Quality control system and quality control method

Abstract

To properly control quality of a pressure vessel.SOLUTION: A storage unit 101 stores requirement specification data indicating a specification required for a pressure vessel 500 as quality control data for controlling quality of the pressure vessel 500 including a vessel body and a valve. An image acquirement unit 104 acquires a captured image generated by capturing the pressure vessel 500. A discrimination unit 105 discriminates whether or not the pressure vessel 500 satisfies the specification indicated by the requirement specification data on the basis of the captured image acquired by the image acquirement unit 104. A data registration unit 106 allows a storage unit 101 to store discrimination result data indicating a discrimination result by the discrimination unit 105 as the quality control data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a quality control system and a quality control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, pressure vessels are known for storing air used by divers, firefighters, etc., oxygen used by patients such as those infected with COVID-19, hydrogen used by hydrogen-powered vehicles, etc. The pressure vessel comprises, for example, a vessel body that contains gas or liquid, and a valve that controls the outflow of gas from the vessel body. It is desirable that manufactured products such as pressure vessels be appropriately managed at each process from production to shipping. Currently, various technologies for managing manufactured products are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a production management system that manages manufactured products manufactured on an assembly line, a production line, etc.

[0003] Meanwhile, a shipper who ships a pressure vessel prepares a pressure vessel that meets the specifications required by the customer after receiving a request for shipment of the pressure vessel, and ships it to the customer. For example, an operator at the shipper selects a vessel body and a valve that meet the required specifications from the vessel bodies and valves that are stored, and attaches the selected valve to the selected vessel body to complete the pressure vessel.

[0004] The Container Safety Regulations stipulate that the reinspection period for seamless containers with a capacity of 500 liters or less is three years. In addition, the "fillable period" is 15 years from the date of passing the container inspection when the pressure vessel is manufactured (the expiration date for valves (main valves, safety valves) is also 15 years). Therefore, information on the container body, valves, and other accessories when the pressure vessel is assembled and completed must be traceable for at least this 15-year period.

[0005] Here, as part of the quality control of pressure vessels, it is extremely important to carry out a visual inspection of the pressure vessel to check whether the pressure vessel to be shipped meets the required specifications and, moreover, whether it can be followed for at least 15 years. For visual inspection, workers visually check the types and symbols of the valves attached to the vessel body, and the symbols affixed to the vessel body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-056056 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when workers visually check the product, there is a possibility of human error, such as misreading, assumptions, and misjudgment. In addition, Cited Document 1 does not mention quality control at the time of shipment of the product. For this reason, there is a demand for a quality control system that appropriately controls the quality of pressure vessels, for example, the quality of pressure vessels to be shipped.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a quality control system and the like that appropriately manages the quality of pressure vessels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a quality control system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a storage means for storing required specification data indicating specifications required for a pressure vessel as quality control data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel having a vessel body and a valve; an image acquisition means for acquiring an image generated by imaging the pressure vessel; a determination means for determining whether or not the pressure vessel satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the captured image acquired by the image acquisition means; The apparatus further comprises a data registration means for storing, in the storage means, discrimination result data indicating a discrimination result by the discrimination means as the quality control data.

[0010] The memory means may store at least one of the following as the required specification data: shipping requisition data indicating the contents of a shipping requisition used by a contractor who has received an order for the pressure vessel to request a shipper who will ship the pressure vessel to ship the pressure vessel; vessel body specification data indicating the specifications of the vessel body; and valve specification data indicating the specifications of the valve.

[0011] The required specification data indicates a type of the valve as a specification required for the valve, The determining means may determine whether or not a valve of a type indicated by the required specification data is included in the captured image.

[0012] The required specification data indicates, as a specification required for the container body, attachment of a seal to the container body, The determining means may determine, in the captured image, whether or not the seal is affixed to the container body as indicated by the required specification data.

[0013] The required specification data indicates the assignment of a symbol to the container body as a specification required for the container body, The determination means may determine whether or not the symbol is provided on the container body in the captured image as indicated by the required specification data.

[0014] an illumination means for illuminating the pressure vessel; The pressure vessel may be illuminated by the illumination means, and an imaging means may be provided for imaging the pressure vessel and generating the captured image.

[0015] the illumination means comprises a perforated flat illumination having an aperture and a flat light-emitting surface; the perforated flat illumination illuminates the valve from a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel; The imaging means may include a first imaging means for imaging the valve from a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel through the aperture in the perforated flat illumination.

[0016] the imaging means includes a second imaging means for imaging the valve from a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, The illumination means may include a coaxial illumination means disposed between the second imaging means and the bulb, illuminating the bulb along an optical axis of a lens included in the second imaging means.

[0017] The illumination means comprises a flat illumination having a flat light-emitting surface; The flat illumination may be disposed at a position beyond the bulb as viewed from the second imaging means, and may illuminate the bulb.

[0018] the imaging means includes a third imaging means that images an entire side surface of the vessel body from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, the illumination means has an elongated shape and includes a pair of white diffusion line illuminations that irradiate diffused white light, The pair of white diffused line lights may extend in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, be disposed so as to sandwich the vessel body when viewed from the third imaging means, and illuminate the vessel body.

[0019] The illumination means includes a pair of white flat illumination devices each having a flat light-emitting surface and emitting white light, The pair of white flat lights may be arranged to sandwich a portion of the pressure vessel to be imaged by the third imaging means from the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel as viewed from the third imaging means, and may illuminate the portion.

[0020] the third imaging means images the container body when the container body is illuminated by both the pair of white diffuse line illuminators and the pair of white flat illuminators to generate a first captured image, and images the container body when the container body is illuminated by the pair of white diffuse line illuminators to generate a second captured image, The determination means may determine whether or not the pressure vessel satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data, based on the first captured image and the second captured image.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, a quality control method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: storing required specification data indicating specifications required for a pressure vessel as quality control data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel having a vessel body and a valve; determining whether or not the pressure vessel satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the required specification data and an image generated by imaging the pressure vessel; The discrimination result data indicating the discrimination result is stored as the quality control data. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, the quality of pressure vessels can be appropriately controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a quality control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a first explanatory diagram of the arrangement of an imaging device and an illumination device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the imaging device and the lighting device. [Diagram 5] Functional configuration diagram of a quality control system according to an embodiment [Figure 6] Shipping request form illustration [Figure 7] Illustration of shipping request data [Figure 8] Container body specification data illustration [Figure 9] Valve specification data diagram [Figure 10] 1 is a first side view of a container body; [Figure 11] 2 is a second side view of the container body; [Figure 12] Exploded view of the side of the container body [Figure 13] 1A is a top view of a valve provided in a pressure vessel, (A) is a top view of a first type valve, (B) is a top view of a second type valve, (C) is a top view of a third type valve, and (D) is a top view of a fourth type valve. [Figure 14] 1A is a side view of a valve provided in a pressure vessel, (A) is a side view of a first type valve, (B) is a side view of a second type valve, (C) is a side view of a third type valve, and (D) is a side view of a fourth type valve. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart showing a container inspection process executed by an information processing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0025] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of a quality control system 1000 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The quality control system 1000 is a system that controls the quality of a pressure vessel 500. The quality control system 1000 is also an inspection system, since it performs shipping inspection of the pressure vessel 500 as part of the quality control of the pressure vessel 500. The pressure vessel 500 is a container that stores air used by divers, firefighters, etc., oxygen used by patients such as those infected with COVID-19, hydrogen used by hydrogen vehicles, etc. The pressure vessel 500 includes a container body 510 that contains gas or liquid, and a valve 520 that controls the outflow of gas from the container body 510.

[0026] The container body 510 has an elongated cylindrical shape as a whole. The container body 510 is manufactured, for example, by processing an aluminum alloy plate to form a hollow liner that contains gas or liquid, and then forming a reinforcing layer made of fiber-reinforced resin on the outer surface of the liner by filament winding molding. The valve 520 is attached to one end of the container body 510.

[0027] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the quality control system 1000 is used by a shipper who ships the pressure vessel 500. The shipper may be a customer who has received an order for the pressure vessel 500 from the customer, or a shipping agent who ships the pressure vessel 500 in accordance with a request from the customer. In this embodiment, the shipper is a shipping agent who ships the pressure vessel 500 in accordance with a shipping request form received from the customer. The shipping request form is a document for requesting the shipment of the pressure vessel 500, and is a document that is provided by the customer to the shipper who is the shipping agent.

[0028] After receiving the shipping request from the order-receiving company, the shipper prepares a pressure vessel 500 that meets the specifications required by the customer. For example, an operator at the shipper selects a vessel body 510 and a valve 520 that meet the required specifications from among stored vessel bodies 510 and valves 520, and attaches the selected valve 520 to the selected vessel body 510 to complete the pressure vessel 500. The quality control system 1000 inspects whether the pressure vessel 500 meets the specifications required by the customer based on a captured image of the pressure vessel 500.

[0029] The quality control system 1000 includes an information processing device 100, a server 200, a control device 300, an imaging device 41, an imaging device 42, an imaging device 43, an illumination device 51, an illumination device 52, an illumination device 53, an illumination device 54, an illumination device 55, an illumination device 56, an illumination device 57, and an inspection jig 70. The inspection jig 70 includes rollers 71A and 71B, rollers 72A and 72B, a motor 73, an encoder 74, a speedometer 75, and a support member 76. The information processing device 100 and the server 200 are connected to each other via a communication network 700. The communication network 700 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0030] The information processing device 100 and the imaging device 41 are connected by a cable 61, the information processing device 100 and the imaging device 42 are connected by a cable 62, and the information processing device 100 and the imaging device 43 are connected by a cable 63. The information processing device 100 and the control device 300 are connected by a cable 64. The control device 300 and the motor 73 are connected by a cable 65, the control device 300 and the encoder 74 are connected by a cable 66, and the control device 300 and the speedometer 75 are connected by a cable 67.

