X-ray examination apparatus

Abstract

Provided is an X-ray inspection device capable of reducing the burden on a user required for changing an inspection condition. The X-ray inspection device includes a determination unit, an inspection condition changing unit, and a touch screen (30). The determination unit generates an X-ray image, and determines normality / defectiveness of each portion of an article by applying a predetermined inspection condition to the X-ray image. The touch screen (30) displays a portion of the article determined as defective in a different form from a portion of the article determined as normal, as a determination result of the determination unit. The touch screen (30) causes a user who is viewing the determination result to specify the portion of the article determined as defective. The inspection condition changing unit changes the inspection condition so that the determination of defectiveness of the specified portion of the article determined as defective becomes a determination of normality when the user specifies the portion of the article determined as defective via the touch screen (30).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-25874) discloses a technique for performing X-ray inspection of an article and enclosing the defective parts of the article in an X-ray image with a frame. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0004] Users of X-ray inspection equipment sometimes change the inspection conditions used to determine whether an item is acceptable or unacceptable by looking at the X-ray images showing the areas where the item is deemed defective. For example, in cases where a foreign object is present even though it is not actually mixed into the item, resulting in a defective determination, the user manually changes the inspection conditions of the X-ray inspection equipment to avoid erroneous defective determinations.

[0005] However, while experienced users can perform such tasks by manually changing the inspection conditions in a short time, it is a difficult task for less experienced users.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an X-ray inspection apparatus that includes a determination unit for judging whether various parts of an article are normal or unqualified, and which can reduce the burden on the user required to change inspection conditions.

[0007] Solution for solving the problem

[0008] The X-ray inspection apparatus of the first viewpoint includes a transport unit for transporting articles, an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, a judgment unit, an inspection condition modification unit, a display unit, and an input unit. The X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the transported articles with X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit. The judgment unit generates an X-ray image containing the article based on the signal output from the X-ray detection unit, and applies predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to determine whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified. The inspection condition modification unit changes the inspection conditions. The display unit displays the unqualified parts of the article in a different format than the normal determination parts, as the judgment result of the judgment unit. The input unit allows a user viewing the judgment result displayed on the display unit to specify the unqualified parts of the article. When the user specifies the unqualified parts of the article via the input unit, the inspection condition modification unit changes the inspection conditions so that the unqualified determination of the specified unqualified parts becomes a normal determination.

[0009] Here, the normal / non-conforming condition of each part of the article is determined, and the display unit shows the non-conforming parts of the article in a different manner than the normal parts. Furthermore, in the input unit, when the user viewing the determination results specifies a non-conforming part of the article, the inspection condition change unit changes the inspection conditions so that the non-conforming determination of the specified non-conforming part becomes a normal determination. Therefore, the user of the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the first viewpoint can reduce the workload required for changing inspection conditions.

[0010] The second perspective relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus in the first perspective, where the judgment unit applies the changed inspection conditions to the X-ray image to re-judge whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified after the inspection conditions are changed. Furthermore, the display unit displays the results of the re-judgment.

[0011] Here, the normal / non-conforming status of each part of the item under the changed inspection conditions is re-evaluated, and the results are displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the user of the X-ray inspection device can easily determine whether the change in inspection conditions is the result of the change.

[0012] The third perspective involves an X-ray inspection apparatus that, in addition to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the first or second perspective, also includes a storage unit for storing X-ray images. When the inspection conditions are changed, the judgment unit applies the changed inspection conditions to the past X-ray images stored in the storage unit to determine whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified.

[0013] Here, the modified inspection conditions can be applied to determine the normality / non-conformity of various parts of an item that used previous X-ray images. Therefore, users of X-ray inspection equipment can easily determine whether modified inspection conditions have been applied.

[0014] In the X-ray inspection apparatus of the fourth viewpoint, in any one of the first to third viewpoints, the determination unit applies at least one of the following filters—sensitivity filter, attenuation filter, density filter, and mask filter—to the X-ray image to determine whether various parts of the article are normal or unqualified. The inspection condition modification unit changes the inspection conditions by changing the filters or their parameters when the user specifies the unqualified parts of the article via the input unit.

[0015] In the X-ray inspection apparatus of the fifth viewpoint, in any of the X-ray inspection apparatuses of the first to fourth viewpoints, when the determination unit makes a non-conformance determination at multiple locations, the display unit displays multiple non-conformance determination locations.

[0016] Here are the procedures required for users of X-ray inspection equipment to easily change the inspection conditions for multiple non-conforming areas.

[0017] In the X-ray inspection apparatus of the sixth viewpoint, in any of the first to fifth viewpoints, the determination unit applies predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to calculate the determination value for each part of the article, and determines whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified based on the determination value. The display unit displays the determination value along with the unqualified parts.

