WO2006087069A1 - Level measuring method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for measuring the level to which containers (12) such as bottles are filled. According to said method, a container (12) is transported through a measuring station (17) in a direction of transport (20). Said measuring station comprises a columnar transmitter (14) for measuring beams (22) and a columnar receiver (16) for measuring beams (22; 88) arranged in parallel thereto. The measuring beams are generally arranged at an angle to the direction of transport (20) and the containers (12) are moved through them. The measuring beams (22; 88) have a frequency to which the containers (12) are permeable. A two-dimensional transmitted light image (60) of a container (12) is produced by repeatedly actuating the columnar transmitter (14), thereby producing one image column (24) each, while the container (12) is moved through the measuring station (17).

Description

 Method and device for level measurement

The present invention relates to a method for level measurement on containers such as bottles, wherein a container is moved in a transport direction through a measuring station, which has a column-like transmitting device for measuring beams and a parallel thereto column-like receiving means for measuring beams, which are generally aligned transversely to the transport direction and between which the container is moved therethrough, the measuring beams having a frequency for which the containers are transparent. The invention further relates to a device for level measurement, wherein the transmitting device and the receiving device form a measuring station and wherein a control device for controlling the measuring station is provided, such that on the basis of the received measuring beams, the level of the container is measurable.

Such a method and such a device for level measurement are known from DE 44 10 515 C2.

The generic devices for level measurement are used, for example, in automatic filling systems in which contents are automatically filled into containers. The contents may be, for example, liquids, such as drinks, dairy products, bulk goods, such as cereals, or the like.

It is known from practice to use γ-radiation as measuring radiation. In particular, when the contents are foods, this type of level measurement has little acceptance.

It is also known to use a hover frequency-based measuring method in which the effect is exploited that the frequency of the respective RF radiation can shift due to capacitive coupling with the medium. However, this method is not convincing in terms of susceptibility.

From DE 31 28 094 Al a method for measuring the level of transparent containers is known. Here, the containers that are moved along a measuring station, each acted upon by a predetermined number of laterally successive flashes of light from an infrared laser. The light flashes emerging from the container are directed to a receiver, the output signals being integrated.

From DE 24 37 798 C2 a further level measuring device for bottles is known. The device has a first light source and a first light receiver, between which the bottles to be tested pass through and thereby intersect a first light beam. Furthermore, the device has a second light source and a second Liσhtempfänger between which the bottles are also passed. The first measuring section is arranged at the level of the bottleneck above the normal filling level. The second measuring section is inclined thereto and meets a bottle wall deviating from the cylindrical shape. Another light receiver, which receives light from the first light source, is provided to determine the bottle position for signal recall, in other words, serves to trigger the measurement process.

In the generic level control device mentioned at the beginning, a method is used in which a measuring beam in the infrared wavelength range is directed through the interior of a container, wherein it is determined by means of one or two measuring receivers where the measuring beam has emerged from the container. The respective recipient made possible a statement about whether the measuring beam is hit on its way through the interior of the container on filling or not. It is also possible to use two such measuring beams, so as to qualify for overfilling / To allow underfilling. The vertical distance between the two measuring beams reflects the tolerance range for the inaccuracy of the filling level.

Although this level measuring device has proven itself, there is room for improvement.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved level measuring method or an improved level measuring device.

This object is achieved in the method mentioned above in that a two-dimensional transmitted light image of a container is generated by the column-like transmitting device is driven multiple times to produce an image column, while that container is moved through the measuring station.

The above object is further achieved by a device for level measurement on containers such as bottles, in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention, with a column-like transmitting device for measuring beams and a corresponding column-like receiving device for measuring beams, wherein the transmitting device and the receiving device form a measuring station, through which a transport path for containers is set up, and wherein the measuring beams have a frequency for which the containers are transparent, and with a control device for controlling the measuring station, such that on the basis of the received measuring beams the filling level of the container can be measured, the control device for this purpose is set up, the column-like transmitting device several times to drive one image column at a time while moving a container through the measuring station so as to produce a two-dimensional transmitted light image of that container.

