Automatic Glass Type Detection with the LineScanner

Introduction: Precision Meets Speed in Flat Glass Manufacturing

In today’s fast-paced flat glass production environment, speed is essential – but precision is non-negotiable. Especially during the final inspection of insulating glass (IGU) or tempered safety glass (ESG), identifying defects reliably without increasing false rejections is a critical challenge. This is where Softsolution’s LineScanner introduces a groundbreaking innovation: automatic glass type detection with intelligent sensitivity adjustment. This unique feature not only enhances efficiency but also ensures consistent, high-quality inspection results.

In this article, we dive deep into how this technology works, the benefits it brings to real-world production lines, and why it represents a future-proof investment for glass manufacturers worldwide.

Section 1: The Technology Behind Automatic Glass Type Detection

How Does the LineScanner Detect Glass Types Without External Interfaces?

The LineScanner stands out with its ability to autonomously recognize the type of passing glass without needing data input from an ERP system or production line interface. This independence is a game-changer for manufacturing lines dealing with mixed glass types.

The scanner employs a combination of advanced sensors and sophisticated image processing algorithms to identify various physical and optical characteristics of each glass sheet. These include:

• Tempered glass (ESG)
• Laminated safety glass (VSG)
• Coated glass
• Standard float glass

Once the glass type is identified, the LineScanner automatically switches to the correct sensitivity settings aligned with predefined quality levels. This seamless automation reduces inspection setup time and ensures consistent detection performance regardless of the operator or shift.

Section 2: Understanding Quality and Sensitivity Settings

To appreciate the full capability of the LineScanner, it’s essential to understand two key operational concepts:

Quality Settings:

Quality settings define the acceptance criteria for detected defects. These settings specify:

• What type of defects (scratches, inclusions, chips, etc.) are permissible
• The acceptable size and location of these defects
• The maximum allowable defect count per zone

Typical quality levels include:

• Low
• Medium
• High

Each level reflects different tolerance thresholds suited to specific product or customer requirements.

Sensitivity Settings:

Sensitivity settings determine how aggressively the LineScanner identifies deviations from the norm. These parameters control:

• Contrast thresholds for detection
• Minimum and maximum detectable defect sizes
• Position-specific relevance

Every sensitivity profile is linked to a corresponding quality level and is uniquely tailored for different glass types. For example, a laminated glass may require higher contrast sensitivity compared to standard float glass to detect internal interlayer defects.

Real-World Example:

Consider an insulating glass manufacturer who has set the LineScanner’s quality level to “Medium.” As sheets move through the inspection system, the scanner detects whether the glass is float, ESG, VSG, or coated. Within the “Medium” quality band, the scanner then selects the appropriate sensitivity profile such as “Medium + ESG” or “Medium + Coated,” ensuring optimized inspection results tailored to each glass type.

Section 3: Practical Benefits for Glass Manufacturers

Elimination of Manual Switching

One of the major advantages of the LineScanner is its ability to remove manual intervention from the inspection process. Operators no longer need to adjust settings between batches, which reduces training needs, eliminates human error, and accelerates production changeovers.

Consistent Quality Results

Thanks to automatic adaptation, inspection results are stable and repeatable across different shifts and operators. This level of consistency is critical for maintaining customer trust and meeting contractual quality agreements.

Reduction in False Defect Reporting

By aligning sensitivity to the specific glass type, the system significantly minimizes the occurrence of false positives or “pseudo-defects,” which can lead to unnecessary rejections and rework.

Ideal for Mixed Production Lines

In production lines where ESG, VSG, and other glass types are processed interchangeably, the LineScanner offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. It ensures every sheet is evaluated under optimal conditions, without slowing down throughput.

Section 4: Enhanced with AI, 16-Bit Imaging & Web-Based Monitoring

The power of the LineScanner doesn’t end with glass type detection. It’s part of a much larger and more advanced quality control ecosystem.

16-Bit Imaging Precision

The LineScanner uses high-resolution 16-bit imaging technology, which delivers an extraordinary grayscale depth of 65,536 levels. This enables the detection of even the most subtle flaws that would be invisible to conventional systems.

AI-Powered Defect Categorization

Artificial Intelligence algorithms classify defects based on type, size, and relevance, reducing false alarms and improving inspection accuracy. Over time, these algorithms can learn and adapt, further refining inspection performance.

Web-Based Live View & Remote Monitoring

The scanner features a modern web interface that allows operators and quality managers to:

• View live inspection results remotely
• Adjust inspection settings as needed
• Monitor defect trends and statistics

This feature also enhances collaboration between quality teams and plant managers, whether they are onsite or working remotely.

Full Data Archiving

Every inspected sheet is archived with detailed inspection data and high-resolution images. This traceability supports quality audits, customer complaints, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Section 5: Industry Applications and Competitive Advantage

Versatility Across Multiple Glass Types

The automatic glass type recognition is beneficial for various types of glass production, including:

• Architectural glazing
• Automotive glass
• Solar panel glass
• Furniture and interior design applications

This versatility allows manufacturers to serve multiple markets with a single intelligent inspection system.

Competitive Differentiator

Companies using the LineScanner gain a measurable edge in the market. By combining cutting-edge inspection with high throughput, manufacturers can promise (and deliver) both speed and quality – a rare combination in industrial production.

Lower Operational Costs

Reduced false defect rates mean less waste, fewer reworks, and lower labor costs related to manual inspection. Over time, this significantly improves return on investment (ROI).

Section 6: Integration and Scalability

The LineScanner is designed with easy integration and scalability in mind. Whether a plant is running a single production line or a fully automated smart factory, the LineScanner can be deployed as a standalone solution or integrated into larger MES/ERP systems.

Its modular architecture and software-driven configuration allow it to evolve with the needs of the plant, ensuring long-term value.