Patent ID: 6535637
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method that incorporates an examination device to identify the type of contents dispensed into a container, the contents being dispensed without any predetermined orientation or position within the container, the method comprising:a. the examination device obtaining an image of the contents of the container; b. processing the image to isolate a unit of the contents; c. processing the image of the isolated unit to extract multiple characteristic features of that unit, said features being selected from the group consisting of: (a) color; (b) patterns of color; (c) three-dimensional shape; (d) three-dimensional size; (e) surface finish; (f) surface texture; (g) surface markings; (h) surface scoring; and (i) surface reflectivity; and d. comparing one or more of the isolated features to a set of reference features representative of known content types to identify the type of contents of the container.