A vision inspection system for cigarette rod plug detection
By using X-ray transmission imaging technology, X-ray generators and flat panel detectors are used to acquire images of cigarettes. Combined with an image processor, efficient and high-precision detection of cigarette stems and tags is achieved, solving the problem of lack of machine vision in cigarette stem and tag detection and improving the quality of cigarette processing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA TOBACCO HENAN IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
The lack of an effective machine vision inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags in the current technology leads to reliance on manual sampling for stem tag detection in cigarette processing, which affects cigarette quality and equipment efficiency.
An X-ray generator is used to generate X-rays and irradiate the cigarette stick. An X-ray image is acquired by a flat panel detector, and a high-precision detection of the cigarette stick is achieved by combining it with an image processor.
It enables non-destructive, efficient, and high-precision visual inspection of tobacco stems and twigs during tobacco processing, improving the inspection technology and equipment support for cigarette processing quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN224500465U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette stem detection technology, and more specifically, to a visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems. Background Technology
[0002] Stems and veins in tobacco leaves easily form stem fragments or clumps during the tobacco processing. These stem fragments must be removed before rolling to reduce the amount of stem fragments in the tobacco. Stems in cigarettes can cause uneven tobacco filling, affecting the stability of cigarette weight and draw resistance, as well as the stability of physical properties, hindering quality control and equipment operation, and impacting equipment efficiency and material consumption. Furthermore, stem fragments are a major cause of cigarette punctures and leaks; they can also cause combustion defects such as bursting at the burning end, producing off-gassing and irritation, thus affecting the combustibility and sensory quality of the cigarette. As domestic tobacco companies increasingly demand higher standards for cigarette quality stability, stem fragment control remains a key focus and challenge in cigarette manufacturing processes.
[0003] Currently, the tobacco industry has not established industry standards for detecting stems in cigarettes. Cigarette processing companies typically use manual sampling, manually separating the tobacco from the cigarettes and selecting the stems for testing. Based on relevant literature both domestically and internationally, there is currently no system for detecting cigarette stems using machine vision.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a visual inspection system for detecting tobacco stems and twigs, in order to solve the problems in the prior art and achieve non-destructive, efficient and high-precision visual inspection of the key quality indicator of tobacco stems and twigs in tobacco processing.
[0006] This utility model provides a visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags, comprising: an X-ray generator and a flat panel detector arranged sequentially, wherein the flat panel detector is connected to an image processor, wherein:
[0007] The X-ray generator is used to generate X-rays and irradiate the cigarette.
[0008] The flat panel detector is provided with an image area. The flat panel detector is used to receive the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator and to acquire the X-ray image formed by the cigarette to be detected in the image area. The cigarette to be detected is located between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector.
[0009] The image processor is used to obtain the stem detection result based on the X-ray image of the cigarette to be detected.
[0010] In the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags as described above, preferably, the X-ray generator comprises a high-voltage generator and an X-ray tube arranged sequentially, wherein:
[0011] The high-voltage generator is used to convert power into a high-voltage signal according to the set exposure parameters;
[0012] The X-ray tube is used to receive the high-voltage signal generated by the high-voltage generator 1 and to emit X-rays in response to the high-voltage signal.
[0013] In the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems as described above, preferably, the X-ray tube's emission direction is perpendicular to the flat panel detector, and the center of the detection area of the flat panel detector and the emission center of the X-ray tube are on the same optical axis.
[0014] The axis of the cigarette to be tested is parallel to the flat panel detector, and a preset gap is provided between the cigarette to be tested and the flat panel detector, the preset gap being 4.5mm-5.5mm.
[0015] The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems as described above preferably further includes a beam beam disposed between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector to limit the irradiation range of the X-rays.
[0016] The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems as described above preferably further includes a frame for fixing the X-ray generator, the flat panel detector, and the beam beam.
[0017] In the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags as described above, preferably, the flat panel detector has a resolution of 0.048 mm and a photosensitive voltage range of 0-100 KV.
[0018] In the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags as described above, preferably, the flat panel detector is vertically fixed on a stand, and the outer layer of the stand is provided with a lead plate.
[0019] In the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags as described above, preferably, the image processor includes a high-speed industrial computer.
[0020] The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags as described above preferably further includes an image acquisition card disposed between the flat panel detector and the image processor.
