X-ray device

Abstract

The invention provides an X-ray apparatus which suppresses erroneous identification of the length of an article. An X-ray device (10) is provided with a conveyor that conveys an article, an X-ray irradiator (13), an X-ray line sensor (14) that detects X-rays in a detection region in which the article is conveyed, and a control computer (20). The control computer (20) has a first threshold value and a second threshold value as threshold values, compares a detection value of the X-ray line sensor (14) with the threshold values, and senses a front end and a rear end of the article. The control computer (20) switches the threshold value from the first threshold value to the second threshold value after the front end of the article has passed through the detection area and before the rear end of the article has passed through the detection area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to X-ray apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-270866) discloses an apparatus for performing various inspections of articles by irradiating them with X-rays. In this apparatus, articles determined to be defective are dispensed by a dispensing mechanism located downstream of the apparatus and collected in a collection bin located off the transport path.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-270866 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned apparatus, the length of each item in the conveying direction is determined based on the detection results of the X-ray detection unit, and this information is sent to the dispensing mechanism so that the dispensing action is performed at the appropriate time.

[0008] However, for example, on a chicken inspection line, sometimes items (chicken pieces) are conveyed with the skin extending long from the main body of the meat. In this case, the device sometimes fails to sense the different thicknesses of the main body and the skin as the same item, misidentifying the main body as the first item and the subsequent skin as the second item. Furthermore, these two erroneous pieces of information—the lengths of the first and second items—are sent to the dispensing device. However, since it is actually a single item, the dispensing operation occurs at the moment either the first or second item is conveyed. As a result, the item is not accurately returned to the non-conforming item collection bin, leading to the undesirable situation where the item is not accurately returned.

[0009] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide an X-ray device that suppresses the erroneous identification of the length of a transported item.

[0010] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] The X-ray apparatus described in the first viewpoint includes a transport unit, an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, and a control unit. The transport unit transports an article. The X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the article transported by the transport unit with X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects X-rays in a detection area where the article is transported. The control unit compares the detection value from the X-ray detection unit with a threshold value, sensing the front and rear ends of the article in the transport direction. The control unit has a first threshold value and a second threshold value as threshold values. After the front end of the article passes through the detection area and before the rear end of the article passes through the detection area, the control unit switches the threshold value from the first threshold value to the second threshold value.

[0012] In this X-ray device, the threshold switches from a first threshold to a second threshold from the front end of the item through the detection area until the rear end of the item passes through the detection area. Therefore, for items with different thicknesses on the front and rear sides in the transport direction, the sensing accuracy is higher when sensing the front and rear ends of the item using the X-ray device. This suppresses the erroneous identification of the length of the transported item in the transport direction.

[0013] It should be noted that the front and rear ends of the object can be detected using the detection results of the X-ray detection unit through the sensing of the detection area, or sensors and cameras can be equipped separately from the X-ray detection unit.

[0014] The X-ray device involved in the second viewpoint is the same as the X-ray device in the first viewpoint. When it is determined that the front end of the object has passed through the detection area, the control unit switches the threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold. When it is determined that the rear end of the object has passed through the detection area, the control unit switches the threshold from the second threshold back to the first threshold.

[0015] In this X-ray device, since the threshold switches from the second threshold to the first threshold when it is determined that the rear end of an object has passed through the detection area, the front end of subsequent objects can be appropriately sensed through the first threshold.

[0016] The X-ray device involved in the third viewpoint is the same as the X-ray device in the first or second viewpoint. The control unit calculates the length of the item in the transport direction by sensing the front and rear ends of the item.

[0017] This X-ray device can transmit the calculated length of an object to the outside.

[0018] The X-ray device involved in the fourth viewpoint is the same as the X-ray device in the third viewpoint. Downstream in the direction of article transport, there is an article dispensing device that is independent of the X-ray device. The control unit of the X-ray device sends the calculated length of the article to the article dispensing device.

[0019] In this X-ray device, the item dispensing device can perform dispensing operations at appropriate times.

[0020] The X-ray device involved in the fifth viewpoint is any X-ray device from the first to the fourth viewpoint. The control unit determines whether the front end of the item has passed the detection area based on the detection results of the X-ray detection unit.

