Method for ascertaining the net weight of a product in a single product range

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for ascertaining a net weight of a product in a product range, plurality of contiguous product ranges form a product chain and a total weight of the product chain is ascertained. The product chain is X-rayed to ascertain values that correspond to the radiation that penetrates a defined range of the product chain. The ascertained values are used to ascertain a total value for the entire product chain. A product range with a single product is selected by means of evaluation of the ascertained values. A value of the product range is formed from the ascertained values. A gross weight of the product range is ascertained therefrom. The net weight used for the single product is approximately the weight or the net weight is ascertained from the difference between the weight and a prescribed or ascertained weight of the product range without a product.

Claims

1. A method for determining a net weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Net) of a product (3a-3e) in a product range, wherein multiple connected product ranges form a product chain (1), comprising the steps of: a) determining, with a weighing device, a total weight (Weight.sub.Total Gross) of the product chain (1), b) the product chain (1) is x-rayed with an x-ray device, to determine values with one or more processors, that correspond with the x-rays, which penetrate a defined range of the product chain (1), c) determining, with one or more processors, a total value (Grayscale Value.sub.Total Gross) for the entire product chain (1) from the determined values, d) selecting or specifying a product range (La-Le) with an individual product (3a-3e) contained therein is selected or specified through based on analysis of the determined values, e) forming a value (Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Gross) of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e) from the determined values and either steps f) and g) or steps h) and i), f) determining, with one or more processors, a gross weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Gross) of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e), g) determining, with one or more processors, a net weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Net) from the difference of the weight Weight.sub.Product Range Gross and a predefined or determined weight (Weight.sub.TARE) of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e) without product (3a-3e), or h) determining, with one or more processors, the net weight (WeightTotal Net) from the difference of the weight Weight.sub.Total Gross and a pre defined or determined weight (Weight.sub.Total TARE) of the product chain (1) without product (3a-3e), and i) determining, with one or more processors, the net weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Net) of the individual product (3a-3e) by dividing the net weight (WeightTotal Net) of the product chain (1) according to the values (Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Gross) of the product ranges (L.sub.a-L.sub.e).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, for the selection of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e) a dividing line (41, 43, 45, 47) between individual, contiguous product ranges (5a-5e) or an envelope curve around an individual product (3a-3e) is determined by analyzing the determined values.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, j) one weight per area unit (Weight.sub.TARE/L) of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e) without product (3a-3e) is previously known or determined, and either steps k) or l), k) determining the weight (Weight.sub.TARE) of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e) without product (3a-3e) by multiplying Weight.sub.TARE/L and area of the product range (L.sub.a-L.sub.e), or l) determining the weight (Weight.sub.Total TARE) of the product chain (1) without product (3a-3e) is determined by multiplying Weight.sub.TARE/L and the area of the product chain (1).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, the weight for each area unit (Weight.sub.TARE/L) is determined, by predefining a sub-region (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 79, 81) without a product of the product chain (1) or is selected from the determined values and for this purpose the weight (Weight.sub.TARE/L) is determined from a value (Weight.sub.TARE).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, at least two sub-regions (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 79, 81) of the product chain (1) are pre-defined and the weight for each area unit (Weight.sub.TARE/L) is determined from their average.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, multiple product chains (1) are processed at the same time next to each other.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, an array (71) of multiple lines and columns of packages (73a-73f) is processed as a product chain (1).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the determined net weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Net), a device for filling is monitored, controlled or regulated.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the net weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Net) is determined while the product chain (1, 71) is moving.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein a determined value (Grayscale Value.sub.Gross, Grayscale Value.sub.TARE) is checked for validity against a pre-defined or determined reference value (Ref.sub.Gross, Ref.sub.TARE) or reference range.