Consequently, a two-dimensional transmitted light image of the container is provided by the method according to the invention or the device according to the invention. As a result, with the appropriate resolution, it is possible not only to make a statement with regard to correct or incorrect filling (underfilling / overfilling). Rather, it is also possible to measure and output the filling level, so to speak "analog". Furthermore, the two-dimensional transmitted light image results in further possible applications, in particular based on digital image processing, e.g. a control of the container shape, a closure control etc.

The frequency of the measuring jets can be chosen so that a filling material to be filled into the containers for the measuring jets is transparent. Alternatively, however, the filling material for the measuring beams is not transparent.

The term transparent is intended to mean that measuring beams pass through, but can be "damped" in the sense that the intensity is greater on the input side than on the output side.

It is particularly advantageous in the method according to the invention if the column-like transmitting device has a plurality of transmitters which are each actuated at least once during an activation process for generating an image column, to generate a respective measuring beam. The resolution of the image column is determined by the number of transmitters of the column-like transmission device. Preferably, the number of transmitters is in the range between 10 and 250, in particular in the range between 12 and 50.

It is furthermore of particular advantage if the transmitting device has a plurality of transmitters and the receiving device has a corresponding plurality of receivers, so that a plurality of measuring paths is formed.

In other words, a transmitted-light measurement is performed at the individual measuring sections, wherein during a control process for generating an image column (during a "scan") each measuring section is driven at least once.

The resolution of the two-dimensional transmitted light image in the column direction is therefore determined by the number of measuring sections. The resolution perpendicular to the column direction (in the present case "row direction") results from the number of scans during the passage of the respective container through the measuring station. This number is determined on the one hand by the scanning speed itself, on the other hand by the speed with which the container is moved through the measuring station.

It is generally possible to move the container incrementally through the measuring station, with the container stopping for each scan. Preferably, however, the container is moved substantially continuously through the measuring station, whereby the scans, for example, follow one another directly. It is particularly advantageous if the receivers of the receiving device are divided into at least two groups and if the order of the control of the transmitter of the transmitting device for generating an image column is selected so that in each case a measuring section of another group is controlled in the sequence.

Consequently, a scan does not take place in such a way that mutually adjacent transmitters are controlled in succession. Rather, the control of the transmitter takes place so that they each successively to a receiver of another group fit.

The division of the receivers into groups has the particular advantage that on the one hand it is not necessary to provide a separate measuring amplifier for each receiver. As a result, the size in particular of the receiving device can be significantly reduced. Each group is then preferably assigned a measuring amplifier. Since each measuring amplifier must re-oscillate for each new measuring process of a receiver, a measuring amplifier of a group can settle, while the measuring amplifier of another group is still busy to amplify a received measurement signal. As a result, the speed of the scans can also be increased.

Since, in this type of control of the transmitter, in each case those transmitters which are not immediately adjacent to one another are activated one after the other, stray interferences on the receiver side can be avoided. According to a further preferred embodiment, when activating the transmitting device for generating an image column (during a "scan") prior to the sending of measuring beams, so-called pre-beams are sent in order to set the measuring beams in dependence thereon.

This ensures that a high dynamic range of the individual scans can be achieved.

Since on the receiver side, when there is no container in the measuring station, a high light intensity "arrives" and on the other hand in the presence of a container, in particular a filled container, only a small intensity at the receiving device "arrives", can by such Vorstrahl The intensity with which the transmission device is allowed to transmit measurement beams can be checked without overloading the reception device.

It is of particular advantage in this case if each transmitter sends a pre-beam with an intensity matched to the maximum permissible intensity of the associated receiver before sending a measuring beam and if a subsequent measuring beam is transmitted with an intensity that matches that of the receiver previously received intensity is adjusted.

In general, it is conceivable to send only a "blanket" pre-beam for a scan in order to check whether a container is in the measuring station or not. However, it is particularly preferred if the transmitters in each case individually send a pre-beam before sending a respective measuring beam in order to check how strong the transmitter can be set for the actual measuring beam.

This has the advantage that the measuring beam can be adjusted individually for each receiver in an ideal manner in order to achieve a high dynamic range.