[0018] Here, users of X-ray inspection equipment can determine the criteria for identifying non-conforming areas.

[0019] The X-ray inspection device involved in the seventh point of view, in any of the X-ray inspection devices of the first to sixth points of view, displays the non-conforming parts of the article in a manner that is more emphasized than the normal determination parts of the article.

[0020] Here, users of the X-ray inspection equipment can easily identify the areas where items are deemed non-conforming.

[0021] The X-ray inspection apparatus involved in the eighth viewpoint, in any one of the X-ray inspection apparatuses of the first to fifth viewpoints, displays the non-conforming parts of the article in an overlapping manner with the X-ray image.

[0022] Here, users of the X-ray inspection equipment can easily identify the non-conforming parts of the item and the condition of its surroundings in the X-ray image.

[0023] The ninth viewpoint relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus in which, in the eighth viewpoint, the determination unit applies predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to calculate determination values ​​for each part of the article, and determines whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified based on the determination values. The display unit displays the unqualified parts of the article overlaid on the X-ray image when the user specifies them via the input unit, and also displays the determination values ​​for those unqualified parts.

[0024] Here, users of X-ray inspection equipment can determine the criteria for identifying non-conforming areas.

[0025] The X-ray inspection apparatus of the tenth viewpoint, compared to the X-ray inspection apparatus of the sixth viewpoint, displays multiple judgment values ​​in different ways on the display unit.

[0026] Here, for example, multiple judgment values ​​are displayed using different color intensities. This allows users of the X-ray inspection equipment to easily grasp the degree of non-compliance at each defective area.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] In the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, the inspection condition changing unit modifies the inspection conditions so that the defect determination of a designated defective area becomes a normal determination. Therefore, the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention reduces the burden on the user required to change inspection conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an X-ray inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the shielding box of an X-ray inspection device.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inspection principle of X-ray examination.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the procedures before and after using an X-ray inspection apparatus.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a block diagram for controlling the computer.

[0034] Figure 6 This is the flowchart of the foreign object inspection department's operation.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a touchscreen display showing an X-ray image of a piece of meat that has been determined to contain foreign matter.

[0036] Figure 8A yes Figure 7 The image displayed is a magnified view of P6.

[0037] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 The image displayed is a magnified view of P6, showing the screen where conditions have changed.

[0038] Figure 8C yes Figure 7 The image displayed is a magnified view of P6, showing the screen where conditions have changed.

[0039] Figure 9 This screen shows the result of the seventh determination unit re-examining the X-ray image corresponding to image P6 after the threshold of the sensitivity filter of the seventh determination unit was changed.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 10 X-ray inspection devices

[0042] 12. Conveyor (Conveying Section)

[0043] 13 X-ray irradiator (X-ray irradiation unit)

[0044] 14 X-ray linear sensor (X-ray detection unit)

[0045] 21a Judgment Department

[0046] 21b Inspection Condition Change Department

[0047] 30 Touchscreen (display unit, input unit)

[0048] G. Item. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0050] (1) Overall structure of X-ray device

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an X-ray inspection apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In the process, the X-ray inspection device 10 is assembled into the production line ( Figure 4 (Refer to) A device for quality inspection of article G, which determines whether article G is qualified or not by irradiating the continuously transported article G with X-rays.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the sample item G is transported to the X-ray inspection device 10 by the front conveyor 60. To determine the normality / non-conformity of various parts of the item G in the X-ray inspection device 10, the item G is classified as either a qualified or unqualified product. The inspection results from the X-ray inspection device 10 are then sent to the item distribution device 70 located downstream of the X-ray inspection device 10.

[0053] The item distribution device 70 conveys items G that are deemed acceptable in the X-ray inspection device 10 to the conveyor 80 for discharging normal items, and distributes items G that are deemed unacceptable in the X-ray inspection device 10 to either the unacceptable discharge direction 90 or the unacceptable discharge direction 91. The item distribution device 70 is a different device from the X-ray inspection device 10.

[0054] (2) Detailed composition

[0055] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the shielding box 11 of the X-ray inspection device 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the X-ray inspection device 10 mainly consists of a shielding box 11, a conveyor 12, an X-ray irradiator 13, an X-ray linear sensor 14, and a touch screen 30 (see reference) serving as a monitor with a touch panel function. Figure 1 ) and control computer 20 (see reference) Figure 5 )constitute.

[0056] (2-1) Shielding box 11

[0057] On both sides of the shielding box 11, openings 11a are formed for moving the item G into and out of the shielding box 11. The openings 11a are blocked by a shielding curtain (not shown) to prevent X-rays from leaking out of the shielding box 11. The shielding curtain is made of rubber containing lead and is pushed by the item G when it passes through the openings 11a.