11. A device for determining a net weight of a product in a product range comprising: a scale, which is formed in such a way to determine the weight Weight.sub.Total Gross of the product chain (1) with the products (3a-3e) contained therein in each of the individual product ranges (4a-4e), an x-ray device that allows the determination of a value (Grayscale Value.sub.Total Gross) for the total product chain (1), and one or more processors configured to: a) determine values that correspond with the x-rays, which penetrate a defined range of the product chain (1), b) determine a total value (Grayscale ValueTotal Gross) for the entire product chain (1) from the determined values, c) select or specify a product range (La-Le) with an individual product (3a-3e) contained therein is based on analysis of the determined values, d) form a value (Grayscale ValueProduct Range Gross) of the product range (La-Le) is formed from the determined values and either steps e) and f) or steps g) and h), e) determine a gross weight (WeightProduct Range Gross) of the product range (LaLe), f) determine a net weight (WeightProduct Range Net) from the difference of the weight WeightProduct Range Gross and a predefined or determined weight (WeightTARE) of the product range (La-Le) without product (3a-3e), or g) determine the net weight (WeightTotal Net) from the difference of the weight WeightTotal Gross and a pre-defined or determined weight (WeightTotal TARE) of the product chain (1) without product (3a-3e), and h) determine the net weight (WeightProduct Range Net) of the individual product (3a-3e) by dividing the net weight (WeightTotal Net) of the product chain (1) according to the values (Grayscale ValueProduct Range Gross) of the product ranges (LaLe).

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, the x-ray device is formed in such a way that for at least one pre-defined sub-region (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 79, 81, 109) without product, a value (Grayscale Value.sub.TARE) is determined for the product chain (1).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be explained in greater detail using embodiments shown in the drawings.

(2) The drawings show:

(3) FIG. 1 a top view of a section of a production line working according to the method in accordance with the invention (first embodiment) for filling and processing tube bags;

(4) FIG. 2 a sectional view along line I-I in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 3 a top view of a section of a production line according to the method in accordance with the invention (second embodiment) for filling and processing cups;

(6) FIG. 4 a sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 3;

(7) FIGS. 5A-5C a bag flow chart variation;

(8) FIGS. 6A-6D a chain flow chart variation;

(9) FIG. 7 a top view of a multi-chamber cup;

(10) FIG. 8 a perspective view of a multi-chamber cup according to FIG. 7;

(11) FIG. 9 a one-column product chain of multiple multi-chamber cups according to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 and

(12) FIG. 10 an array of a product chain of multiple multi-chamber cups according to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

(13) FIG. 11a a side view of a bag chain (product chain) with multiple bags separated (divided) from each other, but connected;

(14) FIG. 11b a top view of the bag chain according to FIG. 11a;

(15) FIG. 11c a grayscale value image of the bag chain according to FIG. 11b;

(16) FIG. 11d a corrected (adjusted) grayscale value image according to FIG. 11c;

(17) FIG. 11e an inverse grayscale value image according to FIG. 11d with a delineated product range and

(18) FIG. 11f an inverse grayscale value image according to FIG. 11d with delineated TARE regions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) The product chain 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the product strand has multiple continuous, not separated individual packages 4a-4e (for example, in the form of bags) of products 3a to 3e contained therein. The tube formation from film sheeting of constant width located on a roll, its filling with products, and the division or separation (without separating the product chain 1) into connected packages by means of sealed seams (fused, pressed, etc.) takes place in the usual manner, as described in WO 2011/050355 A1, for example. In order to determine a net filling quantity, specifically net weight, of an individual package 4a-4e, the main problem is that the actual sealed seams 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 between the individual bags are unevenly fused and therefore the stiffness of the sealed seams 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 varies, and therefore other force effects arise between two contiguous bags. Weighing of a section within the product chain 1 therefore leads only to inaccurate results that are not sufficient to meet the requirements of the pre-packaging regulation, for example.

