Carton appearance detection method, controller, device and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cigarette appearance detection method, a controller, a device and a storage medium. The cigarette appearance detection method comprises: obtaining an image of a cigarette on a cigarette conveying device; determining a placement state of the cigarette according to the image of the cigarette; determining an appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state; and performing appearance detection on the cigarette by the appearance detection algorithm to determine whether the cigarette is qualified. The present disclosure realizes appearance detection on the cigarette, thereby reducing production cost and reducing resource waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of tobacco detection technology, and in particular to a method, controller, device and storage medium for detecting the appearance of cigarette packs. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco industry, cigarette cartons from various cigarette factories leave the packaging machine and are transported to the sealing machine via a conveyor system including elevators, conveyors, and packing machines. Before entering the sealing machine for sealing, the appearance quality of the cigarette cartons is inspected and rejected solely by a cigarette appearance inspection device on the inlet conveyor channel of the sealing machine. As the only automated inspection process on the entire production line, the cigarette appearance inspection device is particularly important.

[0003] In related technologies, cigarette packs that are reversed in any direction are identified as defective and rejected by the cigarette appearance inspection device. However, cigarette packs produced by high-speed packaging machines and medium-speed packaging machines have opposite smoke output directions, preventing them from entering the same carton sealing machine simultaneously for quality inspection by the same cigarette appearance inspection device.

[0004] In related technologies, to solve the above problems, the common approach is to independently install cigarette appearance inspection equipment on the packaging machine to inspect the cigarettes produced by that machine, or to install cigarette deflection devices to ensure that the cigarettes exiting the packaging machine in the same direction for different models, guaranteeing that the cigarettes entering the cigarette appearance inspection device of the carton sealing machine only have one direction, and then rely on existing cigarette appearance inspection technology for inspection. This method increases production costs and wastes resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One technical problem addressed by this disclosure is that the cigarette appearance inspection methods in related technologies increase production costs and cause resource waste.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette cartons is provided, comprising: obtaining an image of cigarette cartons on a cigarette carton transport device; determining a placement state of the cigarette cartons based on the image of the cigarette cartons; determining an appearance inspection algorithm corresponding to the placement state; and performing appearance inspection on the cigarette cartons using the appearance inspection algorithm to determine whether the cigarette cartons are qualified.

[0007] In some embodiments, the placement state includes a first placement state and a second placement state, wherein the first placement state is different from the second placement state.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state includes: when the placement state of the cigarette pack is a first placement state, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a first appearance detection algorithm; and when the placement state of the cigarette pack is a second placement state, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a second appearance detection algorithm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the appearance detection algorithm is used to perform appearance detection on the cigarette pack to determine whether the cigarette pack is qualified, including: when the cigarette pack is placed in a first placement state, performing appearance detection on the cigarette pack using the first appearance detection algorithm; when the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements in the first appearance detection algorithm, determining that the cigarette pack is qualified; and when the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements in the first appearance detection algorithm, determining that the cigarette pack is unqualified, and issuing a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette pack.

[0010] In some embodiments, the appearance detection algorithm is used to perform appearance detection on the cigarette pack to determine whether the cigarette pack is qualified, including: when the cigarette pack is placed in a second placement state, performing appearance detection on the cigarette pack using the second appearance detection algorithm; when the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements in the second appearance detection algorithm, determining that the cigarette pack is qualified; and when the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements in the second appearance detection algorithm, determining that the cigarette pack is unqualified, and issuing a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette pack.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining the placement state of the cigarette pack based on its image includes: matching the image of the cigarette pack with a predetermined template to determine whether the image of the cigarette pack and the predetermined template are successfully matched within a template matching area, wherein the predetermined template includes: a first predetermined template corresponding to a first placement state and a second predetermined template corresponding to a second placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack and the first predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, the placement state of the cigarette pack is determined to be the first placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack and the second predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, the placement state of the cigarette pack is determined to be the second placement state; and if the image of the cigarette pack cannot be successfully matched with either the first predetermined template or the second predetermined template, the cigarette pack is determined to be unqualified.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cigarette pack appearance inspection method further includes: if the cigarette pack is not placed in the first placement state and the second placement state, determining that the cigarette pack is unqualified, and issuing a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette pack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first placement state is a forward placement state; the second placement state is a reverse placement state.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a controller is provided, comprising: an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a pack of cigarettes on a cigarette transport device; a state determination unit for determining a placement state of the cigarettes based on the image of the cigarettes; an algorithm determination unit for determining an appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state; and an appearance detection unit for performing appearance detection on the cigarettes using the appearance detection algorithm to determine whether the cigarettes are qualified.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a controller is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the cigarette appearance detection method as described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a cigarette pack appearance inspection device is provided, comprising: a controller as described above.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cigarette appearance detection device further includes one or more cameras for taking pictures of the cigarettes to obtain images of the cigarettes, and sending the images of the cigarettes to the controller.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having computer program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the cigarette appearance detection method as described above.

