Inspection device for roll-shaped inspection object

Abstract

To provide an inspection device for a roll-shaped inspection object, which is obtained by improving an inspection device that can re-inspect an inspection object that has been re-pasted or re-connected with a defect-free inspection object, so that a back surface of the inspection object can be inspected.SOLUTION: Third image acquisition means 2c is also provided on a side facing a back surface of a roll-shaped inspection object R, and an image of the back surface of the inspection object is also acquired by the third image acquisition means. A camera switcher 8 for switching between second image acquisition means 2b connected to determination means 3b and the third image acquisition means is provided, and the image acquisition means is switched to image acquisition means that has acquired an image to be compared with a preregistered reference image. A camera is switched to the second image acquisition means, and the inspection object that has been re-pasted or reconnected with a non-defective label is re-inspected. The camera is switched to the third image acquisition means, and both front and back surfaces of the inspection object are inspected by passing the inspection object through an inspection device only once (also called one pass).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for detecting defects in a roll-like object to be inspected, and more particularly to an inspection device capable of re-inspecting an object which has been subjected to replacement or reconnection of a defective object with a defect-free object, and which has been improved so as to be capable of inspecting the back side of the object as well. [Background technology]

[0002] An inspection device for a roll-shaped object has been proposed that has a first camera sensor and a second camera sensor that capture images of a predetermined inspection area of ​​the object (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this inspection device for a roll-shaped object, the first camera sensor and the second camera sensor alternately capture images, and the transport speed is doubled compared to inspection using a single camera sensor.

[0003] Also, although not an inspection device for roll-shaped objects, an inspection device for boxes has been proposed that includes a camera that images the top surface of the box and a camera that images the bottom surface of the box (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this inspection device for boxes, the cameras are installed above and below the box, thereby shortening the length of the inspection device.

[0004] As an inspection device for a roll-shaped object according to a previous invention by the inventor, one has been proposed that includes image acquisition means for acquiring images of a predetermined inspection area of ​​the object on the downstream side of the inspection table in addition to the upstream side of the inspection table (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In this inspection device for a roll-shaped object, the object that has had a defective label replaced with a non-defective label or reconnected on the inspection table is sent in the traveling direction, and the image acquisition means downstream of the inspection table can re-inspect the object that has had a non-defective label replaced or reconnected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-58386 A (paragraphs 0033, 0066, Figure 1) [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-68544 A (paragraphs 0015, 0022, Figure 1) [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7160398 (paragraph 0013, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the inspection device for roll-shaped specimens described in Patent Document 1, the first camera sensor and the second camera sensor are positioned adjacent to each other upstream of the inspection table (referred to as the re-pasting station in Patent Document 1), so in order to re-inspect an specimen that has been re-pasted or re-connected on the inspection table, the transport direction must be reversed and the re-pasted or re-connected specimen must be rewound to the position of the first camera sensor and the second camera sensor.

[0007] Also, in the box inspection device according to Patent Document 2, the cameras are installed so as to sandwich the object to be inspected (a box in Patent Document 2) from above and below, so in order to reinspect the object, the object must be returned to the position of the cameras, at which point the object must be put through the inspection device again. And in the box inspection device according to Patent Document 2, if the object to be inspected is a continuous roll that is not cut to a fixed size, the roll must be put through the inspection device again from start to finish in order to reinspect the small portion that has been replaced or reconnected, which takes time for reinspection.

[0008] In the inspection device for roll-shaped objects according to Patent Document 3, both image acquisition means (referred to as a first image acquisition means (first camera) and a second image acquisition means (second camera) in Patent Document 3) are arranged to acquire an image of the front side of the object to be inspected. Therefore, in order to also inspect the back side of the object, the object to be inspected after the front side has been inspected must be turned over and passed through the inspection device again. In addition, in the inspection device for roll-shaped objects according to Patent Document 3, in order to also inspect the back side of the object, the object must be passed through the inspection device three times in order to align the direction in which the object is released. Therefore, in the inspection device for roll-shaped objects according to Patent Document 3, in order to also inspect the back side of the object, the object must be passed through the inspection device three times, which takes a long time for the inspection due to the passing through, and the object may be damaged or soiled due to the passing through, which may cause defects.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide an improved inspection device for roll-shaped test objects, which is related to the inventor's previous invention and can re-inspect test objects that have been replaced or reconnected with defective test objects without defects, so that the back sides of the test objects can also be inspected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, in the invention according to claim 1, an inspection device for a roll-shaped object having a plurality of objects to be inspected is configured to include an image acquisition means for acquiring an image of a predetermined inspection area on the surface of the object to be inspected, a judgment means for judging the presence or absence of a defect in the object to be inspected by comparing the image acquired by the image acquisition means with a reference image registered in advance, an inspection table for a front surface for replacing or reattaching the defective object to an object without a defect when the judgment means judges that there is a defect, and an object to be inspected feeding means for feeding the object to the image acquisition means and the inspection table for the front surface. In the invention according to claim 1, the image acquisition means is provided on the side facing the front surface of the object to be inspected, not only on the upstream side of the inspection table for the front surface but also on the downstream side of the inspection table for the front surface, and not only on the side facing the front surface of the object to be inspected but also on the side facing the back surface of the object to be inspected.

