Can End Inspection with Image Processing and Fuzzy Modelling

The authors have been involved in developing an automated inspection system, based on machine vision, to improve the repair coating quality control (RCQ control) in can ends of metal containers for fish food. The RCQ of each end is assessed estimating its average repair coating quality (ARCQ). In this work we present a fuzzy model building to make the acceptance/rejection decision for each can end from the information obtained by the vision system. In addition it is interesting to note that such model could be interpreted and supplemented by process operators. Firstly, the easy open can end manufacturing process, and the current, conventional method for quality control of easy open can end repair coating, are described. Then, we show the machine vision system operations. After that, the fuzzy modelling, results obtained and their discussion are presented. Finally, concluding remarks are stated