Device and method for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device and method for measuring the length of cigarette segments based on image detection. The concept of the present invention is to abandon the traditional identification and measurement method of the microwave resonant cavity, and instead propose to measure the length of each segment of the cigarette body based on the image method. Specifically, a first fill light source is used to illuminate the cigarette sample to be tested conveyed on the cigarette track from top to bottom, and the image collector below the cigarette track captures the image of the cigarette after fill light, and then the processor performs segment position identification and length measurement processing on the image of the cigarette after fill light. The processor can also electrically control the first fill light source, the image collector, and the cigarette storage bin smoke output and other functions to realize the automatic collection of the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after fill light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tobacco processing, and in particular to a device and method for measuring the length of cigarette segments based on image detection. Background Art

[0002] The cigarette body includes a filling segment and a filter segment. There are connecting parts between the filling segment and the filter segment or in the filling segment itself, which are the segmentation points and segmentation boundaries. The quality indicators need to identify the different segmentation positions and measure the segmentation lengths. The current non-destructive detection method for cigarette segments is the microwave method, that is, the detection device contains a microwave resonant cavity with an effective width of 4mm. The tested cigarette sample is slowly sent into the resonant cavity. Based on the microwave resonance detection, the corresponding waveform curve is obtained. The horizontal axis of the curve is time and the vertical axis is density. The cigarette segments are identified through density data and the length measurement and analysis are performed accordingly.

[0003] However, the resonant cavity's detection range is limited. For example, when the sample density is relatively high, it may exceed the resonant cavity's detection range, making it impossible to accurately determine the segment length data. Furthermore, each microwave test requires pre-entry of the estimated position of each cigarette segment. In other words, using a traditional microwave resonant cavity to measure the length of each segment is akin to a calibration process based on pre-determined information. If the length and position information is completely unknown before testing, existing detection devices cannot provide reliable measurement data. Furthermore, metal materials generally reflect microwaves, causing damage to the relevant microwave unit, which also brings inconvenience to actual detection applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for measuring the length of cigarette segments based on image detection, thereby avoiding many disadvantages of the microwave resonance detection method.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for measuring the length of cigarette segments based on image detection, comprising: a track stand, a first fill light source, an image collector, a cigarette storage bin, and a processor;

[0007] The track stand is provided with a cigarette track made of a light-transmitting material, and the cigarette track is used to transport cigarette samples to be tested;

[0008] The cigarette storage bin for storing the cigarette samples to be tested is provided with an electrically controlled smoke outlet door, and the electrically controlled smoke outlet door is cooperatively connected to one end of the cigarette track;

[0009] The first fill light source is arranged above the cigarette track and facing the cigarette track, and is used to be triggered by the processor to output fill light of preset brightness, and the fill light range covers the cigarette track;

[0010] The image collector is arranged below the cigarette track and opposite to the position of the first fill light source, and is used to capture images of the cigarette samples to be tested;

[0011] The processor is electrically connected to the electrically controlled smoke outlet door, the first fill light source, and the image collector respectively.

[0012] In at least one possible implementation, the cigarette track is tilted at a preset angle, and the cigarette storage bin is connected to a higher end of the cigarette track.

[0013] In at least one possible implementation, the cigarette storage bin is provided with a cigarette pushing component driven by a first motor, and the first motor is electrically connected to the processor.

[0014] In at least one possible implementation, the device further includes an optical fiber sensor electrically connected to the processor, the optical fiber sensor being installed between the first fill light source and the cigarette storage bin, and the optical fiber sensor being used to sense the cigarette samples to be tested transported on the cigarette track.

[0015] In at least one possible implementation, the device further includes a second fill light source electrically connected to the processor;

[0016] The second fill light source is arranged below the cigarette track and facing the cigarette track, and is used to be triggered by the processor to output fill light of preset brightness; wherein the second fill light source is close to the image collector or integrated with the image collector;

[0017] Furthermore, the brightness of the second fill light source is weaker than the brightness of the first fill light source.

