Cigarette packet detection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cigarette packet detection device, which comprises a conveying channel, a material detection module, a photon emission module, a photon receiving module and a signal processing module, and is characterized in that the material detection module is used for detecting the material of a cigarette packet, such as a soft packet, a hard packet, laser paper and the like, so that photon emission parameters, such as voltage, energy level and the like, can be dynamically adjusted; the optimal penetrating energy under the material is matched, so that the penetrating power to high-scattering materials such as laser paper is ensured, and missing detection caused by material difference is avoided; meanwhile, potential damage of high-energy rays to the cigarette structure can be avoided, and safety is good. The transmission image obtained by the photon receiving module can directly reflect the internal structure of the cigarette packet, such as carton lacking, cigarette arrangement and the like, and in combination with photon energy with adaptive materials, the image contrast, such as gray scale difference expansion of low-density defects, can be improved, so that the signal processing module can accurately identify the defects, the detection efficiency is improved, and the missing detection possibility is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of tobacco technology, and in particular to a cigarette pack detection device. Background Art

[0002] In automated cigarette production, quality control of finished cigarette packs is a core component in ensuring product competitiveness. However, due to uncontrollable factors such as fluctuations in packaging machine operating conditions, changes in production environment temperature and humidity, variations in packaging material properties (such as paperboard thickness and aluminum foil uniformity), and limitations in inspection technology, internal defects within cigarette packs (such as missing cigarettes, fallen cigarettes, broken or damaged cigarettes, missing filters, severe empty cigarettes, missing paperboard, and missing aluminum foil) are difficult to completely avoid. While some of these defects can be identified and eliminated using existing inspection methods, a significant number of hidden defects (such as hollow cigarettes and low-density defects like filter deviation) remain undetected and pass through to the finished product stage, impairing the consumer experience and potentially leading to brand reputation risks and quality disputes.

[0003] The existing solution is to have operators and quality inspectors conduct manual spot checks to check whether the quality meets the standards. However, manual spot checks cannot cover mass-produced cigarette packages and have a high rate of missed inspections. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a cigarette pack detection device to address the problem of high missed detection rate in the existing manual sampling method.

[0005] A cigarette pack detection device, comprising:

[0006] A conveying channel for conveying multiple cigarette packets;

[0007] a material detection module, disposed on one side of the conveying channel along the width direction, for detecting the material of the cigarette pack;

[0008] a photon emission module, disposed on one side of the conveying channel along the width direction, for emitting photons; the photon emission module is in communication with the material detection module and is capable of adjusting photon emission parameters according to the material of the cigarette pack;

[0009] a photon receiving module, disposed on the other side of the transport channel along the width direction, for receiving the photon signal emitted by the photon emitting module;

[0010] The signal processing module is used to convert the photon signal received by the photon receiving module into a transmission image of the interior of the cigarette pack.

[0011] In one embodiment, the photon emission module includes a miniature soft X-ray tube, and the voltage adjustment range of the miniature soft X-ray tube is 15kV to 20kV.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack detection device further includes air-coupled ultrasonic transducers disposed on both sides of the conveying channel, and the air-coupled ultrasonic transducers are used to emit ultrasonic waves to analyze the resonance frequency of the cigarette pack echo signal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack detection device further comprises a microwave sensor array arranged on one side of the conveying channel along the width direction, and the microwave sensor is used to measure the dielectric constant distribution inside the cigarette pack.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack detection device further includes a temperature and humidity composite sensor provided on one side of the conveying channel along the width direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack detection device further includes a spectral detection module for detecting the moisture content of cigarettes, and the spectral detection module is arranged on one side of the conveying channel along the width direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cigarette packet detection device further includes a rejection module provided on one side of the conveying channel along the width direction and a cigarette receiving box located below the rejection module, wherein the rejection module is used to reject unqualified cigarette packets to the cigarette receiving box.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack inspection device further includes a printing module and an attaching module, wherein the printing module is used to print a label including the defect type, inspection time and production line number; and the attaching module is used to attach the label to the surface of the unqualified cigarette pack.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cigarette packet detection device further includes a cigarette packet separation module, and the cigarette packet separation module is used to adjust the distance between two adjacent cigarette packets to a preset distance.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack separation module includes a separation drive and a separation baffle, and the separation drive is used to drive the separation baffle to move to prevent the cigarette pack from moving.