[0031] Hereinafter, imaging devices 41, 42, and 43 will be collectively referred to as imaging device 40 as appropriate. Furthermore, lighting devices 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57 will be collectively referred to as lighting devices 50 as appropriate. Furthermore, cables 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 will be collectively referred to as cable 60 as appropriate.

[0032] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device that executes various processes related to quality control of the pressure vessel 500. For example, the information processing device 100 captures an image of the pressure vessel 500 using the imaging device 40, and determines whether the pressure vessel 500 meets specifications required by a customer based on the captured image of the pressure vessel 500. The information processing device 100 is operated, for example, by an operator inspecting the pressure vessel 500. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation receiving unit 14, a first communication unit 15, and a second communication unit 16.

[0033] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central arithmetic unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central arithmetic processing unit that executes processes and calculations related to the control of the information processing device 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to centrally control the information processing device 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit having a clocking function. The CPU can identify the current date and time from the time information read from the RTC.

[0034] The storage unit 12 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 executing various processes.

[0035] The display unit 13 displays various images under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 13 displays a screen for accepting various operations from an operator who is a user. The display unit 13 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation acceptance unit 14 accepts various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the accepted operations to the control unit 11. The operation acceptance unit 14 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc.

[0036] The first communication unit 15 communicates with the server 200 connected to the communication network 700 under the control of the control unit 11. The first communication unit 15 includes a communication interface that complies with a wireless communication standard represented by, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0037] The second communication unit 16 communicates with the imaging device 40 and the control device 300 connected to the information processing device 100 via a cable 60 under the control of the control unit 11. The second communication unit 16 includes a communication interface that complies with wired communication standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark), Thunderbolt (registered trademark), and Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0038] The server 200 is a server that provides various data related to the quality control of the pressure vessel 500. The server 200 is equipped with a database 210 in which various data related to the quality control of the pressure vessel 500 is organized. The server 200 supplies the data in the database 210 to the information processing device 100 in accordance with a request from the information processing device 100. The server 200 also edits the data in the database 210 in accordance with a request from the information processing device 100. The database 210 holds quality control data, which is data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel 500. In this embodiment, the quality control data is data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel 500 to be shipped.

[0039] The control device 300 is a device that controls the rotation of the pressure vessel 500 rotatably supported by the support member 76 under the control of the information processing device 100. The control device 300 drives the motor 73 under the control of the information processing device 100. The motor 73 and the encoder 74 are attached to the same shaft of one of the rollers 71A, and the pressure vessel 500 rotates by controlling the rotation of the roller 71A. The control device 300 receives a detection signal indicating the rotation angle, number of rotations, etc. of the roller 71A from the encoder 74, and controls the rotation of the pressure vessel 500 based on the detection signal. By controlling the rotation of the roller 71A, the rotation of the rollers 71B, 72A, and 72B (all of which are free to rotate) linked thereto can also be controlled. The control device 300 receives a detection signal indicating the rotation speed of the pressure vessel 500 from a speedometer 75, and controls the rotation speed of the pressure vessel 500 based on the detection signal. For example, a laser Doppler speedometer (optical sensor: S-100Z, signal processing unit: PV-01, both manufactured by Canon) can be used as the speedometer 75. The control device 300 is, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) equipped with a display unit (not shown), an input / output unit (not shown), a control unit (not shown), and the like.

[0040] The imaging device 40 captures an image of the pressure vessel 500 under the control of the information processing device 100, and generates an image of the pressure vessel 500. The imaging device 40 may generate a still image as the captured image, or may generate a moving image as the captured image. The imaging device 40 supplies the generated captured image to the information processing device 100 via the cable 60.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the imaging device 41 captures an image of the valve 520 from the top surface of the valve 520 attached to one end of the pressure vessel 500, and generates a captured image showing a top view of the valve 520. In this embodiment, the axis extending vertically upward is the Z axis, the axis perpendicular to the Z axis is the X axis, and the axis perpendicular to the Z axis and the X axis is the Y axis. The X axis is parallel to the axis 84 which is the central axis of the pressure vessel 500 which is cylindrical as a whole, and is an axis extending from the valve 520 toward the vessel body 510 (i.e., an axis corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel 500). The imaging device 41 captures an image of the valve 520 from the negative side to the positive direction of the X axis.

[0042] The imaging device 42 captures an image of the side surface of the valve 520, and generates an image showing a side view of the valve 520. That is, the imaging device 42 captures an image of the valve 520 in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, more specifically, in a direction from the positive side to the negative side of the Z-axis. The imaging device 43 captures an image of the side surface of the container body 510, and generates an image showing a side view of the container body 510. That is, the imaging device 43 captures an image of the container body 510 in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, more specifically, in a direction from the positive side to the negative side of the Z-axis.

[0043] The illumination device 50 illuminates the pressure vessel 500 to be imaged by the imaging device 40. The illumination device 51 is used for imaging the pressure vessel 500 by the imaging device 41. The illumination device 51 illuminates the valve 520 from the upper surface of the valve 520. Illuminating the valve 520 from the upper surface of the valve 520 corresponds to illuminating the valve 520 from the negative side to the positive direction of the X-axis. In this embodiment, the illumination device 51 is a perforated flat illumination having an opening 51B and a flat light-emitting surface 51A. The illumination device 51 illuminates the valve 520 from the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel 500. On the other hand, the imaging device 41 images the valve 520 through the opening 51B in the illumination device 51 in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel 500 from the negative side to the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0044] Specifically, the imaging device 41 is disposed so that axis 81, which is the optical axis of the lens 41A included in the imaging device 41, overlaps with axis 84, which is the central axis of the pressure vessel 500. The imaging device 41 is disposed closer to the negative direction of the X-axis than the pressure vessel 500. The illumination device 51 is disposed between the imaging device 41 and the bulb 520 so that the light-emitting surface 51A and axis 81 are perpendicular to each other and the axis 81 passes through the center of the opening 51B. With this configuration, the imaging device 41 can capture an image of the upper surface of the bulb 520 illuminated by the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 51A.

[0045] The illumination device 52 is used for imaging the pressure vessel 500 by the imaging device 42. The illumination device 52 illuminates the valve 520 from the side of the valve 520. In this embodiment, the illumination device 52 is a coaxial illumination for realizing coaxial illumination in which illumination is incorporated into the optical path of the lens. The illumination device 52 is disposed between the imaging device 42 and the valve 520, and illuminates the valve 520 along an axis 82 which is the optical axis of the lens 42A included in the imaging device 42. Meanwhile, the imaging device 42 images the valve 520 via the illumination device 52 from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel 500.

[0046] Specifically, the imaging device 42 is disposed so that an axis 82, which is an optical axis of the lens 42A included in the imaging device 42, is parallel to the Z axis and passes through the bulb 520. In other words, the imaging device 42 is disposed so as to be able to image the bulb 520 from the side. The illumination device 52 is disposed between the imaging device 42 and the bulb 520. The illumination device 52 includes a light source 52A that emits light for illumination, and a half mirror 52B that reflects a part of the incident light and transmits a part of the incident light. The half mirror 52B reflects the light emitted from the light source 52A in the direction in which the bulb 520 exists, that is, downward along the axis 82. With this configuration, the imaging device 42 can image the side of the bulb 520 illuminated by the light emitted from the light source 52A.

[0047] The illumination device 53 is used as a backlight for imaging the pressure vessel 500 by the imaging device 42. Therefore, the illumination device 53 illuminates the bulb 520 from a direction opposite to the direction in which the imaging device 42 is located as viewed from the bulb 520. In this embodiment, the illumination device 53 is a flat illumination having a flat light-emitting surface 53A. The illumination device 53 is disposed such that the bulb 520 is disposed between the imaging device 42 and the illumination device 53, and the axis 82 and the light-emitting surface 53A are orthogonal to each other. In other words, the illumination device 53 illuminates the bulb 520 from below, upward along the axis 82.

[0048] The illumination devices 54 and 55 are used for imaging the pressure vessel 500 by the imaging device 43. In this embodiment, the illumination devices 54 and 55 are a pair of white diffusion line illuminators having an elongated shape and irradiating diffused white light. As shown in FIG. 4, the illumination devices 54 and 55 extend in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel 500 and are disposed so as to sandwich the vessel body 510 when viewed from the imaging device 43. The illumination devices 54 and 55 illuminate the side surfaces of the vessel body 510.

[0049] Specifically, the illumination devices 54 and 55 are disposed between the imaging device 43 and the container body 510 so as to sandwich the axis 83 and extend in the direction in which the axis 84 extends, i.e., parallel to the X-axis. The illumination devices 54 and 55 are disposed at positions that do not interfere with the imaging device 43 capturing an image of the container body 510, specifically, on both sides above the container body 510. With this configuration, the imaging device 43 can capture an image of the side of the container body 510 illuminated by light emitted from the illumination devices 54 and 55.

[0050] Illumination devices 56 and 57 are used for imaging of pressure vessel 500 by imaging device 43. In this embodiment, illumination devices 56 and 57 are a pair of white flat illuminators that have flat light-emitting surfaces and irradiate white light. Illumination devices 56 and 57 are arranged so as to sandwich an imaged portion of the side surface of vessel body 510 by imaging device 43 from the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500 as viewed from imaging device 43. Illumination devices 56 and 57 illuminate the imaged portion of the side surface of vessel body 510.

