Identification device, recording medium, and identification method

Abstract

The present application provides an identification device, a recording medium and an identification method. The identification device has a processor, which performs the following processing: acquiring a comparison shaped image and a comparison unshaped image of a comparison molded product, the comparison shaped image being an image of at least a portion of a region formed with a shaped pattern, and the comparison unshaped image being an image of at least a portion of a region formed with an unshaped pattern; a reference storage unit, which stores, as registration images, a comparison shaped image and a comparison unshaped image of each of a plurality of molded products molded using at least one mold, in advance for each mold; determining a mold in which the comparison molded product is molded using the registration shaped image and the comparison shaped image; and identifying which of the registration images corresponding to the determined mold the comparison unshaped image matches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an identification device, a recording medium containing an identification program, and an identification method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a comparison device comprising: an acquisition unit that uses at least a portion of the skeleton portion of an identification mark attached to a component or product as a comparison area to acquire a first image of a pear-skin pattern formed in the comparison area, and a second image of a pear-skin pattern formed in the comparison area of ​​the skeleton portion of the identification mark attached to the component or product to be identified or the skeleton portion of a component that is one of the constituent elements of the product to be identified; and an output unit that compares the first image and the second image and outputs the comparison result, wherein the pear-skin pattern is formed by sandblasting, powder coating-based pear-skin processing, or electroplating as a subsequent processing on the basis of being formed by a metal mold, and the roughness of the pattern formed by the metal mold is made rougher than the pattern produced by the subsequent processing in advance.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a comparison device comprising: an extraction unit that extracts an image of the n-dimensional symbol and an image of the pear-skin pattern from an image containing at least an n-dimensional symbol containing information relating to a component, product, or product to which a prior commodity is a constituent element, and an image of the pear-skin pattern formed in at least a portion of a defined area of ​​a component or product for which a pear-skin pattern has been applied by a metal mold, i.e., a comparison area; an acquisition unit that acquires information relating to the component or product from the extracted image of the n-dimensional symbol; and a unit that acquires and outputs a comparison result, wherein the comparison result is used as a comparison of at least a portion of the defined area of ​​the component or product for which a pear-skin pattern has been applied by a metal mold. The image of the extracted pear skin pattern is obtained by comparing it with a database of representative values ​​of the image features of the pear skin pattern formed in the control area of ​​at least one of multiple parts or products with pear skin patterns applied through the same metal mold. The pear skin pattern is formed on the basis of the pear skin pattern formed by the metal mold by applying sandblasting, or a pear skin pattern based on powder coating, or an electroplating process as a subsequent processing. By making the roughness of the pear skin pattern based on the metal mold rougher than the individual differences produced by subsequent processing, it is easy to independently identify the metal mold and the individual differences.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6455678

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6308370 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In molded products, it is sometimes desirable to identify the mold that produced the product after manufacturing; this is called mold identification. Furthermore, it is sometimes desirable not only to identify the mold but also to identify which part of the data from individual molded products remains as historical records; this is called individual identification. For example, to track the manufacturing history after a molded product has been manufactured and placed on the market, a method of performing individual identification after mold identification is used.

[0010] As a method for individual identification after mold determination, such as the identification device in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, there is also a method that determines the mold by the pattern of the molded product and performs individual identification by processing a specific reference area with pear skin after molding. However, from the perspective of avoiding the complexity of the manufacturing process and the homogeneity of the appearance of the molded product, it is necessary to study a method that does not require additional processing of the molded product after molding.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an identification device, a recording medium containing the identification program, and an identification method that can determine the mold and identify individual products without requiring additional surface treatment of the molded product for individual identification during the manufacturing stage.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] The identification device according to the first aspect includes a processor that performs the following processing: acquiring a reference fixed image and a reference amorphous image of a reference object, i.e., a reference molded article, wherein the reference fixed image is an image of at least a portion of a region where a fixed pattern is formed, and the reference amorphous image is an image of at least a portion of a region where an amorphous pattern is formed, the amorphous pattern being a pattern formed during the formation of the fixed pattern, and being formed in a region different from the region where the fixed pattern is formed; referring to a storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair of at least a portion of an image of a region where a fixed pattern is formed (i.e., a registered fixed image) and at least a portion of an image of a region where an amorphous pattern is formed (i.e., a registered amorphous image) as registered images for each of a plurality of molded articles formed using at least one mold, as registered images for each mold; using the registered fixed image and the reference fixed image to determine the mold on which the reference molded article was formed, and identifying which of the registered amorphous images in the registered images corresponding to the determined mold is consistent with the reference amorphous image.

[0014] The identification device according to the second aspect is based on the identification device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor acquires a pair consisting of the reference shaped image and the reference amorphous image as an image, with reference to the storage unit that pre-stores a pair consisting of the registered shaped image and the registered amorphous image as an image, i.e., the registered image.