(20) According to the method of the invention, the product chain 1 is, therefore, x-rayed using an x-ray device (not shown in the drawing), consisting of an x-ray source and a sensor, in particular a line sensor, such that grayscale values can be obtained based on the product chain's dimensions (length with constant width, area, etc.). To do this, a line sensor can be arranged, for example, vertically in the drawing layer to the product flow direction B below the product chain 1 and the x-ray source above the product chain 1, such that the product chain is completely captured in grayscale values from its beginning 51 to its end 53 depending on the respective longitudinal position. Of course, it is also possible to capture the entire product chain all at once using a suitable sensor (camera, motion picture, etc.) and to obtain individual grayscale values for each longitudinal position and/or area of the total image (to be read using appropriate image processing). By adding up or integrating the obtained grayscale values of the product chain 1, a Grayscale Value.sub.Total Gross can be determined for the entire product chain 1.

(21) Furthermore, the product chain 1 can be weighed as a whole using a weighing device not shown in greater detail in the drawing and thus the weight of the product chain (Weight.sub.Total Gross) determined.

(22) In order to approximately and sufficiently define an x-ray-inspected separation, in particular a sealed seam 41, 43, 45, 47 between the individual packages 4a-4e, which may be barely detectable compared to a product 3a-3e the grayscale values obtained can be analyzed instead for this purpose. In this way, it is possible, for example, to determine maxima of grayscale values based on their longitudinal position (in direction B) in the product chain 1. Such maxima represent a point within the range, in which a product is located within the package 4a-4e, wherein this grayscale value definitely includes the upper side and lower side of the package, including the product.

(23) For the definition of a separation 41, 43, 45, 47, a distance between two contiguous maxima can be determined and halved. FIG. 1 shows a determined (evaluated) distance A between the (grayscale value) maxima 5d and 5e, such that the seamed seal 47 has been defined at the position of the center distance A/2. Accordingly, the sealed seams 41, 43, and 45 are defined as half the distance between the contiguous (Grayscale Value) maxima 5a and 5b, 5b and 5c, 5c and 5d.

(24) Obviously, it is also possible to define the sealed seams 41, 43, 45, 47 in another way, for example, through an analysis of the grayscale values with regard to a product range and a definition of the sealed seams 41, 43, 45, 47 outside of contiguous product ranges, for example, by halving their distance. As is shown below, a determination of the actual position of a seamed seal 41, 43, 45, 47 for the determination of as precise a net filling quantity as possible, in particular net weight (Weight.sub.Net), is not critical or even necessary. An undesired, erroneous definition of a position of a sealed seam 41, 43, 45, 47 within an actual product range can easily be largely avoided here, or be ruled out by means of a causality test (for example, grayscale value level, which may not be exceeded for this purpose).

(25) Accordingly, across the length L.sub.p of the product chain 1, sections are defined with the respective lengths L.sub.a, L.sub.b, L.sub.c, L.sub.d and L.sub.e. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the ends of the sections can fall at the center of an actual seamed seal, as for example in the case of sealed seams 41 and 45.

(26) The start 51 or end 53 of the product chain can be easily and accurately detected, by contrast, through an analysis of the grayscale values of a product chain 1, generally through x-ray inspection (first or last grayscale value), wherein, due to missing grayscale values outside of the product chain, a shift of the defined limits for the determination of as precise a net filling quantity as possible, in particular net weight (Weight.sub.Net), is not necessary.

(27) For the packages or package sections or product ranges 4a-4e divided in this way, grayscale values for these ranges can be determined via their respective lengths L.sub.a, L.sub.b, L.sub.c, L.sub.d and L.sub.e, for example by adding up or integrating the obtained grayscale values. As a result, for each section, there is a grayscale value for the respective individual package with respective gross grayscale value of the product contained therein. To capture the package also, in particular the film, the x-ray device is precisely adjusted accordingly.

(28) Subsequently, within a particular section or product range of the length (and position) L.sub.a, L.sub.b, L.sub.c, L.sub.d and L.sub.e, at least one sub-region (TARE region) is specified or defined, which lies within the package range or within the range of the product chain 1, in which, however, there is no product 5a-5e. Examples of this are indicated in FIG. 1 by TARE regions 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 in different positions and extensions. The products 3a-3e, which differ greatly in position and size, are only used for clarification of different positions of TARE regions, since position and range of the products 3a-3e within the respective package sections usually differ slightly from each other in product chains 1.