[0051] Specifically, the illumination devices 56 and 57 are disposed between the imaging device 43 and the container body 510 so as to sandwich the axis 83. The illumination devices 56 and 57 are disposed at positions that do not interfere with the imaging of the container body 510 by the imaging device 43. Specifically, the illumination device 56 is disposed above one end of the container body 510 so that a light-emitting surface 56A of the illumination device 56 faces the imaging portion. The illumination device 57 is disposed above the other end of the container body 510 so that a light-emitting surface 57A of the illumination device 57 faces the imaging portion. With this configuration, the imaging device 43 can image the imaging portion illuminated by the light emitted from the illumination devices 56 and 57.

[0052] Inspection jig 70 is a jig for inspecting pressure vessel 500. Roller 71A is a roller that rotates when driven by motor 73. The rotation of roller 71A causes pressure vessel 500 to rotate about axis 84. Rollers 71B, 72A, and 72B are rollers that rotate so as not to interfere with the rotation of pressure vessel 500. Rollers 71B, 72A, and 72B rotate together with the rotation of pressure vessel 500. Motor 73 is a motor that is driven under the control of control device 300. Motor 73 rotates roller 71A under the control of control device 300.

[0053] Encoder 74 is a rotary encoder that detects the rotation angle, number of rotations, etc. of roller 71A. Encoder 74 supplies detection signals indicating the rotation angle, number of rotations, etc. of roller 71A to control device 300. Motor 73 and encoder 74 are attached to the rotating shaft of roller 71A, and pressure vessel 500 rotates by controlling the rotation of roller 71A. Control device 300 receives detection signals indicating the rotation angle, number of rotations, etc. of roller 71A from encoder 74, and controls the rotation of pressure vessel 500 based on the detection signals.

[0054] The speedometer 75 is a speedometer that detects the rotation speed of the container body 510. The speedometer 75 detects the rotation speed of the container body 510, i.e., the moving distance of the container body 510, without contact, and supplies the detection signal to the control device 300, which obtains the rotation speed of the container body 510 by calculating the moving distance and the moving time. The support member 76 is a member that supports the pressure vessel 500 so that the pressure vessel 500 can rotate around the axis 84.

[0055] Although not shown, the inspection jig 70 is equipped with a mass meter. For example, when the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected is placed on rollers 71A, 71B, 72A, 72B, this mass meter can detect the total mass of the pressure vessel 500. Also, when the pressure vessel 500 is filled with gas and then placed on the inspection jig 70 for a pre-shipment inspection, this mass meter can measure the total mass, making it possible to check whether the specified amount of gas has been filled.

[0056] Next, the functions of the quality control system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Functionally, the quality control system 1000 includes a storage unit 101, an illumination unit 102, an imaging unit 103, an image acquisition unit 104, a discrimination unit 105, and a data registration unit 106. The functions of the image acquisition unit 104, the discrimination unit 105, the data registration unit 106, etc. are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12. Then, the CPU executes the programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12 to realize each of these functions.

[0057] The memory unit 101 stores quality control data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel 500. The quality control data includes required specification data indicating the specifications required for the pressure vessel 500, and discrimination result data indicating the discrimination result as to whether the pressure vessel 500 satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data. The required specification data includes shipping requisition data, vessel body specification data, valve specification data, etc. The shipping requisition data is data indicating the contents of a shipping requisition used by a contractor who has received an order for the pressure vessel 500 to request the shipper who will ship the pressure vessel 500 to ship the pressure vessel 500. The shipping requisition data includes data indicating the specifications required by a customer for the pressure vessel 500.

[0058] The container body specification data is data indicating the specifications of the container body 510. The container body specification data is data provided, for example, by a manufacturer that manufactures the container body 510 or an inspection company that inspects the container body 510. The valve specification data is data indicating the specifications of the valve 520. The valve specification data is data provided, for example, by a manufacturer that manufactures the valve 520 or an inspection company that inspects the valve 520. The memory unit 101 is, for example, a server 200 equipped with a database 210. The memory unit 101 is an example of a storage means.

[0059] Illumination unit 102 illuminates pressure vessel 500. Illumination unit 102 includes illumination device 51 that illuminates valve 520 from the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500, illumination device 52 that illuminates valve 520 from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500, illumination device 53 that illuminates valve 520 from the opposite direction to illumination device 52, illumination devices 54 and 55 that extend in the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500 and illuminate vessel body 510, and illumination devices 56 and 57 that illuminate an imaging portion of vessel body 510.

[0060] The lighting unit 102 is an example of a lighting means. The lighting device 51 is an example of a perforated flat lighting device. The lighting device 52 is an example of a coaxial lighting device. The lighting device 53 is an example of a flat lighting device. The lighting devices 54 and 55 are an example of a pair of white diffused line lighting devices. The lighting devices 56 and 57 are an example of a pair of white flat lighting devices.

[0061] Imaging section 103 captures an image of pressure vessel 500 illuminated by illumination section 102, and generates a captured image. Imaging section 103 includes imaging device 41 which captures an image of valve 520 from the negative side to the positive direction of the X-axis in the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500, imaging device 42 which captures an image of valve 520 from the positive side to the negative direction of the Z-axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500, and imaging device 43 which captures an image of vessel body 510 from the positive side to the negative direction of the Z-axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of pressure vessel 500.

[0062] The imaging device 43 captures an image of the container body 510 when the container body 510 is illuminated by both the illumination device 54 and the illumination device 55, which are a pair of white diffusion line illuminations, and the illumination device 56 and the illumination device 57, which are a pair of white flat illuminations, to generate a first captured image. Also, the imaging device 43 captures an image of the container body 510 when the container body 510 is illuminated by the illumination device 54 and the illumination device 55, which are a pair of white diffusion line illuminations, to generate a second captured image. The imaging section 103 is an example of an imaging means. The imaging device 41 is an example of a first imaging means. The imaging device 42 is an example of a second imaging means. The imaging device 43 is an example of a third imaging means.

[0063] Image acquisition section 104 acquires a captured image generated by imaging pressure vessel 500. That is, image acquisition section 104 acquires, from imaging section 103, the captured image generated by imaging section 103. Image acquisition section 104 is an example of an image acquisition means.

[0064] The discrimination unit 105 discriminates whether or not the pressure vessel 500 satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data, based on the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit 104. The required specification data includes shipping requisition data, vessel body specification data, valve specification data, etc. For example, when the required specification data indicates the type of valve 520 as the specification required for the valve 520, the discrimination unit 105 discriminates whether or not the captured image includes a valve of the type indicated by the required specification data.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, when the required specification data indicates that a sticker is attached to the container body 510 as a specification required for the container body 510, the discrimination unit 105 discriminates whether or not a sticker is attached to the container body 510 in the captured image as indicated by the required specification data. Furthermore, for example, when the required specification data indicates that a symbol is attached to the container body 510 as a specification required for the container body 510, the discrimination unit 105 discriminates whether or not a symbol is attached to the container body 510 in the captured image as indicated by the required specification data.

[0066] In this embodiment, the symbol is a broad concept including letters, character strings, numbers, designs, and the like. The symbol may be a symbol indicating the mass of the container body 510, the capacity of the container body, and the like, a symbol indicating that the container body 510 has passed an inspection at the time of manufacture, and the like. Methods for attaching the symbol include printing, stamping, spraying, and the like. The seal may be a seal with a symbol attached, or a seal without a symbol attached. Furthermore, methods for attaching a symbol to the container body 510 include a method of attaching a symbol directly to the container body 510, and a method of attaching a seal with a symbol attached to the container body 510.

[0067] Furthermore, when the imaging unit 103 generates the first captured image and the second captured image, the discrimination unit 105 may discriminate whether or not the pressure vessel 500 satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the first captured image and the second captured image. The discrimination unit 105 is an example of a discrimination means.

[0068] The data registration unit 106 stores the discrimination result data indicating the discrimination result by the discrimination unit 105 as quality control data in the memory unit 101. For example, when a pressure vessel 500 indicated by certain shipping request data stored as quality control data in the memory unit 101 is inspected, the data registration unit 106 associates the discrimination result data obtained by this inspection with the shipping request data and stores it as quality control data in the memory unit 101. The data registration unit 106 is an example of a data registration means.

[0069] Next, referring to Fig. 6, a shipping request form 800 which is a document for requesting the shipment of the pressure vessel 500 will be described. Fig. 6 mainly shows, among the items written on the shipping request form 800, items related to the specifications required by the customer for the pressure vessel 500 and items related to the specifications required by the order-receiving company which has received an order for the pressure vessel 500 to request the shipment of the pressure vessel 500 to the shipper who will ship the pressure vessel 500, and omits other items. The specifications required by the customer for the pressure vessel 500 and the specifications required by the order-receiving company to request the shipper to ship the pressure vessel 500 can be broadly divided into specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the vessel body 510 and specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the valve 520.

[0070] The specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the container body 510 may be any specifications related to the container body 510. For example, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the container body 510 may be specifications of the container body 510 itself, such as the mass of the container body 510, the volume of the container body 510, the filling type indicating the type of gas filled in the container body 510, the TP value indicating the pressure resistance test pressure of the container body 510, the FP value indicating the maximum filling pressure of the container body 510, etc.

[0071] Furthermore, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the container body 510 may be, for example, specifications regarding the application of a symbol to the container body 510. Examples of symbols regarding the container body 510 include a symbol indicating the specifications of the container body 510 itself (for example, a serial number, S / N), a symbol indicating that the container body 510 has passed inspection, and a symbol indicating the inspection date indicating the date on which the container body 510 was inspected. Methods for applying a symbol to the container body 510 include printing, stamping, spraying, and the like. Methods for applying a symbol to the container body 510 include a method of directly applying a symbol to the container body 510, and a method of attaching a seal with a symbol to the container body 510.