[0015] The identification device according to the third aspect is the identification device according to the second aspect, wherein the processor acquires a pair consisting of a reference fixed image and a reference irregular image captured at a shooting resolution corresponding to the shooting resolution of the region where the fixed pattern is formed and the region where the irregular pattern is formed, and refers to a storage unit that pre-stores the registered image captured at the shooting resolution.

[0016] The identification device according to the fourth aspect is the identification device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor acquires a pair of different images consisting of the comparison fixed image and the comparison amorphous image, and refers to the storage unit that pre-stores a pair of different images consisting of the registered fixed image and the registered amorphous image, namely the registered image.

[0017] The identification device according to the fifth aspect is the identification device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the processor acquires a pair consisting of a reference fixed image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the fixed pattern is formed and a reference amorphous image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the amorphous pattern is formed, and referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair consisting of a registered fixed image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the fixed pattern is formed and a registered amorphous image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the amorphous pattern is formed, namely the registered image.

[0018] The identification device according to the sixth aspect is the identification device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor acquires a pair consisting of a comparison fixed image and a comparison irregular image captured in a manner in which a second resolution is set when capturing an area with an irregular pattern to be higher than a first resolution when capturing an area with a fixed pattern, and referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair consisting of the registered fixed image captured at the first resolution and the registered irregular image captured at the second resolution, namely the registered image.

[0019] The identification device according to the seventh aspect is an identification device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the amorphous pattern is at least one of the traces of tools used in conjunction with the molding process using the mold, and the pattern of an area where the fixed pattern is not fully formed.

[0020] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a recording medium containing an identification program is provided, wherein the program causes a computer to perform the following processing: acquiring a reference fixed-shape image and a reference amorphous image of a reference molded article, the reference fixed-shape image being an image of at least a portion of a region with a fixed pattern, and the reference amorphous image being an image of at least a portion of a region with an amorphous pattern, the amorphous pattern being a pattern formed during the formation of the fixed pattern, formed in a region different from the region with the fixed pattern; referring to a storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores as registration images, for each of a plurality of molded articles formed using at least one mold, a pair of images consisting of at least a portion of the image of the region with the fixed pattern (i.e., a registered fixed-shape image) and at least a portion of the image of the region with the amorphous pattern (i.e., a registered amorphous image), as registration images for each mold; using the registration fixed-shape image and the reference fixed-shape image to determine the mold on which the reference molded article was formed, and identifying which of the registration amorphous images corresponds to the determined mold (eighth aspect of the invention).

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an identification method is provided, comprising: acquiring a reference fixed-shape image and a reference amorphous-shape image of a reference object, i.e., a reference molded article, wherein the reference fixed-shape image is an image of at least a portion of a region having a fixed pattern, and the reference amorphous-shape image is an image of at least a portion of a region having an amorphous pattern, the amorphous pattern being a pattern formed during the formation of the fixed pattern, and forming in a region different from the region having the fixed pattern; referring to a storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores as registration images, for each of a plurality of molded articles formed using at least one mold, a pair of at least a portion of an image of a region having a fixed pattern (i.e., a registered fixed-shape image) and at least a portion of an image of a region having an amorphous pattern (i.e., a registered amorphous-shape image), as registration images for each mold; using the registration fixed-shape image and the reference fixed-shape image to determine the mold on which the reference molded article was formed, and identifying which of the registration amorphous-shape images corresponds to the determined mold (ninth aspect of the invention).

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the first, eighth, and ninth aspects, the following effects are achieved: an identification device, a recording medium containing the identification program, and an identification method are provided that can determine the mold and identify the individual of the molded article without requiring additional treatment of the surface of the molded article for individual identification during the manufacturing stage.

[0024] According to the second aspect, the following effect is achieved: compared with the cases of using a pair consisting of a control fixed image and a control amorphous image as different images, and a pair consisting of a registered fixed image and a registered amorphous image as different images, it is easier to acquire images.

[0025] According to the third aspect, the following effect is achieved: compared with the case of acquiring images without considering the shooting resolution, finer patterns can be identified between the comparison fixed image and the comparison amorphous image, and between the registration fixed image and the registration amorphous image.

[0026] According to the fourth aspect, the following effect is achieved: compared with the case of using a pair consisting of a control fixed image and a control amorphous image as a single image, and a pair consisting of a registered fixed image and a registered amorphous image as a single image, the shooting area corresponding to the characteristics of the fixed image and the amorphous image is selected.

[0027] According to the fifth aspect, the following effect is achieved: compared with the case of acquiring a pair consisting of a control fixed image and a control amorphous image, and a pair consisting of a registered fixed image and a registered amorphous image at the same shooting resolution, a shooting resolution corresponding to the characteristics of the fixed image and the amorphous image is selected.

[0028] According to the sixth aspect, the following effect is achieved: compared with the case where the second resolution when photographing the region with the amorphous pattern is set to be lower than the first resolution when photographing the region with the definite pattern, finer amorphous patterns are identified.

