JP3828781B2 - X-ray foreign object detection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, for example, X-ray foreign matter for detecting foreign matter in the inspection object from the amount of X-ray transmission when X-rays are irradiated to the inspection object of various varieties such as raw meat, fish, processed food, and medicine The present invention relates to a detection apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray foreign object detection apparatus that simultaneously inspects a plurality of inspection objects.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The X-ray foreign object detection device irradiates X-rays on various types of inspection objects (raw meat, fish, processed foods, medicines, etc.) that are sequentially transported on the transport line, and the amount of transmitted X-rays. This is a device that detects whether or not a foreign object such as metal, glass, stone, or bone is mixed in the inspection object.
[0003]
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a conventional X-ray foreign object detection apparatus of this type. As shown in the drawing, an X-ray generator 51 and an X-ray detector 52 are arranged opposite to each other at a position along the conveyor 50 where the inspection object W is being conveyed. The X-ray generator 51 emits X-rays to the object W being transported, and the X-ray detector 52 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of X-rays transmitted through the object W. A processing means (not shown) determines the presence or absence of foreign matter based on the amount of X-ray transmission.
[0004]
However, in a normal inspection, the inspection objects are conveyed one by one and exposed to X-rays, and the result is displayed on a display unit (not shown). Therefore, when inspecting a large amount of inspection objects, the inspection time takes a long time.
[0005]
As a result, the subsequent pass / fail sorting also processes the inspected objects one by one, and the sorting time takes a long time as well as the testing time.
[0006]
If inspection time and sorting time take a long time, the operator must monitor the apparatus for a long time because of handling X-rays, and excessive labor is required.
[0007]
Further, in order to increase the efficiency, when a plurality of inspection objects are arranged in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction and X-ray inspection is performed at the same time, a transmission image obtained thereby is displayed in one frame, and this one frame is inspected. An area is inspected for the presence of foreign matter.
[0008]
As a result, when it is determined that there is a foreign object in one inspection object and it is determined that there is no foreign object in the other inspection object, it is determined that the foreign object is mixed in the entire inspection area. An object to be inspected that has not been performed is erroneously determined to have foreign matter.
[0009]
Therefore, it is treated as a defective product in the subsequent quality screening, and the simultaneous inspection of a plurality of objects to be inspected has a problem in the accuracy of foreign object inspection.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to divide an image processing area in which transmission image data is subjected to image processing and simultaneously inspect a plurality of inspection objects. In order to shorten the inspection time and improve the inspection efficiency.
[0011]
Another object is to clarify the correspondence between each object inspected at the same time and the transmission data subjected to image processing.
[0012]
Still another object is to clarify the correspondence between each inspected object that has been inspected at the same time and the foreign substance determination result.
[0013]
Another object is to simultaneously visualize each inspection object and its foreign substance determination result corresponding to each position of the inspection object to be carried out. This is to improve the work efficiency.
[0014]
Yet another object is to fully automate the sorting operation of a plurality of inspected objects to be inspected simultaneously.
[0015]
Another object is to perform multiple simultaneous inspections by increasing / decreasing the number of image processing area divisions using shape data obtained from multiple inspection objects each time the number of multiple inspection objects increases or decreases. The aim is to fully automate the inspection and to further improve the inspection efficiency.
[0016]
Yet another object is to clarify the correspondence between each inspected object and the image-processed transmission data that are simultaneously inspected as the number of inspected objects that are simultaneously inspected increases or decreases. It is in.
[0017]
Another object is to clarify the correspondence between each inspected object simultaneously inspected and its foreign object determination result every time a plurality of inspected objects to be simultaneously inspected increase or decrease.
[0018]
Yet another object is to simultaneously visualize the foreign object determination results of the inspected objects corresponding to the positions of the inspected inspected objects that are carried out whenever the number of inspected objects to be simultaneously inspected increases or decreases. In particular, this is to improve the work efficiency of the sorting operation in the subsequent stage.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray foreign object detection device 1 according to claim 1 of the present invention is On the conveyor arranged horizontally, the conveyor X-rays are exposed to a plurality of inspection objects (Wa, Wb) conveyed in parallel in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and along with the exposure of the X-rays Each An X-ray foreign matter detection device that detects the presence or absence of foreign matter (d) in each inspection object from the amount of X-rays transmitted through the inspection object,
An X-ray generator (5) that emits X-rays to each inspection object;
An X-ray detector (6) for outputting transmission data (Ta, Tb) corresponding to the intensity of X-rays transmitted through each of the inspection objects;
An image processing unit (12) that performs image processing on the transparent data;
An area dividing unit (14) that divides the image processing area (A) in which the transmission data is subjected to image processing into preset inspection areas (Aa, Ab) each including the transmission data;
A determination unit (15) for determining the presence or absence of the foreign matter for each inspection object based on transmission data in each of the divided inspection areas;
The determination result (Pa, Pb) of each inspection object by the determination unit is associated with the parallel state of the plurality of inspection objects for each inspection region. The back side of the transport section on the conveyor is the upper side of the display section, and the front side of the transport section is the lower side of the display section. A determination result display unit (17) for parallel display;
It is provided with.
[0020]
In the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus according to the first aspect, X-rays are exposed to the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb. The transmission data Ta and Tb based on the transmission amount of the X-rays transmitted through the inspection objects Wa and Wb are developed, and the image processing area A is divided into inspection areas Aa and Ab for the inspection objects Wa and Wb. . And the presence or absence of the foreign material d is determined for each of the divided inspection areas Aa and Ab.
[0021]
Therefore, the presence / absence of the foreign matter d can be simultaneously determined for the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb, so that the inspection efficiency can be improved by shortening the inspection time.