[0020] The aforementioned cigarette pack inspection device uses a material detection module to detect the pack's material, such as soft packs, hard packs, or laser paper. This allows it to dynamically adjust photon emission parameters, such as voltage and energy level, to match the optimal penetration energy for that material. This ensures penetration of highly scattering materials like laser paper, avoiding missed detections due to material differences. It also prevents potential damage to the cigarette structure caused by high-energy radiation, providing improved safety. The transmission image captured by the photon receiving module directly reflects the internal structure of the pack, such as missing strips and cigarette arrangement. Combined with the material-adapted photon energy, it can enhance image contrast, for example, by increasing the grayscale difference of low-density defects. This facilitates the signal processing module's accurate defect identification, improving detection efficiency and reducing the possibility of missed detections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or exemplary embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or exemplary embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cigarette pack detection device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of a cigarette pack detection device is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cigarette pack detection device provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Reference numerals: 110, conveying channel; 120, photon transmitting module; 130, photon receiving module; 140, signal processing module; 150, cigarette pack separation module; 151, separation driving member; 152, separation baffle; 160, cigarette receiving box; 170, microwave sensor; 200, cigarette pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0028] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0031] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0032] In the field of automated cigarette production, quality control of finished cigarette packs is a core link in ensuring product market competitiveness. However, due to uncontrollable factors such as fluctuations in packaging machine operating conditions, changes in temperature and humidity in the production environment, differences in packaging material properties (such as cardboard thickness and aluminum foil uniformity), and limitations of detection technology, internal defects in cigarette packs (such as missing cigarettes, fallen cigarettes, broken cigarettes, missing filters, serious empty ends, no cardboard, no aluminum foil, etc.) are difficult to completely avoid. Some of these defects can be identified and eliminated through existing detection methods, but a large number of hidden defects (such as hollow cigarettes, low-density defects such as filter offset) are still missed and flow into the finished product stage, which not only leads to a decline in consumer experience, but may also cause brand reputation risks and quality disputes. The inventors of this application found that the existing solution is to use operators and quality inspectors to conduct manual inspections to check whether the quality meets the standards. However, this manual inspection method cannot cover mass-produced cigarette packs and has a high miss detection rate.

[0033] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application provides a cigarette pack detection device that can reduce the probability of missed detection and ensure the quality of cigarettes in the cigarette pack. The cigarette pack detection device provided in an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a cigarette pack detection device provided by an embodiment of the present application includes a conveying channel 110, a material detection module, a photon emitting module 120, a photon receiving module 130 and a signal processing module 140. The conveying channel 110 is used to convey multiple cigarette packs 200; the material detection module is arranged on one side of the conveying channel 110 along the width direction, and is used to detect the material of the cigarette pack 200; the photon emitting module 120 is arranged on one side of the conveying channel 110 along the width direction, and is used to emit photons; the photon emitting module 120 is communicatively connected with the material detection module, and can adjust the photon emission parameters according to the material of the cigarette pack 200; the photon receiving module 130 is arranged on the other side of the conveying channel 110 along the width direction, and is used to receive the photon signal emitted by the photon emitting module 120; the signal processing module 140 is used to convert the photon signal received by the photon receiving module 130 into a transmission image inside the cigarette pack 200.

[0035] The material detection module detects the material of the cigarette pack 200, such as soft packs, hard packs, or laser paper. This allows for dynamic adjustment of photon emission parameters, such as voltage and energy level, to match the optimal penetration energy for that material. This ensures penetration of highly scattering materials like laser paper, preventing missed detections due to material differences. Furthermore, it prevents potential damage to the cigarette structure caused by high-energy radiation, providing improved safety. The transmission image captured by the photon receiving module 130 can directly reflect the internal structure of the cigarette pack 200, such as missing strips and cigarette arrangement. Combined with the material-adapted photon energy, this improves image contrast, for example, by increasing the grayscale difference of low-density defects. This facilitates accurate defect identification by the signal processing module 140, improving detection efficiency and reducing the possibility of missed detections.

[0036] In some embodiments, the material detection module can be an optical detection component that uses a light source (such as a laser or LED) to illuminate the surface of the cigarette pack 200 and uses a camera or other sensor to capture changes in the reflected light to analyze the material characteristics. The material detection module can also be an infrared spectroscopy component that uses infrared light to illuminate the sample and record the sample's absorption of specific wavelengths of infrared light, forming a unique fingerprint that can be used to identify the material composition.

