阅读说明：本技术 在食品包装中的检查方法 (Inspection method in food packaging ) 是由 约翰·安格瑞丝 马丁·法尔肯施泰因 于 2018-08-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于在包装(50)食品(50.4)处检测、尤其无损地采集压力和温度、最好是采集气体浓度的测试仪(10),具有用于采集在包装(50)食品(50.4)中的至少一个参数的检测装置(30),其中,该参数专属于该食品(50.4)的待检性能,其特征是,该测试仪(10)被设计成手持式仪器。(The invention relates to a test device (10) for testing, in particular for non-destructively recording, pressure and temperature, preferably gas concentration, on a packaged (50) food product (50.4), comprising a test device (30) for recording at least one parameter in the packaged (50) food product (50.4), wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product (50.4), characterized in that the test device (10) is designed as a hand-held device.)

1. A test apparatus (10) for testing, in particular for non-destructively recording, pressure and temperature, preferably gas concentration, at a packaged (50) food product (50.4), has a test device (30) for recording at least one parameter in the packaged (50) food product (50.4), wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

it is characterized in that the utility model is characterized in that,

the test device (10) is designed as a hand-held device.

2. Tester (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said property to be inspected is the gas content of the packaged (50) food product (50.4).

3. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parameter is the pressure and/or the temperature at the food product (50.4).

4. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (30) has a transmitting unit (31) for emitting a measurement intervention (38) and a receiving unit (32) for acquiring the emitted measurement intervention (38), wherein the transmitting unit (31) is preferably designed as a radiation source (31), such as a laser source (31), while the receiving unit (32) is designed as an electromagnetic sensor (32) and the measurement intervention (38) is designed as electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser, for acquiring a change of the radiation spectrum which is specific to the parameter.

5. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning structure (40) is provided for performing an external positioning of the detection device (30) on the packaging (50), in particular according to a predetermined arrangement, in particular at a predetermined distance and/or centered with respect to the packaging (50).

6. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning structure (40) is provided for at least partially placing the package (50) with the food product (50.4) in a placement area (a) as a measurement area (a), wherein the transmitter unit (31) and the receiver unit (32) of the detection device (30) are aligned with the measurement area by means of the positioning structure (40).

7. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that communication means (20) are provided for performing a data communication, e.g. wireless, with the mobile communication device (1) and/or the central data processing device (100) for transmitting the acquisition results via the data communication.

8. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding unit (41), preferably a positioning unit (41), can also be provided for detachably fixing the tester (10) to the packaging (50).

9. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding unit (41) can be provided, which is designed as a stopper clamp for torque measurement, to be fixed on a stopper (50.3) of a package (50) in the form of a bottle (50.2).

10. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the following possibilities are possible: the holding unit (41) is designed to accommodate a head space (50.3) of a package (50) in the form of a bottle (50.2), preferably for concentrically fixing the test device (10) on the bottle stopper (50.3).

11. The test meter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding unit (41) can be provided and designed as a centering unit, so that the centering of the test meter (10) on the package (50) takes place in the measuring position by means of the holding unit (41).

12. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emission unit (31) is aligned with the reception unit (32) and with the placement area (a) in such a way that a measuring intervention (38) first enters the placement area (a) and then reaches the reception unit (32) in order to acquire the change of the measuring intervention (38) caused by the food product (50.4).

13. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that display means (80) are provided for displaying the results of the multilevel examinations.

14. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for portable operation of the tester (10) accumulators (60) for mobile power supply are provided, preferably accumulators.

15. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection means (30) have an optical temperature sensor (70), in particular a bolometer or a pyrometer, to acquire the temperature at the food product (50.4) in the package (50).

16. A system for checking, in particular non-destructively, pressure and temperature at packaged (50) food products (50.4), for detecting gas content, having:

-a tester (10) for acquiring at least one parameter at the package (50) of the food product (50.4), wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

an analysis unit (14) for analyzing the acquisition to determine a quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

the test device (10) is preferably designed as a hand-held device.

17. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis unit (14) is part of the test meter (10), whereby the analysis is performed by the test meter (10).

18. A system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optional use of a mobile communication device (1) is provided, which mobile communication device comprises the analysis unit (14) for performing said analysis separately from the tester (10).

19. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optionally a mobile communication device (1) is provided, which has at least one sensor element (2) for collecting information relating to the food product (50.4) in the package (50) separately from the test apparatus (10), so that the inspection and in particular the determination of the suitability for inspection of the food product (50.4) is carried out on the basis of the collected information and the collected parameters.

20. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tester (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

21. Method for checking, in particular non-destructively acquiring, pressure and temperature, preferably gas content, at a packaged (50) food product (50.4), characterized in that the following steps are performed:

a) at least one parameter is recorded in a mobile manner on the packaged (50) food product (50.4) by means of the portable measuring device (10), wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

b) analyzing at least the acquisition of the at least one parameter to determine an examination result,

c) and outputting the checking result.

22. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that,

before step a), information, preferably image information, can be acquired in relation to the package (50) and/or the packaged (50) food product (50.4) by means of an optical sensor element (2), preferably a mobile communication device (1), in particular a mobile radio communication device, and

in step b), the analysis can also be carried out on the basis of said information, preferably taking into account the type of said package (50) and/or said food product (50.4).

23. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, prior to step a), at least one item of information about the package (50) and/or the food product (50.4) is transmitted to an external data processing device (100) by communication of the test apparatus (10) or the mobile communication device (1), and that, depending on the database (110) of the data processing device (100), at least one item of calibration information is determined on the basis of the transmitted information, in order to carry out the acquisition according to step a) and/or the analysis according to step b) depending on said calibration information.

24. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps a) and/or b) and/or c) are performed autonomously by the test apparatus (10).

25. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps b) and/or c) are performed at least partly by an external device, preferably by the data processing device (100) and/or the mobile communication device (1), wherein the data communication of the tester (10) with the external device is preferably performed for this purpose via a data network.

26. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acquisition according to step a) and/or the analysis according to step b) comprise a spectral examination of electromagnetic waves.

27. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, before step b), at least one geometrical property of the package (50) can be acquired by means of a measurement technique, preferably by means of a mobile communication device (1), preferably by means of image acquisition, and can be analyzed in step b).

28. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that according to step a) at least said temperature and/or pressure is measured to determine the gas content in the package (50) from said measured values, preferably on the basis of at least one calibration information, which is determined on the basis of the food product (50.4) of the package (50).

29. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims and/or a system according to one of the preceding claims is/are operated.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a test meter of the type detailed in the preamble of the independent device claim. The invention also relates to a system according to the preamble of the independent system claim and a method according to the preamble of the independent method claim.

Background

Various methods of inspecting packaged food products are known from the prior art. Such methods relate for example to beverages in various forms as well as dairy products in the form of cheese, yoghurt and meat products, confectionery, condiments and the like. For example, shelf life checks are known. Thus, food manufacturers specify a minimum shelf life (abbreviated MHD) with respect to their food, up to which the food is to be consumed without any significant deterioration in taste and degradation in quality and health risks when preserved as specified, in particular complying with the storage temperatures mentioned in connection with the minimum shelf life. The minimum shelf life is not a decay date, as food products are generally still edible after the minimum shelf life indicated.

Food producers keep samples from each food production batch from which they can specify the quality of the batch. Furthermore, these food samples from one batch are here checked for their quality at a predetermined moment. However, inspected food samples are generally not available after inspection because the package has been opened and air may reach the food. In addition, the inspection also generally changes the stored temperature, which is also undesirable and may adversely affect the food product. For this reason, food manufacturers must keep a correspondingly large number of foods in order to be able to carry out destructive sampling measurements at various times. Thus, food producers must stock a correspondingly large number of samples from a batch of food for subsequent inspection. Thus, the storage and stocking requirements and the resulting product production losses are enormous.

