Reference member and grain discriminator

Abstract

The present application provides a reference member, which has a correction area for correcting an image acquired by a grain discriminator, is inserted from outside into the grain discriminator, and is disposed at a disposition position of a sample dish.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reference member and a grain discriminator. BACKGROUND

[0002] A grain discriminator that receives transmitted light or reflected light of light irradiated to a grain using a sensor, and detects presence or absence of a crack or the like of the grain based on an amount of light or the like of the light received by the sensor is known. Further, a grain discriminator that discriminates quality of a grain based on an image of the grain acquired by a sensor is also known.

[0003] In order to maintain detection accuracy of the sensor with high accuracy in the grain discriminator, calibration of the sensor needs to be performed. For example, a grain discriminator that calibrates the sensor using a reference plate configured by a plurality of plates whose gradations of color are different from each other is described in Patent Literature 1. In the grain discriminator, a motor is used to move the sensor between a detection position of the grain and a detection position of the reference plate, and detection of the grain and calibration of the sensor are performed.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-125867 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in a case where the sensor is moved using the motor, a power transmission mechanism or the like for transmitting power of the motor to the sensor is needed. Further, in a case where the reference plate is housed inside the grain discriminator, the grain discriminator is upsized. Therefore, portability of the grain discriminator is reduced.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a reference member for a grain discriminator that enables the grain discriminator to be downsized, and a small-sized grain discriminator.

[0010] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0011] A reference member that has a correction region for correcting an image acquired by a grain discriminator, is inserted from the outside to the grain discriminator, and is disposed at a disposition position of a sample dish.

[0012] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the reference member of the present disclosure, it is possible to downsize the grain discriminator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that shows an example of a grain discriminator.

[0015] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a II-II cross-sectional view.

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a III-III cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a sample cell.

[0018] Figure 5A is a view showing an example of a reference member.

[0019] Figure 5B is a view showing an example of a reference member.

[0020] Figure 6 is a view explaining an example of an aberration correction region.

[0021] Figure 7 is a view explaining another example of an aberration correction region.

[0022] Figure 8 is a view explaining another example of a correction region.

[0023] Figure 9 is a view explaining still another example of a correction region.

[0024] Figure 10 is a view explaining still another example of a correction region.

[0025] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing steps when the quality of grains is discriminated.

[0026] Figure 12 is a view explaining an example of a brightness reference plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using the accompanying drawings. In this specification, directions indicated by arrows of each drawing are respectively regarded as directions indicating up, down, left, right, front, or back. In addition, all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are not necessarily essential to solve the problems. In addition, detailed description is sometimes omitted as necessary. In addition, the following description of the embodiments and the drawings is provided to enable those skilled in the art to sufficiently understand the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the claims.

[0028] A grain discriminator is an apparatus for discriminating the quality of grains such as rice, wheat, beans, corn, and the like. The grain discriminator, for example, irradiates light toward grains from at least one of above and below the grains. The grain discriminator acquires an image of the grains using a sensor that receives reflected light reflected by the surfaces of the grains, transmitted light that has passed through the grains, and the like. The grain discriminator discriminates the quality of the grains based on the acquired image of the grains. The discrimination result is output, for example, to a display device of a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown) connected to the grain discriminator. In addition, the image of the grains acquired by the grain discriminator can also be output to the display device.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an example of a grain discriminator. Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a II-II cross-sectional view of Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a III-III cross-sectional view of

[0030] The grain discriminator 1 includes a housing 2, a guide member 3, a first light source 4, a second light source 5, a first sensor 6, and a second sensor 7.

[0031] The housing 2 accommodates the guide member 3, the first light source 4, the second light source 5, the first sensor 6, and the second sensor 7. The housing 2 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin that is light-shielding.

[0032] The housing 2 has a first sensor setting portion 21, a sample cell accommodating portion 22, a light source setting portion 23, and a second sensor setting portion 24.

[0033] The first sensor setting portion 21 is a portion in which the first sensor 6 is provided. The first sensor setting portion 21 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0034] The sample cell accommodating portion 22 is a portion that accommodates the sample cell 8. In addition, the sample cell accommodating portion 22 accommodates the guide member 3 and the first light source 4.

