Inspection device

Abstract

Provided is an inspection apparatus that contributes to improving workability at the time of adjusting the position and orientation of a reflective surface that changes the direction of an optical path extending from an illumination unit toward an imaging unit. The present invention comprises: a transport unit that transports an inspection object, which is a package, in a predetermined direction; an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates an inspection object with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays that have passed through the inspection object and outputs X-ray detection data; an illumination unit that irradiates light onto the inspection object; an imaging unit that captures an optical image behind the inspection object irradiated with the light and outputs optical image data; a reflective member provided midway in an optical path extending from the illumination unit toward the imaging unit and including a reflective surface for changing a direction of the optical path; a reflection direction adjustment unit to which the reflection member is attached and which adjusts the position and / or orientation of the reflection surface; an image generation unit that generates an X-ray transmission image based on the X-ray detection data and generates an optical image based on the optical image data; and an inspection unit that specifies the position of the content within the inspection object on the basis of the X-ray transmission image and the optical image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device that performs inspections such as seal biting inspections on the sealing portion based on X-ray transmission images and optical images of the package being inspected. Background Technology

[0002] When an object to be inspected is irradiated with electromagnetic waves of high transmittance, such as X-rays, and the transmitted electromagnetic waves are detected, the intensity distribution of the transmittance corresponding to the internal state of the packaging can be obtained. By generating a two-dimensional image (electromagnetic wave transmission image) representing this intensity distribution using pixel tones (such as the brightness, saturation, and intensity of colors), the internal state of the packaging, which is not apparent from the outside, can be visualized.

[0003] However, in inspections using X-rays or similar methods, the packaging itself is difficult to discern in the image because it allows visualization of the interior through the transparent packaging. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to identify where the contents or fragments of the contents are located within the packaging, and furthermore, it is difficult to determine whether such a location corresponds to the seal of the packaging and whether seal roll-in has occurred.

[0004] Therefore, an optical image is obtained by illuminating the packaging from one side with light of low transmittance (such as visible light or near-infrared light) and taking an image from the other side. In this optical image, the position and outline of the packaging are shown in a way that the portion of the packaging appears darker than its surroundings. By comparing this optical image with an electromagnetic wave transmission image, the position of the contents, etc., inside the packaging is determined. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection device that checks whether the determined position corresponds to the seal, that is, checks whether seal roll-in has occurred.

[0005] Figure 2 This is an excerpt from the part of the inspection device 100 disclosed in Patent Document 1 that is relevant to the invention of this application.

[0006] The inspection equipment 100 includes at least a conveying unit 110, an X-ray irradiation unit 120, an X-ray detection unit 130, an illumination unit 140, an imaging unit 150, a reflective component 160, and a data processing unit 170. Of these components, at least the X-ray irradiation unit 120, X-ray detection unit 130, illumination unit 140, imaging unit 150, and reflective component 160 are housed within a housing (not shown). The object W to be inspected is any package and is placed on the conveying unit 110 that penetrates the housing, conveyed into the housing through an inlet provided in the housing, and, after inspection, conveyed out of the housing through an outlet provided in the housing.

[0007] Conveying unit 110 is a belt conveyor, in Figure 2 The X-axis of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system shown has a width, and the belt moves in the Y-axis direction, thereby causing the inspection object W placed on the belt to move in the Y-axis direction.

[0008] The conveying unit 110 is divided into an upstream conveying unit 110a and a downstream conveying unit 110b with the same conveying speed, and a gap 110c is provided between the upstream conveying unit 110a and the downstream conveying unit 110b. The gap 110c is a gap of a size that allows the conveying to continue without causing the inspection object W to fall.

[0009] The X-ray irradiation unit 120 irradiates the object being inspected, W, which is being transported by the delivery unit 110, with X-rays.

[0010] The X-ray detection unit 130 periodically detects transmitted X-rays that have passed through the X-ray irradiation unit 120 that are irradiated onto the object W, and outputs X-ray detection data. The X-ray detection unit 130 is an X-ray line sensor consisting of multiple X-ray detection elements arranged linearly along the X-axis, and periodically detects transmitted X-rays while the object W is moved. By collecting sequentially acquired linear X-ray detection data across the entire width of the object W, X-ray detection data for the entire object W is obtained.