[0022]
further, On the determination result display unit 17, which of the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb to be simultaneously inspected corresponds to the determination results Ha and Hb of the respective inspection objects Wa and Wb displayed on the determination result display unit 17. It becomes possible to visually discriminate by the arrangement of the determination results Ha and Hb.
[0023]
The X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 2 is the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission data Ta and Tb in the divided inspection areas Aa and Ab are converted into the plurality of objects to be detected. A transmission image display unit 16 that displays in parallel along the parallel direction of the inspection objects Wa and Wb is provided.
[0024]
In the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus according to claim 2, which of the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb to be inspected at the same time, the transmission data Ta and Tb subjected to image processing displayed on the transmission image display unit 16 corresponds to. Thus, it can be visually discriminated by the arrangement of the transmission data Ta and Tb on the transmission image display unit 16.
[0025]
Claims 3 The X-ray foreign object detection device described in claim 1 In the described X-ray foreign matter detection device, the inspection object Wa, Wb, which is determined whether or not the foreign matter d is present, has a carry-out port 3b to be carried out,
The determination result display unit 17 is provided on the carry-out port 3b side, and the determination results Ha and Hb are displayed corresponding to the positions of the inspection objects Wa and Wb carried out from the carry-out port 3b. thing It is characterized by.
[0026]
Claim 3 In the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus, a plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb and their determination results Ha and Hb that are simultaneously conveyed in parallel can be associated with each other and visually recognized simultaneously.
[0027]
Further claims 4 The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection object Wa is determined to have the foreign matter d based on the determination results Ha and Hb by the determination unit 15. And a screening means 20 for screening the inspection object Wb determined as having no foreign matter d.
[0028]
Claim 4 In this X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus, the sorting means 20 can be linked to the determination results Ha and Hb of the determination unit 15 to improve the efficiency of screening of a plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb that are simultaneously inspected. .
[0029]
Moreover, the X-ray foreign material detection apparatus according to claim 5 is: On a horizontally arranged conveyor, in parallel in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor Multiple Stored in package X-rays are exposed to the inspection object (Wa, Wb), and along with the X-ray exposure Each An X-ray foreign matter detection device that detects the presence or absence of foreign matter (d) in each inspection object from the amount of X-rays transmitted through the inspection object,
An X-ray generator (5) that emits X-rays to each inspection object;
An X-ray detector (6) for outputting transmission data (Ta, Tb) corresponding to the intensity of X-rays transmitted through each of the inspection objects;
An image processing unit (12) that performs image processing on the transparent data;
Each inspection object A plurality of each package in which is stored A shape recognition unit (18) for recognizing the shape and outputting shape data (Pa, Pb);
Each time the plurality of inspection objects are exposed, an image processing area (A) in which the transmission data is subjected to image processing, Coordinate positions in the width direction adjacent to each package based on the shape data Based on the shape data respectively including the transmission data In the width direction An area dividing unit (19) that divides the number of inspection areas (Aa, Ab);
A determination unit (15) for determining the presence or absence of the foreign matter for each inspection object based on the transmission data in each of the divided inspection areas;
It is provided with.
[0030]
In the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 5, a plurality of inspected objects A plurality of each package in which is stored The shape data is recognized and the shape data is output. Next, X-rays are exposed to the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb. The transmission data Ta and Tb based on the transmission amount of X-rays transmitted through the inspection objects Wa and Wb are developed as images. Based on the transmission data Ta and Tb and the shape data, the area is divided into inspection areas Aa and Ab for the inspection objects Wa and Wb. And the presence or absence of the foreign material d is determined for each of the divided inspection areas Aa and Ab.
[0031]
This allows multiple inspections to be performed simultaneously each Inspected object Multiple packages that contain Each time the number of Each package The number of divisions of the image processing area A can be increased or decreased using the shape data obtained from the above, and the simultaneous automation of a plurality of simultaneous inspections is intended to further improve the inspection efficiency.
[0032]
Furthermore, the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 6 is the X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb are divided each time the inspection object is divided. Each transmission data Ta, Tb is converted into the plurality of inspected objects. Each of the plurality of packages The transmission image display unit 16 that displays in parallel for each of the inspection areas Aa and Ab along the parallel direction is provided.
[0033]
In the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 6, a plurality of inspection objects Each of the plurality of packages The transmission image display unit determines which of the plurality of inspected objects Wa and Wb the image-processed transmission data Ta and Tb displayed on the transmission image display unit 16 correspond to at the same time each time is increased or decreased. 16 can be visually discriminated by the arrangement of the transmission data Ta and Tb on FIG.
[0034]
Further, the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 7 is the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb are divided every time the inspection regions are divided. The determination results Ha and Hb of the respective inspection objects Wa and Wb by the determination unit 15 are used as the plurality of inspection objects. Each of the plurality of packages The determination result display part 17 which displays in parallel for every said test | inspection area | region Aa, Ab along the parallel direction is characterized.
[0035]
Claim 7 In the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus 1, each time the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb are increased or decreased, the determination results Ha and Hb of the inspection objects Wa and Wb displayed on the determination result display unit 17 are simultaneously inspected. Which of the plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb corresponds can be visually determined by the arrangement of the determination results Ha and Hb on the determination result display unit 17.
[0036]
Further claims 8 The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 8 has a carry-out port 3b through which each of the inspection objects Wa and Wb determined as to the presence or absence of the foreign matter in the X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 8,
The determination result display unit 17 is provided on the carry-out port 3b side, and the determination results Ha and Hb are displayed corresponding to the positions of the inspection objects Wa and Wb carried out from the carry-out port 3b. thing It is characterized by.