[0029] According to the seventh aspect, the following effect is achieved: compared with the case of selecting areas of amorphous patterns without considering the formation process, it is easier to determine the areas of amorphous patterns. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the identification device according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 (a) is a block diagram showing a method for storing a registered image in the storage unit of the identification device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 (b) is a block diagram showing the structure of the registered image.

[0033] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of fixed and irregular patterns.

[0034] Figure 3 (b) is a diagram used to illustrate the shooting area.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process flow of the identification processing procedure executed by the identification device according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the principle of the mold determination process in the identification device of the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 (a) is a graph showing the comparison results of the individual identification processing principle in the identification device of the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing the imaging area used to illustrate the principle of individual identification processing in the identification device for the implementation of the method.

[0039] Figure 7 of (a), Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7 (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of fixed and irregular patterns.

[0040] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) is a diagram illustrating the identification device according to the second embodiment, wherein, Figure 8 (a) is a diagram used to illustrate the identifiability of using an incomplete fixed pattern as an amorphous pattern. Figure 8 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the cover exemplified in the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 (a) is a graph illustrating the comparison results of the mass-producible molds of the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 9 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the cover exemplified in the third embodiment.

[0043] Label Explanation

[0044] 10…Identification device, 11…CPU, 12…ROM, 13…RAM, 15…Input unit, 16…UI unit, 17…Storage unit, 18…Bus, 20…Batch forming mold, 21…Mold unit, 22…Cover, 30…Shaped area, 31…Irregular area, 32…Shooting area, FP…Shaped pattern, AP…Irregular pattern, th1, th2, th3, th4…Judgment range Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description of the method for implementing the present invention will be provided. In the following description, an example will be given of applying the identification device and identification program of the present invention to an identification device and identification program for molded articles formed by a mold after manufacturing, for mold determination and individual identification. Here, in this embodiment, "mold" refers to a mold that forms a shaped pattern on multiple portions of the surface of the molded article; examples include molds used in die casting, injection molding, and forging. The manufactured article formed using this mold is referred to as a "molded article." Furthermore, in the following description, the side opposite to the back side is referred to as the "front side," and the surface that does not consider the front or back side is referred to as the "surface."

[0046] [First Implementation Method]

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The identification device and identification procedure of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the identification device 10 of this embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read-only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, an input unit 15, a user interface (UI) unit 16, and a storage unit 17. Furthermore, the CPU 11 is an example of the "processor" of this invention.

[0048] The CPU 11 provides unified control over the entire identification device 10 and performs the identification processing for mold determination and individual identification in this embodiment. The ROM 12 stores the control program of the identification device 10, various programs including the identification processing program executed by the identification device 10, and data. The RAM 13 is a memory used as a working area when executing various programs. The CPU 11 performs identification processing by expanding the program stored in the ROM 12 in the RAM 13.

[0049] The input unit 15 (receiving unit) inputs (receives) images used when performing identification processing on the molded product that serves as a reference. In this embodiment, during the manufacturing stage, images of specific areas on the surface of the molded product are captured using a method pre-set for each product, and stored as registration images in the storage unit 17. Additionally, for example, to determine molds and identify individuals of molded products returned from the market for tracking manufacturing history (manufacturing date, batch, equipment used, etc.) as reference molded products, comparison images are obtained by capturing images of specific areas on the surface of the reference molded product using the same pre-set method as during manufacturing. The input unit 15 is the part that receives these registration images and comparison images. The input unit 15 can be an interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a communication interface, or a camera, which inputs the registration images and comparison images as data.

[0050] UI unit 16 is a part that provides instructions for users to perform recognition processing, register images, and input comparison images. UI unit 16 is, for example, an LCD monitor with touch panel functionality.

[0051] Storage unit 17 primarily stores the aforementioned registered images. For example, storage unit 17 can be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), or flash memory. Additionally, identification processing programs may also be stored in storage unit 17.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, CPU11, ROM12, RAM13, input unit 15, UI unit 16 and storage unit 17 are interconnected via bus 18.

[0053] Generally, for manufactured goods, it is sometimes necessary to trace the manufacturing history after they have been manufactured and placed on the market. Even for molded articles made using molds, it is sometimes necessary to trace the manufacturing history of the molded articles in operation. In this case, it is necessary to first identify the mold that was used for molding. Sometimes, mold-inherent textures (shape patterns, such as pear skin) are formed on multiple parts of the surface of the molded article. By using these shape patterns, the mold can be identified. However, in order to trace the manufacturing history, it is necessary to further identify the individual molded articles formed by that mold (individual identification). However, as will be discussed later, shape patterns are not always able to reliably identify different patterns individually.