In addition, inspection of packaged food products according to the prior art is complicated and inflexible. Such examinations mostly involve a plurality of steps to be carried out in the laboratory, in which steps a sample has to be prepared on a large scale and analyzed with the aid of complex stationary equipment. The purpose of this inspection is for example to collect CO from liquid food mixed with carbonic acid₂And (4) content.

In the case of such food products in the form of beverages, it has proven that the in-bottle pressure and the bottle material, such as glass, porcelain or PET, are critical to the quality and taste of the beverage. For this purpose, it is also particularly expedient to detect the pressure by means of a corresponding check. Here too, the use of said checks is generally limited by flexibility and (cost) costs.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide an improved food inspection possibility. In this case, the food packaging, in particular during inspection, should not be affected or be fully functional in order to ensure the best possible preservation of the food.

The object is achieved by a test apparatus having the features of the independent apparatus claim, a system having the features of the independent system claim and a method having the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. The features and details described in connection with the inventive test meter are obviously also applicable in connection with the inventive system and the inventive method and vice versa, so that the disclosure in connection with the various inventive aspects is always mutually or mutually referred to.

The object is achieved in particular by a method for testing, in particular non-destructive testing, of pressure and temperature, preferably CO, in packaged food products₂The tester solution of, it has

-detection means for acquiring at least one parameter in the packaged food product, wherein the parameter is specific to the suspected property of the food product.

In this case, it is provided in particular that the test device is designed as a hand-held device. Thus, a very flexible and inexpensive acquisition, in particular mobile, without the use of stationary detectors can be achieved. In this case, the acquisition of the at least one parameter can be designed to acquire, in particular to measure, the pressure and/or the temperature in the food product to determine the CO in the food product and/or in the packaging₂And (4) content. In other words, the parameters, i.e. pressure and/or temperature, are then specific to CO₂In an amount of, i.e. CO₂The amount may be determined (at least approximately) in dependence on the parameter. In addition, as CO₂Alternatively or in addition to the content, other properties to be examined of the food product may also be of interest. In this case, it may be a physical property of the food or a quality property of the food. For example, the acquired parameters may also directly form the property that should be checked (for example when the pressure or temperature of the food product is checked as a corresponding parameter). It is within the scope of the invention to collect a plurality of parameters to determine a (unique) property of the food product (so that, for example, pressure and temperature can be compared with one another and/or combined for analysis to obtain CO₂Content(s). This results in the particular advantage that the test meter according to the invention is designed entirely as a hand-held instrument. For this reason, such examinations, which are usually carried out by stationary instruments, can now be carried out simply and inexpensively.

The handheld electronic device is preferably a portable electronic device, which is preferably provided with a mobile power supply, for example by means of at least one rechargeable (optionally fixed or exchangeable) battery and/or at least one non-rechargeable (optionally fixed or exchangeable) battery. In this case, the hand-held instrument may be designed as a hand-held device for holding in use with only one hand, so that the hand-held instrument may be designed to be carried and/or manipulated with one hand.

The terms "food product" and "package" are referred to below, thereby indicating in particular that it is the same or the same type of food product. The food items may also be placed in the same or similar type of package. The term "sample" refers to the packaged food to be inspected, and "product" refers to the combination of food and packaging.

Preliminary properties of food products and especially CO₂The content may be determined, for example, according to a predetermined condition such as a calculation formula or a rule. Thus, the henrydalton rule describes the solubility of a gas in a liquid. Accordingly, parameters such as the partial gas pressure (or also approximately the total pressure) and the gas concentration in the solvent (for example the food liquid) are used to determine the quality to be checked. It is also conceivable that boundary conditions for determining the suspect behavior have to be determined. For this purpose, further parameters such as, for example, the temperature of the food can be recorded.

Furthermore, provision may be made forThe detectable property being CO of the packaged food₂And (4) content. This allows a reliable assessment of the quality of the food product. In particular, CO₂The content can be used to check the shelf life of the food. The test apparatus is advantageous in this case as a handheld, portable design, since the examination is not only carried out in a laboratory with great effort, but can be carried out directly at the point of sale or also by the customer.

Furthermore, it may be provided within the scope of the invention that the parameter is the pressure and/or the temperature at the food product. The pressure can then be, for example, the total and/or partial pressure in the packaged food product, in order to reliably determine the quality of the inspection, possibly depending on the temperature. For example, the temperature detection and the pressure detection are carried out separately at the food product, i.e. by separate sensors, wherein the detection can also be carried out simultaneously by the sensors.

It is also possible to acquire different pressures and/or different physical properties as parameters and/or to calculate other parameters (e.g. partial pressures) from one of the acquired parameters (e.g. from the total pressure). For example, it is possible in a simple manner to detect only the total pressure in the packaged food, but the partial pressure may be required for determining the quality to be checked (in particular for determining CO)₂Henry dalton rule for content). In order to solve this problem, therefore, further information, i.e. at least one calibration information, is required in order to determine the partial pressure from the total pressure and/or to determine the quality to be checked solely on the basis of the acquired parameters.

It is therefore advantageous within the scope of the invention for at least one calibration information to be used, in particular selected, for performing the acquisition and/or for determining the suspect behaviour. The selection is preferably made from a plurality of pre-stored calibration information, such as a database. The calibration information can be used to specify how the result (e.g. CO) is calculated from the detected parameters (e.g. total pressure) for a specific food product and/or specific packaging₂Content) and/or other parameters (e.g., partial pressure). For this purpose, mathematical formulae are set and/or algorithms are parameterized, for example, by calibration information.

To select the correct calibration information, it may be necessary to know additional information, for example about the type of food and/or about the packaging. Such additional information for the selection of calibration information may be, for example, information about the packaged food and/or the packaging (product-specific information), such as image information (e.g. a photograph of the packaged food), manual selection of the food and/or the packaging, packaging geometry information, packaging acquisition results from measurement techniques, etc. The additional information may be collected by an external device, for example, in a separate step. The at least one calibration information can then be selected as a function of the additional information, which is then used to determine performance and/or other parameters from the acquired parameters.

It may optionally be provided that the detection device has at least one transmitter unit for issuing a measurement intervention and/or at least one receiver unit for detecting the issued measurement intervention. Preferably, the emission unit is designed as a radiation source, in particular as a laser source, and/or the receiving unit is designed as an optical sensor and/or the measuring intervention is designed as a radiation, in particular as a laser. The detection means are designed, for example, for detecting a change in the frequency spectrum of the radiation or laser light which is specific to the parameter to be detected. For example, the optical sensor has at least one photodiode, so that a frequency spectrum can be determined during the acquisition process when the wavelength of the radiation or laser light changes. It allows the acquisition to be performed simply and inexpensively. Furthermore, the acquisition can be performed flexibly and flexibly even when compact lasers such as diode lasers are used as light sources. This has the advantage that the parameters to be acquired can be reliably determined by the acquisition result, for example a frequency spectrum. This can be done, for example, by analyzing peaks in the spectrum, etc., where the peak width (e.g., half-value width) may be specific to the parameter.

It is conceivable for the receiving unit of the detection device to be designed as at least one sensor, which has at least one photodiode or the like. The at least one emission unit is designed, for example, as a light source (radiation source), which preferably has a semiconductor laser, in particular a tunable semiconductor laser. It may have, for example, at least one light-emitting laser diode. The light source is driven, for example, with a current of varying current intensity. In this case, the light source can be designed to be adjusted in dependence on the current intensity. The wavelength of the light emitted by the light source is thus dependent on the current and possibly the temperature, where the intermediate (central) wavelength may be in the range of 500-. This allows a suitably broad spectrum to be reliably obtained by the detection means. For cooling, the laser diode of the light source can be arranged, for example, on a cooling element, such as a peltier element.