[0011] The X-ray irradiation unit 120 and the X-ray detection unit 130 are arranged on one side and the other side in the Z-axis direction, respectively, facing each other across the gap 110c.

[0012] The lighting unit 140 illuminates the inspection object W being transported by the conveying unit 110.

[0013] The camera unit 150 periodically captures optical images from behind the object W being inspected, which is illuminated by light, and outputs optical image data. The camera unit 150 is an optical line sensor with multiple photoelectric detection elements arranged linearly in the X-axis direction, and it periodically captures optical images while the object W is moved. By collecting sequentially acquired linear optical image data across the entire width of the object W, optical image data for the entire object W is obtained.

[0014] The lighting unit 140 and the camera unit 150 are arranged across the gap 110c on one side and the other side in the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0015] like Figure 2As shown, the X-ray irradiation unit 120, X-ray detection unit 130, illumination unit 140, and imaging unit 150 are arranged such that the light path L1 extending from the X-ray irradiation unit 120 towards the X-ray detection unit 130 and the light path L2 extending from the illumination unit 140 towards the imaging unit 150 pass through the gap 110c parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the X-ray irradiation unit 120 and the imaging unit 150 are arranged on one side in the Z-axis direction, the X-ray detection unit 130 and the illumination unit 140 are arranged on the other side, and the delivery unit 110 is located between these two sides.

[0016] Additionally, on the side where the X-ray irradiation unit 120 is located, a reflective member 160 with a reflective surface inclined at 45 degrees relative to the XZ plane is provided in the optical path L2 to change the direction of the optical path L2 from the Z-axis direction to the Y-axis direction, and the imaging unit 150 is arranged at the extension end of the optical path L2 whose direction has been changed. That is, the light emitted from the illumination unit 140 irradiates the inspection object W above the gap 110c and is further reflected in different directions by the reflective surface of the reflective member 160 to reach the imaging unit 150.

[0017] The data processing unit 170 generates an X-ray transmission image of the object under inspection W based on X-ray detection data collected by the X-ray detection unit 130, and also generates an optical image of the object under inspection W based on optical image data collected by the imaging unit 150. Then, based on the outline of the object under inspection W as a package as obtained from the optical image, the position of the contents, etc., inside the object under inspection W is specified, and it is checked whether the specified position corresponds to the sealing part, that is, whether sealing roll-in has occurred. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0018] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent 5884145 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve

[0019] exist Figure 2In the case of the inspection equipment 100 shown, the position and orientation of the reflective surface of the reflective member 160 are adjusted before leaving the factory so that an optical image can be properly captured by the imaging unit 150. However, due to conditions after leaving the factory (such as vibration during transportation, vibration at the installation site, or loosening of the fixation of the reflective member 160), misalignment may occur in position or orientation, and a proper image may not be obtained. As a countermeasure to misalignment, for example, a method of compensating for misalignment by image processing using software can be mentioned. However, if the misalignment is significant, image processing cannot adequately compensate for it, so the position and orientation of the reflective surface need to be adjusted. However, since the reflective member is usually fixed with screws or the like, in order to make adjustments, it is necessary to remove the screws or the like to loosen the fixation, adjust the position and orientation, and then fix the reflective member again with screws or the like. Therefore, skill and time are required, which leads to workability problems.

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to provide an inspection device that helps improve the operability of adjusting the position and orientation of a reflective surface for changing the direction of the light path extending from the illumination unit toward the camera unit. means for solving problems

[0021] An inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes: a conveying unit for conveying an object to be inspected as a package in a predetermined direction; an X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating the object to be inspected with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit for detecting X-rays that have passed through the object to be inspected and outputting X-ray detection data; an illumination unit for irradiating the object to be inspected with light; an imaging unit for capturing an optical image behind the object to be inspected with light and outputting optical image data; a reflective member disposed midway in an optical path extending from the illumination unit toward the imaging unit and including a reflective surface for changing the direction of the optical path; a reflection direction adjustment unit, wherein the reflective member is attached to the reflection direction adjustment unit, and the reflection direction adjustment unit is used to adjust the position and / or orientation of the reflective surface; an image generation unit for generating an X-ray transmission image of the object to be inspected based on the X-ray detection data and generating an optical image of the object to be inspected based on the optical image data; and an inspection unit for specifying the position of contents within the object to be inspected based on the X-ray transmission image and the optical image.