In the case of the "flat-rate solution", however, there is a general risk that some of the recipients are already covered by a container during a scan, while others are not.

By contrast, in the preferred embodiment of the individual pre-beams, for example, a transmitter whose level measurement is already covered by a container area can be driven with a high intensity so that the receiver can also be operated in a favorable range.

Overall, it is also advantageous if the evaluation of measured values of the receiver involves eliminating the attenuation of the measuring beams caused by the container.

In this embodiment, the level measurement method can be performed largely independently of the material of the container.

In this case, it is of particular advantage if the measured values are logarithmized and the evaluation includes a subtraction of logarithmic measured values in order to eliminate the attenuation by the container. It has been found that the damping by the material of the container is a factor in the measured value. By logarithmizing the factor is converted into an additive constant. If the evaluation forms differences of measured values, the constant (and thus the bottle material) falls out.

In the case of the fill level measuring device according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if the transmitting device has a transmitter-multiplexer controllable by the control device in order to control the individual transmitters of the transmitting device successively.

In this case, the multiplexer is preferably addressable, in the sense that not necessarily neighboring transmitters are controlled in succession, but, as in the preferred embodiment, transmitters spaced as far apart as possible from each other and assigned to different receiver groups.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the receiving device has a plurality of receivers which are divided into at least two groups, wherein each group is assigned a measuring amplifier.

As already mentioned above, the division of the receivers into groups makes it possible to achieve fast scans on the one hand (because the settling times of measuring amplifiers can not be taken into account). On the other hand, it is also possible to keep the number of measuring amplifiers as low as possible in order to reduce the number of measuring amplifiers Component costs and thus to minimize the costs and the necessary space.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, it is preferred if the receiving device has an amplifier multiplexer which can be controlled by the transmitting device and which combines the outputs of the measuring amplifiers.

By this measure, the outputs of the measuring amplifier can be placed on a single line, for further processing in the - usually digital - control device.

Thus, it is of particular advantage if an output of the amplifier multiplexer is connected to the control device.

Preferably, this connection takes place via an analog-to-digital converter.

Overall, it is also advantageous if the transmitting device has a current regulator, by means of which the intensity of the measuring beams to be transmitted is adjustable.

The current regulator may, for example, be arranged between a digital-to-analog converter connected to the control device and the transmitter-multiplexer.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in the case of the fill level measuring device according to the invention if the column-like transmitting device has at least two sub-columns, each of which contains a plurality of transmitters, the two sub-columns being offset from one another in the column direction. This allows the image column resolution to be increased in the column direction, given the size of transmitters.

It is understood that the receiving device may have a similar arrangement of receivers, but that the receiving device may also be designed, if appropriate, as a purely linear arrangement of receivers.

Overall, therefore, a two-dimensional transmitted light image can be generated, but not by a single imaging optics from reflected on the container light of a lighting device. Rather, the imaging is preferably done without optics from a transmitted light measurement of individual associated measuring beams, which are preferably vertically resolved by the distance of the measuring beams (measuring sections) and horizontally by the movement of the container (for example, synchronized by means of an angular momentum generator).

In other words, the horizontal resolution is not determined by the design of the transmitter or receiver, but preferably by the temporal / spatial distance of the individual drive operations to generate a picture column ("scans").

If only discrete measurement beams are used, a receiver receives only light from its associated transmitter, but not light from adjacent light sources. As a result, the resulting two-dimensional transmitted light image can describe individual horizontal layers of the container. The measuring beams are preferably infrared measuring beams, as described in DE 44 10 515 C2. The transmitters may be IR photodiodes, for example.

The two-dimensional transmitted light images can be evaluated by digital image processing. The current fill level can be determined and output as it were "analogue". It is also possible to control the shape of the containers and, if necessary, perform a closure inspection or the like, ie whether a closure is present, whether it is damaged or the like.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a level measuring device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view through the level measuring device of Fig. 1; 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a fill level measuring device according to the invention;

4 shows an example of a two-dimensional transmitted light image, which is generated by a level measuring device according to the invention;

5 shows a schematic side view of a transmitting device of a fill level measuring device according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment; and

Fig. 6 shows graphs with intensities of transmitted and received measuring beams, wherein Fig. 6a shows pre-and measuring pulses of a single transmitter, Fig. 6b showing the pulses received at an associated receiver, and Fig. 6c calculating those calculated from the received pulses Represents measured values.