[0018] In at least one possible implementation, the device further includes a waste cigarette bin connected to an end of the cigarette track away from the cigarette storage bin.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for measuring the length of a cigarette segment using the above-mentioned device, comprising:

[0020] Receiving the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after being supplemented with light, which is acquired by the image collector;

[0021] Preprocessing the image of the cigarette sample to be tested;

[0022] Calculating the target grayscale value of the preprocessed image of the cigarette sample to be tested;

[0023] The length values ​​of each segment of the cigarette in the image of the cigarette sample to be tested are measured according to the target grayscale value, the resolution of the image collector and a preset grayscale threshold.

[0024] In at least one possible implementation, the receiving of the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after light filling acquired by the image collector includes:

[0025] When a high level signal sent by the optical fiber sensor is detected;

[0026] First, triggering the second fill light source to output fill light, and synchronously capturing the first image of the cigarette sample to be tested after this fill light;

[0027] Then, the first fill light source is triggered to output fill light, and a second image of the cigarette sample to be tested after the fill light is simultaneously captured;

[0028] The brightness of the fill light output by the second fill light source is weaker than the brightness of the fill light output by the first fill light source.

[0029] In at least one possible implementation manner, calculating the target grayscale value of the preprocessed cigarette sample image includes:

[0030] Respectively acquiring a first grayscale value and a second grayscale value of each pixel of the preprocessed first image and the second image;

[0031] Merging the first image and the second image according to the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value to obtain a target image;

[0032] The grayscale value of each pixel in the target image is used as the target grayscale value.

[0033] In at least one possible implementation manner, merging the first image and the second image according to the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value includes: calculating a difference between the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value.

[0034] The concept of the present invention is to abandon the traditional identification and measurement method of the microwave resonant cavity, and instead propose to measure the length of each segment of the cigarette body based on the image method. Specifically, a first fill light source is used to illuminate the cigarette sample to be tested conveyed on the cigarette track from top to bottom, and the image collector below the cigarette track captures the image of the cigarette after fill light, and then the processor performs segmented position identification and length measurement processing on the image of the cigarette after fill light. The processor can also electrically control the functions of the first fill light source, the image collector, and the cigarette storage bin smoke output, so as to realize the automatic acquisition of the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after fill light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a device for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a device for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of a method for measuring the length of cigarette segments provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] The present invention proposes an implementation reference of a device for measuring the length of a cigarette segment based on image detection, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it specifically includes: a track stand 1, a first fill light source 2, an image collector 3, a cigarette storage bin 4, and a processor 5. Specifically, the track stand 1 is provided with a cigarette track 10 made of a light-transmitting material (such as but not limited to glass), and the cigarette track 10 is used to transport cigarette samples to be tested; the cigarette storage bin 4 is used to store cigarette samples to be tested, and is provided with an electric-controlled smoke outlet door 41, which is connected to one end of the cigarette track 10; the first fill light source 2 is arranged above the cigarette track 10 and faces the cigarette track 10, and is used to be triggered by the processor 5 to output fill light of a preset brightness, and preferably, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, in order to obtain a relatively uniform fill light effect, the illumination range of the first fill light source can basically cover the cigarette track 10; the image collector 3 is arranged below the cigarette track 10 and opposite to the position of the first fill light source 2, and the image collector 3 is used to capture the image of the cigarette sample to be tested; the processor 5 is electrically connected to the electronically controlled smoke outlet door 41, the first fill light source 2, and the image collector 3 respectively (the electrical connection is not shown in the figure).

[0041] Figure 1A reference but non-limiting setting method of the cigarette track 10 is shown, that is, it can be tilted at a preset angle (for example but not limited to 45°), and the aforementioned cigarette storage bin 4 is connected to the higher end of the tilted cigarette track 10, thereby forming an inclination angle consistent with the cigarette track 10.