[0011] In the invention of claim 2, an inspection device for a roll-shaped object having a plurality of objects to be inspected is provided with a camera switch that switches between an image acquisition means provided downstream of an inspection table for the front surface, connected to a judgment means, and an image acquisition means provided on the side opposite the back surface of the object to be inspected.

[0012] In the invention according to claim 3, an inspection device for a roll-shaped object having a plurality of objects to be inspected is provided with an inspection table for the back side downstream of an image acquisition means provided on the side opposite the back side of the object to be inspected. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the invention of claim 1, the image acquisition means is provided on the side facing the surface of the object to be inspected, not only on the upstream side of the inspection table for the surface, but also on the downstream side of the inspection table for the surface, so that images of the surface of the object to be inspected can be acquired at two locations, the first image acquisition means on the upstream side of the inspection table for the surface, and the second image acquisition means on the downstream side of the inspection table for the surface. According to the invention of claim 1, the object to be inspected can be replaced or reconnected with a non-defective object by the inspection table for the surface, and the second image acquisition means on the downstream side of the inspection table for the surface can acquire images of the surface of the object to be inspected. According to the invention of claim 1, the object to be inspected can be replaced or reconnected with a non-defective object by the inspection table, and the object to be inspected can be re-inspected without reversing the conveying direction of the object to be inspected and rewinding the object to a position corresponding to the first image acquisition means, as in the existing inspection devices called reversing type or rewinding type.

[0014] Here, the effect of being able to re-inspect the object to be inspected without rewinding it will be explained in more detail. According to the invention of claim 1, since it is not necessary to rewind the object to be inspected, the inspection object feeding means can be limited to a mechanism for feeding the object to be inspected in a certain direction and a mechanism for stopping the object to be inspected by applying a brake to the mechanism for feeding the object to be inspected. Therefore, according to the invention of claim 1, the inspection device can be configured more simply than existing inspection devices called reversing type or rewinding type, which reverse the conveying direction of the object to be inspected feeding means. Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 1, since the inspection device can be configured more simply, it can be made less prone to breakdowns and can be easily repaired even if it does break down.

[0015] In addition, according to the invention of claim 1, the object to be inspected is sent to a second image acquisition means located downstream of the front surface inspection table for re-inspection. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for re-inspection by the time it takes to rewind the object to be inspected, compared to existing inspection devices called reversal type or rewinding type, in which the object to be inspected is rewound from the front surface inspection table to a position corresponding to the first image acquisition means and then re-inspected.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 1, since it is not necessary to rewind the object to be inspected, damage and dirt to the object to be inspected can be reduced. Also, according to the invention of claim 1, when the object to be inspected is a sticker or label, peeling of the sticker or label can be reduced.

[0017] In addition, while it is difficult to connect a slitter to existing inspection equipment known as reversing type or rewinding type, according to the invention of claim 1, since there is no need to rewind the object to be inspected, a slitter can be easily connected to the downstream side of the inspection equipment.

[0018] Here, the reason why it is difficult to connect slitters in existing inspection devices called reversing type or rewinding type will be explained in more detail. A slitter is a device for continuously cutting an object to be inspected in the flow direction according to the width of the product. In existing inspection devices called reversing type or rewinding type, the object to be inspected is rewound and reinspected, so that in order to reinspect the object, the object cut to the width of the product is unwound from the slitter and passed through the slitter again. In this way, in existing inspection devices called reversing type or rewinding type, when the object to be inspected is passed through the slitter again, the cutting position is shifted from the first cut, which is likely to cause defects such as a narrower width of the product, and therefore it is difficult to connect slitters.