1 and 2, a first embodiment of a level measuring device according to the invention is generally designated 10.

The level measuring device 10 is used to measure the level of containers 12, and optionally other filling parameters. The containers 12 may be bottles, cups, etc., for example. The material of the container 12 may be, for example, glass, plastic (PET), etc.

The Füllstan ^' dsmessvorrichtung 10 has a column-like transmitting device 14 and a corresponding column-like Emp- catching device 16 on. The transmitting device 14 and the receiving device 16 form a measuring station 17.

Between the transmitting device 14 and the receiving device 16 runs a transport path 18, are transported on the container 12 through the measuring station 17 therethrough. The corresponding transport direction is shown at 20.

The transmitting device 14 and the receiving device 16 are aligned substantially parallel to one another and essentially transversely to the transport direction 20.

In the present case, the transmitting device 14 and the receiving device 16 are aligned approximately vertically. In general, however, they could also be aligned horizontally. The term column used herein refers to a generally linear arrangement and is to be used synonymously with the term "row".

The transmitting device 14 has a plurality of transmitters, which are arranged in the column direction and each emit a measuring beam 22. The distance of the measuring beams 22 (hence the distance of the individual transmitters of the transmitting device 14) is shown at 23.

To represent an image or measurement column 24, the transmitters of the transmitting device 14 are each driven at least once. This is preferably done sequentially to reduce component cost and signal processing overhead, in the form of a so-called "scan". However, the individual transmitters are not necessarily driven in the order of their arrangement. Rather, the sequence can be chosen so that as far as possible from each other spaced transmitters are driven directly successive.

The abovementioned scanning process takes place repeatedly during the passage of a container 12 through the measuring station 17. This can best be seen in Fig. 2, in which it is shown that the entire measuring range of the container is covered with a grid of measuring points. This grid is composed of a plurality of measuring gaps 24, which have been taken at different times during the passage of the container 12 through the measuring station 17 and thus each provided with an index i-1, i, i + 1, i + 2 are (see also Fig. 1 for the position of the container 12 in the various positions within the measuring station 17).

With the fill level measuring device 10 according to the invention, a two-dimensional transmitted light image of a container 12 can thus be generated.

The resolution of the transmitted light image in the direction parallel to the column arrangement is designated by 26 in FIG. The resolution 26 is essentially determined by the distance of the measuring beams 22.

The resolution in the transport direction 20 is designated 28 in FIG. 2. The resolution 28 is essentially determined by the ratio of scan speed to speed. speed of movement of the container 12 through the measuring station. 17 through.

In general, in the fill level measuring method according to the invention, the container 12 is moved continuously through the measuring station 17.

In general, however, it is also conceivable to stop the container 12 for the individual positions 12i, 12i + 1, 12i + 2, etc., in each case, in order to then carry out a scanning process.

Strictly speaking, in the case of the continuous movement, the individual measuring points of the measuring gaps 24 are also not arranged exactly one below the other due to the fact that the container 12 is moved during a scan. However, due to the speed of the scan relative to the speed of the container 12, this effect can be largely neglected. Alternatively, the effect can be compensated by a signal evaluation.

In Fig. 3, another embodiment of a level measuring device according to the invention is denoted by 10 '.

The general structure and the general mode of operation of the level measuring device 10 "correspond to those of the device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the following, only the differences are explained.

The level measuring device 10 'has a control device 40, in particular a digital control device. The transmitting device 14 has a plurality n of transmitters 42-1,..., 42-n. The receiving device 16 has, in a corresponding manner, a plurality n of receivers 44-1,..., 44-n. As a result, the measuring station 17 forms a plurality n of measuring sections 45-1,..., 45-n.

The transmitters 42 are connected to a transmitter multiplexer 46, which is addressed or addressed by the control device 40.