[0021] In this X-ray device, since the front end of the item is determined to have passed through the detection area based on the detection results of the X-ray detection unit, there is no need to install other sensors or cameras, which can reduce costs.

[0022] The X-ray device involved in the sixth point is the same as the X-ray device in the fifth point, with the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. When the detection value of the X-ray detection unit is lower than the first threshold, the control unit determines that the front end of the item has passed through the detection area. When the detection value of the X-ray detection unit exceeds the second threshold, the control unit determines that the rear end of the item has passed through the detection area.

[0023] The X-ray device involved in the seventh viewpoint is the X-ray device of any one of the first to sixth viewpoints, and the control unit automatically determines the second threshold based on the first threshold.

[0024] In this X-ray device, a second threshold is automatically calculated based on a first threshold determined by inputting and adjusting the detection area of ​​the X-ray detection unit when the item actually passes through it on the production site. This reduces the cost and time required for trial operation and adjustment.

[0025] The X-ray device involved in the eighth viewpoint is the same as the X-ray device in the first or second viewpoint. The control unit compares the decrease in the detection value of the X-ray detection unit per unit time with a first threshold to determine that the front end of the article has passed through the detection area. The control unit compares the increase in the detection value of the X-ray detection unit per unit time with a second threshold to determine that the rear end of the article has passed through the detection area.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the X-ray apparatus of the present invention, the erroneous identification of the length of the transported article is suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an X-ray device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the shielding box of an X-ray device.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of X-ray examination.

[0031] Figure 4This is a diagram showing the processes before and after an X-ray device is installed.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a block diagram for controlling the computer.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the control flow at the front and back ends of the sensing object.

[0034] Figure 7 This is an X-ray image of chicken, an example of an item being inspected.

[0035] Figure 8A This is an X-ray image showing a case where only the main body of a piece of chicken is misidentified as an object.

[0036] Figure 8B This is an X-ray image showing a case where only the skin at the back of a piece of chicken is misidentified as an object.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 10…X-ray device; 12…conveyor (transportation unit); 13…X-ray irradiator (X-ray irradiation unit); 14…X-ray sensor (X-ray detection unit); 20…control computer (control unit); 21…CPU (control unit); 70…item dispensing device; G…item; S…detection area. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0040] (1) Overall structure of X-ray device

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the X-ray apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In the middle, the X-ray device 10 is assembled on the production line (see reference). Figure 4 One of the devices for quality inspection of article G is a device that determines whether article G is qualified or not by irradiating the continuously transported article G with X-rays.

[0042] Article G, as the object to be inspected, is transported to X-ray device 10 by front-end conveyor 60. In X-ray device 10, article G is classified as either qualified or unqualified. The inspection results of X-ray device 10 are sent to article dispensing device 70 located downstream of X-ray device 10.

[0043] The item distribution device 70 sends items G that are deemed acceptable in the X-ray device 10 to the conveyor 80 for discharging normal items, and distributes items G that are deemed unacceptable in the X-ray device 10 to either the unacceptable discharge direction 90 or the unacceptable discharge direction 91. The item distribution device 70 is independent of the X-ray device 10. The item distribution device 70 uses a photoelectric sensor (light-emitting and light-receiving type) installed at the entrance to detect the intrusion of items G into the device, and determines the timing of the distribution action based on information about the length of items G in the conveying direction sent from the item length calculation unit 21e of the X-ray device 10 (described later). The item distribution device 70 distributes items G by moving a guide component or activating a jet mechanism.

[0044] (2) Detailed structure

[0045] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the shielding box 11 of the X-ray device 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the X-ray device 10 mainly consists of a shielding box 11, a conveyor 12, an X-ray irradiator 13, an X-ray sensor 14, and a monitor 30 with a touch panel (see reference). Figure 1 ) and control computer 20 (refer to Figure 5 )constitute.

[0046] (2-1) Shielding box 11

[0047] Openings 11a are formed on both sides of the shielding box 11 for moving the item G into and out of the shielding box 11. To prevent X-rays from leaking to the outside of the shielding box 11, the openings 11a are blocked by a shielding curtain (not shown). The shielding curtain is made of lead-containing rubber and is pushed open by the item G when it passes through the opening 11a.