[0058] Furthermore, the shielded enclosure 11 houses the conveyor 12, the X-ray irradiator 13, the X-ray linear sensor 14, the control computer 20, and other components. Additionally, a touchscreen 30 or a power switch is located on the upper front of the shielded enclosure 11.

[0059] (2-2) Conveyor 12

[0060] Conveyor 12 is a conveying unit that transports items G within the shielded box 11, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the configuration extends through the openings 11a formed on both sides of the shielding box 11. Furthermore, the conveyor 12 passes through the conveyor motor 12a (see reference 12a). Figure 5 The drive rollers drive the annular belt to rotate while conveying the items G placed on the belt.

[0061] (2-3) X-ray irradiator 13

[0062] 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 within a fan-shaped irradiation range X towards the downward-facing X-ray linear sensor 14. In other words, the X-ray irradiator 13 irradiates the article G conveyed by the conveyor 12 with X-rays.

[0063] (2-4) X-ray linear sensor 14

[0064] 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 linear sensor 14 is positioned below the conveyor 12 and includes multiple pixel sensors 14a. The number of pixel sensors 14a in this X-ray linear sensor 14 can be several hundred or even several thousand. These pixel sensors 14a are arranged horizontally in a straight line in an orientation orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveyor 12. Furthermore, each pixel sensor 14a detects X-rays transmitted through the article G or the conveyor 12 and outputs an X-ray fluoroscopic image signal. The X-ray fluoroscopic image signal indicates the brightness (density) of the X-rays.

[0065] In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, the space directly above the X-ray linear sensor 14 inside the shielding box 11 is the detection area S. Figure 2 In the middle, for ease of understanding, the conveying direction of the detection area S is ( Figure 2 The width dimension of the hollow arrow (direction) is represented as large, but the width of the detection area S is equal to the width dimension of the pixel sensor 14a, and the actual width dimension is small.

[0066] The X-ray linear sensor 14 detects X-rays that have passed through the article G or the conveyor 12 in the detection area S of the conveyed article G.

[0067] (2-5) Touchscreen 30

[0068] The touchscreen 30 is a full-dot LCD display that shows a screen to remind the user of the required inspection conditions and other inputs. In addition, the touchscreen 30 also functions as a touch panel, accepting user input of inspection conditions and other inputs. In other words, the touchscreen 30 is a device that functions both as a display to provide various information to the user and as an input to receive user input.

[0069] (2-6) Control computer 20

[0070] 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.

[0071] The CPU 21 executes various programs stored in the ROM 22 or HDD 25. The HDD 25 stores inspection conditions corresponding to each item and saves accumulated inspection results. Inspection conditions can be set and changed for each type of item through input from a user using the touch panel function of the touchscreen 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the control computer 20 also includes a display control circuit (not shown) for controlling the display data on the touch screen 30, an input circuit (not shown) for taking in input data input by the user via the touch screen 30, and a communication port (not shown) for connecting to external devices such as a printer (not shown) or a network such as a LAN.

[0073] Furthermore, the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, driver 24, and HDD 25 of the control computer 20 are interconnected via buses such as address buses or data buses.

[0074] In addition, the control computer 20 is connected to the conveyor motor 12a, encoder 12b, X-ray irradiator 13, X-ray linear sensor 14, etc.

[0075] (3) The structure of CPU21

[0076] The HDD 25 of the control computer 20 stores inspection programs including an image generation module and a foreign object inspection module. The CPU 21, which executes these inspection programs, has the function of generating a raw X-ray image from a signal from the X-ray linear sensor 14 and applying predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to determine whether each part of the article G is normal or unqualified. That is, the CPU 21 functions as a determination unit 21a for determining whether each part of the article G is normal or unqualified. Furthermore, the CPU 21 executing the inspection programs also functions as an inspection condition modification unit 21b for changing the inspection conditions.

[0077] The CPU 21, acting as the determination unit 21a, reads and executes the image generation module and the foreign object inspection module, thereby serving as the image generation unit 21a1 and the foreign object inspection unit 21a2 (see reference). Figure 5 The functions such as ( ) are used to perform actions.