[0037] In some embodiments, the signal processing module 140 can be an image processing software or hardware platform, etc., which runs advanced image processing algorithms, such as edge detection, contrast enhancement, noise suppression, etc., to optimize image quality and extract useful information, such as identifying defects or irregular areas inside the cigarette package 200.

[0038] In one embodiment, the photon emission module includes a miniature soft X-ray tube with an adjustable voltage range of 15kV to 20kV. A miniature soft X-ray tube is a small device used to generate low-energy soft X-rays. It transmits X-rays through the cigarette pack 200 and generates an image based on the material's varying absorption rates of the X-rays, thereby determining the material's density and thickness. The miniature soft X-ray tube comprises a cathode, an anode, a vacuum chamber, and a power supply. The cathode is the source of electrons, typically generated by a heated filament (hot cathode) or field emission (cold cathode). The anode receives high-speed electrons emitted from the cathode and generates X-rays upon impact. For soft X-ray tubes, the anode is typically made of a low atomic number material (such as beryllium or carbon) to facilitate the generation of low-energy X-rays. The vacuum chamber ensures that electrons are accelerated and collide with the anode without obstruction, while preventing air molecules from interfering with X-ray generation. The power supply provides a high voltage, enabling the electrons to acquire sufficient kinetic energy to collide with the anode, thereby generating X-rays.

[0039] In some embodiments, the current of the micro soft X-ray tube is limited to 0.5 mA, ensuring that the photon energy level is ≤ 20 keV. This energy level falls within the range of low-energy, weak photons (also known as soft X-rays). Soft X-rays have a wavelength range of 10 nm to 0.1 nm, allowing them to penetrate cigarette packaging materials such as aluminum foil and cardboard with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, while also avoiding potential damage to the internal fiber structure of the cigarette caused by higher-energy radiation. Low-energy, weak photons are sensitive to density differences. When penetrating cigarette packs, they experience significant differences in absorption coefficients among different materials, such as tobacco, filters, and air. For tobacco, with a density of approximately 0.3 g / cm³, the absorption coefficient is high, resulting in darker areas on the photon receiving module. For filters, with a density of approximately 0.2 g / cm³, the absorption coefficient is low, resulting in grayscale differences. Empty or missing filter areas have the lowest absorption coefficient and appear brighter. By adjusting the photon energy, the contrast between materials of varying densities can be optimized. For example, when detecting "severe short" defects, lowering the photon energy (such as 16kV) can increase the grayscale difference between air and tobacco by 30%, facilitating accurate identification.

[0040] In some embodiments, a micro-soft X-ray tube integrates a high-voltage power supply regulation unit. By controlling the power supply output voltage, it adjusts the photon emission parameters, addressing the varying photon energy requirements of different materials. For example, thinner soft-pack cigarettes use a low voltage of 15kV to reduce radiation penetration redundancy and lower energy consumption; thicker rigid packs automatically increase the voltage to 20kV to ensure clear imaging of the cigarettes inside. For metal-coated laser paper packaging, the voltage is dynamically increased and the pulse frequency is adjusted to suppress interference from metal reflections on the photon signal.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cigarette pack inspection device also includes air-coupled ultrasonic transducers positioned on both sides of the cigarette pack conveyor. These transducers are capable of emitting ultrasonic waves in the 20kHz to 100kHz range. By analyzing the resonant frequency of the cigarette pack's echo signal, they can locate the location of missing cigarette strips or broken cigarettes. Understandably, the resonance spectrum of a complete cigarette pack exhibits stable peaks, while missing or broken cigarette strips can result in abnormal valleys in the spectrum. Combined with the spatial coordinates of the X-ray image, this allows for precise three-dimensional location of defects.

[0042] In some embodiments, the air-coupled ultrasonic transducer includes a transmitter and a receiver, each located on either side of the conveying channel 110 along its width. For example, the transmitter and receiver are spaced 100 mm apart, forming a dual-ended, opposite-beam detection structure. The tightly packed cigarettes within a complete cigarette pack form a stable, elastic structure, resulting in an ultrasonic echo with a single main peak frequency (e.g., 50 kHz). However, when missing cigarettes or broken cigarettes occur, the internal voids increase or the structural stiffness changes, causing the echo signal to exhibit multiple peak frequencies or a shift in the main peak. The transmitter emits a broadband ultrasonic wave between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, covering the characteristic resonant frequency range of the cigarette pack's internal structure.