[0054] On the other hand, during the molding process, sometimes traces of auxiliary tools such as ejector pins are formed on the molded part, or sometimes incomplete parts of the shaped pattern are formed even without the use of auxiliary tools. Ejector pins refer to pins used when removing the molded part from the mold. These traces are uncontrollable during the molding process (for example, the end face of an ejector pin with an inherent pattern may form different traces with each rotation during molding). That is, when auxiliary tools are used, there is a high probability of forming an amorphous pattern on the surface of the molded part. This embodiment is based on the insight that if this amorphous pattern is used, mold determination and individual identification of the molded part can be performed during the manufacturing stage without requiring additional surface treatment for individual identification.

[0055] Therefore, in this invention, the following structure is adopted: During the manufacturing stage, a pair (registered image) consisting of images of the areas with defined patterns (defined images) and images of the areas with irregular patterns (irregular images) of the molded article is stored in a storage unit in advance. After manufacturing, when determining the mold and identifying individuals, a reference defined image of the molded article is compared with the registered defined image. First, the mold that molded the reference molded article is determined. Then, a reference irregular image is compared with the registered irregular image attached to the determined mold. Individual identification is performed uniquely on the registered image corresponding to the reference molded article. Thus, mold determination and individual identification of the molded article can be performed during the manufacturing stage without requiring additional surface treatment for individual identification. Furthermore, after determining one of multiple molds, the registered image attached to the determined mold is compared with the reference image, instead of comparing all images related to all molds with the captured image of the reference molded article. Therefore, especially when it is necessary to increase the resolution of the irregular pattern image for more accurate individual identification, the computational load (specifically, 1 / number of molds) can be reduced.

[0056] Here, the terms "fixed pattern" and "non-fixed pattern" in this embodiment will be explained in more detail. The "fixed pattern" in this embodiment refers to a pattern formed on a molded article during the manufacturing process using a mold; it is a pattern that cannot be intentionally reproduced by humans. For design reasons, a fixed pattern is a texture pattern that occupies most of the surface of the molded article. For example, when a mold is used to form a molded article, the pattern on the surface of the mold itself is transferred to the molded article, thereby forming the pattern on the surface of the mold itself on the molded article. Specifically, in the pear-skin pattern on the surface of a molded article formed by a mold, the portion with the pattern on the surface of the mold itself transferred is equivalent to a fixed pattern. Furthermore, patterns such as QR codes (registered trademarks) whose patterns can be intentionally reproduced are not included in fixed patterns.

[0057] On the other hand, the "amorphous pattern" in this embodiment is a pattern formed during the formation of a fixed pattern. It is a pattern transferred to the molded article due to certain circumstances, where the pattern on the mold's own surface is incomplete. Furthermore, it refers to a pattern formed in an area different from the area where the fixed pattern is formed, meaning a pattern that cannot be intentionally reproduced by a human. For example, in mold molding, traces remaining on the surface of the molded article from tools used for structural reasons—examples of auxiliary tools include ejector pins, gates, and runners. Additionally, patterns such as QR codes (registered trademarks) whose patterns can be intentionally reproduced are not included in amorphous patterns.

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 2 The registration image of this embodiment and the method of storing the registration image in the storage unit 17 will be described.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown in (b), the registered image comprises a pair consisting of a fixed image (registered fixed image) and an amorphous image (registered amorphous image). As described above, in this embodiment, the fixed image refers to an image of the area of ​​the fixed pattern of the molded article, and the amorphous image refers to an image of the area of ​​the amorphous pattern of the molded article.

[0060] Storage section 17 stores one or more molds used for a particular molded product. Figure 2 The registered image of multiple molded articles formed by each of the “metal molds” in (a) is shown. Figure 2 (a) shows that for a given molded product, there are M metal molds (metal mold 1, metal mold 2, ..., metal mold M). For metal mold 1, N1 registered images are stored (registered image 1, registered image 2, ..., registered image N1), for metal mold 2, N2 registered images are stored (registered image 1, registered image 2, ..., registered image N2), and for metal mold M, NM registered images are stored (registered image 1, registered image 2, ..., registered image NM). Each registered image can also be associated with information about the corresponding molded product (e.g., manufacturing history).

[0061] Reference Figure 3 Specific examples of registered images will be explained. Figure 3 An example of a molded article of synthetic resin formed by injection molding using a metal mold is shown. Figure 3 In (a), <1> The pattern shown is on the front of the molded sample. <2> The pattern on the back is shown.

[0062] Figure 3In (a) <1> This is an example of an image obtained by taking a second photograph (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "lens") of the pear-skin pattern on the front of a finished product. As shown in this example, the pear-skin pattern on the front is transferred with good reproducibility to the extent that it can be discerned by the naked eye even when the lens is changed.