[0078] (3-1) Image generation unit 21a1

[0079] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the image generation unit 21a1), which operates as the image generation unit 21a1, generates a raw X-ray image of the object G based on the X-ray fluoroscopic image signal output from the X-ray linear sensor 14. The image generation unit 21a1 acquires X-ray fluoroscopic image signals output from each pixel sensor 14a of the X-ray linear sensor 14 at fine time intervals, and generates an X-ray image of the object G based on the acquired X-ray fluoroscopic image signals. The image generation unit 21a1 uses X-ray fluoroscopic image signals from shortly before the front end of the object G passes through the detection area S to shortly after the rear end of the object G passes through the detection area S to generate an X-ray image of the object G. The image generation unit 21a1 generates the raw X-ray image of the object G by connecting the data related to the brightness of X-rays at each fine time interval obtained from each pixel sensor 14a of the X-ray linear sensor 14 in a matrix-like, time-series manner.

[0080] Furthermore, the image generation unit 21a1 has an edge processing function that emphasizes the spatial variation of brightness in the X-ray image as the contour in order to determine the contour. In other words, by detecting areas (edges) where brightness changes sharply in the X-ray image, it is possible to detect the boundary portion (the contour of the item G) between the item G and other parts of the item G.

[0081] (3-2) Foreign body inspection section 21a2

[0082] The CPU 21 (hereinafter referred to as the foreign object inspection unit 21a2), which operates as the foreign object inspection unit 21a2, applies predetermined inspection conditions to the original X-ray image to determine whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified, and detects foreign objects contained in the article G.

[0083] Specifically, the foreign object inspection unit 21a2 performs binarization processing on the original X-ray image of the article G generated by the image generation unit 21a1, and compares the density value of each pixel with a predetermined threshold to determine whether the density value of each pixel is below the predetermined threshold. Here, the predetermined threshold includes a threshold for identifying the background and other areas, and a threshold for identifying the article G and parts other than the article G respectively. The X-ray image is filtered so that pixels whose transmitted X-ray brightness (intensity) exceeds the predetermined threshold are represented, for example, in grayscale corresponding to white, and pixels whose transmitted X-ray brightness (intensity) is below the predetermined threshold are represented, for example, in grayscale corresponding to black. If the foreign object inspection unit 21a2 finds an area darker than the predetermined threshold in the filtered image of the article G, it determines that the area is a defective part, and since a foreign object is present in the defective part, the article G is determined to be a defective product.

[0084] (3-3) Inspection Condition Change Section 21b

[0085] The inspection condition modification unit 21b adjusts the inspection conditions applied to the X-ray image by the foreign object inspection unit 21a2, and changes the inspection conditions after this adjustment. The following explanation addresses the adjustment and modification of inspection conditions that use past X-ray images.

[0086] (4) Adjustments and changes to examination conditions that used past X-ray images.

[0087] Here, the adjustment sequence of the inspection conditions for the foreign object inspection unit 21a2, which uses past X-ray images, will be explained. Assume that the HDD 25 stores X-ray images of a piece of meat (item G) that was previously produced and determined to contain foreign objects and is therefore defective. Here, the stored X-ray image data is the data of the original X-ray image before various processing (before the application of inspection conditions). Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the operation when adjusting and changing the inspection conditions in the inspection condition change section 21b.

[0088] (4-1) Step S1

[0089] exist Figure 6In step S1, the inspection condition modification unit 21b determines the presence or absence of a defective product by calling a call command for the original X-ray image. This call command is input by the user from the touchscreen 30. Before or during inspection, the user can call an X-ray image of a piece of meat that was previously determined to be defective due to foreign matter to adjust and change the inspection conditions in order to make the inspection conditions appropriate.

[0090] (4-2) Step S2

[0091] In step S2, the inspection condition change unit 21b reads the X-ray image of the defective product (piece of meat) stored in HDD 25 and displays it on the touch screen 30. Figure 7 It is the front view of screen 30a of touch screen 30, which displays an X-ray image of a block of meat that has been determined to contain foreign matter.

[0092] exist Figure 7 In the touchscreen 30, the 10 images displayed on the screen 30a are X-ray images of chunks of meat stored in the HDD 25. Each X-ray image is numbered 1 to 10 in chronological order from oldest to newest. In each image P1 to P10, a frame is drawn around the part that will be identified as a foreign object (a defective area) of the chunk of meat.

[0093] (4-3) Step S3

[0094] In step S3, the condition change unit 21b checks whether there is an instruction to select or zoom in on any one of the 10 X-ray images P1 to P10 displayed on the touch screen 30. For example, if the user finds an image among images P1 to P10 that is suspected of being misjudged, after pressing the selection button 301 located below that image, pressing the zoom in button 302 will zoom in on only that image.

[0095] If the selection button 301 and the zoom button 302 are pressed, the inspection condition change unit 21b determines that there is an "instruction to select and zoom in on the display" and proceeds to step S4. The following explanation will continue under the premise that "image P6" has been selected.