[0021] In the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags as described above, preferably, the X-ray generator includes a YXT-8 type low-energy X-ray generator with a radiation energy of 0~100 kV and a radiation angle of 36 degrees to 40 degrees.
[0022] This invention provides a visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems and twigs. An X-ray generator produces X-rays to irradiate the cigarette; a flat panel detector receives the X-rays and acquires an X-ray image of the cigarette to be inspected within the image area; an image processor obtains the stem and twig detection result based on the X-ray image of the cigarette. Compared with traditional manual cigarette stripping inspection methods, this invention, based on X-ray transmission imaging, achieves non-destructive, efficient, and high-precision visual inspection of the stem and twig—a key quality indicator in tobacco processing—providing effective inspection technology and equipment support for improving cigarette processing quality. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags provided by this utility model.
[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-High voltage generator, 2-X-ray tube, 3-beam beam, 4-Image area, 5-Flat panel detector, 6-Image acquisition card, 7-Image processor. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.
[0027] The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Terms such as “including” or “contains” mean that the element preceding the term encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as “above” and “below” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, this relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0028] In this disclosure, when a specific component is described as being located between a first component and a second component, an intermediary component may or may not be present between the specific component and the first or second component. When a specific component is described as connecting to other components, the specific component may be directly connected to the other components without having an intermediary component, or it may not be directly connected to the other components but may have an intermediary component.
[0029] All terms used in this disclosure (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.
[0030] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.
[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags provided in this embodiment includes: an X-ray generator and a flat panel detector 5 arranged sequentially, wherein the flat panel detector 5 is connected to an image processor 7, wherein:
[0032] The X-ray generator is used to generate X-rays and irradiate the cigarette.
[0033] The flat panel detector 5 is provided with an image area 4. The flat panel detector 5 is used to receive the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator and to acquire the X-ray image of the cigarette to be detected formed in the image area 4. The cigarette to be detected is located between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector 5.
[0034] The image processor 7 is used to obtain the stem detection result based on the X-ray image of the cigarette to be detected.
[0035] Specifically, the X-ray generator includes a high-voltage generator 1 and an X-ray tube 2 arranged sequentially, wherein:
[0036] The high-voltage generator 1 is used to convert power into a high-voltage signal according to the set exposure parameters, wherein the exposure parameters include voltage and current values;
[0037] The X-ray tube 2 is used to receive the high-voltage signal generated by the high-voltage generator 1 and to emit X-rays in response to the high-voltage signal.
[0038] The X-ray emission direction of the X-ray tube 2 is perpendicular to the flat panel detector 5, and the center of the detection area of the flat panel detector 5 and the center of the X-ray tube 2 are on the same optical axis to reduce measurement deviation.
[0039] The axis of the cigarette to be detected is parallel to the flat panel detector 5. A preset gap is provided between the cigarette to be detected and the flat panel detector 5. The preset gap includes 4.5mm-5.5mm, for example, 5mm.
[0040] In some embodiments of this utility model, considering the low density of cigarette stems, the X-ray generator is a YXT-8 type low-energy X-ray generator with a radiation energy of 0~100 kV, a radiation angle of 36 degrees to 40 degrees, for example 38 degrees, a power supply condition of 220V±10%, 50Hz, a current range of 32 mA - 50mA, and an exposure time of 0.01s to 4s.
[0041] Furthermore, the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems also includes a beam beam 3 disposed between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector 5 to limit the irradiation range of the X-rays. Specifically, the beam beam 3 allows the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray generator to be directed onto the flat panel detector 5 in a parallel manner, limiting the irradiation area, concentrating the X-rays mainly within the image area 4, and reducing interference caused by unnecessary irradiation.
[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this utility model, a filter plate is provided on the beam channel of the beam beamer 3. The filter plate can improve the uniformity of the ray intensity in the image area 4, which is beneficial for the analysis and processing of the detection image.
[0043] Furthermore, the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags also includes a frame for fixing the X-ray generator, the flat panel detector 5, and the beam 3.
[0044] Furthermore, the flat panel detector 5 has a resolution of 0.048 mm and a photosensitive voltage range of 0-100 KV. The pixel size is 85 μm, the pixel matrix is 1536*1536, the spatial resolution is 5.8 lp / mm, and the AD conversion is 16 bits. In specific implementations, the flat panel detector 5 is selected from models with high sensitivity and resolution to achieve accurate and rapid data reading.