(29) Such zones can be predefined based on empirical values or even based on the grayscale values obtained for a product chain by applying appropriate algorithms (image analysis). For example, ranges with an essentially constant grayscale value can be defined as a TARE region.

(30) Since the tube bag or the product chain 1 is formed from a folded over film, not only the product region, but the entire bag is surrounded by two films (upper and lower film), which overlap, if necessary at the joint along the entire length. To better take into account the overlapped section of the film as needed, it may be advantageous to arrange the TARE region transverse to the longitudinal direction such that the overlapping (mostly at the midline) is included, preferably even over the entire width. The TARE region may also be placed exactly in a seamed seal region.

(31) A TARE region, however, can also be defined generally across ranges (contiguous package sections), without negatively impacting the determination of as precise a net filling quantity as possible, in particular net weight (Weight.sub.Product Range Net). For this, for example, the determined position of a seamed seal can be used and a TARE region can be defined in this range or projecting over it to a given extent. Obviously, it is also possible to determine limits for an end and a beginning of contiguous product ranges, as explained above, and to define a TARE region 25 in the intermediate range between the products 3d and 3e across the product ranges or package sections 4d and 4e.

(32) For the particular TARE region, a grayscale value is determined based on its extension (length and/or area) and projected onto the particular section or product range 4a-4e with the length L.sub.a, L.sub.b, L.sub.c, L.sub.d and L.sub.e. This way, a grayscale value of the package without product (Grayscale Value.sub.TARE) can be determined.

(33) From this grayscale value.sub.TARE and the already determined or existing values Grayscale Value.sub.TotalGross and Weight.sub.TotalGross, the weight of a particular package section without product Weight.sub.TARE can be determined according to the following equation:

(34) ${\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{TARE}}=\frac{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{TARE}}}{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{Total}}}{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}$

(35) From the already determined or existing values Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Gross, Grayscale Value.sub.Total Gross and Weight.sub.Total Gross, the weight of a particular package section with product Weight.sub.Product Range Gross can be determined according to the following equation:

(36) ${\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{ProductRangeGross}}=\frac{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{ProductRangeGross}}}{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{TotalGross}}}{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{TotalGross}}$

(37) From the two values obtained in this way, the net weight Weight.sub.Net or Weight.sub.Product Range Net of a product contained in a package section can be calculated as follows:

(38) $\begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{Net}}={\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{Product}\mathrm{Range}\mathrm{Gross}}-{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{TARE}}\\ =\frac{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{Product}\mathrm{Range}\mathrm{Gross}}}{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}}{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}-\\ \frac{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{TARE}}}{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}}{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}\\ =\frac{{\mathrm{Weight}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}}{\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{Gross}}}\\ (\mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{Product}\mathrm{Range}\mathrm{Gross}}-\\ \mathrm{Grayscale}{\mathrm{Value}}_{\mathrm{TARE}})\end{array}$

(39) From this net weight Weight.sub.Net or Weight.sub.Product Range Net, other types of a net filling quantity can also be easily determined. For example, in the case of a liquid product, a net volume could be determined by multiplication of the determined net weight Weight.sub.Net with a known density of the liquid.

(40) As can be seen in FIG. 2, the product 3a is within package section 4a with a corresponding expansion (thickness) in the center below the fold 61 or the overlapping of the folded film 63. Therefore, the film 63 has in the (fold) area 65shown in FIG. 2 as a dashed linealmost double the material density as a result of the overlap.

(41) The left-side and right-side areas of the package not filled by the product 3a can, depending on the application, be filled with air or inert gas or have a vacuum.

(42) The second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 shows the application of the method in accordance with the invention for another type of product chain, namely a cup chain 71, for example, a six-pack of yogurt in a 32 array.

(43) This cup chain 71 has two contiguously arranged tracks or columns (cup 73a-c and 73d-f) and three rows arranged one after the other (cup 73a,d; 73b,e and 73c,f) in the product flow direction B. Here, the cups 73a-73f like the package sections in the embodiment explained above are not separated but are connected to one another (mechanically coupled).

