words
A package inspection system for evaluation of packages for defects comprising: a) conveying means for transporting a plurality of packages having proximate and remote sides, b) a plurality of package inspection positions located at an inspection station along the conveying means, c) a plurality of position sensors to detect the presence of a package at corresponding package inspection positions; d) imaging means for producing an output signal representing an image pattern for at least one side of the package at each package inspection position; e) recording means for recording the output signals produced by the imaging means at each package inspection location; and f) means for comparing the recorded output signals with reference pattern signals to obtain error signals representing package defects.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The package inspection system as defined in claim 39 wherein the recording means is at least one line scan camera.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
222 words
A package inspection system for evaluation of the positional integrity of packaging elements in a package structure comprising: a) conveying means for transporting a plurality of spaced packages having proximate and remote sides, b) a package inspection station located at a position along the conveying means, c) a position sensor to detect the presence of the package structure to be inspected at the inspection station and to produce a corresponding sensing signal, d) at least one light source responsive to said sensing signal to produce light to illuminate the sides of the package structure which are to be inspected, e) camera means responsive to said sensing signal for producing digital signals representing the images of at least one side of the package, f) display means responsive to said digital signals to produce a visible display of said at least one side of the package; g) means for storing said digital signals; h) means scanning selected portions of said stored digital signals to produce data corresponding to measured package patterns for said selected portions of said stored signals; i) means providing reference package patterns; j) means comparing said measured package patterns to said reference package patterns to qualitatively evaluate the package structure for: i) wrapper centering alignment, ii) wrapper placement skew, iii) closure stamp alignment, iv) closure stamp skew, and v) flap closure.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
222 words
A package inspection system for evaluation of the positional integrity of packaging elements in a package structure comprising: a) conveying means for transporting a plurality of spaced packages having proximate and remote sides, b) a package inspection station located at a position along the conveying means, c) a position sensor to detect the presence of the package structure to be inspected at the inspection station and to produce a corresponding sensing signal, d) at least one light source responsive to said sensing signal to produce light to illuminate the sides of the package structure which are to be inspected, e) camera means responsive to said sensing signal for producing digital signals representing the images of at least one side of the package, f) display means responsive to said digital signals to produce a visible display of said at least one side of the package; g) means for storing said digital signals; h) means scanning selected portions of said stored digital signals to produce data corresponding to measured package patterns for said selected portions of said stored signals; i) means providing reference package patterns; j) means comparing said measured package patterns to said reference package patterns to qualitatively evaluate the package structure for: i) wrapper centering alignment, ii) wrapper placement skew, iii) closure stamp alignment, iv) closure stamp skew, and v) flap closure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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