[0022] The X-ray irradiation unit, the camera unit, and the reflective member can be arranged on the same side, the X-ray detection unit and the illumination unit can be arranged on the same other side, and the delivery unit is located between these two sides.

[0023] An image adjustment unit may also be provided, which is used to correct the optical image and / or the X-ray transmission image through image processing. Advantages of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, since the position and tilt of the reflective surface can be easily changed without attaching or removing the reflective member, the operability of adjustment can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the inspection device 200 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example configuration of a conventional inspection device 100. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description and drawings, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same functional parts, and descriptions of already described functional parts are omitted or provided where necessary.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the inspection device 200 of the present invention. The inspection device 200 includes a transport unit 110, an X-ray irradiation unit 120, an X-ray detection unit 130, an illumination unit 140, an imaging unit 150, a reflective member 160, a reflection direction adjustment unit 210, and a data processing unit 270.

[0028] Among these components, at least the X-ray irradiation unit 120, X-ray detection unit 130, illumination unit 140, imaging unit 150, reflective member 160, and reflection direction adjustment unit 210 are housed within a housing (not shown). The object to be inspected, W, is placed on a conveying unit 110 that penetrates the housing, is conveyed into the housing through an inlet provided within the housing, and, after inspection, is conveyed out of the housing through an outlet provided within the housing. The object to be inspected, W, can be any packaged item, and examples of its contents include food and various articles, and it is also assumed that foreign matter may be mixed in.

[0029] The conveying unit 110 is a type of conveyor capable of continuously conveying the inspection object W placed thereon in a predetermined direction. The conveying unit 110... Figure 1The conveyor unit 110 has a width along the X-axis direction in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z axes, and moves the placement surface, which is the XY plane, in the positive Y-axis direction, thereby moving the inspection object W placed on it in the positive Y-axis direction. The placement surface of the conveyor unit 110 can be a physical surface that moves along the plane with the inspection object W placed on it (such as a belt conveyor), or it can be a virtual surface in the sense that the inspection object W is moved along the plane by applying a driving force to it (such as a driven roller conveyor). The conveying speed depends on factors such as the detection cycle of the detection element; however, in the inspection of packaged goods, for example, typical speeds range from several meters per minute to hundreds of meters per minute.

[0030] The conveying unit 110 is divided into an upstream conveying unit 110a and a downstream conveying unit 110b with the same conveying speed, and a gap 110c is provided between the upstream conveying unit 110a and the downstream conveying unit 110b. The gap 110c is a gap of a size that allows the conveying to continue without causing the inspection object W to fall.

[0031] The X-ray irradiation unit 120 irradiates the object being inspected, W, which is being transported by the delivery unit 110, with X-rays.

[0032] The X-ray detection unit 130 periodically detects transmitted X-rays that have passed through the object W from the X-ray irradiation unit 120 that are irradiated onto the object W, and outputs X-ray detection data. The X-ray detection unit 130 is an X-ray line sensor in which multiple X-ray detection elements are arranged in a straight line in the X-axis direction. The X-ray line sensor can be a single-row type or a type in which multiple rows are arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0033] The X-ray irradiation unit 120 and the X-ray detection unit 130 are arranged facing each other across the gap 110c on one side and the other side in the Z-axis direction, respectively. Therefore, by periodically detecting transmitted X-rays while transporting the object to be inspected in the positive Y-axis direction until the entire width of the object to be inspected passes over the gap 110c, multiple X-ray detection data obtained by performing linear slicing of the object to be inspected in the X-axis direction are acquired, and by arranging these data in a time sequence, the X-ray detection data of the entire object to be inspected can be obtained.

[0034] Note that the radiation used for irradiation and detection does not necessarily have to be X-rays, and any electromagnetic wave with relatively high transmittance through packaging and relatively low transmittance through contents or foreign objects is suitable for the object being inspected. In this case, the irradiation unit and the detection unit can be configured according to the selected electromagnetic wave.