[0019] Thus, according to the invention of claim 1, images of the object to be inspected are acquired at two locations, the first image acquisition means located upstream of the inspection table, and the second image acquisition means located downstream of the inspection table, so that human errors such as incorrect or forgotten application on the inspection table can be reliably inspected.

[0020] In particular, with existing inspection devices known as reversing or rewinding types, human error occurs in which the object to be inspected is forgotten to be rewound to the position corresponding to the first image acquisition means and re-inspection is forgotten. However, according to the inventions of claims 1 to 5, the object to be inspected is sent downstream and re-inspected, so that re-inspection can be ensured.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 1, which is an improvement of the previous invention, an image acquiring means is also provided on the side opposite the back surface of the object to be inspected, so that an image of the back surface of the object to be inspected can also be acquired by the third image acquiring means on the side opposite the back surface of the object to be inspected. Therefore, according to the improved invention of claim 1, the object to be inspected is sent in the traveling direction to acquire an image of the front surface of the object to be inspected, and an image of the back surface of the object to be inspected can also be acquired by the third image acquiring means on the side opposite the back surface of the object to be inspected. Therefore, according to the improved invention of claim 1, by passing the object to be inspected through the inspection device only once (hereinafter referred to as one pass), the front surface of the object to be inspected can be re-inspected and the back surface of the object to be inspected can also be inspected.

[0022] Here, we will explain in more detail the effect of being able to inspect the back side of the object in one pass. According to the invention according to claim 1, which is an improvement over the previous invention, it is possible to inspect the back side of the object in one pass, so the time required for inspecting the back side can be shortened by the time it takes to re-pass the object, compared to passing the inspected object through the inspection device again to inspect the back side.

[0023] Moreover, according to the invention according to claim 1, which is an improvement of the previous invention, it is not necessary to pass the inspected object through the inspection device again, so damage and dirt of the inspected object can be reduced. In addition, according to the invention according to claim 1, which is an improvement of the previous invention, when the inspected object is a sticker or label, peeling of the sticker or label can be reduced.

[0024] According to the invention according to claim 2, which is an improvement of the previous invention, a camera switcher is provided for switching between the second image acquisition means and the third image acquisition means connected to the judgment means, so that it is possible to switch to the image acquisition means that acquires the image to be compared with the reference image registered in advance. Here, in the seal / label inspection device, since the image acquisition means and the judgment means are in a one-to-one relationship, if there are two image acquisition means, two judgment means are required. However, according to the improved invention according to claim 2, a camera switcher is provided for switching between the second image acquisition means and the third image acquisition means connected to the judgment means, so that even if there are two image acquisition means, only one judgment means is required. Therefore, according to the improved invention according to claim 2, the number of judgment means can be kept the same as that of the inspection device according to the previous invention. Therefore, according to the improved invention according to claim 2, by adding a third image acquisition means and a camera switcher to the inspection device according to the previous invention, the inspection device according to the previous invention can be modified into a double-sided inspection device capable of inspecting both the front and back sides of the object to be inspected in one pass.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 2, which is an improvement over the previous invention, the inspection device of the previous invention can be modified later to a double-sided inspection device, making it possible to modify an existing inspection device of the previous invention to handle future work in which the back side of the object to be inspected is also inspected.

[0026] According to the invention of claim 3, which is an improvement over the previous invention, an inspection table for the back side is also provided downstream of the third image acquisition means, so that defective areas on the back side can be visually inspected, and if the visual inspection also determines that there is a defect, the portion including the defective test object can be cut horizontally and the defect-free test objects can be joined together. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an inspection device for a roll-shaped object to be inspected according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1A is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism for inspecting both sides of a roll-shaped specimen in an inspection device for roll-shaped specimens according to an embodiment, the perspective view showing a state in which an image of the front side of the specimen is acquired by a first image acquisition means, (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which a defective specimen is replaced or reattached with a defect-free specimen on the inspection table for the front side, and a state in which an image of the rear side of the specimen is acquired by a third image acquisition means, and (c) is a perspective view showing a state in which a defective specimen is cut out on the inspection table for the rear side and defect-free specimens are joined together. [Diagram 3] 1A is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism for re-inspecting a roll-shaped specimen in an inspection device for roll-shaped specimens according to an embodiment, the perspective view showing a state in which an image of the surface of the specimen is acquired by a first image acquisition means; FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which a defective specimen is replaced or reconnected with a defect-free specimen on a surface inspection table; and FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing a state in which an image of the surface of the specimen is acquired by a second image acquisition means. [Figure 4] 1A is a perspective view explaining the product specifications of an inspection device for roll-shaped objects according to an embodiment, the perspective view being a single-sided type inspection device for roll-shaped objects; FIG. 1B is a perspective view being a single-sided inspection device modified into a re-inspection type inspection device; and FIG. 1C is a perspective view being a re-inspection type inspection device modified into a double-sided inspection device for roll-shaped objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] First, we will briefly explain the basis of the creation of this invention. The applicant is a manufacturer of seal and label inspection equipment, and celebrated its 22nd fiscal year in June this year. The applicant has many brains not only in Japan but also overseas, and has responded quickly to various inquiries from customers with a wide range of brains that transcend national and industrial boundaries, rather than relying on limited information in the applicant's own area.