[0048] Furthermore, the shielded enclosure 11 houses a conveyor 12, an X-ray irradiator 13, an X-ray sensor 14, a control computer 20, and other components. Additionally, a monitor 30 and a power switch are located on the upper front of the shielded enclosure 11.

[0049] (2-2) Conveyor 12

[0050] Conveyor 12 is a conveyor unit that transports items G within the shielded box 11, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the shielding box 11 is configured with openings 11a extending through both sides. The conveyor 12 transports the items G placed on the belt while rotating the annular belt via a drive roller driven by the conveyor motor 12a.

[0051] The conveying speed of conveyor 12 is precisely controlled by the frequency converter control of conveyor motor 12a via control computer 20, to achieve the set speed input by the operator. Additionally, an encoder 12b is installed on conveyor motor 12a to detect the conveying speed of conveyor 12 and transmit the data to control computer 20 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0052] (2-3) X-ray irradiator 13

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the X-ray irradiator 13, serving as an X-ray irradiation unit, is positioned above the conveyor 12, irradiating X-rays into the downward-facing X-ray sensor 14 within a fan-shaped irradiation range X. In other words, the X-ray irradiator 13 irradiates the article G transported by the conveyor 12 with X-rays.

[0054] (2-4) X-ray sensor 14

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of X-ray examination. Figure 3 In this X-ray detection unit, an X-ray sensor 14 is positioned below the conveyor 12 and includes multiple pixel sensors 14a. The number of pixel sensors 14a in this X-ray sensor 14 is several hundred or even thousands. These pixel sensors 14a are arranged horizontally in a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the conveyor 12. Furthermore, each pixel sensor 14a detects X-rays passing through the article G and the conveyor 12 and outputs an X-ray fluoroscopic image signal. The X-ray fluoroscopic image signal represents the brightness (density) of the X-rays.

[0056] In the X-ray apparatus 10, the space directly above the X-ray sensor 14 inside the shielding box 11 becomes the detection area S. Figure 2 In the image, for ease of understanding, the magnified representation indicates the detection area S in the conveying direction (…). Figure 2 The width dimension (in the direction of the hollow arrow) is equal to the width dimension of the pixel sensor 14a, but the actual width dimension is smaller.

[0057] X-ray sensor 14 detects X-rays passing through the article G and conveyor 12 in the detection area S where the article G is transported.

[0058] (2-5) Monitor 30

[0059] Monitor 30 is a full-dot LCD display that shows screens prompting the operator to input necessary inspection parameters. Additionally, monitor 30 has a touch panel for accepting input of inspection parameters from the operator.

[0060] (2-6) Control computer 20

[0061] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the control computer 20. Figure 5 In the control computer 20, there is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 22, RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 25, and a drive 24 for inserting storage media, etc.

[0062] The CPU 21 executes various programs stored in the ROM 22 or HDD 25. The HDD 25 stores accumulated check parameters and check results. The check parameters can be set and changed by the operator using the touch panel function of the monitor 30.

[0063] Furthermore, the control computer 20 also includes a display control circuit (not shown) for controlling the display data on the monitor 30, a key input circuit (not shown) for receiving key input data input by the operator via the touch panel of the monitor 30, and a communication port (not shown) for enabling connection to external devices such as printers (not shown) and networks such as LANs.

[0064] Furthermore, the various parts 21 to 25 of the control computer 20 are interconnected via buses such as the address bus and the data bus.

[0065] In addition, the control computer 20 is connected to the conveyor motor 12a, encoder 12b, X-ray irradiator 13, X-ray sensor 14, etc.

[0066] (3) Structure of CPU21

[0067] The HDD 25 of the control computer 20 stores inspection programs including an article end sensing module, an image generation module, a region determination module, a weight estimation module, a weight diagnosis module, a foreign object inspection module, a gap detection module, and a bite estimation module. Furthermore, the CPU 21 of the control computer 20 reads and executes these program modules, which function as the article front / back end determination unit 21a, image generation unit 21b, region determination unit 21c, foreign object inspection unit 21d, and article length calculation unit 21e (see reference). Figure 5 The article describes the operation of the following functional units: the article end sensing module, the image generation module, the region determination module, and the foreign object detection module. The article front and rear end determination unit 21a, the image generation unit 21b, the region determination unit 21c, the foreign object detection unit 21d, and the article length calculation unit 21e, which are executed by these modules, will be explained.