[0072] The specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the container body 510 may be the presence or absence of a seal affixed to the container body 510, the presence or absence of a symbol affixed by printing, stamping, spraying, etc. to the container body 510 or the seal affixed to the container body 510. For example, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the container body 510 may be that a seal with a character string indicating the mass of the container body 510 is affixed to a specified location on the container body 510, that the type of gas to be filled in the container body 510 is sprayed by a spray to a specified location on the container body 510, etc. Note that the affixing of the symbol, affixing of the seal, etc. are performed, for example, by the manufacturer of the container body 510, the inspection company of the container body 510, the shipper of the pressure vessel 500, etc.

[0073] The specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the valve 520 may be any specifications related to the valve 520. For example, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the valve 520 may be the specifications of the valve 520 itself, such as the type of valve, for example, the type of valve with different valve angles, which is the angle between the handle and the gas filling port, the presence or absence of a gauge, or the gauge type indicating the type of gauge. In addition, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the valve 520 may be that the valve 520 has passed inspection, the inspection date indicating the date on which the valve 520 was inspected, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the valve 520 may be the presence or absence of a sticker attached to the valve 520, the presence or absence of a symbol attached to the valve 520 or to the sticker attached to the valve 520 by printing, stamping, spraying, or the like, etc. For example, the specifications required by the customer and the order-receiving company for the valve 520 may be that a sticker indicating that the valve 520 has passed inspection is attached to the valve 520, that a character string indicating the type of the valve 520 is engraved on the valve 520, etc. Note that the addition of the symbol, the attachment of the sticker, etc. are performed by, for example, the manufacturer of the valve 520, the inspector of the valve 520, the shipper of the valve 520, etc.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, shipping request form 800 includes areas 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, check boxes 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, a group of check boxes 817, 821, 822, 823, and 824.

[0076] Area 801 is an area in which the model name of the container body 510 is written. Area 802 is an area in which the quantity of the ordered container body 510 is written. Area 803 is an area in which the model name and type of the valve 520 are written. Area 804 is an area in which the quantity of the ordered valve 520 is written. Area 805 is an area in which the type of gas to be filled into the container body 510 is written. Area 806 is an area in which the engraved number to be affixed to the pressure vessel 500 is written. Area 807 is an area in which the shipping request number is written. Area 808 is an area in which information on the customer, shipping destination, shipping date, etc. is written. Area 809 is an area in which information on accessories of the pressure vessel 500 is written. For example, whether accessories are required for the pressure vessel 500, the type and quantity of the accessories, etc. are written in area 809. An example of an accessory is a cylinder cover.

[0077] Check box 811 is a check box indicating whether or not there is a KHK label. Check box 812 is a check box indicating whether or not there is a mass (volume) label. Check box 813 is a check box indicating whether or not there is a logo label. Check box 814 is a check box indicating whether or not there is a warning label. Check box 815 is a check box indicating whether or not there is an Alma Shield label. Check box 816 is a check box indicating whether or not there is a gas name spray. Check box group 817 is a collection of check boxes indicating whether or not there is an internal cleaning process, whether or not there is a gas filling process, whether or not there is an airtightness test process, whether or not accessories are attached, whether or not there is an instruction manual, whether or not the items in the remarks column have been implemented, etc.

[0078] Area 821 is an area in which the date of manufacture of container body 510 is written. Area 822 is an area in which S / N, which is a serial number for the number of ordered container bodies 510, is written. Area 823 is an area in which the date of manufacture of valve 520 and the lot number of valve 520 are written. Area 824 is an area in which the quantity is written.

[0079] The information processing device 100 determines whether the pressure vessel 500 meets the specifications stated in the shipping requisition 800 based on the captured image generated by imaging the pressure vessel 500. The shipping requisition 800 is basically generated based on the shipping requisition data. In other words, the specifications stated in the shipping requisition 800 are basically the specifications indicated by the shipping requisition data. Therefore, the information processing device 100 determines whether the pressure vessel 500 meets the required specifications based on the captured image and the shipping requisition data.

[0080] 7 shows shipping requisition data showing the contents of shipping requisition 800. The shipping requisition data includes data capable of identifying the specifications required for each pressure vessel 500. The pressure vessel 500 is identified, for example, by the model name of the vessel body 510, the serial number of the vessel body 510, the model name of the valve 520, and the lot number of the valve 520. The specifications required for the pressure vessel 500 may be the specifications of the vessel body 510 itself, the specifications of the valve 520 itself, or the specifications relating to the affixing of a seal or the provision of a symbol to the vessel body 510 or the valve 520.

[0081] The shipping request data may include data directly indicating the specifications required for the pressure vessel 500, or may include data that allows search for data indicating the specifications required for the pressure vessel 500. This searchable data is, for example, the model name and serial number of the vessel body 510, or the model name and lot number of the valve 520. For example, the information processing device 100 may use the model name and serial number of the vessel body 510 as search keys to search for the specifications of the vessel body 510 from the vessel body specification data, and consider the searched specifications as the specifications required for the vessel body 510. Similarly, the information processing device 100 may use the model name and lot number of the valve 520 as search keys to search for the specifications of the valve 520 from the valve specification data, and consider the searched specifications as the specifications required for the valve 520.

[0082] 8, the container body specification data is data indicating the specifications of the container body 510 for each individual container body 510. Each individual container body 510 is identified by a combination of the model name of the container body 510 and the serial number of the container body 510. The container body specification data may be generated by a manufacturer when the container body 510 is manufactured, or may be generated by an inspection company when the container body 510 is inspected, for example.

[0083] The container body specification data may include, as specifications of the container body 510, specifications of the container body 510 itself, such as inspection date, W value (mass), V value (volume), filling type, TP value, FP value, etc. The container body specification data may include, as specifications of the container body 510, specifications regarding the affixing of a sticker or the addition of a symbol to the container body 510.

[0084] 9, the valve specification data is data indicating the specifications of the valve 520 for each individual valve 520. Each individual valve 520 is identified by a combination of the model name of the valve 520 and the lot number of the valve 520. The valve specification data may be generated, for example, by a manufacturer when the valve 520 is manufactured, or by an inspection company when the valve 520 is inspected.

[0085] The valve specification data may include specifications of the valve 520 itself, such as the valve angle and the gauge type, as the specifications of the valve 520. The valve specification data may include specifications regarding the affixing of a sticker or the addition of a symbol to the valve 520, as the specifications of the valve 520.

[0086] Next, a method of generating a captured image of the container body 510 and determining whether the container body 510 satisfies the required specifications from the generated captured image will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. First, when the information processing device 100 captures an image of the pressure vessel 500 using the imaging device 40, the information processing device 100 can control the control device 300 to change the rotation angle of the pressure vessel 500. Fig. 10 shows a captured image A generated by the imaging device 43 capturing an image of the side of the container body 510 when the rotation angle of the pressure vessel 500 is rotation angle A. Fig. 11 shows a captured image B generated by the imaging device 43 capturing an image of the side of the container body 510 when the rotation angle of the pressure vessel 500 is rotation angle B different from rotation angle A.

[0087] The line camera used in the imaging device 43 is capable of continuous high-speed imaging in a single operation in the lateral direction relative to the direction of travel of the workpiece, making it possible to image cylindrical workpieces and the like that could not be imaged in a single operation until now. Therefore, by imaging a cylindrical workpiece while rotating it, an image corresponding to a development of the side surface of the cylinder, that is, a single image showing the entire circumference of the side surface of the cylinder, can be obtained. Figure 12 shows an example of an image C in which the side surface of the vessel body 510 of the pressure vessel 500 is developed.

[0088] 10, 11, and 12, for example, a label sticker 530, a sticker 541, a sticker 542, a sticker 543, a sticker 544, a sticker 545, and a sticker 546 are attached to container body 510. Further, container body 510 is provided with an area 550 where spraying is performed.

[0089] The label sticker 530 is a label on which various specifications of the container body 510 are written. When the container body 510 is manufactured by filament winding molding, the label sticker 530 is embedded near the surface layer, and the surface of the label sticker 530 is coated with a transparent protective material. Therefore, for example, when correcting matters written on the label sticker 530, another sticker on which the matters to be corrected are written is affixed over the label sticker 530. Note that the writing on the label sticker 530 is realized, for example, by printing on the label sticker 530.

[0090] The label sticker 530 is mainly provided with an area 531, an area 532, an area 533, an area 534, an area 535, an area 536, and an area 537. The area 531 is an area in which the model name of the container body 510, the serial number of the container body 510, etc. are written. The area 532 is an area in which the mass of the container body 510 is written. The area 533 is an area in which the TP value (pressure resistance test pressure) of the container body 510 is written. The area 534 is an area in which the filling type of the container body 510 is written. The area 535 is an area in which the volume of the container body 510 is written. The area 536 is an area in which the manufacturing date of the container body 510 (the date of passing the container inspection when the pressure container was manufactured) is written. The area 537 is an area in which the FP value (maximum filling pressure) of the container body 510 is written.

[0091] Seal 541 is an engraved seal engraved with a mark indicating the owner of container body 510. Seal 542 is an engraved seal engraved with a mark indicating the KHK mark, which is a mark indicating that the container body has passed inspection by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute. Seal 543 is an engraved seal engraved with a mark indicating the numerical value of the mass of container body 510 that corresponds to the container body specification data, which is a numerical value approved by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute, and the KHK mark indicating approval by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute. Seal 543 is affixed on area 532 of label seal 530. Seal 544 is a seal on which information regarding the liner provided in container body 510 is written.