[0035] The illumination unit 140 illuminates the inspection object W being conveyed by the conveying unit 110. The illumination unit 140 is, for example, a line illumination where multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis. The line illumination can be a single-row type, or it can be a type where multiple rows are arranged in the Y-axis direction. As an example of a light-emitting element, a light-emitting diode emitting visible or near-infrared light can be used.

[0036] The camera unit 150 periodically captures optical images behind the object W being illuminated and outputs optical image data. The camera unit 150 is an optical line sensor in which multiple photoelectric detection elements are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis. The optical line sensor can be a single-row type or a type in which multiple rows are arranged along the Y-axis.

[0037] The illumination unit 140 and the imaging unit 150 are arranged on one side and the other side of the gap 110c in the Z-axis direction, respectively. Therefore, by periodically capturing the received light while transporting the object to be inspected W in the positive Y-axis direction until the entire width of the object to be inspected W passes over the gap 110c, multiple optical image data obtained by performing a linear slice of the object to be inspected W in the X-axis direction are acquired, and by arranging these data in a time sequence, optical image data of the entire object to be inspected W can be obtained.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray irradiation unit 120, X-ray detection unit 130, illumination unit 140, and imaging unit 150 are arranged such that the optical path L1 extending from the X-ray irradiation unit 120 towards the X-ray detection unit 130 and the optical path L2 extending from the illumination unit 140 towards the imaging unit 150 pass through the gap 110c parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when the object W being inspected passes through the gap 110c, X-ray detection data and optical image data can be acquired under the same conditions.

[0039] In order to acquire X-ray detection data and optical image data of the object W being inspected, passing through the gap 110c, under the same conditions, it is desirable to make the optical paths L1 and L2 as close to each other as possible at the gap 110c. However, if the X-ray irradiation unit 120 and the illumination unit 140 are arranged across the gap 110c on one side in the Z-axis direction, and the X-ray detection unit 130 and the imaging unit 150 are arranged on the other side, then X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 120 may enter the imaging unit 150, or light emitted from the illumination unit 140 may enter the X-ray detection unit 130, which may cause interference with the inspection. Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray irradiation unit 120 and the camera unit 150 can be arranged on one side of the Z-axis direction, and the X-ray detection unit 130 and the illumination unit 140 can be arranged on the other side.

[0040] Furthermore, since the X-ray irradiation unit 120 is typically large, it is not easy to arrange other functional units adjacent to each other within the limited housing space. Therefore, on the side where the X-ray irradiation unit 120 is located, the direction of the light path L2 extending from the illumination unit 140 toward the imaging unit 150 can be changed to avoid adjacent arrangement. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, on the side where the X-ray irradiation unit 120 is provided, a reflective member 160 with a reflective surface inclined at 45 degrees relative to the XZ plane can be provided in the optical path L2 to change the direction of the optical path L2 from the Z-axis direction to the Y-axis direction, and the imaging unit 150 can be arranged at the extension end of the optical path L2 whose direction has been changed. That is, the light emitted from the illumination unit 140 irradiates the inspection object W above the gap 110c, and is further reflected in different directions by the reflective surface of the reflective member 160 to reach the imaging unit 150.

[0041] The reflection direction adjustment unit 210 is a mechanism to which the reflection member 160 is attached, and which adjusts the reflection direction of light incident from the illumination unit 140 by manually or automatically changing the position and / or orientation of the reflective surface based on instructions input from any input unit (not shown) to the actuator (not shown).

[0042] As the reflection direction adjustment unit 210, a known positioning stage can be used, for example, depending on the pattern of changing the position or orientation of the reflecting surface. In this case, the reflecting member 160 is attached to the positioning stage, the reflecting surface is aligned before leaving the factory, and after leaving the factory, if misalignment of the position or orientation of the reflecting surface occurs, adjustment is made by manually or automatically operating the positioning stage. When it is desired that the position of the reflecting surface can be changed, for example, a linear sliding type positioning stage that can slide in the positive and negative directions along each axis of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system can be used. When it is desired that the orientation of the reflecting surface can be changed, for example, a tilting type positioning stage that can rotate about each axis of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system or a universal joint type positioning stage that can tilt in all directions of 360 degrees can be used. Furthermore, different types of positioning stages can be combined. For example, when it is desired that both the position and orientation of the reflecting surface can be changed, a universal joint type positioning stage can be attached to a linear sliding type positioning stage, and the reflecting member 160 can be attached to a universal joint type positioning stage.