[0096] (4-4) Step S4

[0097] In step S4, the inspection condition change unit 21b displays the selected X-ray image in a magnified manner. Figure 8A yes Figure 7 The image displayed is a magnified view of P6. Figure 8A In the first frame 31 on the left side of the main view, there is a magnified image of an X-ray image of a block of meat that is determined to have been contaminated with foreign matter.

[0098] Additionally, in the second frame 32 on the right side of the main view, the first determination unit J1 to the ninth determination unit J9, which are used to determine the pass / fail status of chunks of meat, are displayed among the inspection conditions of the foreign object inspection unit 21a2. These determination units, used as inspection conditions, are input by the user from the touchscreen 30. The first determination units J1 to the ninth determination units J9 are the inspection conditions input during the previous inspection. The inspection conditions are stored in the HDD 25 in an interlocking manner along with the data from the original X-ray image.

[0099] (Summary of the first decision section J1 to the ninth decision section J9)

[0100] The first determination unit J1 to the ninth determination unit J9, which constitute the inspection conditions of the foreign object inspection unit 21a2, use different processing methods in their determinations, or even if the same processing method is used, the conditions are different. In each determination unit, for example, edge processing or binarization processing is performed.

[0101] Furthermore, the first determination unit J1 to the ninth determination unit J9 each have multiple filters A to D for foreign object detection. In this embodiment, the specific contents of each of the filters A to D are set on the user side.

[0102] (Summary of filters A to D)

[0103] Each of filters A through D has a threshold value set as a benchmark for determining the presence or absence of foreign objects, and the user sets this threshold value.

[0104] When the threshold is set incorrectly, qualified products are judged as unqualified products, or unqualified products are judged as qualified products. If the user determines that the threshold is inappropriate during the initial inspection, they can change it to an appropriate value.

[0105] (Filter A)

[0106] In this embodiment, filter A is a sensitivity filter. In an inspection image obtained by pre-processing an X-ray image, if the reaction value of each pixel exceeds a set threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "sensitivity threshold"), the area of ​​that pixel is determined to be a defective part. In the sensitivity filter, false detections are reduced by adjusting the sensitivity threshold. The reaction value of each pixel is a calculated value obtained by applying inspection conditions (conditions selected from filters A to D of the first determination unit J1 to the ninth determination unit J9) to the original X-ray image of the article G and performing calculations on each pixel; it is a determination value used to determine whether each part of the article G is normal or defective.

[0107] For example, the peak value of the sensitivity filter in the first determination unit J1 is 111, and the sensitivity threshold is set to 43. Therefore, if the reaction value is below 43, it is determined to be "unqualified," and if it exceeds 43, it is determined to be "normal." Figure 8A As shown, the sensitivity threshold can be changed by sliding the cursor 32a left or right.

[0108] (Filter B)

[0109] Filter B is an attenuation filter. The attenuation filter determines foreign objects based on the amount of attenuation of transmitted X-rays. False detections are reduced by adjusting the level of attenuation. Furthermore, increasing the level of attenuation suppresses the extraction of edge portions of the object being inspected in the image and extracts only foreign objects with high sensitivity.

[0110] For example, the attenuation filters in each of the first determination units J1 to the ninth determination units J9 are set to level 1. If the attenuation exceeds level 1, it is determined to be "unqualified". Figure 8A As shown, the level can be changed by sliding the cursor 32b left or right.

[0111] (Filter C)

[0112] Filter C is a density filter. In an image obtained by pre-processing an X-ray image, the density filter determines foreign objects by the density of pixels whose reaction values ​​exceed a sensitivity threshold. For example, if only one pixel has a reaction value exceeding the sensitivity threshold, it is highly likely to be noise rather than a foreign object. On the other hand, if nine pixels (3×3 pixels) have reaction values ​​exceeding the sensitivity threshold, it is highly likely to be a foreign object. Furthermore, increasing the density of the density filter ignores small irregularities in the object being inspected and only extracts foreign objects.

[0113] For example, the density of the density filter in the fourth determination unit J4 is set to 2. Therefore, in four pixels with a width and height of 2×2, if the reaction value is below the sensitivity threshold of 66, it is determined to be "normal"; if it exceeds the sensitivity threshold of 66, it is determined to be "unqualified". Figure 8A As shown, the density can be changed by sliding the cursor 32c left or right.

[0114] (Filter D)

[0115] Filter D is a mask filter. In an image obtained by pre-processing an X-ray image, the mask filter masks areas where the reaction value of each pixel is lower than a threshold, and these areas are not used in the determination of foreign objects. In each of the first determination units J1 to the ninth determination units J9, the threshold of the mask filter is set to 32, so that the packaging surrounding the object to be inspected is not considered a foreign object. Figure 8A As shown, the threshold can be changed by sliding the cursor 32d left or right.