[0019] The above-mentioned method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs eliminates the need to install cigarette pack appearance inspection equipment on each packaging machine as in related technologies, and also eliminates the need for equipment modification to change the direction of cigarette packs at the packaging machine exit as in related technologies. Therefore, this method can reduce production costs and reduce resource waste.

[0020] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0022] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram showing the cigarette packs in a first placement state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram showing the cigarette packs in a second placement state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a controller according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a controller according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a cigarette appearance inspection device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0033] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0034] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0035] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0036] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0037] The inventors of this disclosure have discovered that in related technologies, it is necessary to install cigarette appearance inspection equipment on each packaging machine, or to modify the equipment for cigarette reversal at the packaging machine outlet, which increases production costs and causes waste of resources.

[0038] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs to reduce production costs and minimize resource waste.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the cigarette appearance inspection method includes steps S102 to S108. For example, this method can be executed in a controller.

[0040] In step S102, an image of the cigarette packs on the cigarette transport equipment is obtained.

[0041] For example, one or more cameras can be installed around the cigarette transport equipment to take pictures of the cigarettes and send the images to a controller. The controller then obtains an image of the cigarettes on the transport equipment. Alternatively, with multiple cameras, each located at a different position, each camera can take a picture of a specific side of the cigarette and send the image to the controller.

[0042] In step S104, the placement status of the cigarette pack is determined based on the image of the cigarette pack.

[0043] In some embodiments, the placement state includes a first placement state and a second placement state, wherein the first placement state and the second placement state are different. For example, the first placement state is a forward placement state, and the second placement state is a reverse placement state.

[0044] Here, the two states in which the cigarette pack is placed are defined as the first placement state and the second placement state, that is, the forward placement state and the reverse placement state.

[0045] For example, the two directions of the smoke are defined as "forward" and "reverse". Different feature points in the bidirectional images are identified, such as patterns, numbers, designs, and colors. The camera position with the greatest difference in independent features between the bidirectional images is also identified. After confirming the feature points and camera positions, template matching is set for the feature points of the "forward" smoke image. X-axis and Y-axis positioning tools are used to bind the template matching area to increase stability. Similarly, template matching is set for the feature points of the "reverse" smoke image. X-axis and Y-axis positioning tools are used to bind the template matching area to increase stability.

[0046] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram showing a pack of cigarettes in a first placement state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram showing the cigarette packs in a second placement state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example of the front design of a pack of cigarettes and the direction in which the cigarettes are moving are shown.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the position of the number "324" with obvious distinguishing characteristics of the cigarette pack can be used as the standard feature of the cigarette pack's placement state. Based on the detected position of the number "324", it can be determined whether the cigarette pack is in the first placement state or the second placement state, that is, whether the cigarette pack is a "forward" or "reverse" cigarette pack.

[0048] It should be noted that, although the above embodiments of this disclosure are combined with Figure 2A and Figure 2B The features of one surface of a pack of cigarettes define a first placement state and a second placement state; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first and second placement states can be set separately for different surfaces of the cigarette pack. For example, feature points can be determined on different surfaces of the cigarette pack to define the first and second placement states. In this way, the appearance of the cigarette pack can be detected for different surfaces, improving the accuracy of cigarette appearance detection.