[0063] Figure 3 In (a) <2> Images of the back sides of two molded articles formed using a metal mold are shown. (Example) Figure 3 In (a) <2> As shown, a circular trace of the ejector pin remains on the back side. Hereinafter, the area with such a trace will be referred to as "Irregular Region 31". In contrast, the area surrounding Irregular Region 31 will be referred to as "Fixed Region 30". Fixed Region 30 is the transfer area on the surface of the metal mold. Furthermore, the pattern formed in Irregular Region 31 will be referred to as "Irregular Pattern AP", and the pattern formed in Fixed Region 30 will be referred to as "Fixed Pattern FP". Figure 3 In (a) <2> The irregular patterns AP formed on the back of the two molded parts shown are clearly different. On the other hand, it can be seen that the two fixed patterns FP are transferred into hairline patterns and are similar to each other.

[0064] Figure 3 (b) shows the result of the interaction with Figure 3 (a) Two lenses on the back of the molded article formed by different molds. In this example, it can also be seen that the trace of the round ejector pin, i.e., the irregular area 31, becomes a different pattern (irregular pattern AP) from the fixed area 30. In addition, it can be seen that even the fine details are transferred onto the fixed pattern FP.

[0065] Here, the imaging area 32 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown in (b), at least a portion of the shaping region 30 (in) Figure 3 (indicated by dashed lines in (b)) and at least a portion of the amorphous region 31 (in Figure 3 (b) The shooting area 32 is set in a way that includes the image within a single lens. This allows both the fixed pattern FP and the irregular pattern AP to be captured in a single image. The image obtained by shooting the shooting area 32 corresponds to... Figure 2 The registered image shown in (b) has a fixed pattern FP in the shooting area 32 corresponding to a fixed image, and an irregular pattern AP in the shooting area 32 corresponding to an irregular image.

[0066] When capturing images of the shooting area 32, the resolution is set, for example, to the resolution of the image of the one requiring more fine information, either the fixed-pattern FP or the irregular-pattern AP (e.g., around 3000 dpi). This allows for more accurate pattern determination and individual identification. Furthermore, while this embodiment illustrates using the fixed-pattern FP and the irregular-pattern AP as a single image, it is not a limitation; the fixed-pattern FP and the irregular-pattern AP can also be used as separate images. This further reduces the image data size, and also allows for more flexible selection of the shooting areas for each of the fixed-pattern FP and the irregular-pattern AP.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 4 The identification process performed in the identification device 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the identification processing procedure executed in the identification device 10. This identification processing procedure, for example, is stored in... Figure 1 In the ROM12 shown, the CPU11 reads the data from the ROM12, expands it in RAM13, etc., and executes it. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the method by which the CPU11 performs the identification process is illustrated, but it is not limited to this. A device dedicated to identification processing can also be constructed using an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or dedicated software, and executed under the management of the CPU11. In the following description, it is assumed that registration images related to multiple molds have been stored in the storage unit 17, and a reference molded product is prepared as the object of the identification process.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, a reference image is obtained in step S100. The "reference image" refers to an image of a reference molded article in the same shooting area 32 as the registered image, including a fixed image (reference fixed image) obtained by shooting the fixed pattern FP in the same way as the registered image and an amorphous image (reference amorphous image) obtained by shooting the amorphous pattern AP.

[0069] In step S102, a mold determination process is performed. This process involves comparing and determining the mold shape image (registered mold shape image) of the registered image with the mold shape image (reference mold shape image). The algorithm for this determination may use, for example, Yoctrace. This comparison is performed on all molds. Furthermore, for each registered mold shape image compared with the reference mold shape image in the mold determination process, any one of the registered mold shape images belonging to each mold is selected for comparison. That is, for example, in… Figure 2In the example shown in (a), for metal mold 1, it is sufficient to compare any of the registered shaping images from registered image 1 to registered image N1 with the reference shaping image. The same applies to metal molds 2 to M. Alternatively, mold-specific registered images can be stored separately from the registered images of each metal mold.

[0070] In step S104, for all molds, it is determined whether the mold determination process is complete. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S102 to continue the mold determination process; otherwise, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0071] In step S106, it is determined whether a mold containing a registered shaping image that matches the comparison shaping image of the comparison molded article exists. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S108; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the identification process ends. When it is determined that a matching mold exists, the mold that produced the comparison molded article is identified.

[0072] In step S108, individual identification processing is performed. Individual identification is performed by comparing and determining the amorphous image of the registered image (registered amorphous image) with the amorphous image of the control image (control amorphous image). The algorithm for this determination may, for example, use Yoctrace. This comparison is performed on all registered images registered in the determined mold. For example, in… Figure 2 In the example shown in (a), when metal mold 1 is identified, the control amorphous image is compared with all registered amorphous images from registered image 1 to registered image N1. Here, when the determination result is that there are multiple registered images above the determination threshold, for example, the registered amorphous image with the highest similarity is used. Furthermore, details regarding "determination threshold" and "similarity" will be described later.

[0073] In step S110, it is determined whether all registered amorphous images have been compared with the control amorphous images. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S108 to continue individual identification; otherwise, if the determination is positive, the process moves to step S112.

[0074] In step S112, it is determined whether a registered image exists that contains a registered amorphous image consistent with the reference amorphous image. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S114; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the identification process ends. When a consistent registered amorphous image exists in step S112, the registered image obtained by photographing the reference molded article is determined, i.e., individual identification is performed. Furthermore, this embodiment exemplifies the method of ending the identification process when a negative determination is made in step S112 and no consistent registered amorphous image exists; however, it is not limited to this, and the registered amorphous image with the highest similarity may also be used as a candidate image.

[0075] In step S114, information related to the reference molded product after individual identification (such as manufacturing history) is output, and then the identification process ends.

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 5 The principle of the mold determination process in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates how mold determination can be performed, using the example of the FP (pear skin) pattern on the front of a molded part formed from aluminum die casting. Figure 5 The horizontal axis represents similarity, and the vertical axis represents frequency (number of shots). Similarity indicates the degree to which images are similar to each other, and is measured through methods such as pattern matching. Figure 5 In the diagram, set <1> represents the comparison results of different images, and set <3> represents the comparison results of the same images. "Comparison of different images" refers to the comparison of different images (images of different regions, images of molded products formed by different molds) with each other, while "comparison of the same images" refers to the comparison of the same images (images of the same region from the same lens) with each other. <2> This is a comparison of images from different lenses (different molded products made from the same mold) of the same area. As an example, the resolution of each image is set to approximately 600 dpi and 48-96 px.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, <1> The images contained therein are clearly different from each other to a degree that can be judged visually, and the similarity is distributed around the minimum value. <3> The included images are very similar to each other, with the similarity distribution around the maximum value. Figure 5 It can be seen that the set of <1> and the set of <2> are clearly separated, and the judgment range th1 of the width is set without problems in actual use. That is, according to <1> and <3> The comparison shows that mold determination can be performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the boundary between two distributions is defined as a "determination threshold," and the range where the frequency of the two distributions is 0 is used as the range for setting the determination threshold; this range is defined as the "determination range th."

[0078] On the other hand, the images contained in <2> are very similar to each other and difficult to distinguish, thus lower than the set shown in <3>, but the similarity distribution is in a relatively high range. Therefore, the set shown in <2> is very close to the set shown in <3>. Therefore, the width of the judgment range th2 used to distinguish <2> and <3> is narrow, making it impossible to set the judgment range at a level that would not cause problems in practical use, or it could not be set in the first place because the bottoms overlap. That is, it can be seen that when using the front pear skin pattern, although mold determination is possible, individual identification is difficult.

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 6 The principle of individual identification is explained. Figure 6 (a) indicates the use of, for example Figure 6 The comparison results shown in (b) are for multiple die-cast aluminum products formed using a certain metal mold, comprising pairs of images consisting of fixed patterns FP and irregular patterns AP within a specific shooting area 32. Figure 6 In the example shown, since the shaped pattern FP adjacent to the amorphous pattern AP is a more clearly defined pattern, therefore, it is more pronounced than the amorphous pattern AP. Figure 5 The pear-skin pattern shown on the front is also treated as a fixed pattern. Figure 6 In (a), <1> The set shown represents the result of comparing the original images of the amorphous pattern AP with each other. <2> The set shown represents the result of comparing the original images of the amorphous pattern AP with each other. Figure 6 In the example shown, since the fixed pattern FP and the irregular pattern AP are adjacent, the images to be compared are one image. However, when the fixed pattern FP and the irregular pattern AP are separated, the fixed pattern treats them as different images, and the two can be correlated.

[0080] like Figure 6 middle <1> As shown, the original images of the amorphous pattern APs are significantly different from each other, with similarity values ​​around the minimum. In contrast, as shown in <2>, the original images of the amorphous pattern APs are very similar to each other, with similarity values ​​around the maximum. Therefore, a judgment range th3 that is practically feasible is set between the group comparing different images shown in <1> and the group comparing original images shown in <2>. Thus, it can be seen that individual identification is correctly performed by using the amorphous pattern AP. Here, in addition to the ejector pins mentioned above, other patterns used as the surface of the molded article for the amorphous pattern AP can include, for example, areas with poor release agent coating (areas where the release agent is unevenly applied), gate areas, etc. Figure 6 The amorphous pattern AP shown is an example of using a gate.

[0081] In addition, as an example, Figure 6The image shown in (b) was captured at a resolution of 1000 dpi. By setting this level of resolution, the unevenness of the amorphous pattern AP is captured in detail. In contrast, the shaped pattern FP is captured in detail even at a resolution of around 300 dpi. Therefore, when the shaped pattern FP and the amorphous pattern AP are treated as different images, the former can be set to 300 dpi and the latter to 1000 dpi, etc., to different resolutions. This saves the storage capacity of the storage unit 17 when storing images.