[0037]
Claim 8 In this X-ray foreign object detection apparatus, whenever a plurality of inspection objects Wa, Wb are increased or decreased, a plurality of inspection objects Wa, Wb and determination results Ha, Hb conveyed simultaneously in parallel are simultaneously viewed. Is possible.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1. The X-ray foreign object detection device 11 is provided in a part of the conveyance line, and is mixed with metal, glass, stone, bone, which is mixed into the inspection objects Wa and Wb (including the surface) sequentially conveyed at a predetermined interval. The presence or absence of foreign matter such as is detected.
[0039]
The X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 3 and a foreign object detection unit 4 provided inside the apparatus main body 1a, and an operation indicator 7 provided on the front upper portion of the apparatus main body 1a. The operation display 7 is composed of, for example, a color LCD touch panel.
[0040]
The conveyance unit 3 conveys various inspection objects Wa and WbW such as raw meat, fish, processed food, medicine, and the like, and is constituted by a belt conveyor disposed horizontally with respect to the apparatus main body 1a, for example. A carry-in port 3a and a carry-out port 3b are formed on both side surfaces 1b and 1c of the apparatus main body 1a. The conveyance unit 3 conveys the inspection objects Wa and Wb carried in from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port 3b side (carrying direction X in the drawing) at a predetermined carrying speed set by driving of the drive motor 2.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb are conveyed in parallel in the width direction Y perpendicular to the conveyance direction X (two in FIG. 2). In addition, the inspection objects Wa and Wb are housed or packaged in a package such as a bag, box, or paper having a high transmittance.
[0042]
The foreign matter detection unit 4 detects foreign matter in the middle of the transport path of the inspected objects Wa and Wb to be transported, and an X-ray generator 5 provided at a predetermined height above the transport unit 3 and the transport unit 3. An X-ray detector 6 provided opposite to the X-ray generator 5 is provided.
[0043]
The X-ray generator 5 has a configuration in which a cylindrical X-ray tube 9 provided inside a metal box 8 is immersed in insulating oil (not shown), and an electron beam from the cathode of the X-ray tube 9 is an anode target. X-rays are generated by irradiation. The X-ray tube 9 is provided in the width direction Y whose longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction X of the inspection objects Wa and Wb. X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 9 are exposed to the lower X-ray detector 6 in the form of a substantially triangular screen by a slit (not shown) along the longitudinal direction.
[0044]
The X-ray detector 6 detects X-rays that pass through the inspection objects Wa and Wb when the X-rays are exposed to the inspection objects Wa and Wb, and transmits the detected X-rays. An electrical signal corresponding to the amount is output.
[0045]
The X-ray detector 6 uses an array line sensor including a plurality of photodiodes arranged in a line and a scintillator provided on the photodiode.
[0046]
In the X-ray detector 6 having such a configuration, when X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray generator 5 to the inspection objects Wa and Wb, the X-rays transmitted through the inspection objects Wa and Wb. Is received by a scintillator and converted into light. Further, the light converted by the scintillator is received by a photodiode disposed below the light. Each photodiode converts the received light into an electrical signal and outputs it.
[0047]
The X-ray detector 6 outputs an electric signal having a level corresponding to the intensity of the received X-ray to the processing unit 10. For example, the photodiode is composed of one line, and 640 diodes are arranged at a pitch of 0.4 mm in the line direction (Y direction).
[0048]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the apparatus.
The processing unit 10 includes a CPU and the like and a memory and the like. The electrical signal input from the X-ray detector 6 is A / D converted by an A / D converter (not shown) and then stored in the data memory 11.
[0049]
In the data memory 11, the above-mentioned 640 X-ray transmission data Ta and Tb (electric signals output from the X-ray detector 6) per line (Y direction) are transferred at least to the inspection objects Wa and Wb. A predetermined number of lines (for example, 480 lines) corresponding to the length in the transport direction X is stored. The processing unit 10 inspects contamination of the inspected objects Wa and Wb based on the stored transmission data Ta and Tb.
[0050]
The image processing unit 12 performs image processing on the transmission data Ta and Tb stored in the data memory 11. In this image processing, the original transmission data Ta and Tb are subjected to log conversion and linear conversion, and further, filtering processing is performed as necessary to emphasize foreign matters. The pixel value by this image processing is expressed by, for example, 256 gradations.
[0051]
The transmission data Ta and Tb when this image is developed are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, sausages as inspection objects Wa and Wb are developed on an image processing area A having n × m number of pixels. For example, a foreign substance d such as metal, glass, stone, or bone in the inspection objects Wa and Wb has a small amount of X-ray transmission (transmission data Ta and Tb are low). Therefore, the pixel value is higher than the sausage pixel value. On the other hand, the sausages themselves, which are the inspection objects Wa and Wb, have a relatively large amount of X-ray transmission (the transmission data Ta and Tb are high), and therefore the pixel values thereof are low. Further, since the packages Pa and Pb of the inspection objects Wa and Wb have a larger amount of X-ray transmission than the sausage, the pixel values thereof are lower than those of the sausage.
[0052]
The area setting unit 13 sets the number of areas into which the image processing area A of the transparent data T to be image-developed is divided. For example, the screen switching button 7c of the operation display 7 is pressed to call the screen shown in FIG. 4, and the number of inspection areas is selected by pressing the number on the displayed numeric keypad 13a. Press the clear key C to reset. Press the enter key to confirm.