[0049] In some embodiments, step S104 includes: matching the image of the cigarette pack with a predetermined template to determine whether the image of the cigarette pack and the predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, wherein the predetermined template includes: a first predetermined template corresponding to a first placement state and a second predetermined template corresponding to a second placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack and the first predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, the placement state of the cigarette pack is determined to be the first placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack and the second predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, the placement state of the cigarette pack is determined to be the second placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack cannot be successfully matched with either the first predetermined template or the second predetermined template, the cigarette pack is determined to be unqualified.

[0050] Here, the predetermined template represents the features or combination of features of an image of a pack of cigarettes in a certain placement state. For example, in the first predetermined template, the numerical features of the cigarettes are located on the left side of the image (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2A As shown); in the second predetermined template, the digital features of the cigarette pack are located on the right side of the image (e.g., as shown). Figure 2B (As shown). Of course, this is just an example using numerical features. In reality, other features (such as patterns, designs, colors, etc.) can also be used to describe the predefined template.

[0051] Furthermore, the template matching region mentioned above refers to the region where the image features are located, such as the region where digital features are located.

[0052] In the above embodiments, by matching the image of the cigarette pack with a predetermined template, the placement state of the cigarette pack can be determined, facilitating subsequent appearance inspection. Of course, if the image of the cigarette pack cannot be matched with either predetermined template, the cigarette pack is unqualified and can be rejected.

[0053] In step S106, the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state is determined.

[0054] In some embodiments, the appearance detection algorithm includes: a first appearance detection algorithm corresponding to a first placement state and a second appearance detection algorithm corresponding to a second placement state. That is, when the cigarette pack is in the first placement state (e.g., ... Figure 2A In the case shown), the first appearance detection algorithm is used to detect the appearance of the cigarette pack; when the cigarette pack is in the second placement state (e.g., Figure 2B In the case shown, the second appearance detection algorithm is used to detect the appearance of the cigarette pack.

[0055] Different appearance detection algorithms will detect the features of cigarette packs in different placement states. For example, the appearance requirement in the first appearance detection algorithm is to detect the digital features of the cigarette packs (e.g., such as...). Figure 2AIf the number "324" shown is on the left, the first appearance detection algorithm will detect whether the numerical feature of the cigarette pack is on the left; while the appearance requirement in the second appearance detection algorithm is that the numerical feature of the cigarette pack (e.g., as shown) is on the left. Figure 2B If the number "324" shown is on the right, the first appearance detection algorithm will check whether the numerical feature of the cigarette pack is on the right. In this way, it can be determined whether the cigarette pack is qualified.

[0056] In some embodiments, step S106 includes: when the cigarette pack is placed in a first placement state, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a first appearance detection algorithm; and when the cigarette pack is placed in a second placement state, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a second appearance detection algorithm. This facilitates the subsequent use of the corresponding appearance detection algorithm to detect whether the appearance of the cigarette pack is qualified.

[0057] In step S108, the appearance of the cigarette packs is inspected using an appearance inspection algorithm to determine whether the cigarette packs are qualified.

[0058] In some embodiments, step S108 includes: when the cigarette packs are in a first placement state, performing an appearance inspection on the cigarette packs using a first appearance inspection algorithm; determining that the cigarette packs are qualified if their appearance meets the appearance requirements in the first appearance inspection algorithm; and determining that the cigarette packs are unqualified if their appearance does not meet the appearance requirements in the first appearance inspection algorithm, and issuing a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette packs. This achieves appearance inspection of cigarette packs in the first placement state, reducing production costs and minimizing resource waste.

[0059] Here, the appearance requirement in the first appearance detection algorithm refers to the features or feature combinations of the image of the cigarette pack required by the first appearance detection algorithm, such as features or feature combinations of patterns, numbers, designs, colors, etc.