The input of the transmitter multiplexer 46 is connected to the output of a current regulator 48 which provides a current adjustable by the controller 40 for operation of the respective transmitters 42.

The input of the current regulator 48 is connected to the control device 40 via a digital-to-analog converter 50 (DAC).

The receivers 44 are divided into a plurality of m groups, each group having its own receiver multiplexer 52-1, ..., 52-m assigned. The outputs of the receiver multiplexers 52-1, ..., 52-m are connected to a respective measuring amplifier 54-1, ..., 54-m.

The outputs of the measuring amplifiers 54 are connected to an amplifier multiplexer 56 whose output is connected to an analog-to-digital converter 58. The output of the A / D converter 58 is connected to the controller 40. The receiver multiplexer 52 and the amplifier multiplexer 56 are also controlled by the controller 40 and addressed.

The execution of a scan, ie the control of all the transmitters 42 of the transmitting device 14 in succession, must be rapid. To minimize transients, each receiver 44 could have its own sense amplifier 54.

In order to reduce the size and cost of the receiving device 16, the receivers 44 of the groups 1,..., M are each multiplexed onto their own measuring amplifier 54-1,..., 54-m. At least two receiver multiplexers are required so that during a current measurement on a measurement path 45 (for example measurement path 45-1) the measurement amplifier 54 can settle the next measurement path 45 (for example measurement path 45-n) following the scan.

It can be seen from this that it does not make sense in a corresponding manner during a scan to control the individual measuring sections 45 continuously from top to bottom or vice versa. Rather, measurement paths 45 spaced far apart from one another can be actuated in succession. As a result, the amount of light is reduced to the next to be measured receiver 44, so that the settling time for the measuring amplifier 54 further reduced.

Consequently, each set 1,..., M is assigned a set of n: m, here eight (24: 3), receivers 44. An example of an order of control of the measuring sections 45 would then be, for example, I ₁ 9, 17, 2, 10, 18, 3, 11, 19, ..., 8, 16, 24.

This sequence ensures that always another measuring amplifier 54 becomes active, so that the necessary settling time of the measuring amplifiers 54 has essentially no influence on the speed of a scanning process.

In the control device 40, signal processing of the two-dimensional transmitted light image takes place, which can be detected by the filling state apparatus 10 '. In this signal processing, for example, non-linearities of the transmitters 42 (for example, characteristic curves) can be compensated. Also tolerances of the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44 can be compensated.

The measured values of the individual measuring sections 45 can be logarithmized. Since the attenuation of a received measuring beam 22 by the bottle material manifests itself as a factor in the measured value, the damping by the bottle material can be eliminated in a favorable manner by means of logarithmization. Because logarithms convert the factor into an additive constant. If, during the evaluation, differences of logarithmized measured values are formed, the constant and thus the influencing factor of the bottle material is eliminated.

The fill level measuring device 10, 10 'according to the invention or the fill level measuring method associated with it makes it possible to obtain two-dimensional transmitted light images of containers in order to achieve a high resolution (quasi "analogue") level. and, if necessary, to detect and evaluate additional filling parameters, such as the container shape (for example outer contour) and container closure (closure present or possibly damaged), by suitable digital image processing.

4, an exemplary two-dimensional transmitted light image 60 is shown.

The transmitted light image 60 is composed of a plurality of image columns 61, which essentially correspond to the measurement gaps 24.

It can be seen in the transmitted light image 60, on the one hand, that a closure 62 is present. Furthermore, the outer contour 64 of the container 12 can be detected and checked for damage. At 66, the level of the container is shown with a filling material 68, such as a liquid or a bulk material.

FIG. 5 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a transmitting device 14 'which can be used for the transmitting devices 14 of the level measuring devices 10, 10' of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The transmitting device 14 'has a first sub-column 70 with a number of transmitters 42 and a second sub-column 72 with a number of transmitters 42. In the present case, the total number of transmitters 42 of the transmitting device 14 "is twenty. Here, ^" the transmitters 1, 3, 5,..., 19 are assigned to the first partial column 70. The transmitters 2, 4,... 20 are the second partial column 72 assigned. The two sub-columns 70, 72 are arranged directly adjacent to one another and offset from each other in the column direction.