[0043] Ultrasonic testing locates the horizontal position of defects within the cigarette pack, such as a missing stripe at the left third, providing accurate data for subsequent process adjustments. Gas-coupled ultrasound eliminates the need for couplant, preventing surface contamination and making it suitable for high-speed production lines. Combined with X-rays, the method confirms the defect type, such as missing stripes or breaks, improving inspection efficiency and capabilities.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the cigarette pack detection device further includes an array of microwave sensors 170 arranged on one side of the conveying channel 110 along the width direction. The frequency of the microwave sensor 170 is 2.45 GHz. By measuring the dielectric constant distribution inside the cigarette pack, it compensates for the X-ray detection blind spot of low-density defects such as hollow cigarettes and missing filters. It can be understood that there are significant differences in the dielectric constants of different materials inside the cigarette pack. The microwave sensor 170 transmits 2.45 GHz electromagnetic waves to penetrate the cigarette pack, and the receiving end calculates the internal dielectric constant distribution based on the signal phase and amplitude changes, thereby identifying low-density defects.

[0045] In some embodiments, a 4×4 microwave antenna array (16 transceiver units) is symmetrically mounted on both sides of the transport channel 110, forming a 2D scanning plane that covers the entire cross-section of the cigarette pack. Each antenna unit is spaced 10 mm apart. X-ray images show normal density in the cigarette area (because the density of air is consistent with that of the exterior), but microwave dielectric constant images reveal a low-dielectric-constant region within the cigarette, indicating a hollow defect. While X-ray images are difficult to identify due to the small density difference between tobacco and filter (approximately 0.1 g / cm³), microwave dielectric constant images reveal a dielectric constant of 3.2 (close to the 3.5 of tobacco and significantly higher than the 2.8 of the filter), indicating a missing filter.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cigarette pack detection device further includes a temperature and humidity composite sensor provided on one side of the conveying channel 110 along the width direction, which continuously monitors the ambient temperature and humidity around the microwave sensor 170 to eliminate environmental interference. The performance of the microwave sensor 170 may be affected by the ambient temperature. For example, temperature changes may cause changes in the characteristics of electronic components, thereby affecting the accuracy and stability of the sensor. By monitoring the temperature in real time, the microwave sensor 170 can be temperature compensated and its output adjusted to maintain consistency and accuracy. Changes in temperature and humidity in the environment may introduce additional sources of error. By monitoring and correcting these factors, the accuracy and reliability of the overall detection system can be improved.

[0047] In some embodiments, the SHT30-DIS-B digital temperature and humidity sensor can be used. It integrates temperature and humidity detection capabilities, offering an accuracy of ±0.5°C for temperature and ±2%RH for humidity, with a response time of less than 2 seconds, meeting the real-time monitoring needs of production lines. For every 10%RH increase in humidity, the X-ray tube voltage is automatically increased by 1kV to compensate for the enhanced photon scattering effect of cigarette packaging materials in humid environments. In humid environments, moisture adsorbed on the surface of cigarette packaging materials such as cardboard and aluminum foil increases the scattering effect of X-rays, necessitating an increase in photon energy and voltage to maintain penetration. The standard humidity setting is 50%RH (common in industrial environments), and the voltage adjustment range is limited to 15kV to 20kV. The adjustment cycle is once every 10 cigarette packs tested to avoid frequent adjustments that could affect device stability.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cigarette pack detection device also includes a spectral detection module for detecting the moisture content of the cigarettes. By using the spectral detection module to monitor the moisture content, the drying process can be adjusted in time to ensure that the cigarettes reach an ideal moisture balance. In some embodiments, the spectral detection module can use a near-infrared spectrum. The wavelength range of the near-infrared light source is between 900nm and 1700nm, and the power is ≤100mW to avoid thermal damage to the cigarettes. The spectral detection module includes a linear array spectral sensor and a diffuse reflection probe. The linear array spectral sensor has a resolution of 5nm and can collect complete spectral data when the cigarette pack moves at high speed. The diffuse reflection probe adopts a 45° angle of incidence design to ensure that light evenly illuminates the surface of the cigarette pack, and the reflected signal is transmitted to the spectral sensor via optical fiber.

[0049] When X-rays detect cigarette breakage and spectral detection shows a moisture content greater than 13% (an abnormally high value), it is determined that the cigarettes are brittle and broken due to a humid environment, and the amount of desiccant added can be increased. If the moisture content is normal (8%~10%) but there are missing strips, it is determined to be a simple mechanical loading failure, which can be traced back to the carton filling and sealing machine station.