Optionally, the test meter and/or the detection device can also have at least one means for detecting the density and/or the oxygen content (always, for example, food) and/or the torque of the package, in particular of the plug of the package. The acquisition may be in conjunction with pressure acquisition and/or CO₂The content acquisition is combined to improve inspection reliability.

A further advantage is achieved within the scope of the invention when a positioning structure is provided for performing an external positioning (i.e. positioning from the outside) of the detection device on the package, in particular according to a predetermined arrangement and in particular at a predetermined distance and/or centering with respect to the package. The background at this point is that accurate positioning at predetermined distances and angles relative to the shape of the package may be required to properly perform the acquisition. At least one calibration information (perhaps with information about the shape of the package) is utilized, particularly at the time of acquisition, to reliably determine at least one parameter and/or property of the food product. Since this calibration information is probably related to the exact geometric orientation, this must be ensured by the positioning structure. For this purpose, for example, sensors such as a transmitter and/or receiver unit and/or a temperature sensor are fastened firmly to the test device in a defined manner by means of a housing and/or a holder.

In a further possibility, provision can be made for a positioning structure to be provided for at least partially positioning the packaged food product in a positioning region as a measuring region, wherein the transmitting unit and the receiving unit of the detection device are aligned with the measuring region by means of the positioning structure. For example, the sensor (transceiver unit forming the sensor) of the detection device can be fixed on a positioning structure to achieve positioning and/or placement and/or alignment of the sensor on the packaging or placement area. In addition, the positioning structure may have a holding unit for achieving an aligned and/or detachable fixation of the package on the positioning structure. Advantageously, the measuring area contains a measuring range, i.e. a range in which a measuring intervention, in particular a laser, is received by the food.

It is also possible that different measurements can take place at different (predetermined) positions by means of the positioning structure. Further measured values can then be generated from the respective measured values at the respective positions (additional information acquisition) or interference effects can be compensated for in order to improve the accuracy of the food product to be examined in terms of performance or the accuracy of the examination results.

It is also advantageous if communication means are provided in the test meter for carrying out, in particular, wireless data communication with the mobile communication device and/or the central data processing device for transmitting the acquisition results via the data communication. The result of the acquisition (acquisition result) may be, for example, a measured value of at least one parameter or the like. The transmission is then required in particular for the purpose of analyzing the acquisition results separately from the test meter and for determining the examination results. Alternatively or additionally, the analysis can be carried out, for example, by the analysis unit, also by the test device itself, so that the test device provides the examination result. Thus, other equipment may be abandoned to reduce the technical cost. For many applications, however, it is advantageous for the analysis to be carried out via an external device, since this allows comparatively complex calculations and/or a central provision of calibration information (e.g. via a database). Such (in particular wireless or wired) communication takes place here, for example, between at least two of the following devices:

-communication means of the tester for the test,

mobile communication devices, and in particular mobile radio devices, such as mobile phones and/or smart phones,

at least one server of a data processing device, such as a so-called "cloud".

The communication can also preferably take place in the form of a visual data transmission, for example by means of a QR code. In this case, the communication device may have a display for displaying the QR code, for example. It is also conceivable that the communication device has a QR code scanner or the like for receiving data.

The data processing device is designed, for example, as at least one computer and, for example, also comprises at least one data memory, so that at least one database can be provided by means of the data processing device. By means of the data processing device and/or by means of the mobile communication device, i.e. by means of an external device, a larger and more complex analysis can be achieved than is possible in the case of a tester. For this reason, complex analytical circuitry may be eliminated in the tester of the present invention, thereby improving tester flexibility and reducing cost.

It is also advantageous to provide a holding unit and preferably a positioning unit for detachably fixing the test meter to the package. The holding unit, in particular the positioning unit, may have, for example, a conical receptacle or the like for a form-fitting connection with the packaging, in particular with the head region and/or the plug of the packaging. For example, the packaging is designed as a bottle, in particular a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle or a glass bottle or the like, and accordingly has at least partially transparent walls (i.e. transparent regions). In order to now be able to carry out measurements on the packaged food products, it is necessary to position the sensors of the detection device such that they are aligned with the transparent areas. The holding unit can be used for this purpose, since it allows a predetermined and known packing arrangement and alignment for the acquisition.

It may be provided that a holding unit is provided within the scope of the invention. It can be designed, for example, as a plug holder (in particular a so-called "Chuck" opener) for measuring the torque. The test meter and/or the holding unit can also have at least one means for detecting the oxygen content and/or the other gas content and/or the alcohol content. In particular, the holding unit is designed for fastening to a bottle closure of a bottle-shaped packaging, wherein the holding unit preferably has a rotary mechanism and/or a rotary mechanism. In particular, the holding unit or the race apparatus then serves as a fastening means, so that the fastening of the test device according to the invention to the packaging can be reliably and safely achieved. The mounting of the test device can take place on the packaging (Container) by means of a holding unit as a centering unit, possibly on a so-called "PET neck ring" (or the like). The holding unit can preferably also be fixed by means of a defined, fixable mounting on the container in the region of the gas space (head space) of the packaging. It is also advantageous if the holding unit is used to detect the torque when the package is opened, since it allows conclusions to be drawn about the properties to be detected, in particular the CO₂And (4) content. For this purpose, the lid (in the form of a plug) of the package can be opened manually, for example, slowly. Since the holding unit is fixed to the plug or the cover, it is achieved that the holding unit is acted upon, in particular in the form of a torque, which can be measured by means of a torque measuring systemCollected and/or measured at the holding unit. The measured values determined in this case may then also be analyzed automatically to determine the examination result and/or to determine the quality of the examination. In particular, such a torque acquisition (of damaged products) can be carried out by means of a torque measuring system for (non-destructive) optical acquisition as an additional and supplementary function of the parameters by means of the transceiver unit and/or the temperature sensor, for example in order to check the critical result of the optical acquisition in the case of this critical result.

It is also possible that the holding unit is designed to adapt to the head space of a bottle-shaped package, preferably in order to fix the tester concentrically on the stopper. In other words, the bottle stopper may form a stopper or cap for the bottle in the head space, which typically has a predetermined and therefore known geometry. The holding unit can therefore be adapted initially to the geometry and/or may also be designed to be adaptable to various geometries, for example by means of an adjusting mechanism.

It is also advantageous within the scope of the invention to provide the holding unit and to design it as a centering unit, so that centering of the test apparatus on the package is effected by the holding unit in one measuring position. The measuring position is then used to acquire at least one parameter and thus provides the package positioning as a precondition for the acquisition. For this purpose, the acquisition, in particular in the form of a measurement, can be reliably achieved.

It is also advantageous if the transmitter unit is aligned with the receiver unit and with the placement region in such a way that the measuring intervention first enters the placement region and then reaches the receiver unit in order to detect changes in the measuring intervention caused by the food product. For example, the measurement intervention is electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser, which penetrates the packaging wall to reach the food and is altered by the food molecules (e.g. due to absorption). Such changes may be wavelength dependent and may possibly utilize a propagation mechanism so that the changes can be analyzed in terms of absorption spectra. The absorption spectrum is acquired, for example, by a receiving unit in such a way that the wavelength of the emitted radiation or laser light is automatically changed during the acquisition.

In addition, it is possible in the test apparatus according to the invention for at least one light source, in particular in the form of a tunable diode light laser, to be arranged in the detection deviceCentering and measurement intervention of the light emitted as a light source can be acquired by means of measurement techniques by means of an optical sensor to perform CO at the food product₂And (6) measuring. Here, the wavelength of the emitted light is changed for the operation of the tunable light source. The light source can be designed in particular as an infrared laser and the sensor as an infrared sensor. Thus, varying wavelengths in the infrared range can be emitted and collected.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention to provide a display device for displaying the examination results of at most three levels or at most four levels. The display device is used in particular for displaying the examination results, preferably the measurement results. Alternatively or additionally, the display may be on a display mechanism of the mobile communication device. The display device and/or the display means are designed, for example, as an electronic display and/or as a touch screen and/or the like.