[0029] The applicant takes pride in being able to continue to deliver equipment with a variety of different specifications to each customer through a made-to-order system. The applicant does not "have customers choose and install existing equipment," but rather "deliver equipment that matches each customer's specifications," so that customers can use equipment that is easy to use without any unnecessary effort or waste. This invention was created from the desire to have customers use equipment that is easy to use without any unnecessary effort or waste.

[0030] The inventor has been involved with inspection and finishing equipment in the printing industry for about 37 years and has a wealth of experience in the industry. The inventor has always wanted his customers to use equipment that is easy to use and free of unnecessary or unnecessary work, and has listened to customer feedback and developed equipment with various specifications that are different for each customer.

[0031] For the inventor's previous invention (Patent No. 7160398), he heard customers express their concerns regarding the demands of their clients. Specifically, the customers said, "Until now, we have been able to inspect stickers and labels, but the demands of our clients have escalated. We would like to introduce what is called a reversing or rewinding type inspection equipment to be able to respond to requests for reinspection, but in these uncertain times, we cannot afford to replace the inspection equipment." This prompted him to develop an inspection device that can respond to requests for reinspection by modifying the sticker / label inspection equipment that was in use (also called existing equipment), and this has been well received by many customers.

[0032] While visiting customers, the inventor learned from one of their customers that "the back of the labels affixed to transparent containers such as infusion bags and blood bags can be seen from the back of the container, so there is a latent need to request that delivery destinations also inspect the back of the labels."

[0033] Therefore, the inventor started to develop an inspection device that can respond to the potential needs of customers who have introduced the inspection device according to the previous invention and can handle future work such as inspecting the back side of the label. In the process, the inventor discovered that if the back side of the label can be inspected by feeding the object to be inspected in the forward direction without rewinding it, as in the previous invention, the inspection device can be simplified in configuration by limiting the object feeding means to a mechanism that feeds the object to be inspected in a certain direction and a mechanism that brakes the mechanism that feeds the object to be inspected to stop the object, and thus the inventor came to create this invention, more specifically, the invention according to claim 1, which is an improvement on the previous invention.

[0034] In addition, while working on developing an inspection device that could handle future work such as inspecting the back side of labels, the inventor became concerned that because the image acquisition means and judgment means in a sticker / label inspection device have a one-to-one relationship, increasing the number of image acquisition means to handle future work such as inspecting the back side would also increase the number of judgment means, resulting in an inspection device that is unnecessarily multifunctional and unsuitable for current work.

[0035] In particular, the inventor noticed that when customers select and introduce existing inspection equipment, they tend to select additional inspection equipment with different specifications and post-processing machines such as winders so that they can handle future jobs. Based on the rule of thumb that "maybe is not," the inventor came to believe that if customers introduce inspection equipment suitable for their current work and can add functions later, they can select equipment that is easy to use without any strain or waste.

[0036] The inventor then discovered that with the inspection apparatus of the previous invention, when objects that do not require reinspection, for example objects without defects, are joined together, the judgment means, which has a one-to-one relationship with the image acquisition means that acquires an image of the inspection area required for reinspection, is not used effectively, and that if this unused judgment means can be utilized, the inspection apparatus of the previous invention can be modified to increase the number of image acquisition means to accommodate future work, which led to the creation of the present invention.

[0037] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inspection device for a roll-shaped object according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection device for a roll-shaped object 1 includes an image acquisition means 2 for acquiring an image of a predetermined inspection area of ​​a roll-shaped object R having a plurality of objects (seals and labels, hereinafter referred to as labels L), a judgment means 3 for judging the presence or absence of defects in the object R by comparing the image acquired by the image acquisition means 2 with a reference image registered in advance, an inspection table 4 for replacing or reattaching a defective label with a non-defective label when the judgment means 3 judges that there is a defect, and an inspection object feeding means 5 for feeding the object R to the image acquisition means 2 and the inspection table 4. In addition, the inspection device for a roll-shaped object 1 according to the embodiment also includes a roll unwinding shaft 5b for setting the roll-shaped object R in a wound state, and a product winding shaft 5c for winding the inspected roll-shaped object R.