[0116] (4-5) Step S5

[0117] Back Figure 6 In step S5, the condition change unit 21b checks whether there have been any changes in the first determination unit J1 to the ninth determination unit J9. The frame marked with the reference numeral "J7" in Figure 8 shows the part that was previously determined as "unqualified" by the seventh determination unit J7 (unqualified determination part).

[0118] The frame marked with reference numeral "J7" surrounds the area that can be clearly identified as a foreign object visually. In contrast, within the frame marked with reference numeral "J7", there appears to be no area that can be identified as a foreign object. The following explanation will continue under the premise that the seventh determination unit J7 has made a misjudgment.

[0119] If a user has doubts about the non-conformance determination of a non-conformance determination part, the user can adjust the threshold of each filter in the seventh determination unit J7, and re-inspect the past X-ray images stored in the HDD25, which is a storage device, and adjust or change the inspection conditions.

[0120] In the sensitivity filter of the seventh judgment unit J7, the sensitivity threshold is set to 18, which is a value that is likely to result in a "non-compliant" judgment. Therefore, the user increases the sensitivity threshold to adjust and change the inspection performance. The following explanation assumes that the user manually changes the sensitivity threshold of the seventh judgment unit J7 from 18 to 68.

[0121] (4-6) Step S6

[0122] In step S6, the inspection condition change unit 21b checks the seventh determination unit J7 after the sensitivity threshold is changed to 68, the first determination units J1 to the sixth determination units J6 without change, the eighth determination unit J8 and the ninth determination unit J9, and displays the results on the touch screen 30.

[0123] Figure 9 This is the result of a re-examination of past X-ray images corresponding to image P6 by the seventh determination unit J7 after changing the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 to 68. Figure 9 In Figure 7 The frame around the part that was judged as "unqualified" disappeared, and the false judgment was eliminated.

[0124] To confirm whether the changed sensitivity threshold is appropriate, the user re-examines all past X-ray images stored in HDD25. The foreign object inspection unit 21a2 transmits the re-examination results via... Figure 7 Such a summary display is shown on touchscreen 30.

[0125] In addition, if false detections of "unacceptable" remain even after re-examining the original X-ray image of an item (chunk meat) that was previously judged as "unacceptable" after sensitivity adjustment (after changing the sensitivity threshold), sensitivity adjustment can be performed again.

[0126] As described above, according to the inspection condition change unit 21b, by changing the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7, the user can use past X-ray images to confirm the degree of change in inspection performance without causing the item (piece of meat) to flow.

[0127] (5) Automatic adjustment / change function of inspection conditions in inspection condition change unit 21b

[0128] As described above, the user can use the display on the touchscreen 30 to modify the inspection condition change unit 21b. Figure 8A The screen displays which of the following decision units (first decision unit J1 to ninth decision unit J9) is used to determine the inspection conditions, which of the following filters (A to D) is used, and to what extent the parameters of filters (A to D) are adjusted. The inspection conditions can also be changed manually.

[0129] Based on this, the inspection condition modification unit 21b of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 of this embodiment also has an automatic adjustment / modification function for inspection conditions. Hereinafter, the automatic adjustment / modification function for inspection conditions (hereinafter referred to as the automatic adjustment function) will be described.

[0130] exist Figure 8A In the image showing an X-ray image, the user can use a dashed box to enclose the area of ​​the object they want to set to auto-adjustment. Figure 8B The shown border BX1 is a frame that the user selects and surrounds the area of ​​questionable non-compliance. This border BX1 can be a frame automatically drawn when the user touches a specific area on the screen, or it can be a frame drawn by the user using a stylus or mouse. When the user sets the border BX1, the inspection condition modification unit 21b displays the maximum value of the level of each pixel within the frame near the border BX1. Here, the value "32" of the maximum value of the level MV1 of the reaction value of each pixel of the filter A of the seventh determination unit J7 is displayed below the border BX1.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to make only the seventh decision unit J7 an object, only the value of its corresponding maximum level MV1 is displayed. However, when other decision units are also objects, the maximum level of other decision units is displayed in a form that can be distinguished by the colors corresponding to each decision unit.

[0132] Next, when the user adds two other questionable non-conformance determination areas, such as... Figure 8C As shown, the inspection condition modification unit 21b displays not only the four borders BX1 on the touch screen 30, but also the four borders BX2 and BX3 on the touch screen 30. In addition, the inspection condition modification unit 21b simultaneously displays the maximum level value MV2 (41 in this case) of each pixel in the four borders BX2 and the maximum level value MV3 (47 in this case) of each pixel in the four borders BX3 overlaid on the X-ray image.