[0035] The sample cell accommodating portion 22 is formed in, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening is formed in a side surface of the front of the sample cell accommodating portion 22. The sample cell 8 is inserted into the sample cell accommodating portion 22 from the opening and is set at a set position of the sample cell 8. The sample cell accommodating portion 22 is connected to a lower end of the first sensor setting portion 21.

[0036] The light source setting portion 23 is a portion in which the second light source 5 is provided. The light source setting portion 23 is formed in, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The light source setting portion 23 is connected to a lower end of the sample cell accommodating portion 22.

[0037] The second sensor setting section 24 is the part in which the second sensor 7 is provided. The second sensor setting section 24 is, for example, formed in a cuboid shape. The second sensor setting section 24 is connected to the lower end of the light source setting section 23.

[0038] The guide member 3 is a component that guides the sample dish 8 to the setting position inside the sample dish receiving section 22. The guide member 3 has a pair of straight portions 31 extending in the front-rear direction and a curved portion 32 connecting the rear ends of the pair of straight portions 31. That is, the guide member 3 is a U-shaped component when viewed from above. A guide groove 33 is formed in the guide member 3, and the sample dish 8 is guided to the setting position along the guide groove 33.

[0039] The setting position refers to the position where the image of the grain is acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. For example, the setting position is the position where the sample dish 8 is inserted from the opening and abuts against the curved portion 32 of the guide member 3. When the sample dish 8 is set in the setting position, the curved portion 32 acts as a stop to restrict the position of the rear end of the sample dish 8. That is, the setting position is the position where the grain is photographed, and it is the position where the sample dish 8 is positioned by the stop.

[0040] A first light source 4 is disposed in the sample dish receiving section 22. The first light source 4 includes multiple light-emitting components. The light-emitting components are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The light emitted by the first light source 4 is reflected by the inner wall surface of the sample dish receiving section 22 and illuminates the grains placed in the sample dish 8. Alternatively, a portion of the light emitted by the first light source 4 may be used to directly illuminate the grains placed in the sample dish 8.

[0041] The second light source 5 is provided in the light source setting section 23. The second light source 5 includes, for example, a light-emitting component 51, a reflector 52, and a lens 53.

[0042] The light-emitting component 51 is, for example, an LED. The reflector 52 is a component that reflects the light emitted by the light-emitting component 51. The lens 53 focuses the light emitted by the light-emitting component 51. The lens 53 is, for example, a cylindrical lens. Alternatively, a gap may be provided between the reflector 52 and the lens 53. In this case, the sample dish 8 is irradiated with light focused by the lens 53 and light that passes through the gap between the reflector 52 and the lens 53. As a result, the illuminance of the light received by the sample dish 8 is uniform overall. Light irradiating the sample dish 8 from below passes through the sample dish 8 and irradiates the grains from below.

[0043] The first sensor 6 acquires an image of the grains on the sample dish 8, which is positioned at the designated location. The first sensor 6 is mounted on the first sensor mounting section 21. The first sensor 6 captures an image of the grains from above the sample dish 8. For example, if the grain detector 1 is equipped with an image acquisition button (not shown), the first sensor 6 can acquire an image of the grains when the image acquisition button is pressed.

[0044] Based on the image of the grains acquired by the first sensor 6, the grain detector 1 identifies the quality of the grains. The image of the grains acquired by the first sensor 6 can also be sent to a PC. In this case, the PC displays the image of the grains on a display device (not shown).

[0045] The first sensor 6 is, for example, a light detection sensor. The light detection sensor is, for example, an image sensor. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

[0046] The first sensor 6 can also be a camera, such as a smartphone. If the first sensor 6 is a smartphone camera, the first sensor mounting unit 21 can also include a storage unit (not shown) capable of detachably storing the smartphone. Images captured by the smartphone camera are displayed, for example, on the smartphone's screen.

[0047] Before acquiring an image of the grain, the first sensor 6 is calibrated using a reference component. In other words, the image output from the first sensor 6 is corrected using a reference component.