[0068] (3-1) Item front and rear end determination part 21a

[0069] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the item front-end / back-end determination unit 21a), which performs the operation as the item front-end / back-end determination unit 21a, according to Figure 6 The control flow shown involves sensing and determining the end of the article G. The article front-to-back determination unit 21a compares the detection value of the X-ray sensor 14 (the output value of the X-ray fluoroscopic image signal output by the pixel sensor 14a) with a threshold to sense the front and back ends of the article G in the transport direction. The article front-to-back determination unit 21a has a first threshold and a second threshold as thresholds. After the front end of the article G passes through the detection area S and before the back end of the article G passes through the detection area S, the article front-to-back determination unit 21a switches the threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold.

[0070] Furthermore, when it is determined that the front end of item G has passed through the detection area S, the item front-to-back determination unit 21a switches the threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold. Additionally, when it is determined that the rear end of item G has passed through the detection area S, the item front-to-back determination unit 21a switches the threshold from the second threshold back to the first threshold.

[0071] use Figure 6 The operation of the front and rear end determination unit 21a of the above items will be explained.

[0072] In step S1, the front and rear end determination unit 21a of the item sets the threshold to the first threshold.

[0073] In step S2, the front and rear end determination unit 21a extracts the average or lowest value of the darkest few output values ​​from the multiple pixel sensors 14a of the X-ray sensor 14, and compares this value with a threshold (first threshold). In step S2, if it is determined that the value is lower than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S3, where the front and rear end determination unit 21a determines that the front end of the item G has passed through the detection area S, and determines the position of the front end of the item G.

[0074] In step S2, if the extracted value is not lower than the first threshold, that is, if the extracted value is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is determined that the item G has not yet entered the detection area S, and the judgment in step S2 is repeated.

[0075] After determining the front end position of item G in step S3, in step S4, the front and rear end determination unit 21a immediately sets the threshold to a second threshold. The second threshold is a value (brightness value) greater than the first threshold.

[0076] In step S5, the front and rear end determination unit 21a extracts the average or lowest value of the darkest few output values ​​from hundreds or thousands of pixel sensors 14a of the X-ray sensor 14, and compares this value with a threshold (second threshold). In step S5, if it is determined that the value exceeds the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S6, where the front and rear end determination unit 21a determines that the rear end of the item G has passed through the detection area S, and determines the position of the rear end of the item G.

[0077] (3-2) Image generation unit 21b

[0078] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the image generation unit 21b), which operates as the image generation unit 21b, generates an X-ray transmission image of the object G based on the X-ray transmission image signal output from the X-ray sensor 14. The image generation unit 21b acquires X-ray transmission image signals output from each pixel sensor 14a of the X-ray sensor 14 at fine time intervals, and generates an X-ray transmission image of the object G based on the acquired X-ray transmission image signals. It should be noted that, as described above, the situation where the front and rear ends of the object G pass through the detection area S is determined by the front and rear end determination unit 21a. The image generation unit 21b uses the X-ray transmission image signal from just before the front end of the object G passes through the detection area S to just after the rear end of the object G passes through the detection area S to generate an X-ray transmission image of the object G. The image generation unit 21b connects the data of each fine time interval related to the brightness of the X-rays obtained from each pixel sensor 14a of the X-ray sensor 14 in a matrix form according to a time sequence, thereby generating an X-ray transmission image of the object G.

[0079] (3-3) Region Determination Section 21c

[0080] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the region determination unit 21c), which operates as the region determination unit 21c, determines the object region from the X-ray transmission image of the object G generated by the image generation unit 21b. The region determination unit 21c calculates the average value of the X-ray concentration values ​​output from multiple pixel sensors 14a at the same time, and uses this calculated value as a representative value of the X-ray concentration at that time. Then, it checks whether this representative value is within a predetermined range (authenticity determination). The region determination unit 21c overlaps the X-ray transmission image P generated by the image generation unit 21b with the result of the authenticity determination process, and identifies the region corresponding to the target area as the object region.