[0042] Based on this example, a preferred working method of the aforementioned device embodiment can be referenced as follows:

[0043] Based on mature processors such as PLC, single-chip microcomputer, embedded system, etc. (in some preferred embodiments, industrial control computers with CPU, hard disk, memory, etc. can also be used), the aforementioned electric control smoke outlet door can be controlled to open so that the cigarette samples to be tested can roll out of the cigarette storage bin by their own gravity. In actual operation, the electric control smoke outlet door can be controlled according to the frequency of single cigarette output or a preset frequency of multiple cigarette outputs in a row. The specific setting needs to be combined with the subsequent track transportation rate and the image acquisition device shooting scanning frequency. The present invention does not limit this control method. Then, the cigarette samples to be tested are rolled toward the lower end on the inclined cigarette track. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the conveying speed is related to the tilt angle, cigarette weight, etc., which can also be set as needed. Furthermore, the processor can activate the first fill light source above the cigarette track. In actual operation, the first fill light source can be triggered to work continuously or intermittently by the control module of the first fill light source according to a predetermined voltage and current. That is, during the rolling conveyance of the cigarette sample to be tested, the first fill light source above the cigarette track can output fill light of a preset brightness continuously or on demand according to the set parameters. Therefore, the first fill light source can adopt lighting equipment already available on the market. More preferably, it can be a lighting equipment with adjustable brightness parameters, such as an electronically controlled flash. In addition, synchronously with the fill light, the processor can activate the image collector below the cigarette track and take a single or multiple images of the cigarette sample after fill light according to the preset sampling parameters. In actual operation, the image collector can be in various forms, such as but not limited to visual acquisition devices such as CCD cameras. Taking the CCD camera as an example, its parameters can be configured with a scanning frequency of 10Hz and a resolution of 0.4mm×0.4mm. The image collector transmits the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after filling light to the processor, and then the processor performs image processing on the image of the cigarette sample to be tested, and then analyzes the position of each segment and calculates the length of each segment based on the significant light transmittance effect of each segment of the cigarette. The specific image processing method is not limited or elaborated.

[0044] Two additional points need to be explained:

[0045] First, in order to facilitate the collection and processing of cigarette samples after testing, Figure 1As shown, a waste cigarette bin 8 can be provided at one end of the cigarette track 10 away from the cigarette storage bin 4, which is connected to the delivery outlet of the cigarette track 10. Figure 1 For example, the waste cigarette bin 8 can be set at the lower part of the track stand 1 in combination with the specific shape of the track stand 1, and the cigarettes after inspection can fall into the waste cigarette bin 8 from the conveying outlet of the cigarette track 10.

[0046] Secondly, the shooting frequency of the image collector, such as the shutter rate (or scanning frequency) of the CCD camera, can be specifically set in combination with the conveying speed of the test cigarette samples on the cigarette track, the inclination angle of the cigarette track, the smoke output frequency controlled by the electronically controlled smoke outlet door, the number of test cigarette samples on the cigarette track, etc. Regarding the smoke output frequency, the present invention proposes in some preferred embodiments that the cigarette storage bin 4 can also be provided with a cigarette pushing component driven by a first motor (for example, but not limited to a cigarette pushing plate or a cigarette pushing rod), and the first motor is electrically connected to the processor 5. That is, in this preferred embodiment, the processor 5 can control the operation of the first motor to drive the cigarette pushing component to output the test cigarette samples in the bin through the electronically controlled smoke outlet door 41 and onto the cigarette track 10. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to the first motor providing the conveying power, the cigarette storage bin 4 can also consider using a cylinder mechanism to drive the cigarette pushing component back and forth to assist in the transmission of the test cigarette samples.

[0047] Based on the above, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the present invention further provides a preferred implementation reference of a device for measuring the length of cigarette segments based on image detection. Specifically, the device may also include a fiber optic sensor 7 electrically connected to the processor 5. The fiber optic sensor 7 can be installed between the first fill light source 2 and the cigarette storage bin 4 (for example, but not limited to, it can be installed on the inner wall of the cigarette track corresponding to this interval). The fiber optic sensor 7 is used to sense the cigarette samples to be tested transported on the cigarette track 10, that is, by utilizing the principle of photoelectric conversion, when the cigarette storage bin 4 outputs a sample to be tested, it can be sensed by the fiber optic sensor 7 and the converted electrical signal can be sent to the processor 5, so that the processor 5 can set, trigger or regulate the opening and closing or parameter setting of the aforementioned related components according to the photoelectric signal. For example, but not limited to, after the processor detects the photoelectric signal, it triggers the first fill light source to work, and then triggers the image collector to collect cigarette images, thereby avoiding energy waste and equipment loss caused by unnecessary continuous operation or high-frequency operation.