[0048] Here, the calibration of the first sensor 6 will be explained. The characteristics of optical components such as the first sensor 6 are affected by external environmental factors such as temperature. That is, sometimes a difference occurs between the image actually acquired by the first sensor 6 and the image that the first sensor 6 should have acquired. Therefore, in order to eliminate the influence of the external environment, it is necessary to calibrate the first sensor 6 before acquiring the image.

[0049] With the first sensor 6 calibrated, light is shone toward the reference component from the first light source 4 and the second light source 5. The reflected and / or transmitted light shone onto the reference component is detected by the first sensor 6, and an image of the reference component is obtained. The image obtained by the first sensor 6 is compared with a predetermined reference image. Based on the comparison result, for example, correction coefficients are calculated to correct image distortion, image color, and image brightness caused by aberrations. The image obtained by the first sensor 6 is corrected based on these correction coefficients.

[0050] The second sensor 7 acquires an image of the grains on the sample dish 8 positioned at the designated location. The second sensor 7 is mounted on the second sensor mounting section 24. The second sensor 7 captures an image of the grains from below the sample dish 8. For example, if the grain detector 1 is equipped with an image acquisition button, the second sensor 7 can also acquire an image of the grains when the image acquisition button is pressed.

[0051] Based on the image of the grains acquired by the second sensor 7, the grain detector 1 identifies the quality of the grains. The image of the grains acquired by the second sensor 7 can also be sent to the PC. In this case, the PC displays the image of the grains on a display device.

[0052] The second sensor 7 is, for example, a light detection sensor. The light detection sensor is, for example, an image sensor. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

[0053] The second sensor 7 can also be a camera, such as a smartphone. If the second sensor 7 is a smartphone camera, the second sensor mounting unit 24 can also include a storage unit (not shown) capable of detachably storing the smartphone. Images captured by the smartphone camera are displayed, for example, on the smartphone's screen.

[0054] The second sensor 7 is calibrated using the same method as the first sensor 6, employing a reference component before acquiring an image of the grain. In other words, the image output from the second sensor 7 is corrected using the reference component. For example, image distortion, color distortion, and brightness distortion caused by aberrations are corrected.

[0055] Next, the sample dish 8 housed in the sample dish storage section 22 will be described. The sample dish 8 is a component that holds grains whose quality has been determined by the grain sorter 1. The sample dish 8 is formed of a light-transmitting component. The light-transmitting component is, for example, a transparent synthetic resin or glass.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of a sample dish 8. The sample dish 8 is called a carton. The sample dish 8 has a dish portion 81 and a discharge portion 82. The dish portion 81 and the discharge portion 82 are connected to each other.

[0057] The dish portion 81 is the part that holds the grains identified by the grain distinguisher 1. The dish portion 81 is, for example, circular when viewed from above.

[0058] A flange 811 extending outward is formed at the upper end of the sample dish portion 81. When the sample dish 8 is stored in the sample dish storage portion 22 of the grain distinguisher 1, the flange 811 is guided by the guide groove 33 of the guide member 3 so that the sample dish 8 reaches the setting position.

[0059] The discharge section 82 is a portion that is connected to and protrudes from the dish section 81 at one end. The discharge section 82 functions as a passage for discharging the grains placed in the dish section 81 to the outside. The other end of the discharge section 82 is cut off, becoming the outlet for the grains to be discharged to the outside.

[0060] The discharge section 82 is the part held by the inspector when the sample dish 8 is stored in the sample dish storage section 22. In other words, the inspector holds the discharge section 82 to store the sample dish 8 in the sample dish storage section 22.

[0061] Next, the reference component will be described. The reference component is the reference component used in the grain distinguisher 1. The reference component is used to correct the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. The reference component is inserted into the grain distinguisher 1 from the outside and is set at the setting position of the sample dish 8.

[0062] Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B This diagram illustrates an example of a reference component. The reference component 9 includes a holding portion 91 and a reference plate portion 92. The reference component 9 is formed in a shape similar to the sample dish 8. In other words, the reference component 9 is a carton-type reference component.

[0063] The gripping part 91 is the part held by the inspector. The inspector holds the gripping part 91, for example, when storing the reference component 9 in the grain detector 1 and when removing the reference component 9 from the grain detector 1. The gripping part 91 is connected to the reference plate part 92.

