Patent ID: 6226081
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B67C,G01F

Abstract:
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; andanalyzing 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.