[0038] In the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped specimen according to the embodiment, the image acquisition means 2 is provided on the side facing the surface of the specimen R, not only on the upstream side of the inspection table 4 (this is referred to as the first image acquisition means (also referred to as the first camera) 2a), but also on the downstream side of the inspection table 4 (this is referred to as the second image acquisition means (also referred to as the second camera) 2b).

[0039] In addition, in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped inspection object according to the embodiment, an image acquisition means 2 is also provided on the side opposite the back surface of the inspection object R (this is referred to as a third image acquisition means (also called a third camera) 2c).

[0040] In addition, in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped specimen according to the embodiment, an inspection table 4 is provided downstream of the first image acquisition means 2a and upstream of the second image acquisition means 2b (this is referred to as the inspection table 4a for the front side), as well as downstream of the third image acquisition means 2c (this is referred to as the inspection table 4b for the back side).

[0041] Furthermore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, a slitter 7 that cuts the roll-shaped inspection object R to fit the width of the product is provided between the front surface inspection table 4a and the second image acquisition means 2b.

[0042] In addition, the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object according to the embodiment is also provided with a camera switch 8 for switching between the second image acquisition means 2b and the third image acquisition means 2c connected to the determination means 3.

[0043] The image acquiring means 2 is a means for acquiring an image of a predetermined inspection area of ​​a roll-shaped inspection object R having a plurality of labels L, and is configured here with a camera and lighting (not shown). The image acquiring means 2 acquires an image of characters, pictures, etc. printed in the predetermined inspection area of ​​the inspection object R, or the predetermined inspection area itself of the inspection object R. The image acquired by the image acquiring means 2 is then sent to the judgment means 3.

[0044] The image acquisition means 2 is composed of a first image acquisition means 2a arranged upstream of the inspection table 4a for the front surface on the side facing the front surface of the inspection object R, a second image acquisition means 2b arranged downstream of the inspection table 4a for the front surface, and a third image acquisition means 2c arranged on the side facing the back surface of the inspection object R. The first image acquisition means 2a is for inspecting the appearance such as discoloration and dirt. Here, the second image acquisition means 2b is also equipped with a purpose not provided by the first image acquisition means, specifically, dimensional measurement, and inspects not only appearance defects such as discoloration and dirt, but also dimensional defects such as whether the dimension from the mount to the end of the label L is within the allowable range. Here, the second image acquisition means 2b is provided downstream of the slitter 7, and inspects dimensional defects such as whether the position where the roll-shaped inspection object R is cut to fit the width of the product is within the allowable range. Here, the third image acquisition means 2c is used to inspect for foreign matter such as impurities, and when inspecting both sides of a double-sided printed object, it also inspects the appearance such as discoloration and dirt.

[0045] The judgment means 3 is a means for judging the presence or absence of defects in the roll-shaped inspection object R by comparing the image acquired by the image acquisition means 2 with a reference image registered in advance. Here, it is composed of a judgment means 3a for judging the presence or absence of defects in the inspection object R by comparing the image acquired by the first image acquisition means 2a with a reference image registered in advance, and a judgment means 3b for judging the presence or absence of defects in the inspection object R by comparing the image acquired by the second image acquisition means 2b with a reference image registered in advance, and for judging the presence or absence of defects in the inspection object R by comparing the image acquired by the third image acquisition means 2c with a reference image registered in advance. The judgment means 3a and 3b are configured to have a personal computer. The judgment means 3a is configured to display the judgment result, specifically, which label Lb is a defective label Lb among the multiple labels L stopped on the front inspection table 4a on the touch panel 6, and to display on the touch panel 6 where impurities are present in the inspection object R stopped on the back inspection table 4b.