[0064] The reference plate portion 92 has a base plate portion 921, a side wall portion 922, a flange 923, and a support portion 924.

[0065] The base plate portion 921 is used to correct the image of the grains acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. The base plate portion 921 is circular when viewed from above. Furthermore, when the reference member 9 is in the set position, the center of the base plate portion 921 is positioned on the optical axis of the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. That is, the reference member 9 being in the set position means that the center of the base plate portion 921 is positioned on the optical axis of the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7.

[0066] The base plate 921 is formed such that when the reference member 9 is positioned in the sample dish receiving portion 22, the upper surface of the base plate 921 is at approximately the same height as the center of the grains on the sample dish 8 in the vertical direction when the sample dish 8 is positioned. In other words, the distance between the upper surface of the base plate 921 and the first sensor 6 when the reference member 9 is positioned is approximately the same as the distance between the center of the grains on the sample dish 8 in the vertical direction and the first sensor 6 when the sample dish 8 is positioned.

[0067] When the grains placed in the sample dish 8 are rice grains, the center position of the grains in the vertical direction is approximately 1 mm from the upper surface of the sample dish 8. Therefore, the height of the upper surface of the base plate 921 is formed in a manner consistent with this height. In addition, multiple reference members 9 with different heights of the upper surface of the base plate 921 can be used for calibration in order to identify the size of the grains to be tested.

[0068] Alternatively, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the reference component 9, which is set in the setting position, can be provided in the grain separator 1. This ensures that the height of the upper surface of the base plate 921 when the reference component 9 is set in the setting position of the sample dish receiving part 22 is consistent with the height of the center of the grains in the vertical direction on the sample dish 8 when the sample dish 8 is set in the setting position.

[0069] The base plate portion 921 has at least one correction area, for example, for correcting images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. The correction area will be described in detail later.

[0070] The sidewall portion 922 extends outward and upward from the outer periphery of the base plate portion 921. The sidewall portion 922 is formed, for example, of a light-shielding synthetic resin. The sidewall portion 922 is formed, for example, of a black synthetic resin. Alternatively, the surface of the sidewall portion 922 may be matte.

[0071] The flange 923 is the portion that extends outward from the upper end of the side wall portion 922. When the reference component 9 is placed in the sample dish receiving portion 22, the flange 923 is guided to the placement position by the guide groove 33 of the guide component 3.

[0072] The support portion 924 is a component that supports the base plate portion 921. The support portion 924 is, for example, an arc-shaped component with approximately the same diameter as the base plate portion 921. The support portion 924 is connected to the lower surface of the base plate portion 921. The support portion 924 serves to prevent damage to the base plate portion 921.

[0073] Next, the correction area of ​​the base plate portion 921 will be described. The base plate portion 921 has a correction area for correcting images. The base plate portion 921 has aberration correction areas on its upper and lower surfaces for correcting image distortion caused by aberrations. The aberration correction area is, for example, a region on a line drawn on the base plate portion 921.

[0074] With the reference component 9 set in the set position, the center of the correction area is located on the optical axis of the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the aberration correction area of ​​the base plate 921. Figure 6The aberration correction area 921A shown is a region defined on a line of multiple circles of different sizes with the center C of the base plate portion 921 as a common center. The aberration correction area 921A is drawn, for example, on the surface of the base plate portion 921 with ink or the like. Alternatively, the aberration correction area 921A can also be defined by a seal that is adhered to the surface of the base plate portion 921.

[0076] The difference between the radii r [mm] of each circle can be set as a predetermined interval d [mm]. For example, if the predetermined interval is set to 8 [mm], the area on the lines depicting the circles with radii of 8 [mm], 16 [mm], 24 [mm], 32 [mm], 40 [mm], 48 [mm], 56 [mm], and 64 [mm] is designated as the aberration correction area 921A.

[0077] Figure 7 This is another illustration of the aberration correction region 921A. The aberration correction region 921A is a region on a plurality of mutually orthogonal straight lines drawn on the base plate portion 921. The interval between each straight line can be, for example, set to a predetermined interval d [mm]. Furthermore, the aberration correction region is not limited to lines, but can also be a region defined by a plurality of points.