[0048] Based on this concept, the present invention further considers that in actual detection, cigarettes may be affected by surface trademarks, printed lines, and other factors, which may affect image detection. Therefore, to eliminate this error, it is possible to consider using fill light of varying brightness and taking at least two photos under different fill light conditions. This can provide cigarette image data support under different light levels for comparison of the aforementioned error factors. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, the device may further include a second fill light source 6 electrically connected to the processor 5. The second fill light source 6 is disposed below and facing the cigarette track 10. Specifically, the second fill light source 6 may be relatively close to the image collector 3 or integrated with the image collector 3. Its function is to be triggered by the processor 5 to output fill light of a preset brightness. It should be emphasized that the device selection of the second fill light source 6 can be the same as that of the first fill light source 2, but the brightness of the second fill light source should be weaker than that of the first fill light source 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first fill light source 2 can be a strong light source, while the second fill light source can be a weak light source. In this way, combined with the monitoring signal of the optical fiber sensor 7 mentioned above, different fill light sources can be switched when the cigarette sample to be tested passes, and cigarette images under different light sources can be obtained respectively, so as to provide a variety of image reference data for filtering out interference factors on the cigarette during subsequent segmented detection.

[0049] To sum up, the concept of the present invention is to abandon the traditional identification and measurement method of the microwave resonant cavity, and instead propose to measure the length of each segment of the cigarette body based on the image method. Specifically, a first fill light source is used to illuminate the cigarette sample to be tested conveyed on the cigarette track from top to bottom, and the image collector below the cigarette track captures the image of the cigarette after fill light, and then the processor performs segmented position identification and length measurement processing on the image of the cigarette after fill light. The processor can also electrically control the functions of the first fill light source, the image collector, and the cigarette storage bin smoke output, so as to realize the automatic acquisition of the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after fill light.

[0050] In combination with the aforementioned device hardware solution, the present invention further proposes a cigarette segment length measurement solution using the aforementioned cigarette segment length measurement device based on image detection. Specifically, in combination with Figure 3 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0051] Step S1, receiving an image of a cigarette sample to be tested after light filling, acquired by an image collector;

[0052] Step S2: pre-processing the image of the cigarette sample to be tested;

[0053] Step S3, calculating the target grayscale value of the pre-processed cigarette sample image;

[0054] Step S4: measuring the length of each segment of the cigarette in the image of the cigarette sample to be tested according to the target grayscale value, the resolution of the image collector and a preset grayscale threshold.

[0055] It should be pointed out here that if only the first fill light source provides strong light, the segmented positioning and length data can also be obtained according to the above method. For example, if the CCD camera uses a 0.4mm×0.4mm resolution camera, the gray value B1 of a certain point in the image of the cigarette sample to be tested after strong light fill light is ij , where i is the horizontal coordinate, which is 1, 2, 3, 4...; j is the vertical coordinate, which is 1, 2, 3, 4...; then the actual size of the pixel can be calculated: the horizontal coordinate is 0.4*i mm, the vertical coordinate is 0.4*j mm, and then the grayscale values ​​of all pixels are obtained. Combined with the preset threshold, the segment position can be located, and the segment length can be measured by the number of pixels that meet a certain preset grayscale standard.