[0046] The inspection table 4 is a table for replacing or reconnecting a defective inspection object with a defect-free inspection object. In the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped inspection object according to the embodiment, the inspection table 4 is composed of an inspection table 4a for the front side, which is disposed downstream of the first image acquisition means 2a and upstream of the second image acquisition means 2b, and an inspection table 4b for the back side, which is disposed downstream of the third image acquisition means 2c. The inspection table 4a for the front side is a table for visually inspecting the defective portion of the front side, and for replacing or reconnecting the defective inspection object (hereinafter referred to as a defective label Lb) with a defect-free inspection object (hereinafter referred to as a non-defective label) when the defective portion is judged to be defective even through the visual inspection. The back surface inspection table 4b is a table for visually inspecting the defective part on the back surface, and if the defective part is also determined to be defective by visual inspection, the part including the defective object is cut horizontally and the non-defective objects are joined together, and is also called a back surface inspection table / joining table. In the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, if it is determined that the object R is defective, the defective part on the front surface of the object R, here the defective label Lb, is stopped by the front surface inspection table 4a, and the defective part on the back surface of the object R, here the part with the impurities d, is stopped by the back surface inspection table 4b.

[0047] The inspection object feeding means 5 is a means for feeding the roll-shaped inspection object R to the image acquisition means 2a, 2b, 2c and the inspection tables 4a, 4b, and is composed of a drive roller 5a for feeding the roll-shaped inspection object R, a raw roll unwinding shaft 5b for applying the brakes so that the roll-shaped inspection object R is unwound without slack, and a product winding shaft 5c for winding up the roll-shaped inspection object R.

[0048] The slitter 7 is a machine that cuts the roll-shaped test object R to fit the width of the product.

[0049] The camera switch 8 is a switch for switching between the image capture means capturing an image to be compared with a preregistered reference image. Here, the camera switch 8 is capable of switching between the second image capture means 2b and the third image capture means 2c.

[0050] The roll-shaped inspection object R is the opposite of a sheet of paper, being a continuous object that is not cut to a fixed size. Here, the roll-shaped inspection object R has multiple labels L attached to each row so that they can be peeled off.

[0051] The inspection device 1 for roll-shaped specimens according to the embodiment configured as described above is provided with a first image acquisition means 2a upstream of the inspection table for the front surface 4a, and a second image acquisition means 2b downstream of the inspection table for the front surface 4a. The roll-shaped specimen R is fed in the traveling direction, and an image of the surface of the specimen R, in this case an image of the label L, is acquired downstream of the inspection table for the front surface 4a as well.

[0052] In addition, the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped specimen configured as described above has a first image acquisition means 2a on the side facing the front side of the specimen R, and a third image acquisition means 2c on the side facing the back side of the specimen R, and sends the roll-shaped specimen R in the traveling direction to acquire an image of the back side of the specimen R in addition to an image of the front side of the specimen R.

[0053] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an image of the front side of the inspection object R is acquired by the first image acquisition means 2a, among perspective views explaining a mechanism for inspecting both sides of the roll-shaped inspection object R by the inspection device 1 for inspection of roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2(a) in the inspection device 1 for inspection of roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, when inspecting both sides, the camera switcher 8 is switched to the third image acquisition means 2c, and the judgment means 3b compares the image acquired by the third image acquisition means 2c with a reference image registered in advance to judge the presence or absence of a defect on the back side.

[0054] 2(a), in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object to be inspected according to the embodiment, a first image acquiring means 2a acquires an image of a predetermined inspection area on the surface of the object to be inspected R. The image acquired by the first image acquiring means 2a is sent to a judging means 3a, which compares the image with a reference image registered in advance to judge whether the object to be inspected has a defect or not.

[0055] Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view showing a state where a defective inspection object is replaced or reattached to a non-defective inspection object on the front surface inspection table 4a, and a state where an image of the rear surface of the inspection object R is acquired by the third image acquisition means 2c. As shown in Fig. 2(b), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, an inspection object R determined to have a defect from an image acquired by the first image acquisition means 2a, in this case a defective label Lb, stops at the inspection table 4a for the front surface. Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects, the defective label Lb is visually inspected, and if it is determined to have a defect even through the visual inspection, the defective label Lb is replaced with a non-defective label Lg.

[0056] 2(b), in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object according to the embodiment, the third image acquisition means 2c acquires an image of a predetermined inspection area on the back surface of the object R. The image acquired by the third image acquisition means 2c is sent to the determination means 3b, which compares the image with a reference image registered in advance to determine whether or not there is a defect on the back surface of the object R.

[0057] Fig. 2(c) is a perspective view showing a state where defective inspection objects are cut out by the back surface inspection table 4b and defect-free inspection objects are joined together. As shown in Fig. 2(c), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, the inspection object R determined to have a defect from the image acquired by the third image acquisition means 2c, in this case the portion determined to have a foreign object d, is stopped by the back surface inspection table 4b. Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects, the foreign object d is visually inspected, and if it is determined to have a defect even through the visual inspection, the portion with the foreign object d is cut out and defect-free inspection objects are joined together.