It is also possible for portable operation of the test device to provide an accumulator, preferably an accumulator, for mobile power supply. In this case, the energy accumulator can be designed so as to be compact, i.e. can be accommodated in the test device housing. This allows a hand-held design to be realized in a simple manner.

It is also optionally conceivable for the detection device to have an optical temperature sensor, in particular a bolometer or pyrometer, to detect the temperature at the food product in the packaging. This also refers to the temperature at the surface of the package being collected. It may be possible for the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature to be directed at the packaging region below the gas phase of the food product and/or below the food product level in the packaging and accordingly to detect the temperature in the region of the food product in the liquid. The temperature sensor may have a light source for the acquisition and is preferably a laser source and/or an optical sensor.

The subject of the invention is also a method for testing packaged food, in particular for non-destructive detection of pressure and temperature, preferably for CO₂A system for acquisition, having:

in particular, the test apparatus according to the invention for detecting at least one parameter at a packaged food product, wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product,

an analysis unit for analyzing the acquisition and in particular at least one further information, such as calibration information, to determine the quality of the food product to be examined, wherein the test apparatus is preferably designed as a hand-held apparatus.

To this end, the system of the invention brings the same advantages as already explicitly described with respect to the tester of the invention. Additionally, the system may have a tester of the present invention.

The tester is then preferably designed for mounting on the packaging from the outside for non-destructive testing. In other words, the package may be kept closed, whereby the taking of the food parameter is done indirectly through the package.

For example, in the system according to the invention, the evaluation unit can be designed as an electronic processor which is optionally connected to a data memory in order to carry out the evaluation in a data-processing manner. Furthermore, information relating to the suspected behavior can be determined as a result of the examination by means of the analysis and possibly in combination with at least one calibration information as a function of the acquisition (i.e. as a function of at least one acquisition result or measured value). This allows for example a simple, cheap and flexible inspection of the quality of the food product.

Preferably, it can be provided that the evaluation unit is part of a test apparatus, so that the evaluation is carried out by the test apparatus. For this reason, the analysis can be realized compactly and inexpensively without further auxiliary devices.

It may be advantageous within the scope of the invention to provide a mobile communication device comprising the analysis unit to perform the analysis separately from the tester. The communication device is designed, for example, as a smartphone and therefore has an efficient processor for analysis. It may also be possible at this time to perform the analysis only partly by means of the analysis unit to determine the examination result and perhaps also by means of another analysis unit (like a data processing device like a server). For this purpose, a network analysis can be provided, which uses communication with, for example, the cloud.

It is also advantageous to provide a mobile communication device with at least one sensor element for detecting information relating to the food product in the packaging and/or packaging information (in particular product-specific information) separately from the test apparatus, so that the inspection and in particular the determination of the suitability for inspection of the food product takes place on the basis of the detected information and the detected parameters. For example, the sensor element of the communication device is designed as an image sensor in order to take image information (a photograph) of the packaged food. By analyzing the image information, for example by the communication device itself or a data processing device, at least one further information (in particular product-specific information) relating to the packaged food and/or to the packaging can then be determined. Such information is for example food type information and/or packaging information (geometry, printed typeface, etc.). In other words, depending on the information collected by the communication device, a classification can thus be made to determine the product to be examined. Alternatively or additionally (e.g. in case of a classification failure) the information may also be selected manually, for example from a list perhaps on the communication device. This information may then be used to perform the acquisition and/or analysis, for example, to select at least one calibration information.

It may also be possible that the test meter has a display mechanism for displaying a code, preferably a bar code and/or a QR code, and/or an image sensor, such as a scanner for scanning such a code. The display means and/or the image sensor may for example be part of a communication device of the test meter for enabling data exchange, for example for exchanging data with a communication device or the like. The communication device is for example a smartphone or a camera or the like, which may be used to select and/or gather at least one information about the packaged food product and/or the package. The communication device may also be used to initiate the examination and/or to perform and/or initiate the analysis of the acquisition in dependence of the acquired parameters. For this purpose, the acquired parameters (e.g., measured values) can be transmitted, for example, from the test device to the communication device or also to other devices for analysis by means of data exchange. In other words, the display means can be designed to (in particular encode) the acquisition results of the display parameters. The result may be, for example, at least one measurement of the temperature and/or pressure taken at the food product.

The subject of the invention is also a method for testing packaged food, in particular for non-destructive detection of pressure and temperature, preferably CO₂A method of collection.

In this case, it is provided in particular that the following steps are preferably carried out one after the other or in any order, wherein some steps may also be carried out repeatedly:

a) at least one parameter is acquired, either movably or fixedly, by means of a portable measuring device, at the location of the packaged food product, wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product,

b) analyzing at least the acquisition of the at least one parameter to determine an examination result,

c) and outputting the checking result.

To this end, the method of the present invention brings about the same advantages as explicitly described with respect to the test meter of the present invention and/or the system of the present invention. Furthermore, the method of the invention can also be used to operate the system of the invention and/or the test apparatus of the invention.

Of inspection results of food products and especially of CO₂The determination of the content can advantageously be made on the basis of at least one measurement value, for example taken by means of a tester or an external device.

Advantageously, for the analysis and/or determination of CO₂Content, one (theoretical, mathematical, chemical and/or physical) model may be used, or a different (theoretical, mathematical, chemical and/or physical) model and/or a parametric setting of at least one model related to the acquisition may be used. The choice and/or parameterisation of the model may then be related to the shape of the package and/or the diameter of the neck of the package and perhaps the food product itself.

Preferably, the geometry of the package, in particular of the bottle, can be used to select, in particular, one of a number of models (such as at least 5 or at least 10) for analysis. For this purpose, the input can be made, for example, by an input means, such as a touch screen of the tester. For the selection, data exchange, for example by means of a QR code, may also take place.

The acquisition or the acquisition of at least one parameter in the test meter according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention, in particular the acquisition and/or the repeated acquisition according to step a), can take place in particular by the detection device in a rest position on the packaging (preferably on a bottle neck, for example by one or more sensors) or alternatively in a plurality of positions on the packaging (for example by the same sensor by means of a movement of the sensor, the test meter or the packaging). In other words, it is also possible for a plurality of acquisitions to be carried out successively or simultaneously at different (possibly predetermined) positions. When using multiple locations for the acquisition, the tester and the package may be moved relative to each other, for example (e.g., due to positioning structures) while the acquisition is being performed. In this way, additional information, for example specific to the shape of the package, can be determined from the acquisition. The shape of the package can be determined from the acquisition, in particular when the position of the acquisition is taken into account in the analysis. For example, the results of the acquisition (measurement values) and/or the determined frequency spectrum are related to geometry. In order to simplify the relative movement between the measuring device and the package, it is designed, for example, as a fork-shaped measuring device or the like. The tester may have recesses for accommodation and/or movement of the package, in particular the neck of a bottle, for a plurality of positions within the recesses. The determined geometry may for example be taken into account in the analysis.

In particular, in the method of the invention the collection of the total pressure in the head space of the package and/or the gas (such as CO) in the gaseous phase in the package is carried out₂) The partial pressure of (a) is collected. For example, the determination of CO dissolved in a liquid can be based on the physical rules of Henry Dalton for the analysis and determination of the properties of the food product₂And (4) content. For this purpose, at least one arithmetic calculation can be carried out, for example, by the evaluation unit and/or the mobile communication device and/or the data processing device. Preferably, the pressure is acquired in dependence on the frequency spectrum, preferably the absorption spectrum, of the measuring intervention, in particular of an electromagnetic wave (such as light or laser light). It may comprise an analysis of the propagation of light, where it depends inter alia on the absolute pressure of the examination object. The higher the gas pressure, the more gradually and widely the absorption curve. In this case, the shape determination of the absorption curve may allow the total pressure to be inferred. In other words, the total pressure can be detected in the detection and/or analysis according to the method according to the invention by curve analysis in the frequency spectrum. Which parameter is used for the analysis is related to at least one calibration information (i.e. calibration data), for example.