[0133] Here, although the user can manually change the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 after comparing the maximum values ​​MV1, MV2, MV3 of each level with the current sensitivity threshold of the filter A of the seventh determination unit J7, the inspection condition change unit 21b is prepared with Figure 8C The automatic adjustment button 305, labeled "Automatically adjust sensitivity based on the selected range," is shown in the image. When the user touches this automatic adjustment button 305, the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 is automatically adjusted. Figure 8C As shown, when the automatic adjustment button 305 is touched while the three quadrilaterals BX1, BX2, and BX3 are selected, the inspection condition change unit 21b automatically adjusts the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 so that the unqualified determination parts of the three quadrilaterals BX1, BX2, and BX3 are not judged as "unqualified", and then transfers to the process. Figure 9 The screen shown above. In the description of step S5 above, although it is assumed that the user changes the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 from 18 to 68 manually, here, the condition change unit 21b performs calculations according to a predetermined algorithm and automatically adjusts (changes) the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 from 18 to 68.

[0134] The user's judgment result is based on the sensitivity threshold that has been automatically adjusted. Figure 9 The image shown is checked. If the automatically adjusted sensitivity threshold is confirmed, the "Confirm Setting Change" button 306 is pressed. As a result, the sensitivity threshold of the seventh determination unit J7 is changed. On the other hand, after confirming... Figure 9 The image shown suggests that the user might perceive a foreign object being missed, for example, in a situation where the user touches the image, even with the changed sensitivity threshold. Figure 9 The "Reset" button 307 is then accessed. In this case, the condition change unit 21b returns the screen to... Figure 8A The image shown.

[0135] Furthermore, although only the seventh determination unit J7 is the target here, when multiple determination units are the targets, the sensitivity threshold and other parameters of multiple determination units can be automatically adjusted simultaneously. Although it is not easy for the user to manually adjust and change multiple parameters, the inspection condition change unit 21b can automatically perform these adjustments and changes here.

[0136] In addition, similar to the manual adjustment and change of inspection conditions in step S6 above, the user, in order to confirm whether the sensitivity threshold automatically changed by the inspection condition change unit 21b is appropriate, re-inspects all past X-ray images stored in the HDD 25. The foreign object inspection unit 21a2 transmits the results of the re-inspection through... Figure 7 Such a summary display is shown on the touchscreen 30. A re-examination of all past X-ray images stored in the HDD 25 can be performed by the inspection condition change unit 21b upon user instruction, or by the user touching the touchscreen. Figure 9 After the confirmation button 306 is shown, the inspection condition change unit 21b will automatically execute the procedure.

[0137] (6) Characteristics

[0138] (6-1)

[0139] In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, the foreign object inspection unit 21a2 of the judgment unit 21a determines whether each part of the article G is normal or unqualified, and the touch screen 30 displays the unqualified parts of the article G in a different manner than the normal parts. Specifically, Figures 8A to 8C The solid-line frame in the screen 30a of the touch screen 30 shows the part of the foreign object that is judged to be a piece of meat (the defective judgment part), and the display pattern of the frame makes the defective judgment part of the item G different from the normal judgment part.

[0140] Furthermore, on screen 30a of the touchscreen 30 of the X-ray inspection device 10, the user viewing the judgment results specifies the defective area of ​​item G. When the defective area of ​​item G is enclosed in a dashed frame (see reference...), Figure 8B , 8C When the X-ray inspection device 10 is surrounded by four borders (BX1, BX2, BX3), the inspection condition modification unit 21b modifies the inspection conditions so that the non-conformance judgment of the designated non-conformance judgment area becomes a normal judgment. Specifically, the inspection conditions are automatically adjusted and changed by the user touching the automatic adjustment button 305, and the change of inspection conditions is confirmed by the user touching the confirmation button 306. In this way, since the X-ray inspection device 10 has an automatic adjustment function for inspection conditions, the workload required for the user to change the inspection conditions is reduced.

[0141] (6-2)

[0142] In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, inspection conditions automatically changed by the inspection condition change unit 21b are applied, and past X-ray images stored in the HDD 25 are used for re-inspection. Furthermore, the inspection condition change unit 21b re-evaluates the normality / non-conformity of various parts of the item G from these X-ray images. Figure 7 The summary display shown is shown on the touchscreen 30. This allows the user to easily determine whether the automatic changes to the inspection conditions performed by the inspection condition change unit 21b are appropriate.

[0143] (6-3)

[0144] In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, it is also envisioned that the initial inspection conditions may deviate from optimal conditions due to changes in the supplier of the item G, changes in the ambient temperature of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 due to seasonal changes, changes in the installation location of the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, etc. However, the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 described above has an inspection condition changing unit 21b, which allows the user to easily change the inspection conditions using an automatic adjustment button 305 or similar means.