[0050] Spectral testing and X-ray scanning are performed simultaneously, without adding additional testing cycles. Near-infrared spectroscopy technology enables online, real-time detection of cigarette moisture content, further improving the dimensions of cigarette package quality inspection and enhancing the accuracy of defect analysis.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the cigarette packet inspection device further includes a rejection module disposed on one side of the conveying channel 110 along the width direction, and a cigarette receiving box 160 located below the rejection module. The rejection module is configured to reject unqualified cigarette packets and transfer them to the cigarette receiving box 160. When cigarette defects are detected using the aforementioned photon emission module 120, photon reception module 130, and signal processing module 140, the rejection module is activated to divert the unqualified cigarette packets to the cigarette receiving box 160.

[0052] In some embodiments, the rejection module utilizes a short-stroke, high-speed pneumatic cylinder mounted on the side of the conveyor channel 110, with its extension and retraction controlled by a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, a Y-shaped diverter trough is provided at the rejection port. Normal cigarette packs continue along the main track, while defective packs are pushed by the cylinder to the side track and fall into a separate cigarette receiving box 160. In some embodiments, the cigarette receiving box 160 has a capacity of 50L and is equipped with a weighing sensor. When the box is full, an automatic alarm is triggered, prompting the operator to replace the cigarette receiving box 160. In some embodiments, the cigarette receiving box 160 is constructed of stainless steel and lined with shock-absorbing rubber pads to prevent cigarette pack damage.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cigarette pack inspection device further includes a printing module and an attaching module, wherein the printing module is used to print a label including the defect type, inspection time and production line number; and the attaching module is used to attach the label to the surface of the unqualified cigarette pack.

[0054] The printing module can communicate with the rejection module. When a cigarette pack is rejected, the printing module can automatically print an RFID tag containing the defect type, inspection time, and production line number, facilitating subsequent quality traceability and batch problem analysis. For example, the printing module can use a label printer, which uses an industrial-grade thermal transfer printer with a built-in RFID tag reader / writer, to simultaneously print label surface information and write electronic tags.

[0055] In some embodiments, the labeling module integrates a pneumatic labeling head that uses a vacuum suction cup to pick up the label. As the rejected cigarette pack passes through the labeling station, a servo motor drives the labeling head to precisely position the pack, applying the label to a designated area on the side of the pack using compressed air. The labeling head and high-speed cylinder share a common timing reference, ensuring that defective packs are labeled before being rejected, preventing missing labels. If labeling fails (e.g., due to a paper jam), a photoelectric sensor detects the absence of a label on the pack, automatically reissuing a label, and marking the label "second time" in the database to prevent missing traceability information.

[0056] If the proportion of a certain type of defect (such as fallen cigarettes) in the cigarette receiving box 160 suddenly increases (for example, from 0.1% to 1.5%), an early warning will be automatically triggered. The packaging machine operating parameters (such as the tray loading machine speed and cigarette pushing pressure) will be associated with the label production line number to locate the source of the problem (such as the wear of the cigarette sorting mechanism of a certain packaging machine).

[0057] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the cigarette pack detection device further includes a cigarette pack separation module 150, which is used to adjust the distance between two adjacent cigarette packs to a preset distance to avoid imaging overlap problems caused by cigarette pack stacking during detection.