Furthermore, it is possible to perform an optical (in particular non-destructive) determination of the pressure and/or temperature at the food product. Alternatively or additionally, a transparency check and/or a geometry acquisition of the package and/or a position determination and/or a torque measurement on the package may be provided by said checking according to the inventive method. Dynamic transparency inspection of the measurement range (e.g., for identifying foam and/or glue) may also be accomplished, for example, by the test meter of the present invention.

It can also be provided within the scope of the method according to the invention that the examination result is designed to be at most three-level, preferably in accordance with a signal light classification, wherein preferably for this purpose the intermediate result of the analysis is compared with at least two different threshold values, so that a three-level classification is carried out as a function of the comparison. For example, a grading according to at least one calibration information can be carried out at this point, so that a grading according to the packaged food product is carried out. This is background, as different thresholds for determining quality may be employed for different food products. In particular, the at least one calibration information therefore comprises at least one threshold value for the classification. It is also conceivable here to analyze and/or output alarm limits for the product quality. Said output according to step c) is for example performed on an external device such as a PC or tablet computer or telephone, or also directly on the tester.

Alternatively, it can be provided in the method according to the invention that before step a), information, preferably image information, is acquired in connection with the packaging and/or the packaged food product by means of an optical sensor element, preferably of a mobile communication device, in particular of a mobile radio communication device, and that in step b) the analysis is also carried out on the basis of this information, preferably taking into account the type of packaging and/or food product. Advantageously, the sensor element (e.g. as a lens unit) is used for identifying the package and/or the product (sampling). Thus, information about the product, e.g., a bar code or other identification feature such as a photograph or artificial product selection, can be determined to determine the food type and taken into account in the analysis.

A further advantage within the scope of the invention is obtained in that before step a), at least one item of information about the package and/or the food product is transmitted to an external data processing device by communication of the tester or the mobile communication device, and that, depending on the database of the data processing device, at least one calibration information is determined on the basis of the transmitted information, in order to carry out the acquisition according to step a) and/or the analysis according to step b) depending on the calibration information. For example, the adjustment and/or calibration in the spectroscopy measurement can be carried out as a function of the calibration information. For this purpose, calibration data in the form of product-specific information and/or characterizing parameters are preferably stored in the database in order to provide at least one calibration information. The calibration data for example comprises calibration curves, which are plotted for different samples and/or products (packaged food). The test device thus only receives raw data, for example, and the evaluation based on the calibration information can then be carried out separately from the test device, i.e., for example, by an external device.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous within the scope of the invention for steps a) and/or b) and/or c) to be carried out autonomously by the test apparatus. Autonomous execution here means that no external devices have to be considered for the respective step. An advantage is that a fast and simplified execution can be achieved.

It is furthermore possible within the scope of the invention for steps b) and/or c) to be carried out at least partially by an external device, preferably by a data processing device and/or a mobile communication device, wherein the data communication of the test apparatus with the external device is preferably carried out for this purpose via a data network. This also allows for complex processing where, for example, a stationary computer is required. At least the acquisition can be carried out in a mobile manner by means of a portable tester, for example, in the form of a hand-held device. This significantly increases the flexibility of the method.

According to another possibility, provision can be made in the method according to the invention for the acquisition according to step a) and/or the analysis according to step b) to comprise a spectral examination of the light. In particular, the parameter can be determined very reliably in the spectrum.

It is also conceivable that at least one geometric property of the package is acquired by a measurement technique, preferably by a mobile communication device, preferably by image capture, and analyzed in step b) before step b). For this purpose, extensive information can be utilized, such as, for example, geometry properties, in order to select at least one calibration information, for example, depending on the information and/or depending on the classification of the information.

It is also advantageous that the bagThe packaging information is determined and preferably combined and/or compared and/or co-analyzed with the acquisition results in step b) of the method of the invention to determine the pressure in the head space of the package. Preference is given to carrying out CO as a function of the results of the analysis according to step b)₂A content calculation, where the calculation result can be displayed as an inspection result according to step c). In particular, the packaging information is recorded (e.g., as image information) by the mobile communication device and used to determine packaging properties, such as type, material, geometry, or neck size. Said information and/or specific properties can then be used together with the acquisition results (i.e. in particular laser data) according to step a) to calculate the pressure, in particular the partial pressure and/or the total pressure, in the packaging head space.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous within the scope of the present invention to measure at least said temperature and/or pressure according to step a) to determine the gas concentration in the package from said measured values, preferably according to at least one calibration information, which is determined according to the packaged food product (and/or the package). For example, the at least one calibration information is then selected automatically depending on the classification, and perhaps alternatively or additionally manually. The classification is then carried out, for example, to determine the type of food and/or the type of packaging, and may be carried out on the basis of product-specific information acquired by means of at least one sensor element. The sensor element is for example integrated in the tester or communication device and preferably performs acquisition and/or image capturing on the measurement technology of the packaged food product, preferably in a non-destructive manner (i.e. without damage and/or without opening the package).

It is also possible within the scope of the invention to repeatedly carry out the sampling reference measurement in order to determine at least one calibration information (calibration data). In particular, at least one measurement result of the respective sampling measurement is stored for a long period of time and is provided, possibly via a database. It is recommended to make its own reference measurement for each food product (meaning the same food product, such as a brand of non-alcoholic beer) in order to thus obtain an accurate reference measurement for subsequent comparison measurements. A comparative measurement is understood here to mean, for example, the acquisition of at least one parameter, wherein the acquisition result is compared with a reference measurement result during the analysis in order to determine the property.

The method may be performed for different food products in different packages. Here, different calibration information may be determined and stored in the database for different food products and/or packages. It may also be possible to determine and provide one identifier separately for different food products or packages. At the time of inspection, information about the food and/or packaging may be collected by a device, such as a mobile communication device, and the collection is then performed by the test meter of the present invention. The identifier is then compared with information, such as image information, of the food item or package to determine the food item and/or package to be inspected. Depending on the determination, the acquisition and/or analysis may then be performed, at which time at least one calibration information selected depending on the comparison is utilized.

The invention can provide that, for determining the at least one calibration information, a direct sampling measurement of the food product by damage to the packaging takes place. It is conceivable here that the packaging can be punctured, for example, by a puncturing mechanism in order to be able to insert at least one measuring sensor into the packaging. Then, by means of the measuring sensor, at least one physical, chemical and/or biological property of the food product can be measured. In which case it may be, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, resistance or other food property that can be directly measured. The direct sampling measurement has the advantage that the measurement result of the measuring sensor occurs without measurement environment and thus without measurement errors. For this purpose, an accurate sampling measurement can take place, which has a high accuracy of the properties of the food to be measured. However, direct sampling measurements also have the disadvantage that the packaging can no longer be closed in general, so that the packaged food is unusable at the end of the sampling measurement, in particular for subsequent measurements. This is because, on the one hand, air enters the package after the measurement and, on the other hand, for example, positive pressure or inert gas may escape after the direct sampling measurement. Furthermore, the cooling chain of the food sample to be tested is generally interrupted by said measurement. The at least one calibration information determined in this way may then possibly be used for a plurality of further examinations by means of the test apparatus, thus allowing a non-destructive examination.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that indirect food sampling measurements take place during the inspection by means of the inventive measuring device, with the non-destructive inspection being carried out. In this case, the package generally remains intact, since the sampling measurement takes place just through the closed package. The physical, chemical and/or biological properties of the food product can be measured, in particular, by the packaging, preferably in a contactless manner (with respect to the food product). This can be done, for example, by optical, inductive, capacitive and/or electromagnetic acquisition and in particular measurement, preferably by means of the detection device. In this case, X-ray measurement, ultrasonic measurement, magnetic resonance measurement, or the like may be used.