[0053]
The area dividing unit 14 divides the n-by-m image processing area A including the image-developed transmission data Ta and Tb into the number of inspection areas set by the area setting unit 13. The image processing area A is divided so as to be parallel in the Y direction. For example, when the area setting unit 13 sets the division into two, as shown in FIG. 3B, the division is performed between the n / 2th pixel row and the n / 2 + 1th pixel row in the Y direction, and the inspection is performed. It is divided into an area Aa and an inspection area Ab.
[0054]
The inspection area Aa includes an inspection object Wa and a package Pa that accommodates the inspection object Wa. The number of pixels is n · m / 2. Similarly, the inspection area Ab also includes an inspection object Wb and a package Pb for storing the inspection object Wb, and the number of pixels is n · m / 2.
[0055]
The determination unit 15 determines the presence or absence of the foreign matter d for each of the inspection objects Wa and Wb based on the transmission data Ta and Tb in the inspection regions Aa and Ab output from the image processing unit 12. That is, the determination unit 15 has a predetermined threshold value, and when the pixel value of each of the inspection areas Aa and Ab includes a pixel exceeding the threshold value, the pixel portion is determined to be a foreign substance d. Accordingly, the inspection object Wa in the inspection area Aa is determined to have the foreign object d.
[0056]
The operation indicator 7 is, for example, a color LCD touch panel type as shown in FIG. Below the operation display 7, a start button 7a, a stop button 7b, and a screen switching button 7c are provided. When the start button 7a is pressed, the X-ray inspection is started. When the stop button 7b is pressed, the X-ray inspection is stopped. When the screen switching button 7c is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 4 (FIG. 5) is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 4).
[0057]
The liquid crystal portion 7 d of the operation display 7 includes a transmission image display unit 16 and a determination result display unit 17. The transmission image display unit 16 displays the transmission images (transparency data Ta and Tb that have been subjected to image development) in the inspection areas Aa and Ab, respectively.
[0058]
The operation indicator 7 is provided on the front surface of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1, and the inspection objects Wa and Wb are shown in the figure. left From right It is conveyed to. Therefore, the inspection object Wa corresponding to the transmission image Ta in the inspection area Aa is conveyed on the back side in the width direction Y and displayed on the upper part of the transmission image display unit 16. On the other hand, the inspection object Wb corresponding to the transmission image Tb in the inspection area Ab is transported in front of the width direction Y and displayed on the lower part of the transmission image display unit 16.
[0059]
The determination result display unit 17 displays the determination results Ha and Hb of the inspected objects Wa and Wb. When it is determined that the foreign object d is not mixed, “OK” is displayed. When it is determined that the foreign object d is mixed, “NG” is displayed.
[0060]
The operation indicator 7 is provided on the front surface of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1, and the inspection objects Wa and Wb are shown in the figure. left From right It is conveyed to. Accordingly, the inspection object Wa corresponding to the inspection area Aa is conveyed on the back side in the width direction Y, and the determination result Ha is displayed on the upper portion of the determination result display unit 17. On the other hand, the inspection object Wb corresponding to the inspection area Ab is transported on the front side in the width direction Y, and the determination result Hb is displayed at the bottom of the determination result display unit 17.
[0061]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the number (for example, two) of the inspected objects Wa and Wb to be simultaneously conveyed is determined. When the simultaneous conveyance number is determined, the area setting unit 13 sets the number of areas to “2”.
[0062]
When the inspection objects Wa and Wb are carried in from the carry-in entrance 3a of the conveyance section 3, X-rays are exposed to the inspection objects Wa and Wb from the X-ray generator 5 in the conveyance process. X-rays transmitted through the inspected objects Wa and Wb with the X-ray exposure are detected by the X-ray detector 6 and stored in the data memory 11 as electric signals (transmission data Ta and Tb). The
[0063]
The transmission data Ta and Tb are developed by the image processing unit 12. The image processing area A including the image-developed transmission data Ta and Tb is equally divided into inspection areas Aa and Ab by the number of divisions set by the area setting unit 13 in the parallel direction of the inspection objects Wa and Wb. The transmission data Ta and Tb for each of the divided inspection areas Aa and Ab are output and displayed on the transmission image display unit 16 as shown in FIG.
[0064]
Foreign matter is determined for each of the inspection areas Aa and Ab divided by the determination unit 15, and the determination results Ha and Hb are output and displayed on the transmission image display unit 16 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0065]
As a result, foreign object inspection can be performed when a plurality of constant objects to be inspected Wa and Wb are simultaneously conveyed, work time can be shortened, and work efficiency can be improved. Therefore, a large amount of the inspection object W can be inspected even with one X-ray foreign object detection device 1.
[0066]
In addition, the display positions of the transmission data Ta and Tb and the determination results Ha and Hb subjected to image processing of the inspected objects Wa and Wb simultaneously inspected correspond to the positions of the inspected objects Wa and Wb on the transport belt. ing. Therefore, when taking out the inspection object Wa in which foreign matters are mixed, it is possible to prevent a mistake in taking out the inspection object Wb in which foreign matters are not mixed.
[0067]
In this embodiment, the two inspected objects Wa and Wb are always sequentially transported. However, as long as the number is constant, the number is not limited to two, and three or more are transported in parallel. And it is good also as carrying out simultaneous inspection.
[0068]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The present embodiment is an example in which the determination result display unit 17 is provided on the side surface 1c where the carry-out port 3b of the X-ray foreign object detection device 1 is provided. The determination result display unit 17 is provided immediately above the carry-out port 3b.
[0069]
Accordingly, when the inspected objects Wa and Wb that have been inspected at the same time are carried out from the carry-out port 3b, the determination results Ha and Hb are directly above the inspected objects Wa and Wb as shown in FIG. Is displayed. Thereby, the operator does not need to move to the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a and visually recognize the determination result by visually recognizing the determination result display unit 17 of the present example, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. In the subsequent sorting operation, it is not necessary to move to the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a and visually check the determination result, and the efficiency of the sorting operation can be improved.