[0060] In some embodiments, step S108 includes: when the cigarette packs are in a second placement state, performing an appearance inspection on the cigarette packs using a second appearance inspection algorithm; determining that the cigarette packs are qualified if their appearance meets the appearance requirements in the second appearance inspection algorithm; and determining that the cigarette packs are unqualified if their appearance does not meet the appearance requirements in the second appearance inspection algorithm, and issuing a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette packs. This achieves appearance inspection of cigarette packs in the second placement state, reducing production costs and minimizing resource waste.

[0061] Here, the appearance requirement in the second appearance detection algorithm refers to the features or feature combinations of the image of the cigarette pack required by the second appearance detection algorithm, such as features or feature combinations of patterns, numbers, designs, colors, etc.

[0062] It should be noted that the aforementioned first and second appearance detection algorithms can employ appearance detection algorithms known to those skilled in the art. For example, in an appearance detection algorithm, feature values ​​can be extracted from the image of the cigarette pack, and these feature values ​​can be compared with preset reference values ​​to determine whether the appearance of the cigarette pack is acceptable. For instance, if the similarity between the feature value and the reference value is greater than or equal to a similarity threshold, it is determined that the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements of the corresponding appearance detection algorithm (e.g., the first or second appearance detection algorithm); if the similarity between the feature value and the reference value is less than the similarity threshold, it is determined that the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements of the corresponding appearance detection algorithm (e.g., the first or second appearance detection algorithm). The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific algorithms of the first and second appearance detection algorithms.

[0063] This provides a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette cartons according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method includes: obtaining an image of the cigarette cartons on a cigarette carton transport device; determining the placement state of the cigarette cartons based on the image; determining an appearance inspection algorithm corresponding to the placement state; and performing appearance inspection on the cigarette cartons using the appearance inspection algorithm to determine whether the cigarette cartons are qualified. This method achieves appearance inspection of cigarette cartons without requiring the installation of cigarette carton appearance inspection equipment on each packaging machine as in related technologies, nor does it require the modification of equipment for reversing cigarette cartons at the packaging machine exit as in related technologies. Therefore, this method can reduce production costs and reduce resource waste.

[0064] In some embodiments, the above-described cigarette pack appearance inspection method further includes: if the cigarette pack is not placed in the first or second placement state, determining that the cigarette pack is unqualified and issuing a rejection instruction to remove the cigarette pack. That is, if the cigarette pack is placed in neither the first nor the second placement state, it is determined that the cigarette pack is unqualified (e.g., the cigarette pack is damaged, or the cigarette pack is of the wrong brand), and a rejection instruction is issued to remove the cigarette pack. This achieves the removal of unqualified cigarette packs, improving the overall quality of the cigarette pack.

[0065] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Here, the method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs is described in detail using an example where the first placement state is a forward placement state and the second placement state is a reverse placement state.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, firstly, images of the cigarette packs are acquired.

[0067] Next, the image orientation is determined to automatically identify whether the cigarette pack is a "forward" pack, a "reverse" pack, or a pack that cannot be matched.

[0068] Independent detection boxes can be set for N camera position images (N is a positive integer) of "forward" and "reverse" cigarette packs, respectively, and independent algorithm libraries for "forward" and "reverse" image objects can be established, namely the first appearance detection algorithm and the second appearance detection algorithm.

[0069] Next, once the image of the cigarette pack is determined to be a "positive" pack (i.e., a pack in the first placement state), the algorithm automatically calls the corresponding algorithm library (i.e., the first appearance detection algorithm) to process the image. If the result is "OK", the pack of cigarettes is considered qualified and directly enters the next process through the cigarette transport equipment (e.g., a transport channel). If the result is "NG", the algorithm issues a rejection instruction, and the pack of cigarettes is rejected through a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or control module. That is, the rejection operation is performed by controlling the corresponding actuator through the PLC or control module.

[0070] When a cigarette pack image is identified as a "reverse" cigarette pack (i.e., a cigarette pack in the second placement state), the algorithm automatically calls the corresponding algorithm library for "reverse" (i.e., the second appearance detection algorithm) to process the image. If the result is "OK", the cigarette pack is considered qualified and can directly enter the next process through the cigarette pack transportation equipment (e.g., a transport device). If the result is "NG", the algorithm will issue a rejection instruction, and the cigarette pack will be rejected through the PLC or control module.