(44) Due to the mechanical connection, for the already filled and perhaps already sealed cups 73a-73f, it is likewise difficult or not possible to easily and quickly determine the net filling quantity of individual cup, as in the case of the abovementioned example of a tube bag strand or a product chain 1.

(45) The above executions for the first embodiment are applied likewise, only with the difference that the product chain 1 is replaced by a two-track or two-column cup array 71. Since the cups 73a-73f are manufactured through deep-drawing, a net volume can likewise be determined by means of a TARE region arranged within the surrounding cup edge 77a-f (pre-defined or established by analysis), as explained in the first embodiment. Also, the differentiation between product range and range without product and the definition of subdivisions can also be made in the manner outlined above.

(46) However, with a somewhat more precisely defined form (due to the deep-draw process) of the package, a TARE region can be easily specified, since position and size of the edge areas 77a-77f only have the slightest deviations and TARE regions, such as the regions 79, 81 in an edge region 77c, can be precisely specified.

(47) By contrast, the seamed seals 29, 31, 33, 35 and start 51 and end 53 are subjected to greater deviations (seamed seal imprecise, deformed, askew, etc.) due to the production of a tube bag, such that the establishment of a TARE region in this embodiment by means of analysis of the grayscale values and subsequent definition (specification) with a possible causality test can be advantageous

(48) A grayscale value determined for a TARE region (for each length or area) can easily (from the ratio Length of TARE region to package length or area of TARE region to package area) can be extrapolated to a TARE value (Grayscale Value.sub.TARE) of the package since the distance from product separation (seamed seal, subdivision, etc.) as the length of the package and the width of the packaging material, in particular before processing (film width before a tube formation or a deep-drawing process) are known. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the grayscale value for the TARE film material is thus determined at least one TARE position, at which only the film portion is present (TARE region). This can be done for a known length or area so that the TARE can then be accurately calculated for the entire bag length.

(49) This process advantageously happens automatically, quickly and with a high degree of accuracy (for example, with an accuracy of within 0.1 g). A teach-in and periodic review of a reference value (Ref.sub.Tare, Ref.sub.Gross) are therefore not necessarily required. TARE is determined individually for each bag in a package chain or array based on the grayscale values. TARE fluctuations due to changes in film thickness or package geometry can be automatically detected and/or corrected. The TARE is determined individually for each bag in the chain based on the grayscale values.

(50) Such a determination of TARE for each package and its consideration in the determination of a product-only or net weight is essentially more accurate than the use of a randomly determined average TARE value.

(51) For the Bag and Chain variation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the different steps explained above for determining a net filling quantity or a net weight do not need to happen in a certain chronological sequence. Rather, different steps can be taken at different points in time, before or after each other. Also, as can be seen from the flowcharts in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a different (claimed as an alternative in claim 1) method for achieving one and the same goal can be used.

(52) The two flowcharts are implemented for the sake of simplicity for the example of one-chamber bags, which are connected to each other into a product chain in the form of a continuous, in particular one-column chain. Of course, the flowcharts shown can also be transferred to multi-chamber cups or bags, wherein the term bag used in the flowcharts should be replaced with the term product range.

(53) Accordingly, the following terms are used in the diagrams (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6):

(54) Grayscale Value.sub.Bag Gross instead of Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Gross

(55) Weight.sub.Bag Net instead of Weight.sub.Product Range Net

(56) Weight.sub.Bag TARE instead of Weight.sub.TARE

(57) Weight.sub.Bag Gross instead of Weight.sub.Product Range Gross

(58) Weight.sub.Chain Net instead of Weight.sub.Total Net

(59) Essentially, the flowcharts in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 differ in that in the bag variation (FIG. 5) a Grayscale Value.sub.Bag Gross or a Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Gross is determined earlier and the Weight.sub.BagNet or Weight.sub.Product Range Net is determined from the difference between Weight.sub.Bag Gross and Weight.sub.Bag TARE or Weight.sub.TARE. For this purpose, the Weight.sub.Bag TARE is either approximately accepted as zero (with probably very low weight compared to Weight.sub.BagGross) or determined in the manner specified.