[0078] Figure 8 This is another example diagram used to illustrate the correction area. In addition to the aberration correction area 921A, the base plate 921 also has color correction areas 921B on its upper and lower surfaces for correcting the colors of the image.

[0079] Color correction area 921B includes multiple fan-shaped areas divided by a straight line extending radially outward from the center C of the base plate portion 921. Color correction area 921B contains multiple areas of different colors. For example, color correction area 921B includes blue area 921B1, green area 921B2, red area 921B3, black area 921B4, gray area 921B5, and white area 921B6. Color correction area 921B is formed, for example, from a light-blocking synthetic resin.

[0080] For example, the base plate 921 can be combined with multiple components of different colors to form a color correction area 921B. Alternatively, the color correction area 921B can be formed by coloring the base plate 921 with different colors.

[0081] The base plate 921 can also group multiple color correction areas 921B together, and has multiple groups of color correction areas 921B. Figure 8In the example shown, the color correction area 921B is formed by six groups of areas: blue area 921B1, green area 921B2, red area 921B3, black area 921B4, gray area 921B5, and white area 921B6. That is, the colors are arranged at equal intervals in the base plate 921. In other words, the colors are evenly distributed throughout the entire base plate 921. Therefore, the colors of the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 can be corrected with high precision across the entire surface of the sample dish.

[0082] In addition to the aberration correction area 921A and the color correction area 921B, the base plate portion 921 may also include a brightness correction area for correcting the brightness of the image. For example, it may also be made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin. Figure 8 The gray area 921B5 and the white area 921B6 are shown. Therefore, the brightness of the image can be corrected using the transmitted light passing through the gray area 921B5 and the white area 921B6. In this case, the transmittance of the gray area 921B5 and the white area 921B6 can also be approximately the same as the transmittance of the grains of the object being identified.

[0083] Figure 9 This is another example diagram used to illustrate the correction area. Figure 9 The base plate portion 921 shown includes: a color correction region 921B, which is composed of a plurality of fan-shaped regions divided by straight lines extending outward from the center in a radial direction; and an aberration correction region 921A, which is shown by a plurality of mutually orthogonal straight lines. Alternatively, the base plate portion 921 may also include a brightness correction region.

[0084] Figure 10 This is another example illustrating the correction area. Figure 10 The base plate portion 921 shown includes an aberration correction region 921A defined by a plurality of mutually orthogonal straight lines. Furthermore, the base plate portion 921 includes a color correction region 921B divided by the aberration correction region 921A. Alternatively, the base plate portion 921 may also include a color correction region 921B and a brightness correction region divided by the aberration correction region 921A.

[0085] Furthermore, the aberration correction region 921A may not be an area on the lines or points drawn on the base plate portion 921. For example, the boundary of the color correction region 921B can be used as the aberration correction region 921A. In this case, the process of drawing lines or points on the base plate portion 921 can be omitted.

[0086] Next, the process for identifying the quality of grains will be explained.

[0087] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in identifying the quality of grains.

[0088] First, the power supply to the grain separator 1 is turned on (step S1). This supplies power to each device that constitutes the grain separator 1.

[0089] Next, the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 are calibrated (step S2). That is, correction coefficients are set to correct the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. During the calibration of the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7, the reference component 9 is housed in the sample dish receiving part 22 and set in the setting position. When the reference component 9 is set in the setting position, the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 acquire images of the reference component 9.

[0090] The images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 are compared with a reference image pre-stored in a memory or the like, and a correction coefficient is calculated to correct at least one of image distortion, image color, and image brightness caused by aberrations. Then, the reference component 9 is removed from the grain detector 1.

[0091] In addition, a calibration start button can be set on the grain detector 1. When the calibration start button is pressed, the image of the reference component 9 is acquired and the correction coefficient is calculated.

[0092] Next, an image of the grain is acquired (step S3). Specifically, firstly, the sample dish 8 containing the grain is placed in the sample dish holding part 22 of the grain distinguisher 1 and set in the setting position. When the sample dish 8 is set in the setting position, an image of the grain is acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7. For example, an image of the grain can also be acquired in response to the pressing of the image acquisition button.