[0071] When a "cannot match" condition is detected, the algorithm directly issues a rejection instruction to remove the entire carton of cigarettes. Internally, the algorithm outputs "Unmatchable object," indicating that the carton is substandard; for example, it might be a mislabeled carton or a carton with significant quality defects.

[0072] Thus, a method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to other embodiments of this disclosure is provided. In this embodiment, addressing the adaptability issues of cigarette pack appearance inspection equipment in related technologies, this disclosure provides a bidirectional cigarette pack appearance inspection method. This method utilizes the same set of cigarette pack appearance inspection equipment to detect cigarette packs in two different placement states (i.e., two orientations). This allows cigarette packs of different models and orientations to enter the same sealing machine for packaging, eliminating the need for equipment modifications to change the cigarette pack orientation at the packaging machine exit, as is done in related technologies, and also eliminating the need to install cigarette pack appearance inspection equipment on each packaging machine. This reduces production costs and minimizes resource waste.

[0073] The cigarette appearance inspection method of this disclosure has the following advantages:

[0074] (1) Improve equipment utilization: In related technologies, cigarette pack detection equipment can often only handle cigarette packs in a single direction, requiring separate detection equipment to be installed for cigarette packs in different directions, which increases equipment investment and maintenance costs; while the cigarette pack appearance detection method of this disclosure can handle cigarette packs in two different directions (i.e. two different placement states) on the same equipment, which significantly improves equipment utilization.

[0075] (2) Optimize the production process: The technical solutions in related technologies usually require the cigarette packs to be reversed at the exit of the packaging machine, which not only increases the complexity of the production process, but may also affect the quality of the cigarette packs; while the cigarette pack appearance inspection method of the present disclosure can directly process cigarette packs in different directions (i.e., two different placement states), simplifying the production process and ensuring the quality of the cigarette packs.

[0076] (3) Improved detection efficiency: In the detection methods of related technologies, it is necessary to detect cigarette packs in different directions separately, which increases the detection time; the cigarette pack appearance detection method of this disclosure can detect cigarette packs in two different directions (i.e. two different placement states), thus improving the detection efficiency.

[0077] (4) Enhance detection accuracy: By establishing independent algorithm libraries for cigarette packs in the forward (i.e., first placement state) and reverse (i.e., second placement state) directions, the most suitable detection method can be selected according to the actual direction of the cigarette pack, which can improve the detection accuracy.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the controller may include an image acquisition unit 402, a state determination unit 404, an algorithm determination unit 406, and an appearance detection unit 408.

[0079] The image acquisition unit 402 is used to acquire an image of the cigarette packs on the cigarette transport equipment.

[0080] The state determination unit 404 is used to determine the placement state of the cigarette packs based on the image of the cigarette packs.

[0081] In some embodiments, the placement state includes a first placement state and a second placement state, wherein the first placement state and the second placement state are different. For example, the first placement state is a forward placement state, and the second placement state is a reverse placement state.

[0082] In some embodiments, the state determination unit 404 is configured to: match the image of the cigarette pack with a predetermined template, and determine whether the image of the cigarette pack and the predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, wherein the predetermined template includes: a first predetermined template corresponding to a first placement state and a second predetermined template corresponding to a second placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack and the first predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, determine the placement state of the cigarette pack as the first placement state; if the image of the cigarette pack and the second predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area, determine the placement state of the cigarette pack as the second placement state; and if the image of the cigarette pack cannot be successfully matched with either the first predetermined template or the second predetermined template, determine that the cigarette pack is unqualified.

[0083] The algorithm determination unit 406 is used to determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state.

[0084] In some embodiments, the algorithm determining unit 406 is used to determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a first appearance detection algorithm when the placement state of the cigarette pack is a first placement state, and to determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a second appearance detection algorithm when the placement state of the cigarette pack is a second placement state.

[0085] The appearance inspection unit 408 is used to perform appearance inspection on the cigarette packs using an appearance inspection algorithm to determine whether the cigarette packs are qualified.