(60) By contrast, in the chain variation (FIG. 6), as shown, the net weight of the chain Weight.sub.Chain Net or Weight.sub.Total Net is determined by approximation or by determining the TARE weight of the chain. As a concluding step, this weight Weight.sub.Total Net is divided according to the grayscale value portions of the individual bags or product ranges and from that the weight Weight.sub.Bag Net or Weight.sub.Net is determined.

(61) In both flowcharts, the right branch shows the option of a warning being issued to the user if a check value for the TARE region K.sub.Region TARE is not met compared to a previously determined check value K.sub.TARE. With such a warning, it is possible, for example, to determine a correction value Corr based on the deviation and to use it as explained above (for example, to improve accuracy).

(62) The multi-chamber cup 91 shown in FIG. 7 comprises, in the example shown, two separate product ranges 93 and 95. In the product range 93, there is a desired quantity of yogurt, for example, as product 97, whereas cereals, fruit preparations or the like are found separately in area 95 as product 99. As a result, the multi-chamber cup 91 must be filled in its different product ranges 93 and 95 with products 97 and 99 that differ both in type and quantity. By means of the method in accordance with the invention, it is possible not only before the application of a cover film but even after application, to check not only the quantity but also the type (due to the different density, which is reflected accordingly in the grayscale values), and to control the filling plant accordingly by means of a control device.

(63) Due to the presence of multiple (two in the example) product ranges within a cup 91, this cup 91 in accordance with the invention can be considered a product chain.

(64) Obviously, such multi-chamber cups, as shown in FIG. 7 and in perspective in FIG. 8, can also exist in the form of a one-column product chain as shown in FIG. 9, thus with several, for example, four connecting cups.

(65) However, it is also conceivable, as shown in FIG. 10, that such multi-chamber cups 91, just as one-chamber cups or bags, exist as an array or matrix (with multiple columns and multiple lines). As shown in FIG. 10, such a matrix can consist, for example, of three columns and four rows, i.e., 12 multi-chamber cups 91.

(66) In order to separate the product ranges from each other within such a cup (logically), it is possible to define a straight, diagonal dividing line T between the two product ranges 93 and 95, for example, during or following pattern detection (or image processing). However, it is also obviously possible to determine the product ranges, in particular directly through an image analysis of a total gray-scale image, for example, in the form of a circumferential line or envelope curve 93 and 95.

(67) In the case of a one-column product chain, as shown in FIG. 9, additional contiguous cups can be differentiated from one another by a straight diagonal dividing line L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 for each image analysis or threshold analysis of the detected grayscale values.

(68) If, as is shown in FIG. 10, there are multiple (for example three) columns, then the columns can again be separated from one another through image analysis or threshold analysis of the grayscale values, by straight horizontal lines W1 and W2 (logically or for the determination of the filling weight or filling quantity). Instead of the simplified variation with straight (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) dividing lines, it is also possible to capture each product range or multiple product ranges (for example, two and thus one cup) as one unit using envelope curves. In each case, it is also possible, with multi-chamber cups 91, as shown, for each product range 93 and 95 and each individual cup 91 (whether in isolation, in a single-column product chain or an array as product chain) to record product ranges individually and preferably also one cup as a unit and to apply the method in accordance with the invention for determining the net filling quantity, in particular the net weight, to these regions.

(69) In FIGS. 11a-11f, the method in accordance with the invention is represented using a bag chain 101 with multiple bags 102, separated (divided) from each other but connected. Such bag chains 101 can consist of a smaller number up to any larger number, such as between two, three, four, five, six to ten or even more, bags 103.

(70) As can be seen from FIG. 11c, the product chain 101 is x-rayed in full width (top view or layout view), wherein a typical grayscale value as shown in 11c arises. Here, the ranges or product ranges in different shapes and filled with the desired product 105 (for example, powder) and separated from each other are visible, wherein different pixels or grayscale value levels are also shown in the original image in the ranges without product. These measurement errors that arise due to tolerances and errors, such as noise, for example, can preferably be corrected or eliminated before further processing by means of image analysis, so that a corrected image shown in FIG. 11d arises.