In the method according to the invention it may also be provided that at least the temperature or the pressure inside the package is measured during said inspection. By measuring the properties as described above and perhaps other physical, chemical and/or biological properties of the food product, an inference can then be made as to the quality and taste of the food product and/or as to the minimum shelf life as a result of the examination.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for the gas content in the packaging to be determined as a function of the acquisition, in particular as a function of the measured values of temperature and pressure. For this purpose, in particular, a calculation function can be used which requires as input values at least the temperature and the pressure in the packaging, and subsequently determines the gas content in the respective food product depending on the input values. An evaluation unit can be used for this purpose. Preferably, for each food product (such as beer, soda, etc.) a respective calculation function as a function of temperature and pressure is determined, from which the respective gas content in the package can then be determined. Gas content (e.g. CO) right in the case of a beverage placed in a liquid container or bottle₂) Plays an important role. It is also advantageous if at least one calibration information has or triggers a corresponding calculation function.

It is optionally provided within the scope of the invention that, for example, at least the gas content in the packaging or the food product has a major influence on the preservability. Thereby passing the gas content (e.g. CO in beer)₂) The minimum shelf life is also significantly affected. Thus, the gas content should decrease in the package over time, since, for example, a portion diffuses through the package, so that the preservability of the food product also decreases correspondingly over time. Preferably at regular intervals for this purposeThe gas content in the package and/or the food product is checked at intervals, for example at predetermined time intervals deltat.

The aforementioned food product may in particular be a beverage, in this connection liquid food products. In this case, it is conceivable that the beverage contains, in particular, CO₂Whereby the quality and taste of the beverage is mainly influenced as already described. Thus, from CO₂The content also makes it possible to unambiguously infer the quality and taste of the beverage and the shortest shelf life to be achieved.

In the method according to the invention, it can optionally be provided that, in a step prior to the acquisition of the at least one parameter by the measuring device, the packaging with the food product is at least shaken or brought to a predetermined temperature in order to reach an equilibrium state in the packaging. The equilibrium state in the package is of interest for accurate sampling measurements not only in direct measurements but also in indirect measurements. Otherwise measurement errors may occur. Especially in the presence of CO₂In the case of beverages, a uniform partial pressure occurs in the gas and liquid spaces of the package due to sloshing. The package with the food product can also be brought to a predetermined temperature before being picked up by the tester, in order thus to directly exclude temperature-dependent measurement errors. It is recommended here that there is also a uniform temperature within the package.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that, in a step prior to the acquisition with the tester according to the invention, at least one geometric property of the package is acquired, for example by means of a measurement technique, for example by means of the tester or an external device thereof, such as a mobile communication device. The geometric properties can be, for example, larger package sizes, especially in measuring areas such as bottle necks or head spaces. Thus, for example, the outer diameter of a beverage bottle neck can be taken by means of a measuring technique. The wall thickness of the package in the measuring zone can also be measured by means of techniques, so that an accurate measurement within the package can thus be accomplished. In this case, for example, the inner diameter of the bottle neck in the measuring region can be determined, for example, by the length of the light beam travel. The refractive index of the packaging material of the package can also be acquired, for example, by means of measurement techniques. For example, image information can be recorded and analyzed for the purpose of acquiring geometric properties. In general, the acquisition of the geometric properties of the package is used to achieve indirect sampling measurements or to exclude measurement errors caused by the package tolerances of the geometry.

It is also possible in the present invention that the acquisition of at least one food parameter takes place through the packaging by at least one optical measurement. The optical measurement does not have to take place in the visible range of the human eye. Thus, for example, measurements in the infrared or ultraviolet radiation range can also take place. Other electromagnetic spectra are also conceivable here. As mentioned above, measurements by means of ultrasound or X-rays can also take place.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the inventive method for the packaging to be designed at least partially transparent (light-permeable) or to have at least one light-permeable measuring window. The light-transmitting region does not have to be transparent to the human eye, but is only transmissive for the aforementioned optical measurement, in order to be able to thus optically detect the properties of the packaged food product as far as possible without measurement errors according to the measurement technique. It goes without saying that the corresponding optical sensor measures geometrically in the light-transmitting region of the package. For this purpose, a corresponding light source emitting light can be arranged on the opposite side of the optical sensor. Obviously, it is also conceivable that a plurality of optical sensors and light sources are used for performing the inventive method, which also do not necessarily all function in the same frequency spectrum or in the same wavelength. In contrast, optical measurements can be simplified by light sources that at least sometimes emit different light of different wavelengths. Monochromatic, polarized and/or pulsed light, etc. may also be used for optical measurements.

In the method according to the invention, it is also conceivable for the packaging to contain and enclose the food product in a pressure-tight manner. In this case, the packaging can be designed in particular as a bottle or a liquid container. Typically, such packages have a lid, whereby liquid, especially in the form of a beverage, can be poured from the package.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the test apparatus according to the invention for the holding unit to have a mechanical receptacle for the packaging and possibly also to be designed with a rotary mechanism and/or a rotary mechanism. By means of the rotating mechanism and/or the rotating mechanism, the package can be shaken in order to establish a state of equilibrium within the package and thus obtain accurate sampling measurements.

Furthermore, provision can be made in the test apparatus according to the invention for the holding unit for the packaging, in particular in the form of a mechanical receptacle, to be designed at the same time with a rotary mechanism and/or a rotary mechanism. The package is thus securely fixed to the rotating and/or rotating mechanism by the mechanical receptacle. Thus, the mechanical receptacle is rotated by the rotating mechanism, or rotating mechanism, thereby also moving the package with the food item. For this purpose, a corresponding drive motor can be provided on the test device, which drives the rotary mechanism and/or the swiveling mechanism in an electromechanical manner.

It is also conceivable in the test meter of the invention to provide at least one of the following sensors: temperature sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors, weight sensors, humidity sensors, capacitive or inductive sensors, resistance sensors, etc., in particular, are always part of the detection device. So-called combi sensors, which are capable of measuring a variety of properties, may also be used.

The communication means, for example the tester, are designed as a bluetooth interface or a serial interface or a USB interface or a bar code interface and/or a QR code interface (for example as a scanner) or AN acoustic interface or AN NFC interface or a network interface (for example as a W L AN) or a mobile radio interface or the like, in order to enable a corresponding communication (in particular a wireless) of the tester with a mobile communication device and/or a data processing device and/or the like, for example also via the internet.

Furthermore, it is possible in the test meter according to the invention and/or in its external devices, such as mobile communication devices, to provide sensor elements for detecting food product information and/or packaging information. The sensor element is designed, for example, as an image sensor or as an NFC sensor or RFID sensor or the like, for example, for picking up food products or packaging types. To this end, the characteristics of the package (e.g. printed writings or transponders) can be analyzed.

It is also possible within the scope of the test instrument according to the invention for at least one light source (radiation source) to be present, in particular in the form of a laser, and for the light emitted by the light source to be collected by an optical sensor by means of a measurement technique. It is obvious that a plurality of light sources in the test apparatus can also be arranged geometrically opposite one another in order to thus also acquire a measurement range or a measurement field according to the optical measurement technique. As optical sensors, so-called line sensors or array sensors collect the light emitted by the light source by means of measurement technology. The control of the light source and the analysis of the measurement-technical signals acquired by the one or more optical sensors can take place within the test apparatus by means of the evaluation unit. At the same time, the collected optical measurement data can be compared with the measurement data of the sensors provided in the package, processed and/or stored. But it is obvious that the optical measurement can also be performed separately from the direct sampling measurement.