[0070]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. This embodiment is an example in the case where two objects to be inspected Wa and Wb are simultaneously conveyed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the X-ray foreign object detection apparatus 1 is provided with a sorting mechanism 20 as a sorting means. This is an example.
[0071]
The sorting mechanism 20 includes a sorting transport unit 21 and a sorting unit 22 (22a, 22b). The sorting transport unit 21 has the same configuration as the transport unit 3. The sorting transport unit 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the carry-out port 3b of the transport unit 3, and the inspected objects Wa and Wb that have been unloaded from the carry-out port 3b are transferred.
[0072]
The selection unit 22 (22a, 22b) includes a drive circuit 23 (23a, 23b), a drive motor 24 (24a, 24b), and a selection arm 25 (25a, 25b). Each drive circuit 23a, 23b receives a drive signal corresponding to the determination results Ha, Hb from the determination unit 15, and sets the rotation direction and rotation amount of each drive motor 24a, 24b.
[0073]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sorting arms 25 a and 25 b extend in parallel with each other in the transport direction X substantially in the middle of the width direction Y of the transport belt. This state is the initial state. One end of each sorting arm 25a, 25b is pivotally supported on the rotating shaft of the drive motor 24a, 24b. The other ends of the sorting arms 25a and 25b are placed on the horizontal plane at a predetermined timing set by the conveyance speed around the rotation shafts of the driving motors 24a and 24b by the rotational force from the driving motors 24a and 24b. Swing.
[0074]
That is, when a drive signal is output from the determination unit 15 to the drive circuit 23a, the rotation shaft of the drive motor 24a is rotationally driven in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees).
[0075]
The selection arm 25a rotates about a predetermined angle in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 with the rotation of the drive motor 24a about the one end on which the rotation shaft of the drive motor 24a is pivotally supported. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the drive circuit 23a rotates the rotation shaft of the drive motor 24a in a clockwise direction in FIG. 9 by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees). As a result, the sorting arm 25a returns to the initial state by the rotation of the drive motor 24a in the clockwise direction in FIG.
[0076]
Similarly, when a drive signal is output from the determination unit 15 to the drive circuit 23b, the rotation shaft of the drive motor 24b is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 9 by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees).
[0077]
The sorting arm 25b rotates about a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9 by the rotational force of the drive motor 24b, with one end on which the rotation shaft of the drive motor 24b is pivotally supported as an axis. Then, after a lapse of a certain time, the drive circuit 23b rotates the rotation shaft of the drive motor 24b in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees). Thereby, the sorting arm 25b returns to the initial state by the rotation of the drive motor 24 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
[0078]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described. The two inspected objects Wa and Wb that have been inspected at the same time are carried out from the carry-out port 3b, transferred to the sorting conveyance unit 21, and conveyed.
[0079]
For example, when it is determined that both the inspected objects Wa and Wb are free of foreign matter, no drive signal is output from the determination unit 15 to the drive circuits 23a and 23b, and the sorting arms 25a and 25b are parallel to the transport direction X. The initial state remains unchanged. As a result, the conveyance paths of the inspection objects Wa and Wb on the conveyance belt of the sorting conveyance unit 21 are secured, and the inspection objects Wa and Wb are conveyed by the sorting conveyance unit 21 and processed as non-defective products in the subsequent stage. .
[0080]
Further, when it is determined that only the inspected object Wa on the back side shown in FIG. 8 has a foreign object, the determination unit 15 sends a drive signal only to the drive circuit 23a, and the inspected object Wa moves to the side of the sorting arm 25a. The sorting arm 25a is rotated at the passage timing. As a result, the sorting arm 25 a abuts on the inspection object Wa, guides it to the outside of the sorting transport unit 21, and removes it from the sorting transport unit 21. Thereafter, the sorting arm 25a returns to the initial state by the rotation of the drive motor 24a in the clockwise direction in FIG.
[0081]
As a result, only the inspection object Wa determined as having a foreign object is removed and processed as a defective product. On the other hand, the inspection object Wb determined as having no foreign matter on the front side in FIG. 8 is conveyed by the sorting conveyance unit 21 and processed as a non-defective product in the subsequent stage.
[0082]
When it is determined that only the inspected object Wb on the back side shown in FIG. 8 has foreign matter, the determination unit 15 sends a drive signal only to the drive circuit 23b, and the inspected object Wb moves to the sorting arm 25b side. The sorting arm 25b is rotated at the passage timing. As a result, the sorting arm 25b abuts on the inspection object Wb, guides it to the outside of the sorting transport unit 21, and removes it from the sorting transport unit 21. Thereafter, the sorting arm 25b returns to the initial state by the rotation of the drive motor 24b in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
[0083]
Thereby, only the inspection object Wb determined to have foreign matters is removed and processed as a defective product. On the other hand, the inspection object Wa determined to have no foreign matter on the back side in FIG. 8 is transported by the sorting transport unit 21 and processed as a non-defective product in the subsequent stage.
[0084]
Further, when it is determined that both the inspected objects Wa and Wb have foreign matter, the determination unit 15 sends a drive signal to each of the drive circuits 23a and 23b, and the inspected objects Wa and Wb are on the side of the sorting arms 25a and 25b. The sorting arms 25a and 25b are rotated at the timing of passing through. As a result, the sorting arms 25 a and 25 b abut against the inspection objects Wa and Wb, guide the outside of the sorting transport unit 21, and remove from the sorting transport unit 21. Thereafter, the sorting arms 25a and 25b return to the initial state by the rotation of the drive motors 24a and 24b.