(71) Independent of the actual or inverse representation, as shown in FIGS. 11e and 11f, product ranges 107 can now be defined using vertical (shown in red), logical dividing lines (with consistent width) between contiguous products. The dividing lines (vertical lines of the rectangle 107) lie within a range without a product. Obviously, the product ranges 107 can also, as shown, be defined by a flat area 107, for example, rectangular as in FIG. 11e (shown as a red border) or as any envelope curve around the product 105.

(72) As shown in FIG. 11f, ranges without product can be determined, for example, as rectangular areas, as TARE regions 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, in order to later determine a Weight.sub.TARE, Weight.sub.Total TARE, check values K.sub.Region TARE (for TARE regions), K.sub.TARE (for sections or product ranges) and reference values Ref.sub.TARE.

LIST OF DRAWING REFERENCES

(73) 1 Product chain 3a-e Products 4a-e individual packages or package sections 5a-e Maxima grayscale values 7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23 TARE regions 25 Across TARE regions 27,29,31,33,35, 53 Actual seal seams 41,43,45,47 defined sealed seams (logical dividing lines) 51=27 Start Product chain (actual first sealed seam) 53 End Product chain (actual last sealed seam) 61 Fold 63 Film (tube) 65 Fold area (dotted line) 71 Cup chain or array of cups 73a-f Cup 75c Product 77c Circumferential edge area 79,81 TARE regions 91 Multi-chamber cups 93 Product range with product 97 96 Product range with product 999 97 Product 99 additional product 101 Bag chain 103 Individual Bag 105 Product within a bag 107 Product range 109 TARE regions (vertical) or TARE range 111 overlapping TARE regions (vertical) or TARE range 113 TARE regions (vertical) or TARE range 115 TARE regions (vertical) or TARE range 117 overlapping TARE regions (horizontal) or TARE range A Distance between 5d and 5e A/2 half distance for definition 41,43,45,47 B Movement direction of product chain T diagonal, straight dividing line between ranges 93 and 95 L.sub.1-L.sub.3 vertical, straight dividing lines between cups 91 W.sub.1,W.sub.2 horizontal, straight dividing lines between columns of cups 91 L.sub.p Product chain length L.sub.a-L.sub.e defined length of package 1-1 Section line 11-11 Section line Grayscale Value.sub.Total Gross grayscale value for the total product chain Weight.sub.Total Gross Weight of the product chain Weight.sub.Product Range Net Net weight of a product (within a product range without package or packaging material Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Gross grayscale value of a product range with product and package Weight.sub.Product Range Gross Weight of a product range with product and package Grayscale Value.sub.TARE grayscale value of the product range without product Weight.sub.TARE Weight of a product range without product, i.e. weight of the package Weight.sub.Total TARE TARE weight of the entire product chain Ref.sub.Gross Reference value of the product chain (Ref.sub.Gross=Weight.sub.Total Gross/Grayscale Value.sub.Total Gross Weight.sub.Total Net Net weight of the product chain Weight.sub.Total TARE Weight of the product chain without product, i.e., total weight of the packaging material of a product chain Length.sub.Product Range Length of the product range Length.sub.Total Length of the product chain Area.sub.Total Area of the product chain in the x-ray image TARE region Sub-region of the product chain without a product in it Area.sub.Region TARE Area of the TARE region Weight.sub.Region TARE Weight of the TARE region Ref.sub.TARE Reference value of a section or Product range of an empty package (Ref.sub.TARE=Weight.sub.TARE/Grayscale Value.sub.TARE) Grayscale Value.sub.Product Range Standardized grayscale value of the (standardized) product range Grayscale Value.sub.Total Standardized calculated sum of all standardized grayscale values of the product chain K.sub.Region TARE Check value for TARE region(s) K.sub.TARE Check value of the section or product range Corr Correction value (=K.sub.RegionTARE/K.sub.TARE)