[0093] Next, the images obtained by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 are corrected (step S4).

[0094] Next, based on the corrected image, the grain distinguisher 1 identifies the quality of the grains (step S5).

[0095] Next, the identification results are displayed on the display device (step S6). Thus, the inspector can confirm the identification results of the grains displayed on the display device.

[0096] As explained above, the reference component 9 has a correction area for correcting the image obtained by the grain detector 1, is inserted externally into the grain detector 1, and is positioned at the sample dish 8. Therefore, it is not necessary to place the reference component 9 within the grain detector 1, allowing for miniaturization of the grain detector 1.

[0097] Furthermore, the correction area includes an aberration correction area 921A for correcting image distortion caused by aberrations. This allows for the correction of aberrations in the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 of the grain discriminator 1. As a result, the quality of the grains can be identified with high precision.

[0098] Furthermore, the correction area also includes a color correction area 921B for correcting the color of the image. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a separate reference component 9 for color correction from the reference component 9 for aberration correction. That is, image distortion and color can be corrected using a single reference component 9. As a result, the portability of the reference component 9 is improved. Additionally, the calibration operations for the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 can be simplified.

[0099] Furthermore, the correction area also includes a brightness correction area for correcting the brightness of the image. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a brightness correction reference component 9 separately from the aberration correction reference component 9. That is, image distortion and brightness can be corrected using a single reference component 9. Alternatively, image distortion, color, and brightness can be corrected using a single reference component 9. As a result, the portability of the reference component 9 is improved. Additionally, the calibration operations for the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 can be simplified.

[0100] Furthermore, the aberration correction region 921A includes a region along a line depicting multiple circles of different sizes centered at a common point. Alternatively, the aberration correction region 921A may include regions along mutually orthogonal lines. Thus, distortions in the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 can be corrected with high precision.

[0101] Furthermore, the color correction region 921B includes a region divided by multiple straight lines extending outward from the center of the circle in a radial direction. Alternatively, the color correction region 921B may include a region divided by mutually orthogonal lines. Thus, the colors of the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 can be corrected with high precision.

[0102] Furthermore, the brightness correction region includes an area divided by multiple straight lines extending outward from the center of the circle in a radial direction. Alternatively, the brightness correction region may include an area divided by mutually orthogonal lines. This allows for high-precision correction of the brightness of the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7.

[0103] Furthermore, the grain detector 1 includes sensors 6 and 7 for acquiring images. With the reference component 9 in the set position, the center of the correction area is arranged on the optical axis of the sensors 6 and 7. This allows for high-precision correction of the images acquired by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7.

[0104] Furthermore, the grain detector 1 uses the reference component 9 of the above-described structure to correct the image. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the reference component 9 in the grain detector 1. As a result, the grain detector 1 can be miniaturized.

[0105] In addition, for example, the grain detector 1 can also display an error message on the display device after the power is turned on and before the calibration start button is pressed, when the image acquisition button is pressed.

[0106] Alternatively, after the grain detector 1 is powered on, a prompt to the inspector to perform recalibration can be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time could be, for example, 1 hour or 2 hours. This allows the inspector to calibrate the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 at predetermined intervals. As a result, the grain detector 1 can accurately identify the quality of the grains.

[0107] Alternatively, brightness reference plates can be set within the field of view of the first sensor 6 and the field of view of the second sensor 7, respectively.

[0108] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a brightness reference plate positioned within the field of view of the first sensor 6. Figure 12 It is equivalent to Figure 1 The figure is a cross-sectional view along line II-II. A brightness reference plate 34 is provided, for example, at the rear corner of the sample dish receiving section 22. The brightness reference plate 34 is used to compare the difference between the brightness within the sample dish receiving section 22 during calibration of the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 and the brightness within the sample dish receiving section 22 when acquiring an image of the grain.

[0109] For example, the amount of light received by the first sensor 6 from the brightness reference plate 34 during calibration is compared with the amount of light received by the first sensor 6 from the brightness reference plate 34 when the image of the grain is acquired. If the difference between these light amounts is, for example, more than 5% of the light amount during calibration, the display of the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 can be accelerated again.

