Optical height of fill detection system and associated methods
First Claim
1. A process for determining the height-of-fill of a container comprising a body having an optically detectable feature, and contents filling the body up to a fill level spaced from said optically detectable feature, at least a measuring portion of the container extending from the optically detectable feature to the fill level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, which process comprises:
- illuminating at least the measuring portion of the container with electromagnetic radiation;
forming an image of part of said measuring portion of the container; and
analyzing the image by data processing means to identify;
(a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the properties of the optically detectable feature; and
(b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the contents below the fill level, and determining the distance between a point within the first region and the upper edge of the second region, thereby determining the height-of-fill.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The height-of-fill of a container comprising a body having an optically detectable feature, and contents filling the body up to a fill level, at least a measuring portion of the container extending from the optically detectable feature to the fill level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, is determined by illuminating at least the measuring portion of the container with electromagnetic radiation; forming an image of part of this measuring portion of the container; and analyzing the image by data processing means to identify: (a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the properties of the optically detectable feature; and (b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the contents below the fill level, and determining the distance between a point within the first region and the upper edge of the second region, thereby determining the height-of-fill.
113 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A process for determining the height-of-fill of a container comprising a body having an optically detectable feature, and contents filling the body up to a fill level spaced from said optically detectable feature, at least a measuring portion of the container extending from the optically detectable feature to the fill level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, which process comprises:
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illuminating at least the measuring portion of the container with electromagnetic radiation;
forming an image of part of said measuring portion of the container; and
analyzing the image by data processing means to identify;
(a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the properties of the optically detectable feature; and
(b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the contents below the fill level, and determining the distance between a point within the first region and the upper edge of the second region, thereby determining the height-of-fill. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Apparatus for determining the height-of-fill of a container comprising a body having an optically detectable feature, and contents filling the body up to a fill level spaced from said optically detectable feature, at least a measuring portion of the container extending from the optically detectable feature to the fill level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, the apparatus comprising:
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image-forming means arranged to form an image of part of said measuring portion of the container; and
data processing means for analyzing said image, said data processing means being programmed to identify in said image;
(a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the properties of the optically detectable feature; and
(b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the contents below the fill level, and to determine the distance between a point within the first region and the upper edge of the second region, thereby determining the height-of-fill of the container. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A process for determining the height-of-fill of a container comprising a body, foamable liquid contents filling the body up to a fill level, and foam resting upon the liquid contents and extending from the fill level up to a foam level, at least an upper portion of the container extending from below the fill level to the foam level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, which process comprises:
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illuminating at least the upper portion of the container with electro-magnetic radiation;
forming an image of part of said upper portion of the container; and
analyzing the image by data processing means to identify;
(a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the foam; and
(b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the liquid contents, and determining the position of the boundary between the first and second regions, thereby determining the height-of-fill. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. Apparatus for determining the height-of-fill of a container comprising a body, foamable liquid contents filling the body up to a fill level, and foam resting upon the liquid contents and extending from the fill level up to a foam level, at least an upper portion of the container extending from below the fill level to the foam level being capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation, the apparatus comprising:
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image-forming means arranged to form an image of said upper portion of the container; and
data processing means for analyzing said image, said data processing means being programmed to identify in said image;
(a) a first region having a first intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the foam; and
(b) a second region having a second intensity that varies in accordance with the optical properties of the liquid contents, and to determine the position of the boundary between the first and second regions, thereby determining the height-of-fill. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification