Article handling system

Abstract

An article processing system (100) comprises: an article processing device (1) having an article processing section (6) for processing articles and a conveying section (5) for moving articles into and out of the article processing section; a remote device (50) connected to a location separated from the article processing device (1) via a network (N) in a communicative manner and having a remote control section (64) for remotely operating the article processing device (1); an acquisition section (40) for acquiring information related to the surrounding environment of the article processing device (1); a determination section (62) for determining whether there are workers around the article processing device (1) based on the information related to the surrounding environment; and a sending section (63) for sending the determination result of the determination section (62) to the remote control section (64).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an article handling system. Background Art

[0002] Article inspection devices such as X-ray inspection devices, metal detectors, and weight inspection devices are known for inspecting the quality of articles. Each article inspection device stores setting data related to inspection conditions and judgment conditions for each type of article. While such setting data can be manually changed for each device, setting data for each device increases the burden on the operator and affects the accuracy of the inspection due to the operator's settings. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-256070) discloses a configuration in which such setting data can be set from an external device separate from the article inspection device.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a desire not only to externally configure various configuration data for item handling devices, including the aforementioned item inspection devices, that perform certain processes on items, but also to remotely control various operations of the item handling devices from a remote location. However, during the operation of item handling devices, there are also instances where actions pose a risk to workers working around the item handling devices. Consequently, there is a demand for remote control of item handling devices while ensuring the safety of workers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an article handling system that enables remote operation of an article handling device while ensuring the safety of workers.

[0005] An article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an article handling device and a remote device, wherein the article handling device has: an article handling unit that performs processing on articles; and a conveying unit that moves articles into the article handling unit and moves articles out of the article handling unit, wherein the remote device is connected to the article handling device via a network in a communicative manner at a location separate from the article handling device and has a remote control unit that remotely operates the article handling device, and wherein the article handling system has: an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the surrounding environment of the article handling device; a determination unit that determines whether there are workers around the article handling device based on the information related to the surrounding environment; and a sending unit that sends a determination result in the determination unit to the remote control unit.

[0006] In this configuration, a remote device located at a location separate from the item handling device can confirm the determination result based on information regarding the surrounding environment of the item handling device acquired by the acquisition unit. Specifically, the remote device can confirm the presence of workers near the item handling device, thereby enabling remote operation of the item handling device while ensuring the safety of the workers.

[0007] In the article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the transmission unit may also transmit the determination result when at least one of the article handling unit and the transport unit is operating. In this configuration, information regarding the presence of workers near the article handling device can be reliably obtained when there is a risk of danger to workers near the device, thereby preventing any danger to workers.

[0008] In an article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the remote control unit may also limit the actions that the remote device can perform on the article handling device based on the above-described determination result. In this article handling system, actions that could endanger workers near the article handling device are restricted based on the status of the workers near the device, thereby preventing any danger to the workers.

[0009] An article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention may further include an action control unit that, based on the determination result, limits the actions permitted to be performed by the remote device on the article handling device. In this configuration, based on the presence of workers near the article handling device, actions that could endanger workers near the device are restricted, thereby preventing any danger to the workers.

[0010] In an article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, when a location where an article handling device is located is defined as a reference location, the acquisition unit may acquire information related to a first area and information related to a second area, the first area being an area within a first distance from the reference location, and the second area being an area outside the first area and within a second distance longer than the first distance. The determination unit may determine whether a worker is located in the first area based on the information related to the first area, and determine whether the worker is located in the second area based on the information related to the second area. If the worker is determined to be located in the first area, the remote control unit may more strictly restrict the content of actions that the remote device may perform on the article handling device than if the worker is determined to be located in the second area. In this configuration, by appropriately setting the actions to be restricted in the article handling device based on the positional relationship between the article handling device and the worker, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the processing capacity of the article handling device.

[0011] In an article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, when a location where an article handling device is located is defined as a reference location, the acquisition unit may acquire information related to a first area and information related to a second area, the first area being an area within a first distance from the reference location, and the second area being an area outside the first area and within a second distance longer than the first distance. The determination unit may determine whether a worker is located in the first area based on the information related to the first area, and determine whether the worker is located in the second area based on the information related to the second area. If the worker is determined to be located in the first area, the action control unit may more strictly restrict the content of actions permitted to be operated by the remote device on the article handling device than if the worker is determined to be located in the second area. In this configuration, by appropriately setting actions restricted in the article handling device based on the positional relationship between the article handling device and the worker, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the processing capacity of the article handling device.

[0012] In the article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the remote device may include a first display unit configured to display the determination result. In this configuration, the status of workers around the article handling device can be effectively reported to the operator.

[0013] In an article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the article handling device may include a second display unit for displaying its status, and the first and second display units may be configured to indicate whether the article handling device is being remotely operated by a remote device. In this configuration, an operator operating the article handling device and an operator operating the remote device can confirm the status of the device being operated while performing their operations, thereby preventing operators from performing actions that pose a risk to the operators.

[0014] In an article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit may be a sensor that detects objects located vertically below the conveying surface of the conveying unit. With this configuration, it is easy to detect workers located near the article handling device regardless of their height or posture.

[0015] In the article processing system according to one aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit may be provided in the article processing device. In this configuration, it is possible to easily construct a configuration for acquiring information related to workers located around the article processing device.

[0016] In an article handling system according to one aspect of the present invention, the article handling device may be an X-ray inspection device comprising an X-ray irradiation unit as an article handling unit for irradiating articles with X-rays, and a transport unit for transporting articles to and from a position irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit. This configuration enables remote operation of the X-ray inspection device while ensuring the safety of workers.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the article processing apparatus can be remotely operated while ensuring the safety of workers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an article handling system according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the schematic configuration of an X-ray inspection device included in the article handling system.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the detection range of a laser scanner.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display operation unit of the X-ray inspection apparatus.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the remote device.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the remote device.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the detection range of the laser scanner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an article handling system 100 as a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the article handling system 100 includes an X-ray inspection device 1, a remote device 50, and a laser scanner (acquisition unit) 40. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is a device that acquires X-ray transmission images of articles A while conveying them, and performs inspections of articles A (e.g., checking the number of items stored, checking for foreign matter, checking for missing parts, or checking for damage) based on these X-ray transmission images. Remote device 50 is a device that operates various operations of X-ray inspection apparatus 1 from a location away from where it is installed.

[0028] The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 2 , support legs 3 , a shield box 4 , a conveyor 5 , an X-ray irradiator (article handler) 6 , an X-ray detector 7 , a display operation unit (second display unit) 8 , and a controller 10 .

[0029] It should be noted that articles A before inspection are carried into the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 by an inlet conveyor 91, and articles A after inspection are carried out of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 by an outlet conveyor 92. Articles A determined as defective by the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 are distributed off the production line by a sorting device (not shown) located downstream of the outlet conveyor 92, while articles A determined as conforming by the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 pass through the sorting device as is.

[0030] The device body 2 houses a control unit 10 and other components. Support legs 3 support the device body 2. A shield box 4 is provided in the device body 2 to prevent X-rays from leaking from an irradiation space R irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit 6. The shield box 4 has an inlet 4a and an outlet 4b.

[0031] Uninspected articles A are carried into shield box 4 via inlet 4a from inlet conveyor 91, and uninspected articles A are carried out from shield box 4 via outlet 4b to outlet conveyor 92. X-ray shielding curtains 21 are provided at inlet 4a and outlet 4b, respectively, to prevent X-ray leakage.

[0032] The transport unit 5 is disposed in the shield box 4 and transports the article A from the inlet 4a to the outlet 4b so that the article A passes through the X-ray irradiation space R. The transport unit 5 is supported by the apparatus body 2. The transport unit 5 includes a transport conveyor 5A and a conveyor support 5B.

[0033] The X-ray irradiation unit 6 is disposed within the shield box 4 and irradiates the article A conveyed by the conveyor 5A with X-rays. The X-ray irradiation unit 6 includes, for example, an X-ray tube for emitting X-rays and a collimator for fanning the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction X.

[0034] The X-ray detector 7 is located within the shield box 4 and detects X-rays transmitted through the article A and the conveyor belt B. The X-ray detector 7 is configured, for example, as a line sensor. Specifically, the X-ray detector 7 includes a plurality of photodiodes arranged one-dimensionally in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction X, and a scintillator positioned on the X-ray incident side relative to each photodiode. In this case, the X-rays incident on the scintillator are converted into light in the X-ray detector 7, and the light incident on each photodiode is converted into an electrical signal. The X-ray detector 7 is supported by the conveyor support 5B.

[0035] The display operation unit 8 is provided on the apparatus body 2, and displays the status of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, or receives input of various operation conditions in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, or Figure 4 The display operation unit 8 displays the inspection results, etc., for example, as a touch panel operation screen. In this case, the operator can input various conditions via the display operation unit 8. Figure 6 As shown, when remote operation is performed by the remote device 50, the display operation unit 8 displays the situation.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 10 is disposed within the apparatus body 2 and controls the operation of each component of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. The control unit 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Signals output from the X-ray detection unit 7 and subjected to A / D conversion are input to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 can be configured as software, for example, in which a program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM and executed by the CPU. Alternatively, the control unit 10 can be configured as hardware formed by electronic circuits, etc. The control unit 10 comprises an inspection control unit 11 and an operation control unit 12, through the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU, RAM, and ROM, and software such as the program.

[0037] The inspection control unit 11 controls the X-ray irradiation unit 6 and the X-ray detection unit 7 to execute a series of processes, including irradiating the article A with X-rays, detecting the X-rays that have passed through the article A, generating an X-ray transmission image based on the detected X-rays, and inspecting the article A based on the X-ray transmission image. The operation control unit 12 controls the operation of the X-ray irradiation unit 6, the X-ray detection unit 7, and the conveyor 5.

[0038] Figure 2 The laser scanner 40 shown is a device for acquiring information related to the surrounding environment of the X-ray inspection device 1. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the presence or absence of objects within a radius r (e.g., 0.5m to 5m) centered on the laser scanner 40, i.e., within a radius r centered on the X-ray inspection device 1 on which the laser scanner 40 is installed (hereinafter also referred to as the monitoring range C), is obtained. It should be noted that the monitoring range C of the laser scanner 40 is appropriately set according to the device configuration, device size, and the range to be monitored. The detection results of the laser scanner 40 are transmitted via the network N (refer to Figure 1 ) is obtained by the remote device 50.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the laser scanner 40 is mounted on the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. More specifically, the laser scanner 40 is arranged to detect objects located in a region below the conveying surface of the conveying unit 5 in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the laser scanner 40 is mounted on the support leg 3 that indirectly supports the conveying unit 5 and is located below the conveying unit 5.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, a remote device 50 is connected to the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 via a network N in a communicative manner at a location separate from the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 and is configured to remotely operate the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. The remote device 50 is comprised of a computer device such as a server or a personal computer (PC). The remote device 50 includes a display unit (first display unit) 51, an operating unit 53, and a control unit 60.

[0041] The display unit 51 displays the state of the remotely operated X-ray inspection apparatus 1, receives input of various operating conditions in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, or displays inspection results (see FIG. Figure 4 ), etc. The display unit 51 is constituted by, for example, a monitor device. The display unit 51 of this embodiment displays a screen having the same configuration as the screen displayed on the display operation unit 8 included in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. When the display unit 51 displays a screen having the same configuration as the screen displayed on the display operation unit 8, the screen of the display operation unit 8 of the remotely operated X-ray inspection apparatus 1 can also be displayed synchronously.

[0042] like Figure 5As shown, when the determination unit 62 (described in detail later) determines that a worker is present within the monitoring range C, the display unit 51 reports this (hereinafter referred to as an alarm). This alarm may be a notification based on character information M1, a visual notification such as changing the color of the entire screen of the display unit 51 or displaying a response, or an auditory notification such as emitting a warning sound. It should be noted that such an alarm may also be issued by the display and operation unit 8 included in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1.

[0043] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the display unit 51 of this embodiment is configured to indicate that remote operation is in progress when the remote device 50 is remotely operating the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. This indication of remote operation can be provided by text information M2, a visual notification such as a change in the overall color of the display 51 screen or a display response, or an auditory notification such as a warning sound. It should be noted that this indication of remote operation is also provided by the display and operation unit 8 of the remotely operated X-ray inspection apparatus 1.

[0044] The operation unit 53 is the remote device 50 and the portion that operates the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 via the remote device 50. The operation unit 53 is composed of, for example, an input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel. The operation unit 53 of this embodiment can select an X-ray inspection apparatus 1 to be remotely operated or operate the operation of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 to be remotely operated.

[0045] The control unit 60 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). For example, the control unit 60 can be configured as software in which a program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM and executed by the CPU. Alternatively, the control unit 60 can be configured as hardware formed by electronic circuits. The control unit 60 comprises a receiving unit 61, a determining unit 62, a transmitting unit 63, and a remote control unit 64, through the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU, RAM, and ROM, and software such as the program.

[0046] The receiving unit 61 is a part that acquires various information in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 from the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. The receiving unit 61 is also a part that acquires information on the presence or absence of an object in the monitoring range C acquired by the laser scanner 40.

[0047] The determination unit 62 determines whether a worker is present around the article handling device based on information about the surrounding environment acquired by the laser scanner 40. More specifically, the determination unit 62 determines whether a worker is present within the monitoring range C of the laser scanner 40. The determination unit 62 can determine the presence of a worker by, for example, acquiring information from the laser scanner 40 regarding objects moving within the monitoring range C, or by overlaying pre-stored information about equipment located within the monitoring range C with the detection results of the laser scanner 40. If the determination unit 62 detects the presence of a worker within the monitoring range C, it displays this information on the display unit 51.

[0048] The transmitter 63 is a part that transmits the determination result (information regarding whether a worker is present within the monitoring range C) determined by the determination unit 62 to the remote control unit 64. The transmitter 63 of this embodiment transmits the determination result of the determination unit 62 only when at least one of the X-ray irradiation unit 6 and the transport unit 5 is operating is operating.

[0049] The remote control unit 64 is a part that controls the operation of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 that is the target of remote operation. When the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 that is the target of remote operation by the operation unit 53 is selected, the remote control unit 64 Figure 5 As shown, a display indicating that a specific X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is being remotely operated starts on the display unit 51, and remote control of the selected X-ray inspection apparatus 1 starts.

[0050] The remote control unit 64 of this embodiment limits the content of the operation that the remote device 50 can operate on the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 based on the determination result of the determination unit 62. Specifically, when the determination unit 62 determines that there is no operator, the remote control unit 64 controls the operation of the remote device 50 according to the determination result of the determination unit 62. Figure 5 The operation of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is controlled by the contents of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 51 as shown. For example, when the operator operates the X-ray irradiation button B1, the remote control unit 64 causes the X-ray irradiation unit 6 to irradiate X-rays via the control unit 60 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the operator operates the transport start button B2, for example, the remote control unit 64 causes the transport unit 5 to operate via the control unit 60 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1.

[0051] On the other hand, when the determination unit 62 determines that there is an operator, the remote control unit 64 causes the remote control unit 64 to Figure 5In the operation screen displayed on the display unit 51 as shown, for example, the X-ray irradiation button B1 and the transport start button B2 are not displayed. In other words, when the determination unit 62 determines that an operator is present, the remote control unit 64 restricts the remote device 50 from causing the X-ray irradiation unit 6 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 to irradiate X rays or to operate the transport unit 5.

[0052] The effects of the article handling system 100 according to the above-described embodiment will now be described. In the article handling system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the results of determinations based on information regarding the surrounding environment of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 acquired by the laser scanner 40 can be confirmed by the remote device 50, which is located at a location away from the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. Specifically, the remote device 50 can confirm the presence of workers near the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, thereby enabling remote operation of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 while ensuring the safety of the workers.

[0053] In the article handling system 100 of the above-described embodiment, the transmitter 63 transmits the determination result when at least one of the X-ray irradiation unit 6 and the transport unit 5 is operating. This allows reliable information regarding the presence of workers near the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 to be obtained even when there is a risk of danger to workers near the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, thereby preventing any danger to the workers.

[0054] In the article handling system 100 of the above-described embodiment, the remote control unit 64 limits the actions that the remote device 50 can perform on the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 based on the determination result of the determination unit 62. This restricts the execution of actions that could endanger workers near the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 based on the conditions of the workers near the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, thereby preventing any danger to the workers.

[0055] In the article handling system 100 of the embodiment described above, the remote device 50 includes the display unit 51 configured to display the determination result of the determination unit 62 . This allows the operator to be informed of the status of workers around the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 in an efficient manner.

[0056] In the article handling system 100 of the above-described embodiment, the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 includes a display operation unit 8 for displaying the status of the apparatus itself. The display unit 51 and the display operation unit 8 are configured to indicate whether the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is being remotely operated by the remote device 50. This allows the operator operating the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 and the operator operating the remote device 50 to confirm the status of the apparatus they are operating while performing their operations, thereby preventing the operator from performing actions that pose a risk to the operator.

[0057] In the article processing system 100 of the above embodiment, the laser scanner 40 is configured to detect objects in an area below the conveying surface of the conveying section 5 in the vertical direction Z, so that it is easy to detect workers located around the X-ray inspection device 1 regardless of the height or posture of the workers.

[0058] Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0059] (Variation 1)

[0060] In the above embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the laser scanner 40 is described as an example in which the laser scanner 40 detects an object within a radius r around the X-ray inspection device 1, but the invention is not limited thereto. Figure 7 As shown, a laser scanner (acquisition unit) 40 can be used that can acquire information related to a first area C1 within a first distance r1 (e.g., 0.5 m to 3.0 m) from the position (reference position) where the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is located, and information related to a second area C2 within a second distance r2 (e.g., 3.0 m to 5.0 m) outside the first area C1 and longer than the first distance r1. Laser scanner 40 acquires information related to the presence or absence of an object as information related to the first area C1 and the second area C2.

[0061] In the article handling system 100 according to the first variation of the laser scanner 40, the determination unit 62 determines whether the worker is located in the first area C1 based on information related to the first area C1, and determines whether the worker is located in the second area C2 based on information related to the second area C2. If the worker is determined to be located in the first area C1, the remote control unit 64 more strictly limits the actions that the remote device 50 can perform on the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 than if the worker is determined to be located in the second area C2.

[0062] Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the operator is located in the second area C2, the remote control unit 64 only Figure 5As shown, the X-ray irradiation button B1 is not displayed on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 51. If the operator is determined to be in the first area C1, the remote control unit 64 disables both the X-ray irradiation button B1 and the transport start button B2. Specifically, if the determination unit 62 determines that the operator is in the second area C2, the remote control unit 64 restricts the remote device 50 from irradiating X-rays with the X-ray irradiation unit 6 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. If the determination unit 62 determines that the operator is in the first area C1, the remote control unit 64 restricts the remote device 50 from irradiating X-rays with the X-ray irradiation unit 6 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 and also restricts the operation of the transport unit 5.

[0063] In the article handling system 100 according to the first modification, the restricted operations in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 are appropriately set based on the positional relationship between the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 and the worker, thereby suppressing a reduction in the processing capacity of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 .

[0064] (Variation 2)

[0065] In the article handling system 100 of the above embodiment and the modified example, the example of the remote control unit 64 is provided to limit the content of the operation that the remote device 50 can operate on the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 based on the determination result of the determination unit 62. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the function of the remote control unit 64, an operation control unit 12 (see FIG. 1 ) can be provided to limit the content of the operation that the remote device 50 can operate on the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 based on the determination result. Figure 1 The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is provided with an operation control unit 12 .

[0066] In the article handling system 100 involved in such a variant example 2, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, based on the situation of the workers existing around the X-ray inspection device 1, the execution of actions that may cause danger to the workers located around the X-ray inspection device 1 is restricted, thereby preventing danger to the workers before it occurs.

[0067] Alternatively, the laser scanner 40 of Modification 1 may be applied to the configuration of Modification 2. When the operator is determined to be in the first area C1, the motion control unit 12 more strictly restricts the content of the actions permitted to be operated by the remote device 50 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 than when the operator is determined to be in the second area C2. Even with this configuration, the actions restricted in the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 can be appropriately set based on the positional relationship between the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 and the operator, thereby suppressing a reduction in the processing capacity of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1.

[0068] (Other Modifications)

[0069] In the article handling system 100 of the above-described embodiment and modified examples, a laser scanner 40, which detects the presence of objects within the monitoring range C (C1, C2), is used as an example of an acquisition unit for acquiring information related to the surrounding environment of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. However, an imaging device that captures images may also be used. In this case, for example, a determination unit 62 that analyzes images captured by the imaging device using known techniques can determine the presence of a worker within the monitoring range C (C1, C2). Alternatively, a millimeter-wave radar may be used as the acquisition unit.

[0070] In the article processing system 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example, an example is given in which the screen displayed on the display operation unit 8 provided on the X-ray inspection device 1 is synchronized with the display unit 51 of the remote device 50, but a screen showing the status of the X-ray inspection device 1 including whether it is in a remote operation state can also be displayed in a display method different from the screen displayed on the display operation unit 8.

[0071] In the article handling system 100 of the above-described embodiment and modified example, the example in which the determination unit 62 is provided in the remote device 50 to determine whether a worker is present near the article handling device based on information about the surrounding environment acquired by the laser scanner 40 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The determination unit 62 may be integrally provided with the laser scanner 40 or may be configured as part of the control unit 10 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1.

[0072] In the article handling system 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example, the X-ray inspection device 1 is cited as an example for explanation as an article handling device that becomes the object of remote operation, but one or more devices such as a conveying device, a metal inspection device, a packaging device and a weight inspection device may be used as the article handling device instead of or in addition to the X-ray inspection device 1.

Claims

1. An article processing system comprising an article processing device and a remote device, The article processing device includes: an article processing unit that processes articles; and a transport unit that transports the articles into the article processing unit and transports the articles out of the article processing unit. The remote device is connected to the article processing device via a network in a communicable manner at a location separate from the article processing device and includes a remote control unit for remotely operating the article processing device. The article handling system comprises: an acquiring unit, configured to acquire information related to the surrounding environment of the article processing device; A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a worker around the article processing device based on information related to the surrounding environment; and a sending unit that sends the determination result of the determination unit to the remote control unit, When the determination unit determines that a worker is present around the article handling device, the remote control unit performs control to limit the remote operation.

2. The article processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The transmitting unit transmits the determination result when at least one of the article handling unit and the transport unit is operating.

3. The article processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The article handling system further includes an operation control unit that limits the content of an operation that allows the article handling device to be operated by the remote device based on the determination result.

4. The article processing system according to claim 1, wherein: When the position where the article handling device is arranged is set as a reference position, the acquisition unit acquires information related to a first area and information related to a second area, the first area being an area within a first distance from the reference position, and the second area being an area outside the first area and within a second distance longer than the first distance. The determination unit determines whether the worker is located in the first area based on information related to the first area, and determines whether the worker is located in the second area based on information related to the second area. When it is determined that the worker is located in the first area, the remote control unit more strictly limits the content of the operations that the remote device can perform on the article handling apparatus than when it is determined that the worker is located in the second area.

5. The article processing system according to claim 3, wherein: When the position where the article handling device is arranged is set as a reference position, the acquisition unit acquires information related to a first area and information related to a second area, the first area being an area within a first distance from the reference position, and the second area being an area outside the first area and within a second distance longer than the first distance. The determination unit determines whether the worker is located in the first area based on information related to the first area, and determines whether the worker is located in the second area based on information related to the second area. When it is determined that the worker is located in the first area, the operation control unit more strictly limits the content of the operation that the remote device allows to operate the article handling device than when it is determined that the worker is located in the second area.

6. The article processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The remote device includes a first display unit configured to display the determination result.

7. The article processing system according to claim 6, wherein: The article handling device has a second display unit that displays the status of the device. The first display unit and the second display unit are configured to display whether the article handling device is being remotely operated by the remote device.

8. The article processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit is configured to detect an object located in a region below a conveyance surface of the conveyance unit in a vertical direction.

9. The article processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit is provided in the article processing device.

10. The article processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The article handling device is an X-ray inspection device, and includes: an X-ray irradiation unit as the article handling unit, which irradiates the article with X-rays; and the conveying unit, which carries the article into and out of the position where the X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the article with X-rays.

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