[0110] Alternatively, identification information can be assigned to the reference component 9. This identification information can be used to identify each of multiple reference components 9. For example, the identification information can be assigned to the reference component 9 by affixing a seal with a QR code printed with the identification information to the reference component 9. For instance, before using the grain detector 1, an inspector can read the QR code using a reader, thereby identifying the reference component 9.

[0111] Furthermore, when reading the identification information, correction coefficients can be obtained to correct for individual differences between the reference components 9. For example, the identification information and correction coefficients can be stored in advance in association with each other on a server or similar facility. When the QR code affixed to the reference component 9 is read by a reader, the inspector accesses the server using a PC to obtain the correction coefficients stored in association with the reference component 9. Using these correction coefficients, the images obtained by the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 are corrected. As a result, the influence of individual differences in the reference components 9 can be eliminated, and the quality of the grains can be identified.

[0112] Additionally, the manufacturing number of the grain separator 1 and the identification number of the sample dish 8 used in the grain separator 1 can be stored in the identification information in a further related manner. In this case, the quality of the grains can be identified by eliminating the influence of individual differences in each grain separator 1 and individual differences in each sample dish 8.

[0113] Alternatively, the identification information can be stored in the PC's memory in association with the date of use of the reference component 9. In this case, for example, a message urging the replacement of the reference component 9 can be displayed on the display device when a predetermined number of years or days have elapsed since the start of use of the reference component 9.

[0114] Explanation of symbols

[0115] 1—Grain distinguisher, 2—Box body, 21—First sensor setting part, 22—Sample dish storage part, 23—Light source setting part, 24—Second sensor setting part, 3—Guiding component, 31—Straight part, 32—Bent part, 33—Guiding groove, 34—Brightness reference plate, 4—First light source, 5—Second light source, 51—Light-emitting component, 52—Reflector, 53—Lens, 6—First sensor, 7—Second sensor, 8—Sample dish, 81—Dish part, 811 —Flange, 82—Discharge section, 9—Reference component, 91—Holding section, 92—Reference plate section, 921—Base plate section, 921A—Aberration correction area, 921B—Color correction area, 921B1—Blue area, 921B2—Green area, 921B3—Red area, 921B4—Black area, 921B5—Gray area, 921B6—White area, 922—Side wall section, 923—Flange, 924—Support section, C—Center.

Claims

1. A reference member provided with a correction region for correcting an image taken by a grain discriminator, characterized in that, the reference member is a shape of a sample dish used in the discrimination of grains in the grain discriminator, and is provided with the correction region in a bottom plate portion, the sample dish is inserted from the outside into the grain discriminator and is set at a set position of the sample dish, the bottom plate portion is formed such that an upper surface of the bottom plate portion when the reference member is set at the set position of the sample dish storage portion and a center in a vertical direction of grains on the sample dish when the sample dish is set at the set position are substantially the same height.

2. The reference member according to claim 1, characterized in that, the correction region includes an aberration correction region for correcting distortion of the image caused by aberration.

3. The reference member according to claim 2, characterized in that, the correction region further includes a color correction region for correcting a color of the image.

4. The reference member according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the correction region further includes a lightness correction region for correcting a lightness of the image.

5. The reference member according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the aberration correction region includes a region on a line that depicts a plurality of circles of different sizes with a common point as a center.

6. The reference member according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the aberration correction region includes a region on lines that are orthogonal to each other.

7. The reference member according to claim 3, characterized in that, the color correction region includes a region divided by a plurality of straight lines extending from the center of the circle toward the outside in the radial direction.

8. The reference member according to claim 3, characterized in that, the color correction region includes a region divided by lines that are orthogonal to each other.

9. The reference member according to claim 4, characterized in that, the lightness correction region includes a region divided by a plurality of straight lines extending from the center of the circle toward the outside in the radial direction.

10. The reference member according to claim 4, characterized in that, the lightness correction region includes a region divided by lines that are orthogonal to each other.

11. The reference member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the grain discriminator includes a sensor that takes the image, in a state where the reference member is set at the set position, a center of the correction region is disposed on an optical axis of the sensor.

12. A grain discriminator, characterized in that, correction of the image is performed using the reference member according to claim 1 or 2.

Images