Furthermore, it is conceivable according to the invention that the test meter of the invention has at least one heat treatment unit for heat treating packages containing food products. Here, the heat treatment unit is used to bring the package containing the food product to a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing measurement errors caused by different temperatures. It is therefore also possible, at least in indirect non-destructive sampling measurements, not to interrupt the cooling of the food during the measurement.

Drawings

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. The features claimed in the claims and the description may be essential to the invention in each case individually or in any combination, where:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the system of the present invention with the test meter of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 schematically illustrates the system of the present invention with the test meter 10 of the present invention. Here, the system is used for inspecting a package 50, preferably a food product 50.4 in a bottle 50.2. To this end, the system may have a tester 10 and/or a mobile communication device 1 such as a smartphone or the like and/or a data processing device 100 and in particular an external server 100.

In the embodiment shown, the food product 50.4 is constituted, for example, in the form of a drink, which is contained in a bottle 50.2 as a package 50. In this case, too, a fill level 50.5 is shown, wherein above the fill level 50.5 the gas phase G is located in the closed bottle 50.2 and the liquid F is below the fill level 50.5. The walls of the bottle 50.2 are for example designed to be at least partially transparent. A stopper 50.1, in particular a cap 50.1, may be provided in the head space 50.3 in order to hermetically close the bottle 50.2. Furthermore, a neck 50.6 is shown, in which the gas phase G is at least predominantly located.

In the food product 50.4 in the packaging 50, there is the problem that at least one property of the food product 50.4, for example CO, can only be determined with great effort₂Checking the content of/N2. Here, the opening of the package 50 must be performed frequently, for example when calculating the torque at the plug 50.1 (or the lid 50.1) of the package 50.

Thus, a tester 10 may be employed according to the present invention that allows for non-destructive (particularly optical) inspection. For this purpose, a positioning structure 40 is provided, which is in particular mechanically connected to the detection device 30, in particular to the measuring device 30, at least for pressure measurement. Advantageously, by means of the positioning structure 40, an arrangement and/or alignment of the detection device 30 on the package 50 (also at different predetermined locations/positions) may be achieved. It may therefore be necessary to achieve a centered placement of the test meter 10 on the packaging 50 (exactly one or at a different predetermined location/position) in order to be able to perform a correct check. To this end, the user can move (move) the test meter 10 (ideally at the handle) by rotating or pivoting at a predetermined location/position (relative to the package 50) by means of the positioning structure 40 in order to acquire individual measurements there. For example, the detection device 30 has an emission unit 31, in particular a light source (radiation source) and preferably a laser source, for emitting a measurement intervention 38, in particular for emitting laser light 38. The positioning structure 40 can then have a geometric design and/or a geometric arrangement such that the emission unit 31 is aligned with the placement region a (measurement zone) when the test meter 10 is mounted on the packaging 50. This measurement intervention 38, in particular the laser 38, can thereby be caused to pass through the (at least partially transparent) packaging 50 and the food product 50.4, in particular (perhaps only) through the gas phase G of the food product 50.4. For example, the measuring intervention 38 first strikes a first region of the wall of the packaging 50, then strikes the gas phase G and then exits again through a second region of the wall of the packaging 50. In this case, the change in the measurement intervention 38 can be brought about by the food product 50.4, i.e. in particular by the gas phase G. The change may be identified, for example, within the spectrum of the measurement intervention or laser 38. Thus, the receiving unit 32 may be used for receiving the measurement intervention 38, for example in order to collect the laser light 38 by means of a photodiode of the receiving unit 32 as a light detector 32. Especially in this case only the intensity of the light 38 is collected. The frequency spectrum can be determined therefrom when a parameter of the transmitting unit 31, such as the wavelength, is changed during reception according to another advantage.

It may now be possible to analyze the acquired spectrum by means of the analysis unit 14 and/or by means of an external device, such as the mobile communication device 1, and/or by means of the data processing device 100. In particular, the spectrum may have peaks where the half-value width of the peak is specific to the total pressure of the food product 50.4. In other words, the pressure may be picked up as a parameter of the food product 50.4 depending on said picking up of the receiving unit 32. In order to now determine the properties of the food product 50.4, such as CO₂Content, and perhaps another parameter must be acquired. For this purpose, the detection device 30 can also have a temperature sensor 70, which is designed, for example, as an optical sensor, in particular with a laser, such as a bolometer or pyrometer. It is also secured to the positioning structure 40 such that when the test meter 10 is positioned on the package 50, the temperature sensor 70 is aligned toward the package 50, preferably the liquid F. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 70 can be arranged deeper or below the receiving unit 32 and/or the transmitting unit 31 in a defined manner, wherein the direction description advantageously relates to the direction of the gravitational force acting on the liquid F. Accordingly, for inspection, the package 50 with the food product 50.4 should be positioned as far as possible in such a way that a horizontal filling level 50.5 (perpendicular to the direction of gravity) is present.

It is also advantageous that the tester 10 has a holding unit 41. The holding unit 41 can be used to positively fix the test device 10 on the packaging 50, for example on the plug 50.1 of the packaging 50. For this purpose, it is conceivable for the holding unit 41 to have a conical receptacle for accommodating the plug 50.1 and/or the bottle neck 50.6. This allows the tester 10 to be centered on the package 50, particularly the bottle 50.2, about the neck 50.6 of the bottle. This is required to allow accurate positioning of the transmitter unit 31 and/or the receiver unit 32 and/or the temperature sensor 70 on the package 50 at a predetermined spacing and/or angle.

It may optionally be possible that the holding unit 41 provides a rotation mechanism and/or a rotation mechanism 42. The holding unit 41 is designed, for example, as a so-called plug holder (Chuck), so that a torque measuring system 43 is provided in order to detect a torque on the plug 50.1 of the pack 50 during rotation. The advantage is that for the continued inspection of the food product 50.4, the torque can be measured by opening and/or closing the bottle 50.2, which also provides an inference of the gas content.

It is also possible that the test meter has for operation an input device 85, which has, for example, a key for switching on and/or a (further) selection key for operation.

By using the temperature sensor 70 to pick up the temperature of the food product 50.4 and by analyzing the picked-up temperature and the picked-up pressure, the properties of the food product 50.4, preferably the CO of the food product 50.4, may advantageously be determined₂And (4) content. Thus, the test meter 10 may provide all of the sensors to collect raw data to determine the performance. It may be possible at this point to perform the analysis to determine performance from the raw data by the tester 10 itself or alternatively by the external device 100. In particular, it may be possible that calibration data is required to determine performance from the raw data.

For example, a communication device 20 may be provided in the test meter 10 to transmit raw data to an external device, such as the mobile communication device 1, and/or a data processing device 100, such as a server. Accordingly, the analysis for the performance determination can then be performed by an external device. It is also possible here that the mobile communication device 1 acts as a transmitter to the data processing device 100. In this case, the raw data (i.e. the acquisition results acquired by the detection means 30, for example) can first be transmitted from the communication means 20 to the mobile communication device 1 and then from the mobile communication device 1 via the communication means 5 to the data processing device 100, for example via a network, in particular a mobile radio network and/or the internet.

The data processing device 100 and/or the mobile communication device 1 for example comprise a database 110 in which calibration data is stored. They can be used for parametrically setting the acquisition of the detection device 30 and/or for analyzing the acquisition results (i.e. raw data) of said acquisition. For example, the acquisition and/or analysis must be performed differently for different packaging geometries and/or for different food products. This is taken into account by calibration data, which for this purpose are determined, for example, empirically or on the basis of laboratory measurements.