[0045] Furthermore, the flat panel detector 5 is vertically fixed to a support plate, and the outer layer of the support plate is provided with a lead plate to ensure that the dose equivalent rate around the flat panel detector 5 meets the ionizing radiation protection safety requirements stipulated in national standards. In one embodiment of this utility model, the thickness of the lead plate is 4.5mm-5.5mm, for example, 5mm.
[0046] Furthermore, the image processor 7 includes a high-speed industrial control computer. The image processor 7 of this invention, based on the difference in mass characteristic value per unit area, uses X-ray transmission imaging to effectively distinguish whether a cigarette contains a stem and the shape of the stem. Specifically, for stems with a higher mass characteristic value per unit area, the attenuation of X-rays after penetration is relatively greater; while for tobacco with a lower mass characteristic value per unit area, the attenuation of X-ray transmission is smaller; and the attenuation of X-ray transmission is smaller for backgrounds without any objects.
[0047] Furthermore, the visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags also includes an image acquisition card 6 disposed between the flat panel detector 5 and the image processor 7. In this invention, the image acquisition card 6 functions in the following ways: receiving image signals from the flat panel detector 5 and performing A / D conversion to amplify and digitize the image signals; serving as an input / output interface for camera control, coordinating the camera for synchronous and asynchronous image capture, timed image capture, etc.; serving as a bus interface for high-speed transmission of digital data through the internal bus of the image processor 7, achieving real-time transmission of high-precision images; adjusting technical parameters such as the acquisition size and field of view of the cigarette image; possessing strong anti-interference capabilities and a long lifespan, suitable for real-time detection of cigarette stem tags; cigarette stem tag detection accuracy: thickness ≥ 1.5mm, width ≥ 3.0mm, length ≥ 10.0mm; cigarette stem tag detection pass rate ≥ 98%.
[0048] The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems provided in this embodiment uses an X-ray generator to generate X-rays and irradiate the cigarette; a flat panel detector receives the X-rays and acquires an X-ray image of the cigarette to be inspected in the image area; and an image processor obtains the stem detection result based on the X-ray image of the cigarette to be inspected. Compared with the traditional manual cigarette stripping inspection method, this invention can achieve non-destructive, efficient, and high-precision visual inspection of the stem, a key quality indicator in tobacco processing, based on X-ray transmission imaging, providing effective detection technology and equipment support for improving the quality of cigarette processing.
[0049] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.
[0050] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags, characterized in that, include: An X-ray generator and a flat panel detector are arranged sequentially, the flat panel detector being connected to an image processor, wherein: The X-ray generator is used to generate X-rays and irradiate the cigarette. The flat panel detector is provided with an image area. The flat panel detector is used to receive the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator and to acquire the X-ray image formed by the cigarette to be detected in the image area. The cigarette to be detected is located between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector. The image processor is used to obtain the stem detection result based on the X-ray image of the cigarette to be detected.
2. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray generator includes a high-voltage generator and an X-ray tube arranged in sequence, wherein: The high-voltage generator is used to convert power into a high-voltage signal according to the set exposure parameters; The X-ray tube is used to receive the high-voltage signal generated by the high-voltage generator and to emit X-rays in response to the high-voltage signal.
3. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 2, characterized in that, The X-ray tube emits rays perpendicular to the flat panel detector, and the center of the detection area of the flat panel detector and the center of the X-ray tube are on the same optical axis. The axis of the cigarette to be tested is parallel to the flat panel detector, and a preset gap is provided between the cigarette to be tested and the flat panel detector, the preset gap being 4.5mm-5.5mm.
4. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems also includes a beam beam disposed between the X-ray generator and the flat panel detector to limit the irradiation range of the X-rays.
5. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 4, characterized in that, The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stems also includes a frame for fixing the X-ray generator, the flat panel detector, and the beam beam.
6. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flat panel detector has a resolution of 0.048 mm and a photosensitive voltage range of 0-100 KV.
7. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flat panel detector is vertically fixed on a stand, and the outer layer of the stand is provided with a lead plate.
8. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image processor includes a high-speed industrial computer.
9. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags also includes an image acquisition card disposed between the flat panel detector and the image processor.
10. The visual inspection system for detecting cigarette stem tags according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray generator includes a YXT-8 type low-energy X-ray generator with a radiation energy of 0~100 kV and a radiation angle of 36 degrees to 40 degrees.