[0043] The data processing unit 270 includes an image generation unit 271 and an inspection unit 272.

[0044] The image generation unit 271 generates an X-ray transmission image of the object to be inspected W based on the X-ray detection data collected by the X-ray detection unit 130, and also generates an optical image of the object to be inspected W based on the optical image data collected by the camera unit 150.

[0045] The inspection unit 272 inspects the contents of the object W for seal entanglement and other issues related to the sealing process, based on the X-ray transmission image and optical image generated by the image generation unit 271. The X-ray transmission image shows the contents of the object W and any fragments thereof, while the optical image shows the outline of the object W as a package. These two images are generated based on data collected under the same conditions. Therefore, by aligning and superimposing these two images, the position of the contents within the object W can be specified, and it can be determined whether the specified position corresponds to the seal, that is, whether seal entanglement has occurred.

[0046] By using the inspection device 200 configured as described above, the position and orientation of the reflective surface can be easily changed without attaching or removing the reflective component, thus improving the operability of the adjustment.

[0047] The data processing unit 270 may further include an image adjustment unit 273, which, based on the optical image generated by the image generation unit 271, corrects image deviations caused by misalignment of the position or orientation of the reflecting surface through image processing, thereby enabling more detailed adjustments. Furthermore, since it is assumed that alignment or superposition with the X-ray transmission image cannot be satisfactorily achieved through correction of the optical image alone, or that alignment or superposition of the two images is easier when correcting the X-ray transmission image instead of the optical image, the image adjustment unit 273 may be configured to include functionality for correcting the X-ray transmission image generated by the image generation unit 271 through image processing.

[0048] As part of the processing performed by the image adjustment unit 273, linear transformations in position or size, or shearing transformations, may be performed. Image processing may be performed automatically based on predetermined rules, or it may be performed based on various parameters input by the operator.

[0049] The functions of the data processing unit 270 can be described in a program and executed by the computer's CPU.

[0050] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above are examples, and any embodiment having a configuration substantially the same as the technical concept described in the claims of this invention and achieving similar effects is included within the technical scope of this invention. In other words, appropriate changes can be made within the scope of the technical concept embodied in this invention, and forms with such changes and modifications are included within the technical scope of this invention. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0051] 100, 200... Check equipment 110… Conveying Unit 110a...Upstream Conveying Unit 110b...Downstream Conveying Unit 110c...gap section 120...X-ray irradiation unit 130...X-ray detection unit 140... Lighting Units 150... camera unit 160...reflective component 170, 270... data processing units 210...Reflection Direction Adjustment Unit 271...Image Generation Unit 272... Inspection Unit 273...Image Adjustment Unit L1, L2... optical paths W... Inspection object

Claims

1. An inspection device, comprising: A conveying unit for conveying an inspection object as a package in a predetermined direction; An X-ray irradiation unit is used to irradiate the object being inspected with X-rays; The X-ray detection unit is used to detect X-rays that have passed through the object being inspected and to output X-ray detection data. An illumination unit for illuminating the object being inspected; The camera unit is used to capture an optical image behind the object being inspected, which is illuminated by the light, and to output optical image data. A reflective member is disposed midway along an optical path extending from the illumination unit toward the camera unit, and includes a reflective surface for changing the direction of the optical path; A reflection direction adjustment unit, wherein the reflecting member is attached to the reflection direction adjustment unit, and the reflection direction adjustment unit is used to adjust the position and / or orientation of the reflecting surface; An image generation unit is configured to generate an X-ray transmission image of the object under inspection based on the X-ray detection data, and to generate an optical image of the object under inspection based on the optical image data; as well as An inspection unit is used to specify the location of the contents within the object being inspected based on the X-ray transmission image and the optical image.

2. The inspection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The X-ray irradiation unit, the camera unit, and the reflective member are located on the same side, the X-ray detection unit and the illumination unit are located on the same other side, and the delivery unit is located between these two sides.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2 further includes an image adjustment unit, the image adjustment unit being used to correct the optical image and / or the X-ray transmission image by image processing.

Images