[0081] (3-4) Foreign body inspection department 21d

[0082] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the foreign object inspection unit 21d), which operates as the foreign object inspection unit 21d, performs binarization processing on the X-ray transmitted image P of the article G generated by the image generation unit 21b, thereby detecting foreign objects contained in the article G. More specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, if there is a region on the X-ray transmission image P of item G that is darker than the preset inspection threshold, it is determined that there is a foreign object mixed in with item G, and item G is judged as abnormal.

[0083] (3-5) Item Length Calculation Section 21e

[0084] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the item length calculation unit 21e), which operates as the item length calculation unit 21e, calculates the length of the item G in the conveying direction based on the front and rear positions of the item G determined by the item front and rear end determination unit 21a. Then, the item length calculation unit 21e sends the calculated length of the item G to the item dispensing device 70.

[0085] (4) Characteristics

[0086] (4-1)

[0087] In the X-ray apparatus 10, the control computer 20, equipped with a CPU 21, compares the detection values ​​of the X-ray sensor 14 with thresholds to sense the front and rear ends of the article G in the conveying direction. As thresholds, there are a first threshold and a second threshold. Figure 6 Between steps S3 and S6, that is, after the front end of item G passes through the detection area S and before the rear end of item G passes through the detection area S, the front and rear end determination unit 21a of the control computer 20 switches the threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold.

[0088] Therefore, for an article G whose front and rear portions have different thicknesses in the conveying direction, the sensing accuracy is improved when the X-ray device 10 senses the front and rear ends of the article G. In particular, the X-ray device 10 is effective for articles G with irregular shapes and a thinner portion at the rear end.

[0089] For example, in Figure 7 In the case of the cut chicken meat shown as item G, its shape and planar size are not fixed. When item G is conveyed, it is easy for the thin skin portion CS to extend from the main body portion CM of the chicken meat towards the rear end (posture). In such item G, sensing the front end is easy; however, due to the small thickness of the skin portion CS, it can sometimes be falsely sensed at the rear end. Assuming that the item G is falsely sensed at... Figure 7 The main body CM of item G is interrupted at the boundary with the skin CS, and is therefore misidentified as Figure 8AThe main part CM shown is an item G1 and Figure 8B When the skin portion CS shown is an item G2, the length information of items G1 and G2, as a result of false sensing, will be sent to the item dispensing device 70. Thus, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8B As shown, if a foreign object is detected in the skin portion CS, the item dispensing device 70 operates to dispense only the skin portion CS that was mistakenly detected as item G2. In this way, since the skin portion CS is actually integrated with the main body portion CM, item G, whose center of gravity is located on the side of the main body portion CM, will not be dispensed, but will be transported downstream as a normal item.

[0090] In the X-ray apparatus 10 of this embodiment, it is difficult to generate false sensing of the article G. That is, in the X-ray apparatus 10, the erroneous identification of the length of the transported article G is suppressed.

[0091] (4-2)

[0092] In the X-ray device 10, when it is determined that the front end of the item G has passed through the detection area S, the threshold immediately switches from the first threshold to the second threshold (see reference). Figure 6 Step S4). Additionally, when the back end of an item G is determined to have passed through the detection area S, the threshold immediately switches from the second threshold to the first threshold (refer to...). Figure 6 (Continued from step S1 in step S6). Therefore, regardless of whether the length of the item G in the conveying direction is short or the conveying interval of multiple items G is short, the front and rear ends of the item G can be reliably sensed.

[0093] (4-3)

[0094] In the X-ray apparatus 10, the article length calculation unit 21e sends the calculated length of article G to the article dispensing device 70. Thus, in the article dispensing device 70, for example, the actuator performing the dispensing operation can be controlled so that force is applied near the center of the length of article G in the conveying direction. For example, in the case of a mechanism that distributes article G on the conveyor by rotating a guide member, the timing of this rotation can be made appropriate. Furthermore, for example, in the case of a jetting mechanism that distributes article G by injecting high-pressure air from the side onto article G on the conveyor, high-pressure air can be appropriately sprayed near the center of the length of article G.

[0095] (4-4)

[0096] In the X-ray apparatus 10, since the detection result of the X-ray sensor 14 determines whether the end of the article G has passed through the detection area S, there is no need to install other sensors or cameras. As a result, the cost of the X-ray apparatus 10 can be reduced.