By this measure, the resolution in the column direction can be increased for a given size of the individual transmitter 42. While the dimension of a transmitter 42 in the column direction is shown at 74, the two sub-columns 70, 72 are offset from one another by a value 76, which is preferably one-half the dimension value 74.

As a result, the resolution in the column direction can be halved substantially from the dimension value 74 to the offset value 76.

It is understood that the receiving device 16 'may have a similar arrangement of receivers 44.

6, a preferred embodiment of the filling level measuring method according to the invention is explained with reference to some timing diagrams.

This embodiment is characterized in that a high dynamic range can be achieved by exploiting the possibility of being able to set the intensity I of the transmitters 42 within wide limits in each case. This is promoted in particular by the provision of a current regulator 48 for the transmitters 42, as explained above. It should be noted that the receiver 44 never overdriven (too "blinded") by too much light. However, the dynamic range, ie the difference between maximum transmission (no container in the measuring section 45) and minimal transmission (dark container, cloudy dark liquid) is so high that a single measuring range of a single receiver is not sufficient in some circumstances.

This is achieved by the preferred embodiment of the filling level measuring method according to the invention, in that a pre-measuring process is carried out before each actual measuring operation, with which it is determined how much the intensity of the transmitter 42 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 6a, a pre-pulse 86 of constant intensity I _{v is} triggered before each actual measuring pulse 88. The intensity l _v is significantly smaller than the maximum intensity I _max which the receiver 44 is allowed to experience. The value of I _v may be, for example, 75% of the value of I _max .

FIG. 6 a shows the signals or pulses triggered at a single transmitter 42.

Fig. 6b shows the intensity received at the associated receiver 44.

In FIG. 6, the individual scanning processes are designated i, i + 1, i + 2,. For example, during the scan i, the intensity received at the receiver due to the pre-pulse 86 is about the same as the intensity I _v . In this case, for example, no container 12 is included in the associated measuring section 45.

Consequently, the subsequent measuring pulse 8S _{1 is set} to an initial value or minimum value I _1n . As a result, this results in a receive pulse 92 at the receiver which is well below I _max and is about the same as the value of I _M.

Next (after the other transmitters have been respectively driven accordingly, ie in each case with pre-pulse 86 and measuring pulse 88), a further pre-pulse 86 takes place at the transmitter considered here in the following scan i + 1.

In this case, the intensity received at the receiver is significantly less than in the previous scan i. This means that there is now within the associated measuring section 45, an object that limits the transmission.

Consequently, in the subsequent measurement pulse 88 _{i + 1,} a significantly higher intensity is set than before in order to control the receiver 44 well despite the lower transmission. This leads to a received pulse 92 _{i + 1} , which is still in a favorable modulation range of the receiver.

In the next scan i + 2, due to a prepulse 86 _{i + 2,} only a very low intensity is measured at the receiver (pulse 9O _{1 + 2} ). Consequently, the "intensity of the transmitter for the assigned Measuring pulse 88 _{i + 2 set} very high, as shown in Fig. 6a.

As a result of this measure, despite the extremely low transmission over the measuring path 45, the receiver is controlled in a favorable range, as shown at 92 _{1 + 2} .

In FIG. 6c, the measured values 94 _± , 94 _{i + 1} ,... Corresponding to the received pulses 92... 92 _{i + 1} have been calculated by means of the control device 40.

It can be seen that the measured values now clearly reflect that the transmission from the scan i to the scan i + 2 has become significantly smaller.

The measured values 94 can be calculated from the received pulses 92 and the setting of the respectively assigned measuring pulses.

Overall, the full dynamic range can be maintained with adjusted intensity.

In this connection, it is particularly advantageous if each individual pixel of the two-dimensional image, that is to say each individual measuring process, is set individually with respect to intensity by a transmitter 42. Here, so to speak, each individual pixel is exposed individually.

Furthermore, the dark value of the respective receiver 44 can be determined between, before or after each measurement with the transmitter 42 switched off and subtracted from the measured value 94, so that the measurement is independent of the ambient brightness.