[0085]
According to this example, the two inspection objects Wa and Wb that are simultaneously inspected and carried out can be selected based on the determination results Ha and Hb, and the efficiency of the quality determination can be improved. be able to.
[0086]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, a plurality of objects to be inspected Wa and Wb are sequentially conveyed, and the number of conveyance is increased or decreased.
[0087]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, a shape recognition unit 18 that recognizes the shapes of a plurality of inspection objects Wa and Wb is provided. Similar to the X-ray generator 5, the shape recognition unit 18 is provided in the upper part of the transport unit 3. The shape recognition unit 18 is, for example, a CCD line sensor arranged in the width direction Y orthogonal to the transport direction X. The shape recognition unit 18 changes the shape of the inspection objects Wa and Wb above them regardless of the transmittance of the inspection objects Wa and Wb. Recognize from. The shape data Pa and Pb of the inspection objects Wa and Wb detected by the CCD line sensor 18 are stored in the data memory 11.
[0088]
Further, each time a plurality of objects to be inspected Wa and Wb are exposed, the area dividing unit 19 applies an n-by-m column image processing area A including transmission data Ta and Tb of the inspected objects Wa and Wb. The inspection objects Wa and Wb are divided into inspection areas Aa and Ab corresponding to the number of shape data Pa and Pb.
[0089]
That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the image processing area A is divided into pixel rows in which the number of pixel rows that is the shortest distance between the shape data Pa and Pb adjacent in the width direction Y is approximately half. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the number of pixel rows in the width direction Y between the shape data Pa and Pb is 8, so that the data is divided into four rows, as shown in FIG. 11 (c). The n / 2th pixel row and the (n / 2 + 1) th pixel row in the middle are divided.
[0090]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When two inspection objects Wa and Wb are simultaneously conveyed, first, the CCD line sensor 18 recognizes the shapes of the inspection objects Wa and Wb. The shape data Pa and Pb are binarized by the image processing unit 12. An image when the shape data is developed is shown in FIG. The shape data Pa and Pb indicate a package containing sausages as the inspection objects Wa and Wb.
[0091]
When the inspection objects Wa and Wb are further conveyed, they are then exposed to X-rays, and transmission data Ta and Tb shown in FIG. 11B are obtained. In the transmission data Ta and Tb, the inspection objects Wa and Wb themselves (sausage) are detected. A package with high transmittance is not detected.
[0092]
Next, the image processing area A is divided based on the shape data Pa and Pb. Based on the pixel values of the shape data Pa and Pb, the area dividing unit 14 determines that there are two objects to be inspected Wa and Wb and performs image processing including the transmission data Ta and Tb shown in FIG. The area A is divided into two parts between the n / 2th pixel row in the width direction Y and the (n / 2 + 1) th pixel row so that the shape data Pa and Pb are included from the coordinate position of the shape data Pa and Pb. To do. As shown in FIG. 11C, the inspection area including the inspection object Wa (transmission data Ta) on the back side with respect to the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a is the inspection area Aa. On the other hand, an inspection area including the inspection object Wb (transmission data Tb) in front of the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a is an inspection area Ab.
[0093]
Then, the presence or absence of the foreign matter d is determined by the determination unit 15 for each of the divided inspection areas Aa and Ab. The determination results Ha and Hb and the transmission images Ta and Tb are displayed as shown in FIG. 5 as in the first embodiment.
[0094]
When the number of inspection objects Wa, Wb, Wc to be conveyed next becomes three, the CCD line sensor 18 simultaneously recognizes the shapes of the three inspection objects Wa, Wb, Wc, and the shape data Pa. , Pb, Pc are output. The shape data Pa, Pb, and Pc are stored in the data memory 11. The shape data Pa, Pb, and Pc are binarized by the image processing unit 12. An image when the shape data Pa, Pb, and Pc are developed is shown in FIG. As in FIG. 11A, the shape data Pa, Pb, and Pc indicate packages that contain sausages as the inspection objects Wa, Wb, and Wc.
[0095]
When the inspection objects Wa, Wb, Wc are further conveyed, they are then exposed to X-rays to obtain transmission data Ta, Tb, Tc shown in FIG. In the transmission data Ta, Tb, and Tc, the inspection objects Wa, Wb, and Wc themselves (sausages) are detected. A package with high transmittance is not detected.
[0096]
Next, the image processing area A is divided based on the shape data Pa, Pb, and Pc. Based on the pixel values of the shape data Pa, Pb, and Pc, the area dividing unit 14 determines that the number of objects W to be inspected is three. Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, the number of pixel rows in the width direction Y between adjacent shape data (Pc, Pa) and between (Pa, Pb) is 4, so that there are two rows. To divide.
[0097]
That is, the shape data (Pc, Pa) is divided between the n / 3th pixel row in the width direction Y and the (n / 3 + 1) th pixel row. Similarly, (Pa, Pb) is divided between the 2n / 3th pixel row in the width direction Y and the (2n / 3 + 1) th pixel row.
[0098]
As a result, the image processing area A composed of the transmission data Ta, Tb, Tc shown in FIG. 12B is changed from the coordinate position of the shape data Pa, Pb, Pc to the shape data Pa, P, as shown in FIG. It is divided into three in the width direction Y so that Pb and Pc are included. As shown in FIG. 12C, the inspection areas including the inspected objects Wc, Wa, Wb are the inspection areas Ac, Aa, Ab from the back side with respect to the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a.
[0099]
And the presence or absence of the foreign material d is determined by the determination part 15 for every divided | segmented test | inspection area Ac, Aa, Ab.