[0092] With regard to the area 535 in which the capacity of the container body 510 is written, the value of the capacity of the container body 510 corresponding to the container body specification data may differ from the value in the area 535 of the label sticker 530. In this case, a stamp indicating the value approved by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan and indicating the value of the capacity of the container body 510 corresponding to the container body specification data, and a stamped sticker with the KHK mark indicating approval by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan must be affixed on the area 535.

[0093] Furthermore, there may be cases where the filling type in the area 534 of the container body 510, in which the filling type is written, is changed to a filling type different from the filling type written in the area 534 of the label sticker 530. In this case, a stamped sticker must be affixed on the area 534, which is a filling type approved by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan and has a marking indicating the changed filling type, and a KHK mark indicating approval by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan.

[0094] Seal 545 is a label on which is written information such as the product name of container body 510 and the manufacturer of container body 510. Seal 546 is a label on which is written precautions regarding container body 510. Area 550 is an area on which the type of filling of container body 510 is sprayed.

[0095] The information processing device 100 analyzes the captured image C shown in FIG. 12 to identify the presence or absence of a symbol attached to the container body 510, the contents of the symbol attached to the container body 510, etc. The information processing device 100 determines whether a symbol conforming to the required specifications is attached to the container body 510, whether a sticker is affixed to the container body 510 according to the required specifications, etc. The information processing device 100 registers discrimination result data indicating the discrimination result in the database 210 as quality control data. In addition, the information processing device 100 presents the discrimination result to the worker. If the inspection result is NG, the information processing device 100 presents the NG part to the worker. On the other hand, if the inspection result is NG, the worker checks the NG part and appropriately performs processing according to the NG content.

[0096] The information processing device 100 can determine the presence or absence of a sticker, the presence or absence of a symbol, the contents of the symbol, etc., using various techniques. For example, the information processing device 100 can identify the presence or absence of a sticker, the presence or absence of a symbol, the contents of the symbol, etc., using a trained model. This trained model is, for example, a model generated by supervised learning using a large amount of training data including an image of the container body 510 and a label. This label is a label that indicates the correct answer for the presence or absence of a sticker, the presence or absence of a symbol, the contents of the symbol, etc. The information processing device 100 identifies the presence or absence of a sticker, the presence or absence of a symbol, the contents of the symbol, etc., based on the output of the trained model when a captured image is input to the trained model.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 100 can identify a character string in a captured image by using an OCR (Optical Character Reader) technique. The information processing device 100 compares the character string extracted from the captured image by the OCR technique with a character string indicating the specifications indicated by the required specification data, and determines whether or not the specified character string is attached to a specified location on the container body 510.

[0098] In this embodiment, the imaging device 43, the lighting device 54, the lighting device 55, the lighting device 56, and the lighting device 57 are selected and adjusted so that the imaging of the container body 510 is optimized.

[0099] First, the imaging device 43 has a camera model number: EV71YC1CCL4005-BA2, pixel count: 4K (color), scan rate: 71.4 μsec (14 kHz), and shutter speed: 4 msec. The lens 43A attached to the imaging device 43 has a lens model number: VS-HX3535 + VS-MR-M52-M42 (mount type adapter), magnification: about 0.07 times, WD: about 440 mm, pixel resolution: about 71.45 μm, field of view: 292.6 mm, and aperture: OPEN.

[0100] The lighting devices 54 and 55 are of the model: IPS-B50030-W (white diffused line lighting), LWD: 50 mm, dimming value: 400 / 1000, and θ2: 30°. The lighting devices 56 and 57 are of the model: IPS-FP7070-W (white flat lighting), LWD: 60 mm, dimming value: 400 / 1000, and θ1: 15°.

[0101] Here, the length of the cylindrical part of the container body 510, which is the workpiece, is about 300 mm at maximum. Therefore, as described above, the WD indicating the work distance, which is the distance from the container body 510, which is the workpiece, to the lens 43A, is set to about 440 mm, and the field of view is set to 292.6 mm, which is about 300 mm. In addition, it is necessary to realize imaging of the entire circumferential direction by rotating the cylindrical part of the container body 510 once. Therefore, as described above, the scan rate is set to 71.4 μsec (14 kHz), and the shutter speed is set to 4 msec. In addition, in order to read character strings in the captured image using OCR technology, the pixel resolution is set to about 71.45 μm, as described above.

[0102] The illumination devices 54 and 55 are provided mainly to confirm the presence or absence of a sticker present over the entire longitudinal direction of the side surface of the container body 510, which is the subject of imaging, and to read black characters in the sticker. Therefore, the illumination devices 54 and 55 are required to illuminate the entire longitudinal direction of the side surface of the container body 510 so as to generate a relatively high contrast. Therefore, as described above, the illumination devices 54 and 55 are configured as vertically elongated white diffused line lights.

[0103] 4, the illumination devices 54 and 55 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container body 510, sandwich the imaging device 43, and have θ2 of 30°. θ2 is the angle between the illumination direction and axis 83, which is the optical axis of the lens 43A of the imaging device 43. θ2 is preferably in the range of 15° to 45°, and more preferably 30°.

[0104] Here, in order to properly recognize the embossed characters engraved on the aluminum stamp seal using OCR technology, it is desirable to illuminate the embossed characters from all directions so that the embossed characters are clearly visible. Although the illumination devices 54 and 55 extending in the longitudinal direction of the container body 510 can clearly show the circumferential embossments of the container body 510, it is difficult to clearly show the longitudinal embossments of the container body 510. Therefore, in order to clearly show the longitudinal embossments of the container body 510, the illumination devices 56 and 57 are provided.

[0105] 3, the illumination devices 56 and 57 are arranged such that θ1 is 15° so that illumination can be provided from both ends of the container body 510 in the longitudinal direction toward the central portion of the container body 510. θ1 is the angle between the axis 84, which is the central axis of the container body 510, and the illumination direction. Note that θ1 is preferably in the range of 5° to 30°, and more preferably 15°.

[0106] In this way, by using the lighting devices 56 and 57 in addition to the lighting devices 54 and 55, it is possible to properly recognize the embossed characters engraved on the aluminum stamped seal. However, since the lighting devices 56 and 57 irradiate the surface of the container body 510 with strong white light, it may be difficult to check the presence or absence of a seal provided on the container body 510 and to read black characters in the seal. Therefore, it is preferable that the imaging device 43 captures images both when the lighting devices 56 and 57 are turned on and when the lighting devices 56 and 57 are turned off.

[0107] That is, it is preferable that the imaging device 43 generates the captured image C1 by imaging when the illumination devices 54, 55, 56, and 57 are illuminating the container body 510, and generates the captured image C2 by imaging when the illumination devices 54 and 55 are illuminating the container body 510. The captured image C1 is a captured image C of the side of the container body 510 of the pressure vessel 500 developed, and is a first captured image acquired when the illumination devices 56 and 57 are illuminated. The captured image C2 is a captured image C of the side of the container body 510 of the pressure vessel 500 developed, and is a second captured image acquired when the illumination devices 56 and 57 are not illuminated. Note that the time required for imaging is about one second to several seconds, and it is considered that even if the captured image C1 and the captured image C2 are generated, the inspection time will not be extended significantly.

[0108] In the examples shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12, seals 541, 542, and 543 are stamped aluminum seals with symbols engraved on them. On the other hand, label seal 530, seal 544, seal 545, and seal 546 are seals with printed symbols, and are not stamped seals. Furthermore, the characters in area 550 are characters sprayed on, and are not characters engraved on them.

[0109] Therefore, the captured image C1 captured when the lighting device 56 and the lighting device 57 are turned on is used to recognize the symbols attached to the stickers 541, 542, 543, etc. On the other hand, the captured image C2 captured when the lighting device 56 and the lighting device 57 are turned off is used to check the presence or absence of the label sticker 530, the sticker 541, the sticker 542, the sticker 543, the sticker 544, the sticker 545, the sticker 546, etc., to recognize the symbols written on the label sticker 530, the sticker 543, the sticker 544, the sticker 545, the sticker 546, etc., and to recognize the characters attached to the area 550.

[0110] In this embodiment, the imaging device 41 and the illumination device 51 are selected and adjusted so that the imaging of the top surface of the bulb 520 is optimized.

[0111] First, the imaging device 41 has a camera type: STC-MBS500U3V, pixel count: 5M (monochrome), and shutter speed: 5 msec. The lens 41A attached to the imaging device 41 has a lens type: VS-LDA6.5, magnification: about 0.045x, WD: about 135 mm, pixel resolution: about 71.87 μm, field of view: about 186 mm × 157 mm, and aperture: OPEN.

[0112] The lighting device 51 is a VL-EBH2121WH (perforated flat lighting), with an LWD of 135 mm and a dimming value of 200 / 256. The power source for the lighting device 51 is a UPD2450W-2S power source.

[0113] The imaging device 41 generates a captured image when capturing an image of the top surface of the valve 520. This captured image is used to identify the type of the valve 520 from the silhouette of the top surface of the valve 520. When viewing the top surface of the valve 520, which is the workpiece, the outer dimensions of the valve 520 are approximately 100 mm x 100 mm at maximum. Therefore, in order to enable capturing an image of the entire top surface of the valve 520, the WD indicating the working distance, which is the distance from the valve 520 to the lens 41A, is set to approximately 135 mm, and the field of view is set to approximately 186 mm x 157 mm.

[0114] FIG. 13 shows top views of each type of valve 520. FIG. 13(A) is a top view of valve 520A, which is a first type valve. FIG. 13(B) is a top view of valve 520B, which is a second type valve. FIG. 13(C) is a top view of valve 520C, which is a third type valve. FIG. 13(D) is a top view of valve 520D, which is a fourth type valve. Note that FIG. 13 shows a top view of the entire pressure vessel 500 including vessel body 510 and valve 520. The captured image generated by imaging device 41 basically corresponds to a top view of the entire pressure vessel 500.