[0086] In some embodiments, the appearance detection unit 408 is configured to: perform appearance detection on the cigarette pack using a first appearance detection algorithm when the cigarette pack is placed in a first placement state; determine that the cigarette pack is qualified if the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements in the first appearance detection algorithm; and determine that the cigarette pack is unqualified if the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements in the first appearance detection algorithm, and issue a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette pack.

[0087] In some embodiments, the appearance detection unit 408 is configured to: perform appearance detection on the cigarette pack using a second appearance detection algorithm when the cigarette pack is placed in a second placement state; determine that the cigarette pack is qualified if the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements in the second appearance detection algorithm; and determine that the cigarette pack is unqualified and issue a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette pack if the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements in the second appearance detection algorithm.

[0088] Thus, a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In this controller, an image acquisition unit, a state determination unit, an algorithm determination unit, and an appearance detection unit are used to perform appearance detection on cigarette packs, thereby reducing production costs and minimizing resource waste.

[0089] In some embodiments, the state determination unit 404 is further configured to determine that the cigarette pack is unqualified and issue a rejection instruction to reject the cigarette pack if the cigarette pack is not placed in the first or second placement state.

[0090] The method and apparatus disclosed herein achieve automatic identification of the placement status of cigarette packs by defining two different placement states (i.e., "forward" and "reverse" cigarette packs) and setting corresponding image template matching, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of detection, as well as the adaptability of the equipment and the operating efficiency of the production line.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a controller according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The controller includes a memory 510 and a processor 520. Wherein:

[0092] The memory 510 can be a disk, flash memory, or any other non-volatile storage medium. The memory is used for storage. Figure 1 and / or Figure 3 The instructions in the corresponding embodiment.

[0093] Processor 520 is coupled to memory 510 and can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. Processor 520 executes instructions stored in memory, enabling appearance inspection of cigarette packs, thereby reducing production costs and minimizing resource waste.

[0094] In some embodiments, it may also be as follows Figure 6 As shown, the controller 600 includes a memory 610 and a processor 620. The processor 620 is coupled to the memory 610 via a BUS bus 630. The controller 600 can also be connected to an external storage device 650 via a storage interface 640 to access external data, and can also be connected to a network or another computer system (not shown) via a network interface 660, which will not be described in detail here.

[0095] In this embodiment, data instructions are stored in a memory and then processed by a processor to achieve appearance inspection of cigarette packs, thereby reducing production costs and minimizing resource waste.

[0096] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a cigarette pack appearance detection device is also provided, including: a controller as described above, for example, Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 The controller shown.

[0097] In some embodiments, the cigarette appearance detection device further includes one or more cameras for taking pictures of the cigarettes to obtain images of the cigarettes and sending the images of the cigarettes to a controller.

[0098] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a cigarette appearance inspection device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, the cigarette appearance inspection device includes a controller 710. For example, the controller 710 is... Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 The controller shown.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, the cigarette appearance inspection device also includes a first camera 721 and a second camera 722. The first camera 721 and the second camera 722 can be located at different camera positions, so that different images can be obtained when taking pictures of the cigarette pack.

[0101] The first camera 721 is used to take pictures of the cigarette pack to obtain a first image of the cigarette pack, and sends the first image to the controller 710.

[0102] The second camera 722 is used to take pictures of the cigarette pack to obtain a second image of the cigarette pack, and sends the second image to the controller 710.

[0103] In this way, the controller can obtain images of cigarette packs from different camera positions, which facilitates the inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs.

[0104] It should be noted that, although Figure 7 Two cameras are shown, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a cigarette appearance detection device may include one or more than two (e.g., three, four or more) cameras. The number of cameras can be set according to actual needs.