[0058] 2, the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object to be inspected according to the embodiment includes a first image acquiring means 2a on the side facing the front side of the object to be inspected R, and a third image acquiring means 2c on the side facing the back side of the object to be inspected R, and the roll-shaped object to be inspected R is fed in the traveling direction to acquire an image of the back side of the object to be inspected in addition to an image of the front side of the object to be inspected R. Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object to be inspected according to the embodiment, the roll-shaped object to be inspected R is fed in the traveling direction to inspect both sides, so that it is not necessary to pass the roll-shaped object to be inspected R, the front side of which has already been inspected, through the inspection device again to inspect the back side, as in the case of an existing inspection device called a single-sided type.

[0059] Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped specimens according to the embodiment, unlike existing inspection devices known as single-sided types, the specimens are passed through the inspection device again, which prevents the stickers or labels from becoming damaged or dirty, or from peeling off, which could cause defects.

[0060] Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an image of the front side of the inspection object R is acquired by the first image acquisition means 2a, among perspective views explaining a mechanism for re-inspecting a roll-shaped inspection object R by the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3(a), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, when re-inspecting, the camera switch 8 is switched to the second image acquisition means 2b, and the judgment means 3b compares the image acquired by the second image acquisition means 2b with a reference image registered in advance to judge the presence or absence of a defect on the back side.

[0061] 3(a), in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object according to the embodiment, a first image acquisition means 2a acquires an image of a predetermined inspection area on the surface of the object to be inspected. The image acquired by the first image acquisition means 2a is sent to a determination means 3a, which compares the image with a reference image registered in advance to determine whether the object to be inspected has a defect or not.

[0062] Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view showing a state where a defective inspection object is replaced or reattached to a non-defective inspection object on the front surface inspection table 4a. As shown in Fig. 3(b), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, an inspection object R determined to have a defect from an image acquired by the first image acquisition means 2a, here a defective product label Lb, stops at the front surface inspection table 4a. Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects, the defective product label Lb is visually inspected, and if it is determined that there is no defect even through the visual inspection, the defective product label Lb is replaced with a non-defective product label Lg.

[0063] Fig. 3(c) is a perspective view showing a state where an image of the surface of the inspection object R is acquired by the second image acquisition means 2b. As shown in Fig. 3(c), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, the defective labels Lb are replaced with non-defective labels Lg on the front-side inspection table 4a, and the inspection object is sent in the traveling direction, and a predetermined inspection area on the surface of the inspection object is acquired as an image by the second image acquisition means 2b provided downstream of the front-side inspection table 4a. The image acquired by the second image acquisition means 2b is then sent to the judgment means 3b, where the presence or absence of defects in the inspection object, specifically, the non-defective labels Lg replaced on the front-side inspection table 4a, is judged by comparing it with a reference image registered in advance.

[0064] Here, the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped specimens according to the embodiment is configured to slowly transport the roll-shaped specimen R to the second image acquisition means 2b when a defective specimen is replaced or reconnected with a defect-free specimen on the front surface inspection table 4a, and if the replaced non-defective label Lg is determined to be defective by the second image acquisition means 2b, the specimen R is stopped on the spot and the non-defective label Lg can be visually inspected for defects.

[0065] 3, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, defective labels Lb are replaced with non-defective labels Lg on the front surface inspection table 4a, which are then fed in the traveling direction, and the replaced non-defective labels Lg are captured as images by the second image capture means 2b. Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, the roll-shaped object R is fed in the traveling direction for re-inspection, and therefore it is not necessary to reverse the transport direction and rewind the object, as in existing inspection devices known as reversing or rewinding types.

[0066] Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped specimens according to the embodiment, human error does not occur, such as forgetting to rewind the specimen to the position corresponding to the first image acquisition means and forgetting to re-inspect, as is the case with existing inspection devices known as reversing or rewinding types.

[0067] Furthermore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped specimens according to the embodiment, unlike existing inspection devices known as reversing or rewinding types, the specimens are rewound, which prevents stickers or labels from becoming damaged or soiled, or from peeling off, which could cause defects.

[0068] Furthermore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped specimens according to the embodiment, it is not necessary to reverse the conveying direction as in existing inspection devices known as reversing or rewinding types, so it is easy to connect a slitter downstream of the inspection device.