[0115] The pressure vessel 500A includes a vessel body 510A and a valve 520A. The valve 520A includes a handle 521A and a gas fill port 522A. The pressure vessel 500B includes a vessel body 510B and a valve 520B. The valve 520B includes a handle 521B and a gas fill port 522B. The pressure vessel 500C includes a vessel body 510C and a valve 520C. The valve 520C includes a handle 521C, a gas fill port 522C, and a gauge 523C. The pressure vessel 500D includes a vessel body 510D and a valve 520D. The valve 520D includes a handle 521D, a gas fill port 522D, and a gauge 523C.

[0116] Hereinafter, the pressure vessel 500A, the pressure vessel 500B, the pressure vessel 500C, and the pressure vessel 500D are collectively referred to as the pressure vessel 500 as appropriate. Furthermore, the vessel body 510A, the vessel body 510B, the vessel body 510C, and the vessel body 510D are collectively referred to as the vessel body 510 as appropriate. Furthermore, the valve 520A, the valve 520B, the valve 520C, and the valve 520D are collectively referred to as the valve 520 as appropriate. Furthermore, the handle 521A, the handle 521B, the handle 521C, and the handle 521D are collectively referred to as the handle 521 as appropriate. Furthermore, the gas filling port 522A, the gas filling port 522B, the gas filling port 522C, and the gas filling port 522D are collectively referred to as the gas filling port 522 as appropriate. Furthermore, the gauge 523C and the gauge 523D are collectively referred to as the gauge 523 as appropriate.

[0117] The handle 521 is a handle for adjusting the amount of gas released from the container body 510. The gas filling port 522 is a filling port for filling the container body 510 with gas, and also a discharge port for discharging gas from the container body 510. The gauge 523 is a gauge that indicates the pressure inside the container body 510. The angle between the direction in which the handle 521 extends and the direction in which the gas filling port 522 extends is defined as the valve angle. In this case, the valve 520 is classified into four types depending on the valve angle and the presence or absence of the gauge 523.

[0118] Valve 520A is a first type valve having a valve angle of 90° and no gauge 523. Valve 520B is a second type valve having a valve angle of 150° and no gauge 523. Valve 520C is a third type valve having a valve angle of 90° and a gauge 523. Valve 520D is a fourth type valve having a valve angle of 150° and a gauge 523.

[0119] The lighting device 51 is a light used for imaging the bulb 520 by the imaging device 41. It is desirable for the lighting device 51 to illuminate the bulb 520 so that the type of the bulb 520 can be easily identified in the image captured by the imaging device 41. Here, when the top surface of the bulb 520 is viewed, if the silhouette of the bulb 520 is clear against the dome portion at one end of the container body 510 in the background, it becomes easy to determine whether the bulb angle is 90° or 150°, and the type of the bulb 520 can be easily identified. Therefore, it is desirable for the lighting device 51 to uniformly irradiate the top surface of the bulb 520 so that the silhouette of the top surface of the bulb 520 becomes clear.

[0120] Here, dome lighting, which is lighting having a dome shape, is capable of uniformly irradiating a wide area. Therefore, when dome lighting is adopted as the lighting device 51, it is possible to clarify the silhouette of the upper surface of the bulb 520. However, since dome lighting is a large-sized lighting, a large space is required for installation of the dome lighting. Therefore, when dome lighting is adopted as the lighting device 51, the size of the inspection system increases, and there is a possibility that the installation location of the inspection system may be limited. Therefore, it is desirable for the lighting device 51 to be a small-sized lighting device that is capable of uniform irradiation like the dome lighting.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, a perforated flat light is adopted as the lighting device 51. The perforated flat light can uniformly illuminate the entire upper surface of the bulb 520, similar to the dome light. In addition, the thickness of the perforated flat light is thin, so that the installation of the perforated flat light does not require a large space. By adopting the perforated flat light as the lighting device 51, it is possible to reduce the size of the inspection system while clarifying the silhouette of the upper surface of the bulb 520. The lighting device 51 is disposed between the imaging device 41 and the bulb 520 so that the imaging device 41 can capture an image of the bulb 520 through the opening 51B.

[0122] The information processing device 100 can use various techniques to identify the type of the valve 520 from the captured image generated by the imaging device 41. For example, the information processing device 100 can use a pattern matching technique to identify the type of the valve 520 from the captured image. Alternatively, for example, the information processing device 100 can use a trained model to identify the type of the valve 520 from the captured image.

[0123] This trained model is, for example, a model generated by supervised learning using a large amount of training data including images of each type of valve 520 and labels indicating the type of valve 520. The information processing device 100 can identify the type of valve 520 based on the output of the trained model when a captured image is input to the trained model.

[0124] In this embodiment, the imaging device 42, the illumination device 52, and the illumination device 53 are selected and adjusted so that imaging of the side surface of the bulb 520 is optimized.

[0125] First, the imaging device 42 has a camera type: STC-MBS500U3V, pixel count: 5M (monochrome), and shutter speed: 300 μsec. The lens 42A attached to the imaging device 42 has a lens type: VS-LDA15, magnification: about 0.04x, WD: about 370 mm, pixel resolution: about 86.25 μm, field of view: about 210 mm × 177.5 mm, and aperture: OPEN.

[0126] The lighting device 52 is a USCO-100B100 (coaxial lighting) with an LWD of 260 mm and a dimming value of 150 / 256. The lighting device 53 is a VL-EB2121W (flat lighting) with an LWD of 50 mm and a dimming value of 150 / 256. The power source for the lighting devices 52 and 53 is a UPD2450W-2S power source.

[0127] The imaging device 42 generates a captured image when capturing an image of the side surface of the valve 520. This captured image is mainly used to identify the characters stamped on the side surface of the valve 520. This captured image is also used to preliminarily identify the type of the valve 520 from the silhouette of the side surface of the valve 520. The outer dimensions of the side surface of the valve 520, which is the workpiece, are approximately 80 mm x 100 mm at maximum. Therefore, in order to enable capturing an image of the entire side surface of the valve 520, the WD indicating the working distance, which is the distance from the valve 520 to the lens 42A, is set to approximately 370 mm, and the field of view is set to approximately 210 mm x 177.5 mm.

[0128] The lighting device 52 is an illumination device used for imaging the bulb 520 by the imaging device 42. The lighting device 52 is an illumination device for facilitating identification of the characters engraved on the side surface of the bulb 520.

[0129] FIG. 14 shows side views of each type of valve 520. FIG. 14(A) is a side view of valve 520A, which is a first type valve. FIG. 14(B) is a side view of valve 520B, which is a second type valve. FIG. 14(C) is a side view of valve 520C, which is a third type valve. FIG. 14(D) is a side view of valve 520D, which is a fourth type valve. Note that FIG. 14 shows a side view of a portion of pressure vessel 500 including vessel body 510 and valve 520. The captured image generated by imaging device 42 basically corresponds to a side view of a portion of pressure vessel 500.

[0130] As shown in Fig. 14, an area 525 in which a symbol is stamped is provided on the side of valve 520. Specifically, an area 525A is provided on the side of valve 520A, an area 525B is provided on the side of valve 520B, an area 525C is provided on the side of valve 520C, and an area 525D is provided on the side of valve 520D. Note that area 525 is a general term for areas 525A, 525B, 525C, 525D, etc. The symbol stamped in area 525 is a symbol indicating information about valve 520. The symbol stamped in area 525 is a symbol indicating the lot number, mass, TP indicating the pressure resistance test pressure, KHK mark, the date of inspection passing, etc.

[0131] Here, the size of the stamped symbol, which is the stamped symbol, is often relatively small. For example, the stamped character, which is the stamped character, is often about 1 mm to 2 mm. Also, the thickness of the line representing the stamped symbol may vary depending on the strength of the stamp. For example, if the strength of stamping the characters is weak, the thickness of the line of the stamped character becomes extremely thin. Also, the material of the valve 520 is a metal such as brass. For this reason, depending on the surface condition of the valve 520, the processing state of the surface treatment, etc., it may be difficult to image the stamped symbol.

[0132] Therefore, in order to make the embossed symbol easily recognizable, it is preferable to highlight the unevenness of the embossed symbol and to clarify the lines of the embossed symbol. For this reason, it is preferable to adopt a coaxial illumination as the illumination device 52. With the coaxial illumination, the illumination light is incident perpendicularly on the embossed symbol, and the perpendicularly reflected light is incident on the imaging device 42, so that a clear captured image can be generated. Note that, in the coaxial illumination adopted as the illumination device 52, the optical axis of the lens 43A and the path through which the illumination light reflected by the half mirror 52B passes do not have to completely coincide. This is because a clear captured image can be expected to be generated even if the optical axis of the lens 43A and the path through which the illumination light passes do not completely coincide.

[0133] The illumination device 53 is an illumination device used for capturing an image of the bulb 520 by the imaging device 42. It is desirable for the illumination device 53 to illuminate the bulb 520 from the side so that the type of the bulb 520 can be easily identified in the image captured by the imaging device 42. In this embodiment, a flat illumination device that functions as a backlight for capturing an image of the bulb 520 by the imaging device 42 is used as the illumination device 53. The flat illumination makes the silhouette of the side of the bulb 520 clear, making it easy to identify the type of the bulb 520.

[0134] The information processing device 100 basically determines the type of the valve 520 based on the captured image generated by the imaging device 41. When the information processing device 100 cannot determine the type of the valve 520 based on the captured image generated by the imaging device 41, the information processing device 100 determines the type of the valve 520 based on the captured image generated by the imaging device 42 in addition to the captured image generated by the imaging device 41. That is, the captured image generated by the imaging device 42 is not essential for determining the type of the valve 520. Therefore, for example, when the information processing device 100 can determine the type of the valve 520 based on the captured image generated by the imaging device 41, the lighting device 53 may not be required. Also, for example, when the information processing device 100 can determine the type of the valve 520 based on the captured image generated by the imaging device 42, the imaging device 41 and the lighting device 51 may not be required.