[0100]
The transmission data Ta, Tb, Tc for each of the divided inspection areas Aa, Ab, Ac are transmitted through the inspection areas Ac, Aa, Ab from the upper stage corresponding to the width direction Y of the transport unit 3 as shown in FIG. Ta, Tb, and Tc are output and displayed on the transmission image display unit 16.
[0101]
Further, foreign matter is determined for each of the inspection areas Aa, Ab, and Ac divided by the determination unit 15, and the inspection areas Ac, Aa, and Ab are determined from the upper stage corresponding to the width direction Y of the transport unit 3 as shown in FIG. Results Hc, Ha, and Hb are output and displayed on the determination result display unit 17.
[0102]
As a result, when the number of the inspected objects W to be simultaneously inspected is increased from two to three, the inspection area is also changed from two to three by using the shape data P obtained from the inspected objects Wa, Wb, Wc. Can be divided.
[0103]
In the present embodiment, the case where the number of the inspected objects W sequentially conveyed increases from two to three has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the number decreases from three to two. Further, the number of increase / decrease is not limited to two or three, and may be four or more as long as it can be placed in the width direction Y of the transport unit 3, and one object to be inspected Wa, Wb in the middle. It may be reduced to.
[0104]
Therefore, the shape data P obtained from the plurality of inspection objects W is used every time the number of the plurality of inspection objects W to be simultaneously inspected increases or decreases without the need to make the number of the inspection objects W to be simultaneously conveyed constant. As a result, the number of divisions of the image processing area A can be increased or decreased, so that it is possible to fully automate a plurality of simultaneous inspections and further improve the inspection efficiency.
[0105]
Further, when the number of divisions of the image processing area A is increased or decreased, the transmission image T and the determination result H in the transmission image display unit 16 and the determination result display unit 17 are also increased and decreased accordingly, as shown in FIGS. Is displayed. Therefore, the operator can also visually recognize that the inspection object W has increased or decreased. Furthermore, the correspondence relationship between the inspection object W, the transmission image T, and the determination result H when the number is increased or decreased is clarified, and it becomes easy to determine which foreign object is mixed in the inspection object W subjected to the simultaneous inspection. .
[0106]
As shown in FIG. 14, also in the present embodiment, the determination result display unit 17 may be provided on the side surface on the carry-out port 3b side, as in the second embodiment.
[0107]
Therefore, when the two inspected inspected objects Wa and Wb that have been inspected at the same time are carried out from the carry-out port 3b, the determination results Ha and Hb are respectively converted into the inspected inspected objects Wa, It is displayed directly above Wb. Further, when the number of the inspected objects W becomes 3, as shown in FIG. 14, the determination results Ha, Hb, Hc are displayed immediately above the inspected inspected objects Wa, Wb, Wc.
[0108]
Thereby, the operator can visually recognize the increase / decrease in the number of the inspection objects W and the determination result H at the same time by visually checking the determination result display unit 17 of this example every time the inspection object W is carried out. It is not necessary to move to the front surface of the main body 1a and visually recognize the determination result, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. In the subsequent sorting operation, it is not necessary to move to the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a and visually check the determination result, and the efficiency of the sorting operation can be improved.
[0109]
In the present embodiment, a CCD line sensor is used as the shape recognizing unit 18, but a reflection type light projecting / receiving line sensor may be applied as shown in FIG. The reflection type light projecting / receiving line sensor includes a light projecting unit 18a such as an LED arranged in the width direction Y, and a light receiving unit 18b such as a PD or PRT arranged in the width direction Y.
[0110]
As shown in FIG. 15A, the light projecting unit 18 a constantly projects light toward the transport unit 3, and the light receiving unit 18 b constantly receives reflected light having a constant light intensity reflected from the transport unit 3. ing.
[0111]
As shown in FIG. 15B, when the inspection objects Wa and Wb are conveyed, a part of the light from the light projecting unit 18a is projected onto the inspection objects Wa and Wb. The light intensity of the reflected light at this portion is weakened and received by the light receiving portion 18b. Therefore, the shape is recognized by the light intensity received by the light receiving unit 18b, and the light intensity is converted into an electric signal and stored in the data memory 11 as the shape data P.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect, it is possible to divide the image processing area including the transmission data and simultaneously inspect a plurality of inspection objects, thereby shortening the inspection time and improving the inspection efficiency.
[0113]
Further In addition, It becomes possible to clarify the correspondence between each object to be inspected at the same time and the foreign substance determination result.
[0114]
Further, according to the second aspect, it is possible to clarify the correspondence between each object to be inspected at the same time and the transmission data subjected to the image processing.
[0115]
And claims 3 According to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously visualize each inspection object and its foreign substance determination result corresponding to each position of the inspection object to be carried out. It becomes possible to improve work efficiency.
[0116]
Further claims 4 Accordingly, it is possible to achieve full automation of the sorting operation of a plurality of inspected objects to be inspected simultaneously.
[0117]
According to claim 5, a plurality of objects to be inspected simultaneously are inspected. Package Each time the number increases or decreases, package By using the shape data obtained from the above, the number of divisions of the image processing area is increased or decreased, so that it is possible to fully automate a plurality of simultaneous inspections and further improve the inspection efficiency.
[0118]
Furthermore, according to claim 6, a plurality of simultaneously inspected package Each time the value increases or decreases, it becomes possible to clarify the correspondence between each inspected object simultaneously inspected and the transmission data subjected to image processing.
[0119]
According to claim 7, a plurality of simultaneously inspected package It is possible to clarify the correspondence between each object to be inspected at the same time and the foreign substance determination result each time the value increases or decreases.