Claims

claims 1. A method for level measurement on containers (12) such as bottles, wherein a container (12) in a transport direction (20) through a MessStation (17) is moved through, a column-like transmitting means (14) for measuring beams (22) and a thereto parallel column-like receiving means (16) for measuring beams (22; 88) which are oriented generally transversely to the transport direction (20) and between which the container (12) is moved, the measuring beams (22; 88) having a frequency, for which the containers (12) are transparent, characterized in that a two-dimensional transmitted light image (60) of a container (12) is generated by the column-like transmitting device (14) is driven multiple times to produce a respective image column (24), while that container (12) is moved through the measuring station (17) , 2. level measuring method according to claim 1, characterized in that the column-like transmitting device (14) comprises a plurality of transmitters (42) which are each driven at least once in a drive operation for generating an image column (24) to a respective 'measuring beam (22 ) to create. 3. Füllstandsrαessverfahren according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmitting device (14) a plurality (s) of transmitters (42) and the receiving means (16) has a corresponding plurality (n) of receivers (44), so that a Plural (s) of measuring sections (45) is formed. 4. level measuring method according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiver (44) of the receiving device (16) in at least two groups (1-m) are divided and that the sequence of control of the transmitter (42) of the transmitting device (14) for generating an image column (24) is selected so that in each case a measuring section (45) of another group (1-m) is driven in the sequence. 5. fill level measuring method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when driving the transmitting device (14) for generating an image column (24) before sending measuring beams (22; 88) Vorstrahlen (86) are sent to the measuring beams (22 ; 88) depending on this. 6. level measurement method according to claim 3 and 5, characterized in that each transmitter (42) before sending a measuring beam (22; 88) sends a Vorstrahl (86) with an intensity (I _v ), the maximum permissible intensity (I _mar ) of the associated receiver (44), and in that a subsequent measuring beam (22; 88) is transmitted with an intensity (I _M ) which corresponds to that of the Receiver (44) previously received intensity (I _E ) is adjusted. 7. level measurement method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the evaluation of measured values of the receiver (44) includes, to eliminate the attenuation of the measuring beams (22; 88) through the container (12). 8. fill level measuring method according to claim 7, characterized in that the measured values (92 ¹ ) are logarithmiert and the evaluation includes a difference of logarithmi- sσhen measured values to eliminate the damping by the container (12). 9. Device (10) for level measurement on containers (12) such as bottles, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 8 with a column-like transmitting device (14) for measuring beams (22, 88) and a corresponding column-like receiving device (16) for measuring beams (22, 88), wherein the transmitting device (14) and the receiving device (16) form a measuring station (17) through which a transport path (18) for containers (12) is set up, and wherein the measuring beams (22, 88) have a frequency for which the containers (12) are transparent, and a control device (40) for controlling the measuring station (17), such that on the basis of the received Measuring beams (92), the level (66) of the container (12) is measurable, characterized in that the control device (40) is set up to control the column-like transmitting device (14) several times in order to generate in each case one image column (24) while a container (12) is moved through the measuring station (17) so as to produce a two-dimensional transmitted light image ( 60) to produce that container (12). 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the transmitting device (14) one of the control device (40) controllable transmitter-multiplexer (46) to each transmitter (42) of the transmitting device (14) to drive sequentially. 11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the receiving means (16) comprises a plurality of receivers (44) which are divided into at least two groups (1-m), each group (1-m) is a measuring amplifier (54) is assigned. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the receiving device (16) comprises one of the control device (40) controllable amplifier-multiplexer (56, 58) summarizes the outputs of the measuring amplifier (54) summarizes. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that an output of the amplifier-multiplexer (56, 58) is connected to the control device (40). 14. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the transmitting device (14) has a current regulator (48), by means of which the intensity (I _M ) of the measuring beams to be transmitted (22-88) is adjustable. 15. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the column-like transmitting device (14 ¹ ) at least two sub-columns (70, 72), each having a plurality of transmitters (42), wherein the two sub-columns (70, 72) are offset from each other in the column direction.