[0135] Next, a container inspection process executed by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The container inspection process is executed, for example, in response to the information processing device 100 receiving, from an operator, an operation instructing the start of the container inspection process.

[0136] First, the control unit 11 included in the information processing device 100 reads application request data (step S101). For example, the control unit 11 acquires application request data corresponding to an application request specified by an operator from the database 210 among the application request data registered in the database 210. After completing the process of step S101, the control unit 11 selects the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected (step S102).

[0137] For example, the control unit 11 selects the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected from among the multiple pressure vessels 500 indicated by the application request data. The pressure vessel 500 is identified by a combination of a vessel body 510 and a valve 520. The vessel body 510 is identified by the model name and serial number of the vessel body 510. The valve 520 is identified by the model name and lot number of the valve 520.

[0138] Upon completing the process of step S102, the control unit 11 presents the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected (step S103). For example, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display a screen presenting the model name and serial number of the vessel body 510 to be inspected and the model name and lot number of the valve 520 to be inspected. Meanwhile, the worker performs the preparatory work of the following (A1) to (A4) on the presented pressure vessel 500 to be inspected, and places the pressure vessel 500 on the support member 76. The vessel body 510 to be inspected is the vessel body 510 included in the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected. The valve 520 to be inspected is the valve 520 included in the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected.

[0139] Next, preparations for the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected will be described. (A1) The inside of the container body 510 to be inspected is cleaned, for example, by washing the inside of the container. (A2) Remove dirt from the surface of the container body 510 to be inspected with a cloth soaked in a solvent such as alcohol, and degrease it. This step improves the adhesion of stickers and sprays. (A3) Stickers 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, etc. are affixed to the surface of container body 510 to be inspected in accordance with the shipping request data. Furthermore, designated area 550 of container body 510 is sprayed. (A4) In order to assemble the valve 520 to be inspected to the vessel body 510 to be inspected, dirt is removed from the screw fittings of both, and degreased. After that, a lubricant such as grease is applied to the screw fittings on the vessel body 510 side and the screw fittings on the valve 520 to be inspected side, and a temporary assembly is performed while sandwiching a packing, to prepare the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected.

[0140] Upon completing the process of step S103, the control unit 11 reads the container body specification data and the valve specification data (step S104). For example, the control unit 11 acquires, from the database 210, the container body specification data of the container body 510 to be inspected, among the container body specification data registered in the database 210. The control unit 11 also acquires, from the database 210, the valve specification data of the valve 520 to be inspected, among the valve specification data registered in the database 210.

[0141] Upon completing the process of step S104, the control unit 11 captures an image of the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected (step S105). For example, the control unit 11 executes the following processes (B1) to (B3) via the control device 300. Note that the processes (B1), (B2), and (B3) may be executed in any order, or may be executed simultaneously. (B1) In the imaging device 41, an image of the valve 520 of the pressure vessel 500 under inspection is captured to obtain a captured image in which the type of the valve 520 can be identified. (B2) In the imaging device 42, the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected is rotated to a position where the marking portion of the valve 520 faces the imaging device 42 directly, and an image of the valve 520 is taken. (B3) In the imaging device 43, the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected is rotated multiple times, with each rotation taking one to several seconds, and an image of the side surface of the vessel body 510 for one rotation is acquired.

[0142] Upon completing the process of step S105, the control unit 11 processes the captured image (step S106). For example, the control unit 11 identifies the state of the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected from the captured image using a trained model, OCR technology, etc. For example, the control unit 11 identifies the type of the valve 520 to be inspected from the shape of the valve 520 to be inspected using a trained model. Also, for example, the control unit 11 identifies the embossed character string engraved on the valve 520 to be inspected using OCR technology, and identifies the type of the valve 520 to be inspected from the identified embossed character string.

[0143] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 11 uses the trained model to identify the presence or absence of a sticker attached to the container body 510 to be inspected. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 11 uses OCR technology to identify a character string printed or stamped on a sticker attached to the container body 510 to be inspected, a character string sprayed onto the container body 510 to be inspected, or the like.

[0144] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S106, it makes a judgment for each inspection item (step S107). For example, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the contents indicated by the shipping request data match the contents acquired from the captured image for each inspection item. The control unit 11 also judges whether or not the contents indicated by the container body specification data match the contents acquired from the captured image for each inspection item.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the contents indicated by the valve specification data match the contents acquired from the captured image for each inspection item. The inspection items include whether or not the type of the valve 520 matches, whether or not the presence or absence of various stickers attached to the container body 510 matches, whether or not various character strings printed or stamped on the container body 510 or various stickers attached to the container body 510 match, etc.

[0146] When the process of step S107 is completed, the control unit 11 determines whether or not all the test items have passed (step S108).

[0147] With regard to the inspection time for the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected, excluding the above preparatory steps (A1) to (A4), the time from "Step S102: Select the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected" to "Step S108: All inspection items passed (determine whether all inspection items of the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected have passed)" is 2 to 3 minutes per vessel. For example, when inspecting 10 pressure vessels 500 without any failed inspection items, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

[0148] If the control unit 11 determines that any of the inspection items have not passed (step S108: NO), it presents the failed inspection items (step S109). When the failed inspection items are presented in step S109, the worker takes measures for the failed inspection items (step S110). That is, the worker checks the condition of the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected and takes necessary measures.

[0149] For example, if an incorrect type of valve 520 is attached to the container body 510, the worker attaches a correct type of valve 520 to the container body 510. Also, for example, if a sticker 543 on which a character string indicating an incorrect mass is stamped is attached to the container body 510, the worker attaches a sticker 543 on which a character string indicating the correct mass is stamped to the container body 510. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the contents of the shipping request data, container body specification data, valve specification data, etc. are correct. When the process of step S110 is completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S102.

[0150] When the control unit 11 determines that all the inspection items have passed (step S108: YES), it determines whether or not there is any uninspected pressure vessel 500 to be inspected (step S111). When the control unit 11 determines that there is any uninspected pressure vessel 500 to be inspected (step S111: YES), it returns the process to step S102. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that there is no uninspected pressure vessel 500 to be inspected (step S111: NO), it registers the inspection results (step S112).

[0151] For example, control unit 11 registers, as quality control data, discrimination result data indicating that the performed inspection items have been passed in database 210. In this case, when the contents of the quality control data are reflected in shipping request form 800, a check is reflected in the check box corresponding to each inspection item.

[0152] For example, if the inspection results for some inspection items are NG but the inspection can continue without the operator taking any measures, determination result data indicating that some inspection items have failed is registered as quality control data in database 210. In this case, when the contents of the quality control data are reflected in shipping request form 800, checks are reflected in the check boxes corresponding to the inspection items that have passed. When control unit 11 completes the processing of step S112, it completes the container inspection processing.

[0153] In the above description, an example has been described in which the main items among those described in the shipping request form 800 are processed using the quality control system 1000. The main items are items related to areas 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, check boxes 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 821, 822, 823, 824, and the like.

[0154] In other words, in the above description, the pressure vessel 500 is (C1) Check and confirm the combination of the container body 510 and the valve 520, (C2) Check and confirm the container body specification data of the container body 510 with (C1); (C3) Check and confirm the valve specification data of the valve 520 with (C1); He explained the following:

[0155] The following describes how to handle items (hereinafter referred to as "other items") other than the main items among the items listed on shipping request form 800. The other items are items related to areas 807, 808, 809, check box group 817, etc. Ultimately, pressure vessel 500 is shipped to the destination after checking and confirming the other items in addition to the main items. The following describes the processing of other items that is carried out before shipping pressure vessel 500 after processing of the main items by the container inspection process shown in Figure 15.

[0156] For other checks and confirmations, (D1) Presence or absence of an internal cleaning process, (D2) Presence or absence of a gas filling process, (D3) Presence or absence of an airtightness test process, (D4) Whether or not accessories are attached, (D5) Presence or absence of instruction manual, (D6) Whether or not the matters described in the remarks column have been implemented (D7) Customer information, shipping destination, shipping date information, etc. Once all of these checks and confirmations have been made, shipment is complete. Note that (D1), (D2), (D3), (D4), (D5) and (D6) are items related to check box group 817. (D4) is also an item related to area 809. (D7) is an item related to area 808.

[0157] First, regarding the presence or absence of the (D1) internal cleaning process, an operator cleans the inside of the container body 510 and checks and confirms that there are no foreign objects, dirt, scratches, etc. Next, the presence or absence of the (D2) gas filling process and the (D3) airtightness test process will be explained. The operator firmly tightens and fixes the container body 510 and the valve 520 in the pressure vessel 500 with a specified torque. After that, the operator fills the pressure vessel 500 to a specified pressure using a gas / liquid filling device. At that time, the operator checks and confirms that there are no leaks of the filled gas / liquid, etc.

[0158] Regarding (D2) whether or not the gas filling process has been performed, the worker again places pressure vessel 500 to be inspected on rollers 71A, 71B, 72A, and 72B of inspection jig 70 and measures the mass after the gas filling process. By comparing the mass of pressure vessel 500 before and after gas filling, the worker can check and confirm (D2) whether or not gas filling has been performed.