[0058] When the distance between cigarette packs is less than 20mm, the X-ray projections of adjacent packs interfere with each other, resulting in the obscuration of defects such as missing strips and fallen branches. The Packet Separation Module 150 enforces spacing control, ensuring that each pack passes independently through the inspection area, preventing missed inspections. This reduces the effective inspection time for a single pack from 0.2 seconds to 0.3 seconds, and improves image integrity from 85% to 99%.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the cigarette packet separation module 150 includes a separation driver 151 and a separation baffle 152. The separation driver 151 is used to drive the separation baffle 152 to move to prevent the cigarette packets from moving, thereby adjusting the distance between two adjacent cigarette packets to 20 mm to 60 mm. The separation driver 151 can be a linear motor or a cylinder, responsible for providing power to move the separation baffle 152. The separation baffle 152 is installed on one or both sides of the conveying channel 110. When the distance between the cigarette packets needs to be adjusted, the separation driver 151 pushes the separation baffle 152 to extend, thereby blocking the cigarette packets and preventing them from moving along the conveying channel 110, thereby adjusting the distance between two adjacent cigarette packets. After the adjustment is completed, the separation driver 151 drives the separation baffle 152 to retract. To ensure the accuracy of the distance adjustment, a position sensor such as a photoelectric switch or a laser rangefinder can also be provided to monitor the actual position of the cigarette packets in real time and feed the data back to the control system for dynamic adjustment. Proper spacing prevents cigarette packs from colliding or stacking during transport, reducing the risk of blockage and ensuring smooth production line operation. When there is ample spacing between cigarette packs, various inspection devices (such as X-ray detectors and spectral inspection modules) can more accurately inspect individual packs independently, avoiding mutual interference.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cigarette pack inspection device also includes a laser alignment sensor that corrects the position of the cigarette pack in real time before it enters the inspection area, ensuring that the X-ray scanning path is aligned with the central axis of the cigarette pack and improving image integrity. For example, opposing laser displacement sensors are installed on both sides of the entrance of the cigarette pack conveyor to form a laser detection plane perpendicular to the conveying direction. When the cigarette pack passes through, the sensor detects the obstruction position of the left and right edges of the cigarette pack and calculates the offset. If the offset is greater than 1mm, the servo motor is triggered to drive the conveyor track to move sideways by a corresponding distance to correct the position of the cigarette pack. It is understandable that cigarette pack offset will cause perspective distortion in the X-ray projection (such as compression of the edge cigarettes), affecting the accuracy of the defect recognition algorithm. Through laser alignment, the deviation between the central axis of the cigarette pack and the photon scanning path is reduced from an average of 3mm to within 0.5mm, and the image geometric distortion rate is reduced from 8% to 1.5%.

[0061] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0062] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cigarette pack detection device, characterized in that: The cigarette packet detection device comprises: A conveying channel (110) for conveying a plurality of cigarette packets (200); a material detection module, arranged on one side of the conveying channel (110) along the width direction, for detecting the material of the cigarette pack (200); a photon emission module (120) disposed on one side of the transport channel (110) along the width direction and configured to emit photons; the photon emission module (120) is communicatively connected to the material detection module and is capable of adjusting photon emission parameters according to the material of the cigarette pack (200); a photon receiving module (130), arranged on the other side of the transport channel (110) in the width direction, and used for receiving the photon signal emitted by the photon emitting module (120); The signal processing module (140) is used to convert the photon signal received by the photon receiving module (130) into a transmission image of the interior of the cigarette pack (200).

2. The cigarette pack detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photon emission module (120) comprises a micro soft X-ray tube, and the voltage adjustment range of the micro soft X-ray tube is 15kV to 20kV.

3. The cigarette pack detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette pack detection device further comprises air-coupled ultrasonic transducers arranged on both sides of the transport channel (110), the air-coupled ultrasonic transducers being used to emit ultrasonic waves to analyze the resonance frequency of the echo signal of the cigarette pack (200).

4. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette pack detection device further comprises a microwave sensor (170) arrayed on one side of the conveying channel (110) along the width direction, wherein the microwave sensor (170) is used to measure the dielectric constant distribution inside the cigarette pack (200).

5. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette pack detection device further comprises a temperature and humidity composite sensor provided on one side of the conveying channel (110) along the width direction.

6. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette pack detection device further comprises a spectrum detection module for detecting the moisture content of cigarettes, wherein the spectrum detection module is arranged on one side of the conveying channel (110) along the width direction.

7. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette packet detection device further comprises a rejection module provided on one side of the conveying channel (110) in the width direction and a cigarette receiving box (160) located below the rejection module, wherein the rejection module is used to reject unqualified cigarette packets to the cigarette receiving box (160).

8. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette pack inspection device further includes a printing module and an attaching module. The printing module is used to print a label including the defect type, inspection time and production line number; the attaching module is used to attach the label to the surface of the unqualified cigarette pack.

9. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette packet detection device further comprises a cigarette packet separation module (150), wherein the cigarette packet separation module (150) is used to adjust the distance between two adjacent cigarette packets to a preset distance.

10. The cigarette packet detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cigarette pack separation module (150) comprises a separation driving member (151) and a separation baffle (152), wherein the separation driving member (151) is used to drive the separation baffle (152) to move so as to prevent the cigarette pack (200) from moving.

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