[0056] However, for the aforementioned step S1, it is more preferable that when the aforementioned device detects that the optical fiber sensor has sent a high-level signal, the second fill light source is first triggered to output fill light (weak light), and the first image of the cigarette sample to be tested after the weak light fill light is synchronously collected; then the first fill light source is triggered to output fill light (strong light), and the second image of the cigarette sample to be tested after the strong light fill light is synchronously collected. Of course, in actual operation, the order of strong and weak fill light can be ignored, as long as images of the same sample under different light sources are obtained. Furthermore, the aforementioned step S3 can be to respectively obtain the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value of each pixel point of the first image and the second image after preprocessing, and merge the first image and the second image according to the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value to obtain the target image, and use the grayscale value of each pixel point in the target image as the target grayscale value. The merging method here preferably obtains the difference between the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value, that is, subtracts the grayscale of the image pixel under strong light fill illumination from the grayscale of the image pixel under weak light fill illumination, and then obtains the target image generated based on the pixel difference. Of course, this grayscale difference itself can be understood as the target grayscale value, thereby eliminating possible visual interference factors on the cigarette body.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present invention, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can be represented by: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0058] The above describes in detail the structure, features and effects of the present invention based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, but the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the above embodiments and their preferred modes can be reasonably combined and matched into a variety of equivalent schemes by those skilled in the art without departing from or changing the design ideas and technical effects of the present invention; therefore, the scope of implementation of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, which still do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and drawings, should be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection, characterized in that: It comprises a track stand (1), a first fill light source (2), an image collector (3), a cigarette storage bin (4) and a processor (5); The track stand (1) is provided with a cigarette track (10) made of a light-transmitting material, and the cigarette track (10) is used to transport cigarette samples to be tested; The cigarette storage bin (4) for storing the cigarette samples to be tested is provided with an electrically controlled smoke outlet door (41), and the electrically controlled smoke outlet door (41) is cooperatively connected to one end of the cigarette track (10); The first fill light source (2) is arranged above the cigarette track (10) and facing the cigarette track (10), and is used to be triggered by the processor (5) to output fill light of a preset brightness, and the fill light range covers the cigarette track (10); The image collector (3) is arranged below the cigarette track (10) and opposite to the position of the first fill light source (2), the image collector (3) is used to capture images of cigarette samples to be tested, and the illumination range of the first fill light source (2) covers the upper part of the cigarette track (10); The processor (5) is respectively connected to the electrically controlled smoke outlet door (41), the first fill light source (2), and the image collector (3) via electrical signals; The device further comprises a second fill light source (6) electrically connected to the processor (5); the second fill light source (6) is arranged below the cigarette track (10) and faces the cigarette track (10), and the second fill light source (6) is integrated with the image collector (3) and is used to be triggered by the processor (5) to output fill light of preset brightness; the brightness of the second fill light source (6) is weaker than the brightness of the first fill light source (2), and the second fill light source (6) is within the illumination range of the first fill light source (2), belonging to local weak light fill light; when a cigarette sample to be tested passes through, different fill light sources are switched, and cigarette images under different light sources are obtained respectively, so as to obtain the difference in grayscale value of each pixel in the cigarette image under strong and weak light sources, and obtain the target image.

2. The device for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette track (10) is tilted at a preset angle, and the cigarette storage bin (4) is connected to the higher end of the cigarette track (10).

3. The device for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette storage bin (4) is provided with a cigarette pushing component driven by a first motor, and the first motor is electrically connected to the processor (5).

4. The device for measuring cigarette segment length based on image detection according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The device further comprises a waste cigarette bin (8), wherein the waste cigarette bin (8) is connected to one end of the cigarette track (10) away from the cigarette storage bin (4).

5. A method for measuring the length of a cigarette segment, characterized in that: include: Receiving an image of a cigarette sample to be tested after light filling collected by an image collector, comprising: upon detecting a high-level signal sent by an optical fiber sensor; successively triggering a second light filling light source and a first light filling light source to output light filling, and correspondingly collecting a first image and a second image of the cigarette sample to be tested after light filling; wherein the light filling brightness output by the second light filling light source is weaker than the light filling brightness output by the first light filling light source, and the second light filling light source (6) is a local weak light filling light relative to the illumination range of the first light filling light source (2), and is used to filter out interference factors on the cigarette for segmented detection; Preprocessing the image of the cigarette sample to be tested; Calculating a target grayscale value of the preprocessed image of the cigarette sample to be tested, comprising: respectively obtaining a first grayscale value and a second grayscale value of each pixel point of the preprocessed first image and the second image; calculating the difference between the first grayscale value and the second grayscale value of each pixel point in the first and second images to obtain a target image; and using the grayscale value of each pixel point in the target image as the target grayscale value; The length values ​​of each segment of the cigarette in the image of the cigarette sample to be tested are measured according to the target grayscale value, the resolution of the image collector and a preset grayscale threshold.

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