[0097] (5) Variations

[0098] (5-1)

[0099] In the above embodiment, the X-ray device 10, in addition to determining the end of the article G and calculating the length of the article G, also describes foreign object inspection as an inspection process to detect foreign objects (metal pieces or bone fragments) contained in the article G. However, as described above, the X-ray device 10 can also perform processes other than foreign object contamination inspection, such as weight estimation, weight diagnosis, and bite estimation. Furthermore, the control computer 20 of the X-ray device 10 can also perform a process to estimate the number of articles G in the package.

[0100] (5-2)

[0101] In the above embodiment, the front and rear end determination unit 21a extracts the average or lowest value of the darkest few output values ​​from the multiple pixel sensors 14a of the X-ray sensor 14 and compares it with a threshold. Preferably, the value extracted and used as the representative value from the output values ​​of the multiple pixel sensors 14a is changed according to the shape, size, and nature of the article G.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the output value of the pixel sensor 14a of the X-ray sensor 14 is compared with a threshold value. However, it is also possible to compare the decrease or increase of the output value of the pixel sensor 14a per unit time with the threshold value instead. For example, the decrease of the detected value per unit time can be compared with a first threshold value to determine that the front end of the article G has passed through the detection area S, and the increase of the detected value per unit time can be compared with a second threshold value to determine that the rear end of the article G has passed through the detection area S.

[0103] (5-3)

[0104] In the above embodiment, the detection result of the X-ray sensor 14 is used to sense that the end of the article G has passed through the detection area S. However, instead of this, a photoelectric sensor can be installed at the entrance of the X-ray device 10 to calculate the time when the article G arrives at the detection area S. Alternatively, a CCD camera can be installed in the shielding box 11 to confirm that the article G enters or leaves the detection area S.

[0105] (5-4)

[0106] In the above embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold of the front and rear end determination unit 21a of the article are not described in detail. However, the threshold needs to be changed according to the type, thickness, X-ray transmittance, etc. of the article G. The threshold needs to be adjusted by letting the actual article G flow at the start of trial operation or field use.

[0107] Therefore, the first and second thresholds generally need to be adjusted and set manually, but for items where there is a relationship between the first and second thresholds, only one threshold needs to be manually adjusted, allowing the other to be calculated automatically. In this case, for example, when the first threshold is set manually, the control computer 20 reads the relationship between the first and second thresholds from the item master file (a collection of information related to item G) stored in HDD 25 or ROM 22, and automatically determines the second threshold based on the first threshold.

Claims

1. An X-ray device comprising: The transport department transports goods. The X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the article conveyed by the conveying unit with X-rays; The X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays in the detection area where the article is transported; as well as The control unit compares the detection value of the X-ray detection unit with a threshold, and senses the front and rear ends of the article in the transport direction. The control unit has a first threshold and a second threshold as the threshold. After the front end of the item passes through the detection area and before the rear end of the item passes through the detection area, the control unit switches the threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold.

2. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When it is determined that the front end of the item has passed through the detection area, the control unit switches the threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold. When it is determined that the rear end of the item has passed through the detection area, the control unit switches the threshold from the second threshold to the first threshold.

3. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit calculates the length of the item in the conveying direction by sensing the front end and the rear end of the item.

4. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, Downstream of the transport direction of the article, an article dispensing device is provided as a separate device from the X-ray device. The control unit sends the calculated length of the item to the item dispensing device.

5. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit determines whether the front end of the item has passed the detection area based on the detection results of the X-ray detection unit.

6. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. When the detection value of the X-ray detection unit is lower than the first threshold, the control unit determines that the front end of the item has passed through the detection area. When the detection value of the X-ray detection unit exceeds the second threshold, the control unit determines that the rear end of the item has passed the detection area.

7. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit automatically determines the second threshold based on the first threshold.

8. The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit compares the decrease in the detection value of the X-ray detection unit per unit time with the first threshold, and determines that the front end of the item has passed the detection area. The control unit compares the increase in the detection value of the X-ray detection unit per unit time with the second threshold and determines that the rear end of the item has passed the detection area.

Images