Pulsed X-rays, high-performance optics and deep learning!
Pulsed X-ray technology with AI-supported X-ray image processing for improved glass-in-glass detection. HEUFT reflexx A.I. cameras, MCIP, and deep learning for optical empty bottle inspection that goes deeper and judges more competently: With innovations developed in-house, the HEUFT InLine II IX once again pushes the boundaries of what can be detected – while also reducing the false rejection rate!
The innovations for a simply smarter optical all-surface empty bottle inspection, which were presented for the first time at drinktec 2025, were also integrated into the measuring device exhibited there. Here are the highlights again:
- MCIP, our in-house developed Multi Color Image Processing, perfects sidewall inspection with HEUFT reflexx A.I. cameras and enables our self-programmed AI to make visible what was previously invisible. This even applies to the smallest cracks and defects in the Applied Color Label (ACL).
- MCIP and HEUFT reflexx A.I. now also cover the mouths of all types of wide-neck bottles completely and seamlessly, illuminating them in a structured manner and evaluating them so intelligently that even the smallest defects become even more clearly visible.
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A new deep learning model, which has been trained using images of the necks of thousands of 0.5-liter Euro beer bottles with slight cosmetic deviations in their shape, glass thickness, brightness, or coloration, automatically evaluates all detection images outside this tolerance range as faults: Containers with critical or completely new defects are thus reliably detected and removed. All others can be reused and refilled without concern.
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A single algorithm is now sufficient to center the bottom of each individual bottle so precisely using AI that it can always be inspected completely, regardless of brand-specific characteristics.
- Additional deep learning models, which have been pre-trained with countless good images of the bottom areas of 0.5-liter Euro glass and 0.7-liter GdB PET returnable bottles, no longer evaluate every single detail, but always assess the entire recognition image of the bottle bottom as a whole as good or bad – and, thanks to anomaly detection, they do not overlook any newly occurring errors.
Even under fluctuating environmental conditions, MCIP and the new deep learning AI deliver more stable, clearer results and greater power of jugdgement in optical all-surface empty bottle inspection with the advanced HEUFT Inline II IX. Detection reliability increases and the false rejection rate decreases.
The unique pulsed X-ray technology with new HEUFT reflexx A.I. X-ray image processing also contributes to this: glass splinters and shell fragments on the bottle bottom are now also detected even more reliably and clearly distinguished from harmless objects and structures!