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 7 The imaging area 32 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0083] Figure 7 (a) shows <1> , <2> , <3> The examples all demonstrate patterns formed using molds for three different molded parts through the use of roughly circular ejector pins. In each pattern, the ejector pin forms an inherent mark, and in the area adjacent to the ejector pin, a fine pattern is formed that is no less intricate than the pattern on the front. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown in (a), shooting areas 32 containing fixed-pattern FP and irregular-pattern AP are set respectively.

[0084] Figure 7 (b) shows the gate being used as an amorphous region 31. Figure 7 In (b), an example of an amorphous pattern AP is given as "an amorphous surface". "Gate" is the injection port of the material, i.e., the resin, into the molded part. Figure 7 (b) shows <1> and <2> Images showing the gate portion of other molded parts formed using the same mold. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (b), even when using the same mold, the amorphous patterns AP at the gate are significantly different to a considerable degree.

[0085] Figure 7 (c) shows the use of the vicinity of the flow channel as an amorphous region 31 (in Figure 7 In (b), an example of an amorphous pattern AP is shown in the case of "amorphous surface". "Runway" refers to the channel through which the material, i.e., the resin, flows into the molded article. Figure 7 (c) shown <1> and <2> Images showing the runner section of other molded products formed using the same mold. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (c), even when using the same mold, the amorphous patterns AP in the runner section are significantly different to a considerable degree.

[0086] [Second Implementation]

[0087] Reference Figure 8The identification device and identification procedure of this embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, the method of using the marks of the auxiliary tools used in mold forming as an amorphous pattern was illustrated. However, in this embodiment, the incompletely transferred portion of the mold surface (which can be either the front or the back) is used as the amorphous pattern. Therefore, the identification device itself is the same as in the above embodiment; therefore, if necessary, refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 (Detailed explanation omitted.)

[0088] This embodiment is applied as a molded product. Figure 8 As shown in (b), the cap is formed by injection molding using synthetic resin. In this example of the cap, there is an area on the inside of the cap where the surface of the mold is not completely transferred (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "incomplete transfer area"). In this embodiment, the pattern of this incomplete transfer area is used as an amorphous pattern AP.

[0089] Figure 8 In (a) <1> The distribution shown illustrates the distribution of multiple Figure 8 The results of comparing the different images of the cover shown in (b) with each other, <2> The distribution shown illustrates the results of comparing images of different lenses (different molded products from the same mold) of the same area with each other. For example... Figure 8 In (a) <1> As shown, the results of comparing different images in this example are distributed near the lowest similarity. In contrast, the distribution shown in <2> has a wider distribution and a longer bottom compared to the distribution shown in <1>. However, in this example, a decision range th4 is set to distinguish between the distributions shown in <1> and <2>. That is, the decision range th4 is used for individual identification.

[0090] As mentioned above, in this example, we temporarily set the judgment range th4. However, the narrow width of the judgment range th4 cannot rule out the possibility of misjudgment in individual identification. That is, slight damage or dirt may reduce the similarity. <1> Distribution and <2> The distributions may also overlap. In such cases, by conducting... Figure 4 The identification process shown can also suppress false judgments. That is, in the case of multiple molds for forming the lid of this example, the comparison image and the registered image are first compared. Figure 2 The process involves comparing different molds to determine the mold, and then identifying the mold that has been formed. Next, the registered amorphous image attached to the determined mold is reduced in size. Figure 2 This is then compared with a control amorphous image for individual identification. This limits the control amorphous image and the registered amorphous image to be compared, thereby suppressing misjudgments in individual identification.

[0091] [Third Implementation Method]

[0092] Reference Figure 9 The identification device and identification procedure of this embodiment will be described. This embodiment uses a batch molding mold, in which multiple molded products are mass-produced from a single mold, as the mold itself. Therefore, the identification device itself is the same as in the embodiment described above; therefore, if necessary, refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 (Detailed explanation omitted.)

[0093] Figure 9 (a) shows batch forming Figure 9 The appearance of the batch molding die 20 for the cap 22 is shown in (b). As an example, the batch molding die 20 is a die for molding multiple caps 22 at once using injection molding of synthetic resin. Figure 9 As shown in (a), the batch forming mold 20 has multiple (in Figure 9 In example (a), there are 32 mold parts 21, and molding is achieved through each mold part 21. Figure 9 The cover 22 shown in (b) is an example. As an example, in this embodiment, the pattern of the incompletely transferred area is used as an amorphous pattern, similar to the second embodiment described above. However, as in the first embodiment described above, the traces of certain auxiliary tools used during molding can also be used as an amorphous pattern.