[0069] In addition, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped inspection objects according to the embodiment, there is no need to reverse the conveying direction as in existing inspection devices known as reversing or rewinding types, so it is easy to modify an existing inspection device into an inspection device with a re-inspection function by providing an image acquisition means downstream of the inspection table.

[0070] Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view of a single-sided roll-shaped inspection device among perspective views for explaining the product specifications of the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the inspection device 1' for single-sided roll-shaped objects is configured to include one image acquisition means 2a and one judgment means 3a.

[0071] FIG. 4(b) is a perspective view of an inspection device for roll-shaped objects, in which a single-sided inspection device has been modified into a re-inspection type inspection device. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the re-inspection type inspection device 1" for roll-shaped objects is configured with two image acquisition means 2a, 2b and two judgment means 3a, 3b. As shown in FIG. 4(b), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, a second image acquisition means 2b and a judgment means 3b can be added later, so that the single-sided inspection device 1' for roll-shaped objects can be modified into a re-inspection type inspection device 1" for roll-shaped objects.

[0072] FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view of an inspection device for roll-shaped objects, in which a reinspection type inspection device has been modified into a double-sided inspection device. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the double-sided inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects is configured with three image acquisition means 2a, 2b, 2c and two judgment means 3a, 3b. As shown in FIG. 4(c), in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, a third image acquisition means 2c etc. can be added later, so that the reinspection type inspection device 1" for roll-shaped objects can be modified into a double-sided inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object according to the embodiment is provided with a camera switch 8 for switching between the second image acquisition means 2b and the third image acquisition means 2c connected to the judgment means 3b, so that only one judgment means 3b is required by switching between the two image acquisition means 2b and 2c.

[0074] 4, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, the second image acquiring means 2b, the third image acquiring means 2c, etc. can be added later. Therefore, in the inspection device 1 for roll-shaped objects according to the embodiment, it is possible to re-inspect an object that has been replaced or reconnected with an object without defects, or to inspect both sides of an object, and to modify an existing inspection device in response to future work.

[0075] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object to be inspected according to the embodiment, the third image acquisition means 2c is illustrated as being provided downstream of the slitter 7, but it may be provided upstream of the first image acquisition means 2a as long as it is on the side facing the back surface of the object to be inspected R.

[0076] In addition, in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped specimen according to the embodiment, the third image acquisition means 2c has been described as being for inspecting foreign bodies such as impurities, but it may also be provided with the performance required for the required inspection, such as dimensional measurement.

[0077] Further, in the inspection device 1 for a roll-shaped object according to the embodiment, a slitter 7 is provided, but a slitter need not be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Inspection device for roll-type objects 2a First image acquisition means (first camera) 2b Second image acquisition means (second camera) 2c Third image acquisition means (third camera) 3 Judgment method (PC) 4a Inspection table for surfaces 4b Inspection table for the back side 5. Means for transporting inspected objects 6 Touch Panel 7 Slitting Machine 8 Camera Switcher R Roll-shaped inspection object L Label Lb Defective Product Label Lg quality label d. Contaminants

Claims

1. An inspection apparatus for a roll-shaped inspection object having a plurality of inspection objects, the inspection device comprises: an image acquisition means for acquiring an image of a predetermined inspection area on the surface of an object to be inspected; a judgment means for judging the presence or absence of a defect in the object to be inspected by comparing the image acquired by the image acquisition means with a reference image registered in advance; a surface inspection table for replacing or reconnecting the defective object to be inspected with an object without a defect when the judgment means judges that there is a defect; and an object to be inspected feeding means for feeding the object to be inspected to the image acquisition means and the surface inspection table; An inspection device for a roll-shaped object, characterized in that the image acquisition means is provided on the side facing the front surface of the object to be inspected, not only on the upstream side of an inspection table for the front surface, but also on the downstream side of an inspection table for the front surface, and not only on the side facing the front surface of the object to be inspected, but also on the side facing the back surface of the object to be inspected.

2. An inspection device for roll-shaped objects as described in claim 1, characterized in that the inspection device is configured to have a camera switch that switches between an image acquisition means provided downstream of an inspection table for the front side, connected to a judgment means, and an image acquisition means provided on the side opposite the back side of the object to be inspected.

3. An inspection apparatus for roll-shaped objects as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the inspection apparatus is also provided with an inspection table for the back side downstream of the image acquisition means provided on the side opposite the back side of the object to be inspected.

Images