[0120]
Furthermore, according to claim 8, a plurality of simultaneously inspected package As the number of objects increases or decreases, it is possible to simultaneously visualize the foreign object determination results of each inspection object corresponding to each position of the inspection object to be carried out. Efficiency can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a first embodiment of an X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the first embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing processing contents of an image processing unit and an area dividing unit in the first embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an area setting unit of the first embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transmission image display unit and a determination result display unit of the first embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a second embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of an apparatus main body in a second embodiment of the X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a third embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a conveyance line of a third embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a fourth embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a transmission image display unit and a determination result display unit when there are two objects to be inspected in the fourth embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a transmission image display unit and a determination result display unit when there are three objects to be inspected in the fourth embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transmission image display unit and a determination result display unit of the fourth embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a side view of an apparatus main body in a fourth embodiment of an X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a side view when a reflection type light projecting / receiving line sensor is applied as a shape recognition unit in the fourth embodiment of the X-ray foreign object detection device according to the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional X-ray foreign object detection device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... X-ray foreign matter detection device
3b ... Exit
4 ... Foreign matter detector
5 ... X-ray generator
6 ... X-ray detector
7 ... Operation indicator
10 ... Processing unit
11. Data memory
12. Image processing unit
14, 19 ... area dividing unit
15: Determination unit
16 ... Transparent image display section
17 ... judgment result display section
18 ... Shape recognition unit
20 ... sorting means
W (Wa, Wb, Wc) ... Inspection object
A ... Image processing area
Aa, Ab, Ac ... Inspection area
T (Ta, Tb, Tc) ... Transmission data
P (Pa, Pb, Pc) ... shape data

Claims (8)

X-rays are exposed to a plurality of inspection objects (Wa, Wb) conveyed in parallel in a width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveyor on a horizontally arranged conveyor. An X-ray foreign matter detection device that detects the presence or absence of foreign matter (d) in each inspection object from the amount of X-ray transmitted through each inspection object as a result of exposure to
An X-ray generator (5) that emits X-rays to each inspection object;
An X-ray detector (6) for outputting transmission data (Ta, Tb) corresponding to the intensity of X-rays transmitted through each of the inspection objects;
An image processing unit (12) that performs image processing on the transparent data;
An area dividing unit (14) that divides the image processing area (A) in which the transmission data is subjected to image processing into preset inspection areas (Aa, Ab) each including the transmission data;
A determination unit (15) for determining the presence or absence of the foreign matter for each inspection object based on transmission data in each of the divided inspection areas;
The determination result (Pa, Pb) of each inspection object by the determination unit corresponds to the parallel state of the plurality of inspection objects, and the conveyance unit back side on the conveyor is displayed on the display unit upper side for each inspection region. A determination result display unit (17) for displaying in parallel with the front side of the transport unit being the lower side of the display unit,
An X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus comprising:   The transmission image display unit (16) according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission image display unit (16) for displaying the transmission data in each of the divided inspection regions in parallel in correspondence with the parallel state of the plurality of inspection objects. X-ray foreign object detection device. It has a carry-out port (3b) through which each of the inspected objects determined whether or not the foreign matter is present,
2. The determination result display unit is provided on the carry-out port side, and the determination result is displayed corresponding to the position of each inspection object carried out from the carry-out port. X-ray foreign matter detection device.   Sorting means (20) for sorting the inspection object (Wa) determined to have the foreign object and the inspection object (Wb) determined to have no foreign object based on the determination result by the determination unit. The X-ray foreign object detection device according to claim 1, comprising: X-rays are exposed to inspected objects (Wa, Wb) housed in a plurality of packages conveyed in parallel in a width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveyor on a horizontally arranged conveyor. An X-ray foreign matter detection device that detects the presence or absence of foreign matter (d) in each inspection object from the amount of X-ray transmission that passes through each inspection object as the X-ray is exposed There,
An X-ray generator (5) that emits X-rays to each inspection object;
An X-ray detector (6) for outputting transmission data (Ta, Tb) corresponding to the intensity of X-rays transmitted through each of the inspection objects;
An image processing unit (12) that performs image processing on the transparent data;
A shape recognition unit (18) for recognizing the shape of each of the plurality of packages in which the objects to be inspected are stored and outputting shape data (Pa, Pb);
Each time the plurality of objects to be inspected are exposed, the image processing area (A) in which the transmission data is image-processed is based on the adjacent coordinate position in the width direction for each package based on the shape data. An area dividing unit (19) that divides the shape data including transmission data into inspection areas (Aa, Ab) corresponding to the number in the width direction ;
A determination unit (15) for determining the presence or absence of the foreign matter for each inspection object based on the transmission data in each of the divided inspection areas;
An X-ray foreign matter detection apparatus comprising: The transmission data in the inspection area that is divided each time the plurality of inspection objects are exposed is associated with the parallel state of the plurality of packages of the plurality of inspection objects for each inspection area. The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 5, further comprising a transmission image display unit (16) for displaying in parallel. The determination result of each inspection object by the determination unit for each inspection area that is divided every time the plurality of inspection objects are exposed is converted into a parallel state of the plurality of packages of the plurality of inspection objects. The X-ray foreign matter detection device according to claim 5, further comprising a determination result display unit (17) that displays correspondingly for each of the inspection regions. It has a carry-out port (3b) through which each of the inspected objects determined whether or not the foreign matter is present,
The said determination result display part is provided in the said carrying-out exit side, The said determination result is displayed corresponding to the position of each said to-be-examined object carried out from this carrying-out port, The said determination result is characterized by the above-mentioned. X-ray foreign matter detection device.

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