[0094] In the identification device and identification program of this embodiment, the following is also executed: Figure 4 The identification process is as shown. Specifically, for example, when there is only one batch forming mold 20, a mold determination process is performed by comparing the reference shape image with the registered shape image. In this case, the mold determination process determines which of the 32 mold parts 21 is being identified. Next, an individual identification process is performed by comparing the registered irregular shape image attached to the identified mold part 21 with the reference irregular shape image. Therefore, compared to comparing the registered images attached to all mold parts 21, the computational load is only 1 / 32. Furthermore, the registered irregular shape image to be compared is reduced in size; therefore, for the same reasons as in the second embodiment described above, misjudgment is suppressed.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), etc.) and special-purpose processors (e.g., graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments can be performed not only by a single processor, but also collaboratively by multiple processors located in physically separate locations. Additionally, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

Claims

1. An identification device comprising: processor, in, The processor performs the following processing: Obtain a reference fixed image and a reference unfixed image of the reference molded article. The reference fixed image is an image of at least a portion of the area where a fixed pattern is formed, and the reference unfixed image is an image of at least a portion of the area where an unfixed pattern is formed. The unfixed pattern is a pattern formed when the fixed pattern is formed, and it is formed in a region different from the region where the fixed pattern is formed. Referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair of images consisting of at least a portion of the image of the area with the fixed pattern (i.e., the registered fixed image) and at least a portion of the image of the area with the irregular pattern (i.e., the registered irregular image) of each of the multiple molded articles formed using at least one mold as registered images for each mold. The registered shape image and the reference shape image are used to determine the mold that formed the reference molded article, and to identify which of the registered shape images corresponds to the reference shape image and the mold.

2. The identification device according to claim 1, wherein, in, The processor performs the following processing: Obtain a pair of images consisting of the control shape image and the control amorphous image. Refer to the storage unit that pre-stores a pair of registered fixed images and registered irregular images, i.e., the registered image.

3. The identification device according to claim 2, wherein, in, The processor performs the following processing: A pair is obtained consisting of a control image of the fixed pattern and a control image of the irregular pattern, captured at a resolution corresponding to the region with finer patterns, in the region where the fixed pattern is formed and in the region where the irregular pattern is formed. Refer to the storage unit that pre-stores the registered images captured at the aforementioned shooting resolution.

4. The identification device according to claim 1, wherein, in, The processor performs the following processing: Obtain pairs of images consisting of the control shape image and the control amorphous image, which are considered as different images. Refer to the storage unit that pre-stores a pair of registered fixed images and registered irregular images, which are different images, namely the registered images.

5. The identification device according to claim 4, wherein, in, The processor performs the following processing: Acquire a pair consisting of a reference fixed-shape image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the fixed-shape pattern is formed, and a reference irregular-shape image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the irregular-shape pattern is formed. Referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair of registered images, consisting of a registered fixed-shape image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the fixed-shape pattern is formed and a registered amorphous image captured at a resolution corresponding to the region where the amorphous pattern is formed.

6. The identification device according to claim 5, wherein, in, The processor performs the following processing: A pair is obtained consisting of a control image with a fixed pattern and a control image with a fixed pattern, both captured by setting a second resolution higher than the first resolution when capturing an image of an area with a fixed pattern. Referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair of registration images, consisting of the registration fixed image captured at the first resolution and the registration amorphous image captured at the second resolution.

7. The identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The amorphous pattern is at least one of the traces of tools used in the molding process with the mold, and the pattern of an area where the fixed pattern is not fully formed.

8. A recording medium having an identification program recorded thereon. This identification program causes the computer to perform the following processing: Obtain a reference fixed image and a reference unfixed image of the reference molded article. The reference fixed image is an image of at least a portion of the area where a fixed pattern is formed, and the reference unfixed image is an image of at least a portion of the area where an unfixed pattern is formed. The unfixed pattern is a pattern formed when the fixed pattern is formed, and it is formed in a region different from the region where the fixed pattern is formed. Referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair of images consisting of at least a portion of the image of the area with the fixed pattern (i.e., the registered fixed image) and at least a portion of the image of the area with the irregular pattern (i.e., the registered irregular image) of each of the multiple molded articles formed using at least one mold as registered images for each mold. The registered shape image and the reference shape image are used to determine the mold on which the reference molded article was formed, and to identify which of the registered shape images corresponds to the reference shape image and the mold.

9. An identification method, comprising: Obtain a reference fixed-shape image and a reference unfixed-shape image of a reference molded article. The reference fixed-shape image is an image of at least a portion of the area where a fixed-shape pattern is formed, and the reference unfixed-shape image is an image of at least a portion of the area where an unfixed-shape pattern is formed. The unfixed-shape pattern is a pattern formed when the fixed-shape pattern is formed, which is formed in a region different from the region where the fixed-shape pattern is formed. Referring to the storage unit, the storage unit pre-stores a pair of registered images as registered images for each of the multiple molded articles formed using at least one mold, namely, a registered fixed image of the area with a fixed pattern and a registered irregular image of the area with an irregular pattern. The registered shape image and the reference shape image are used to determine the mold on which the reference molded article was formed, and to identify which of the registered shape images corresponds to the reference shape image and the mold.

Images