[0159] Next, (D4) checking whether accessories are attached will be described. The worker checks and confirms whether the accessories requested in area 809 of shipping request form 800 shown in Fig. 6 are attached. (D4) Regarding whether accessories are attached, the worker again performs an inspection using quality control system 1000 shown in Fig. 1. That is, when making a final check as an inspection just before shipping, the worker attempts to take an image using imaging device 43 in particular to check and confirm whether accessories are attached, and can also save data showing the captured image as evidence of pressure vessel 500 just before shipping.

[0160] (D5) Checks and confirmations regarding the existence of an instruction manual, (D6) whether the items in the remarks column have been implemented, and (D7) information regarding customer information, shipping destination, and shipping date are mainly carried out by the shipper's workers and visual checks. Once all of these checks and confirmations have been completed, the shipment is completed.

[0161] As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the pressure vessel 500 satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the captured image, and determination result data indicating the determination result is stored as quality control data. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the quality of the pressure vessel 500, for example, the quality of the pressure vessel 500 to be shipped, can be appropriately controlled. In addition, according to this embodiment, the pressure vessel 500 that has been properly quality controlled is shipped by the shipper to the customer / shipping destination.

[0162] In the above, we have explained how the pressure vessel 500 to be shipped passes through each process of product inventory, assembly, and quality control, and the product is distributed after being managed by the quality control system 1000 based on the quality control data. This quality control data includes (E1) shipping requisition data, (E2) vessel body specification data, and (E3) valve specification data, which are required specification data showing the specifications required for the pressure vessel 500, as well as (E4) captured image data and (E5) discrimination result data.

[0163] (E1) Shipping request data includes data indicating specifications required for the pressure vessel 500 by the customer and the order supplier. (E2) Container body specification data is data indicating the specifications of the container body 510, and is data including seal information and symbol information for the container body 510. (E3) Valve specification data is data indicating the specifications of the valve 520 and includes type and symbol information of the valve 520. (E4) Captured image data is data indicative of a captured image generated by capturing an image of pressure vessel 500, and is data acquired by image acquisition unit 104 that acquires this captured image. (E5) The discrimination result data is data indicating the discrimination result as to whether or not the pressure vessel 500 satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data ((E1) shipping request data, (E2) vessel body specification data, (E3) valve specification data) based on the captured image data (E4).

[0164] By using a "data linkage tool" for the quality control data in the quality control system 1000, it has become possible to link data with each other, and a database can be handled as "comprehensive quality control data" that adds the following data (E6) and (E7) to the quality control data. Specifically, by using GRANDIT in an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, it is possible to centrally manage various data and databases that exist in various places while linking the data with each other.

[0165] The data (E6) is overall product inventory management data including delayed inventory that arrived a long time ago and returned inventory due to returns and repairs, various test, inspection and measurement data in the manufacturing process for orders and purchases in the pressure vessel 500, and each inspection result data. The data (E7) is distribution management data that manages the distribution of products managed by the quality control system 1000 based on the quality control data, and data including customer information associated with product distribution upon shipment.

[0166] (Modification) Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, various modifications and applications are possible.

[0167] It is arbitrary which parts of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments are adopted. In addition to the above configurations, functions, and operations, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. The above embodiments can be freely combined as appropriate. The number of components described in the above embodiments can be adjusted as appropriate. Of course, the materials, sizes, electrical characteristics, and the like that can be adopted are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments.

[0168] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which it is inspected from a captured image of the pressure vessel 500 whether or not the valve 520 of the specified type is attached to the vessel body 510. The inspection contents regarding the accessories of the pressure vessel 500 are not limited to this example. For example, it may be inspected from a captured image of the pressure vessel 500 whether or not the valve 520 is attached to the vessel body 510 according to the specifications. Also, for example, it may be inspected from a captured image of the pressure vessel 500 whether or not cylinder covers for protecting the pressure vessel 500 are attached to both ends of the pressure vessel 500 according to the specifications.

[0169] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which shipping requisition data, vessel body specification data, and valve specification data are adopted as the required specification data. The shipping requisition data may be any data indicating the specifications required for the pressure vessel 500. For example, purchase order data indicating the contents of a purchase order by which a customer ordering the pressure vessel 500 places an order for the pressure vessel 500 with a contractor may be adopted as the required specification data. In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the quality control data is data for controlling the quality of the pressure vessel 500 to be shipped. For example, the quality control data may be data for controlling the quality of the pressure vessel 500 after shipment.

[0170] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 100 does not control the lighting device 50. The information processing device 100 may control the lighting device 50 via the control device 300. For example, the information processing device 100 may rotate the pressure vessel 500 to be inspected multiple times in the imaging device 43, taking one rotation for one to several seconds, and may switch on / off the lighting devices 56 and 57 via the control device 300 in order to obtain an image of the side surface of the vessel body 510 for one rotation.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 functions as each unit shown in FIG. 5 by executing a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12 by the CPU. However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 11 may be dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 11 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single piece of hardware. In addition, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 11 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0172] By applying an operation program that specifies the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present disclosure to a computer such as an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to make the computer function as the information processing device 100 according to the present disclosure. In addition, the method of distributing such a program is arbitrary, and for example, the program may be distributed by storing it in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0173] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 11 control unit, 12, 101 memory unit, 13 display unit, 14 operation reception unit, 15 first communication unit, 16 second communication unit, 40, 41, 42, 43 imaging device, 41A, 42A, 43A lens, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 lighting device, 51A, 53A, 56A, 57A light emitting surface, 51B aperture, 52A light source, 52B half mirror, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 cable, 70 inspection jig, 71A, 71B, 72A, 72B roller, 73 motor, 74 encoder, 75 speedometer, 76 support member, 81, 82, 83, 84 shaft, 100 information processing device, 102 lighting unit, 103 Imaging unit, 104 image acquisition unit, 105 discrimination unit, 106 data registration unit, 200 server, 210 database, 300 control device, 500, 500A, 500B, 500C, 500D pressure vessel, 510, 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D vessel body, 520, 520A, 520B, 520C, 520D valve, 521, 521A, 521B, 521C, 521D handle, 522, 522A, 522B, 522C, 522D gas filling port, 523, 523C, 523D Gauge, 525, 525A, 525B, 525C, 525D, 531, 532, 533, 534, 536, 537, 550, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 821, 822, 823, 824 Area, 530 Label seal, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546 Seal, 700 Communication network, 800 Shipping request, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816 Check box, 817 Check box group, 1000 Quality control system

Claims

1. a storage means for storing required specification data indicating specifications required for a pressure vessel as quality control data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel having a vessel body and a valve; an image acquisition means for acquiring an image generated by imaging the pressure vessel; a determination means for determining whether or not the pressure vessel satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the captured image acquired by the image acquisition means; and a data registration means for storing, in the storage means, discrimination result data indicating a discrimination result by the discrimination means as the quality control data. Quality control system.

2. The storage means stores at least one of the following as the required specification data: shipping requisition data indicating the contents of a shipping requisition for a contractor who has received an order for the pressure vessel to request a shipper who will ship the pressure vessel to ship the pressure vessel; vessel body specification data indicating the specifications of the vessel body; and valve specification data indicating the specifications of the valve. The quality control system of claim 1 .

3. The required specification data indicates a type of the valve as a specification required for the valve, The determination means determines whether or not a valve of a type indicated by the required specification data is included in the captured image. The quality control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The required specification data indicates, as a specification required for the container body, attachment of a seal to the container body, The determination means determines whether or not the seal is affixed to the container body as indicated by the required specification data in the captured image. The quality control system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The required specification data indicates the assignment of a symbol to the container body as a specification required for the container body, The determination means determines whether or not the symbol is provided on the container body in the captured image as indicated by the required specification data. The quality control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. an illumination means for illuminating the pressure vessel; and an imaging means for imaging the pressure vessel illuminated by the illumination means and generating the captured image. The quality control system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the illumination means comprises a perforated flat illumination having an aperture and a flat light-emitting surface; the perforated flat illumination illuminates the valve from a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel; the imaging means includes a first imaging means for imaging the valve from a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel through the aperture in the perforated flat illumination; The quality control system according to claim 6.

8. the imaging means includes a second imaging means for imaging the valve from a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, The illumination means is disposed between the second imaging means and the bulb, and includes a coaxial illumination means for illuminating the bulb along an optical axis of a lens of the second imaging means. The quality control system according to claim 6.

9. The illumination means comprises a flat illumination having a flat light-emitting surface; the flat illumination is disposed at a position beyond the bulb as viewed from the second imaging means and illuminates the bulb; The quality control system according to claim 8.

10. the imaging means includes a third imaging means for imaging an entire side surface of the vessel body from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, the illumination means has an elongated shape and includes a pair of white diffusion line illuminations that irradiate diffused white light, the pair of white diffused line lights extend in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, are disposed so as to sandwich the vessel body when viewed from the third imaging means, and illuminate the vessel body; The quality control system according to claim 6.

11. The illumination means includes a pair of white flat illumination devices each having a flat light-emitting surface and emitting white light, the pair of white flat lights are arranged to sandwich an imaged portion of the pressure vessel by the third imaging means from a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel as viewed from the third imaging means, and illuminate the imaged portion; The quality control system according to claim 10.

12. the third imaging means images the container body when the container body is illuminated by both the pair of white diffuse line illuminators and the pair of white flat illuminators to generate a first captured image, and images the container body when the container body is illuminated by the pair of white diffuse line illuminators to generate a second captured image, The determination means determines whether or not the pressure vessel satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the first captured image and the second captured image. The quality control system according to claim 11.

13. storing required specification data indicating specifications required for a pressure vessel as quality control data for managing the quality of the pressure vessel having a vessel body and a valve; determining whether or not the pressure vessel satisfies the specifications indicated by the required specification data based on the required specification data and an image generated by imaging the pressure vessel; storing discrimination result data indicating the discrimination result as the quality control data; Quality control methods.

Images