[0105] In some embodiments, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) having stored thereon computer program instructions that are implemented when executed by a processor. Figure 1 and / or Figure 3 The steps of the method in the corresponding embodiments are described. Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, apparatus, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0106] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0107] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0108] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0109] This concludes the detailed description of the present disclosure. To avoid obscuring the concept of the disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0110] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs, comprising: Obtain an image of the cigarette packs on the cigarette transport equipment; The placement status of the cigarette pack is determined based on the image of the cigarette pack; Determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state; and The appearance inspection algorithm is used to perform an appearance inspection on the cigarette pack to determine whether the cigarette pack is qualified. The placement state includes a first placement state and a second placement state, wherein the first placement state is different from the second placement state; The method for determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state includes: when the cigarette pack is in a first placement state, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a first appearance detection algorithm; and when the cigarette pack is in a second placement state, determining the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state as a second appearance detection algorithm; wherein, different appearance detection algorithms are used to detect the features of cigarette packs in different placement states, so as to use the corresponding appearance detection algorithm to detect whether the appearance of the cigarette pack is qualified.

2. The method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, wherein, The appearance inspection algorithm is used to perform an appearance inspection on the cigarette packs to determine whether the cigarette packs are qualified, including: When the cigarette pack is placed in the first placement state, the appearance of the cigarette pack is inspected using the first appearance detection algorithm. If the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements in the first appearance detection algorithm, the cigarette pack is determined to be qualified; and If the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements in the first appearance detection algorithm, the cigarette pack is determined to be unqualified, and a rejection instruction is issued to reject the cigarette pack.

3. The method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The appearance inspection algorithm is used to perform an appearance inspection on the cigarette packs to determine whether the cigarette packs are qualified, including: When the cigarette pack is placed in the second placement state, the appearance of the cigarette pack is inspected using the second appearance detection algorithm. If the appearance of the cigarette pack meets the appearance requirements in the second appearance detection algorithm, the cigarette pack is determined to be qualified; and If the appearance of the cigarette pack does not meet the appearance requirements in the second appearance detection algorithm, the cigarette pack is determined to be unqualified, and a rejection instruction is issued to reject the cigarette pack.

4. The method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the placement status of the cigarette pack based on the image includes: The image of the cigarette pack is matched with a predetermined template to determine whether the image of the cigarette pack and the predetermined template are successfully matched within the template matching area. The predetermined template includes a first predetermined template corresponding to the first placement state and a second predetermined template corresponding to the second placement state. If the image of the cigarette pack successfully matches the first predetermined template within the template matching area, the placement state of the cigarette pack is determined to be the first placement state; If the image of the cigarette pack successfully matches the second predetermined template within the template matching area, the placement state of the cigarette pack is determined to be the second placement state; and If the image of the cigarette pack cannot be matched with either the first predetermined template or the second predetermined template, the cigarette pack is determined to be unqualified.

5. The method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1 further includes: If the cigarette pack is not placed in the first or second placement state, the cigarette pack is determined to be unqualified, and a rejection instruction is issued to reject the cigarette pack.

6. The method for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, wherein: The first placement state is the upright placement state; The second placement state is the reverse placement state.

7. A controller, comprising: An image acquisition unit is used to acquire an image of a pack of cigarettes on a cigarette transport device; A state determination unit is used to determine the placement state of the cigarette pack based on the image of the cigarette pack; An algorithm determination unit is used to determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the placement state; and An appearance inspection unit is used to perform appearance inspection on the cigarette packs using the appearance inspection algorithm to determine whether the cigarette packs are qualified. The placement state includes a first placement state and a second placement state, wherein the first placement state is different from the second placement state; The algorithm determination unit is used to determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the first placement state as the first appearance detection algorithm when the cigarette pack is placed in the first placement state, and to determine the appearance detection algorithm corresponding to the second placement state as the second appearance detection algorithm when the cigarette pack is placed in the second placement state; wherein, different appearance detection algorithms are used to detect the features of cigarette packs in different placement states, so as to use the corresponding appearance detection algorithm to detect whether the appearance of the cigarette pack is qualified.

8. A controller, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the cigarette appearance detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 based on instructions stored in the memory.

9. A device for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs, comprising: The controller as described in claim 7 or 8.

10. The cigarette appearance inspection device according to claim 9, further comprising: One or more cameras are used to take pictures of the cigarette packs to obtain images of the cigarette packs, and to send the images of the cigarette packs to the controller.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the cigarette appearance inspection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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