[0145] (6-4)

[0146] In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, the foreign object inspection unit 21a2 applies predetermined inspection conditions to the original X-ray image of the article G, calculates the judgment value (response value of each pixel) for each part of the article G, and determines whether each part of the article G is normal or unqualified based on the judgment value. Furthermore, as... Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the inspection condition modification unit 21b displays, in a form that overlaps with the X-ray image of the item G, the four borders BX1, BX2, BX3 surrounding the questionable non-conformity determination area selected by the user, and the maximum grade values ​​MV1, MV2, MV3 of each pixel within these borders. Therefore, the user of the X-ray inspection device 10 can easily grasp the maximum grade values ​​MV1, MV2, MV3 of the determination value as the non-conformity determination area on the X-ray image.

[0147] (7) Variations

[0148] (7-1)

[0149] Although illustrations and detailed descriptions have been omitted in the above embodiments, the X-ray inspection apparatus 10 is not limited to just one of the first to ninth determination units J1 to J9 of the inspection conditions; it can also automatically adjust the sensitivity of multiple determination units simultaneously. Furthermore, the automatic adjustment and change of the parameters of filter A, which serves as a sensitivity filter, is one example. In the X-ray inspection apparatus 10, the inspection condition modification unit 21b can also automatically adjust and change multiple filters and multiple parameters simultaneously. In this case, when displaying the image on the touchscreen 30, the color of the display of the non-compliance determination area of ​​multiple filters is changed for each filter, taking into account the user's visual recognition, and the color or font of the parameters such as their respective threshold values ​​is changed.

[0150] (7-2)

[0151] In the above embodiment, the touch screen 30 displays a state in which the four borders BX1, BX2, and BX3 surrounding the defective parts of the item G are not surrounded by the borders, and the normal parts of the item G are not surrounded by the borders.

[0152] Alternatively, the defective areas of item G can be surrounded by a circle, painted over, or displayed in other ways. Furthermore, the normal areas of item G can be displayed in a way that is no more emphasized than the defective areas. For example, each part (pixel) of item G can be displayed with varying color intensity based on the magnitude of the defective value. Additionally, the maximum defective value levels MV1, MV2, and MV3 can be displayed with different color intensities based on the magnitude of the value. In this case, the user of the X-ray inspection device 10 can easily grasp the degree of defect in each defective area.

Claims

1. An X-ray inspection device, comprising: The transport department transports goods. An X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the transported article with X-rays; An X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit; The determination unit generates an X-ray image containing the article based on the signal output from the X-ray detection unit, and applies predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to determine whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified. The inspection condition modification department modifies the aforementioned inspection conditions. The display unit displays the defective parts of the item in a manner different from the normal determination parts of the item, and uses this as the determination result of the determination unit; as well as The input unit allows the user, who is viewing the judgment result displayed on the display unit, to specify the defective part of the item. When the user specifies the defective part of the item via the input unit, the inspection condition modification unit changes the inspection conditions so that the defective determination of the specified defective part becomes a normal determination.

2. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, After the inspection conditions are changed, the determination unit applies the changed inspection conditions to the X-ray image to re-determine whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified. The display unit shows the result of the re-determination.

3. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The X-ray inspection device also includes a storage unit for storing the X-ray images. The determination unit applies the modified inspection conditions to the past X-ray images stored in the storage unit to make the determination after the inspection conditions are changed.

4. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The determination unit applies at least one of the following filters—sensitivity filter, attenuation filter, density filter, and mask filter—to the X-ray image to determine whether each part of the item is normal or unqualified. When the user specifies the non-conforming part of the item via the input unit, the inspection condition modification unit changes the inspection conditions by changing the filter or the parameters of the filter.

5. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the determination unit makes a non-conformance determination at multiple locations, the display unit displays multiple locations where non-conformance was determined.

6. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The determination unit applies the predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to calculate the determination value for each part of the article, and determines whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified based on the determination value. The display unit displays the judgment value together with the non-compliance judgment area.

7. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display unit shows the defective parts of the article in a manner that emphasizes them more than the normal defective parts of the article.

8. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display unit shows the defective parts of the item in an overlapping manner with the X-ray image.

9. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The determination unit applies the predetermined inspection conditions to the X-ray image to calculate the determination value for each part of the article, and determines whether each part of the article is normal or unqualified based on the determination value. When the user specifies the defective part of the item via the input unit, the display unit displays the defective part of the item superimposed on the X-ray image, and displays the determination value of the defective part of the item.

10. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The display unit displays multiple determination values ​​in different formats.

Images