For selecting suitable calibration data, it may be advantageous that the calibration data is selected manually (e.g., via input device 85) and/or automatically. For automated selection, for example, image information relating to the food product 50.4 and/or the packaging 50 may be utilized, which is collected and/or provided to the test meter 10 and/or the data processing device 100, possibly by means of the mobile communication device 1. An image of the package 50 with the food product 50.4 can be taken, for example, by a sensor element 2, such as a camera of the communication device 1, and possibly transmitted to the test meter 10.

The examination results, such as the analysis results, may then be output via the display means 80 of the tester 10 and/or via the display mechanism 3 of the mobile communication device 1. For example, a direct output of the measured values is made, i.e. values relating to the intensity and/or type of the measured properties of the food product 50.4, such as the magnitude of the gas content. The output can also be carried out simply in three stages, for example, according to a signal light display (red-yellow-green). For this reason, color light emitting diodes may also be used as the display mechanism 3 or the display device 80.

This results in the particular advantage that the examination can be carried out in a mobile manner. For this purpose, the test apparatus 10 is designed as a hand-held apparatus. In order to be able to carry out mobile operation, the energy store 60 can be provided for mobile power supply independently of the power grid. It is designed, for example, as a battery and is accommodated in the housing of the test device 10.

The foregoing description of the embodiments describes the invention by way of example only. It is clear that the individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another as far as technically expedient without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals

1 communication device

2 sensor element

3 display mechanism

5 communication device

10 tester

14 analysis unit

20 communication device

30 detection device, measuring device

31 emitting unit, light source, laser source

32 receiving unit, photodetector, optical sensor

38 laser, measurement intervention

40 positioning structure

41 holding unit, positioning unit

42 rotary mechanism and/or swivel mechanism

43 Torque measuring System

50 packaging

50.1 cover

50.2 bottle, liquid container

50.3 head space

50.4 food products, especially beverages

50.5 material level

50.6 bottle neck

60 electric storage device and power supply device

70 temperature sensor

80 display device

85 input device

100 data processing apparatus, server

110 database

A arrangement region

F liquid

G gas phase

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. A test apparatus (10) for testing, non-destructively sensing pressure and temperature, preferably gas concentration, at a packaged (50) food product (50.4), having a test device (30) for sensing at least one parameter in the packaged (50) food product (50.4), wherein the parameter is specific to a property of inspection of the food product (50.4), wherein the property of inspection is the gas content of the packaged (50) food product (50.4),

it is characterized in that the utility model is characterized in that,

the test device (10) is designed as a hand-held device.

2. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parameter is the pressure and/or the temperature at the food product (50.4).

3. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (30) has a transmitting unit (31) for emitting a measurement intervention (38) and a receiving unit (32) for acquiring the emitted measurement intervention (38), wherein the transmitting unit (31) is preferably designed as a radiation source (31), such as a laser source (31), while the receiving unit (32) is designed as an electromagnetic sensor (32) and the measurement intervention (38) is designed as electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser, for acquiring a change of the radiation spectrum which is specific to the parameter.

4. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning structure (40) is provided for performing an external positioning of the detection device (30) on the packaging (50), in particular according to a predetermined arrangement, in particular at a predetermined distance and/or centered with respect to the packaging (50).

5. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning structure (40) is provided for at least partially placing the package (50) with the food product (50.4) in a placement area (a) as a measurement area (a), wherein the transmitter unit (31) and the receiver unit (32) of the detection device (30) are aligned with the measurement area by means of the positioning structure (40).

6. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that communication means (20) are provided for performing a data communication, e.g. wireless, with the mobile communication device (1) and/or the central data processing device (100) for transmitting the acquisition results via the data communication.

7. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding unit (41), preferably a positioning unit (41), can also be provided for detachably fixing the tester (10) to the packaging (50).

8. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding unit (41) can be provided, which is designed as a stopper clamp for torque measurement, to be fixed on a stopper (50.3) of a package (50) in the form of a bottle (50.2).

9. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the following possibilities are possible: the holding unit (41) is designed to accommodate a head space (50.3) of a package (50) in the form of a bottle (50.2), preferably for concentrically fixing the test device (10) on the bottle stopper (50.3).

10. The test meter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding unit (41) can be provided and designed as a centering unit, so that the centering of the test meter (10) on the package (50) takes place in the measuring position by means of the holding unit (41).

11. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emission unit (31) is aligned with the reception unit (32) and with the placement area (a) in such a way that a measuring intervention (38) first enters the placement area (a) and then reaches the reception unit (32) in order to acquire the change of the measuring intervention (38) caused by the food product (50.4).

12. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that display means (80) are provided for displaying the results of the multilevel examinations.

13. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for portable operation of the tester (10) accumulators (60) for mobile power supply are provided, preferably accumulators.

14. Tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection means (30) have an optical temperature sensor (70), in particular a bolometer or a pyrometer, to acquire the temperature at the food product (50.4) in the package (50).

15. A system for non-destructive pressure and temperature acquisition, gas content acquisition, for inspection at packaged (50) food products (50.4), having:

-a tester (10) for acquiring at least one parameter at the package (50) of the food product (50.4), wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

an analysis unit (14) for analyzing the acquisition to determine a quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

the test device (10) is preferably designed as a hand-held device.

16. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis unit (14) is part of the test meter (10), whereby the analysis is performed by the test meter (10).

17. A system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optional use of a mobile communication device (1) is provided, which mobile communication device comprises the analysis unit (14) for performing said analysis separately from the tester (10).

18. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optionally a mobile communication device (1) is provided, which has at least one sensor element (2) for collecting information relating to the food product (50.4) in the package (50) separately from the test apparatus (10), so that the inspection and in particular the determination of the suitability for inspection of the food product (50.4) is carried out on the basis of the collected information and the collected parameters.

19. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tester (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

20. A method for checking, non-destructively acquiring pressure and temperature, acquiring gas content at a packaged (50) food product (50.4), characterized by performing the following steps:

a) at least one parameter is recorded in a mobile manner on the packaged (50) food product (50.4) by means of the portable measuring device (10), wherein the parameter is specific to the quality of inspection of the food product (50.4),

b) analyzing at least the acquisition of the at least one parameter to determine an examination result,

c) and outputting the checking result.

21. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that,

before step a), information, preferably image information, can be acquired in relation to the package (50) and/or the packaged (50) food product (50.4) by means of an optical sensor element (2), preferably a mobile communication device (1), in particular a mobile radio communication device, and

in step b), the analysis can also be carried out on the basis of said information, preferably taking into account the type of said package (50) and/or said food product (50.4).

22. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, prior to step a), at least one item of information about the package (50) and/or the food product (50.4) is transmitted to an external data processing device (100) by communication of the test apparatus (10) or the mobile communication device (1), and that, depending on the database (110) of the data processing device (100), at least one item of calibration information is determined on the basis of the transmitted information, in order to carry out the acquisition according to step a) and/or the analysis according to step b) depending on said calibration information.

23. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps a) and/or b) and/or c) are performed autonomously by the test apparatus (10).

24. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps b) and/or c) are performed at least partly by an external device, preferably by the data processing device (100) and/or the mobile communication device (1), wherein the data communication of the tester (10) with the external device is preferably performed for this purpose via a data network.

25. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acquisition according to step a) and/or the analysis according to step b) comprise a spectral examination of electromagnetic waves.

26. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, before step b), at least one geometrical property of the package (50) can be acquired by means of a measurement technique, preferably by means of a mobile communication device (1), preferably by means of image acquisition, and can be analyzed in step b).

27. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that according to step a) at least said temperature and/or pressure is measured to determine the gas content in the package (50) from said measured values, preferably on the basis of at least one calibration information, which is determined on the basis of the food product (50.4) of the package (50).

28. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tester (10) according to one of the preceding claims and/or a system according to one of the preceding claims is/are operated.