Imaging system, imaging method, and splash preventing member

Abstract

To provide an imaging system, an imaging method, and a splash preventing member preferably used for the imaging system in which splash of a kneading object from a kneader is suppressed.SOLUTION: An imaging system comprises: a kneader which kneads a kneading object inside thereof; an opening part which is provided for a partial area of a wall surface of the kneader; a splash preventing member which has a cylindrical body having a first opening and a second opening opposed to each other, a first translucent part which transmits visible light and is provided so as to partition a space on the first opening side and a space on the second opening side inside the cylindrical body, and a second translucent part which transmits the visible light and is provided for a side face of the cylindrical body, and in which the second opening is arranged so as to communicate with the opening part of kneader; an illumination unit which illuminates the inside of the kneader from outside the splash preventing member; and a camera which images the kneading object in the kneader from outside the splash preventing member to obtain image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging system and imaging method for acquiring image data of a kneaded body in a kneading device, and further to a shatterproof member used in the imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] In this specification, the term "mixture" refers to a mixture of liquid such as water, powder, and, if necessary, aggregate such as gravel or sand, for example, a mixture of water, construction materials such as cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, and aggregate. Specific examples of the mixture include fresh concrete, fresh mortar, geopolymer, and fresh paste.

[0003] Mixtures such as fresh concrete are produced by mixing in a mixing device for a specified time based on a mix ratio adjusted according to the intended use and quality. Even if the mix ratio and mixing time are the same, the quality of the produced mixture may vary due to variations in the moisture content of the materials and the outside air temperature.

[0004] Conventionally, the quality of the kneaded body kneaded in the kneading device has been predicted mainly by visual confirmation by a skilled worker. More specifically, the kneading device is typically provided with an openable and closable peephole, and the worker visually observes the kneaded body through the peephole. Then, the worker judges whether or not a kneaded body having the desired quality can be produced based on his / her senses and experience, and performs operations such as adding water appropriately to adjust the production conditions. However, since the above judgment is made by a human being, the judgment may differ depending on the worker.

[0005] In response to this, the applicant is developing a method (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as a "quality prediction method") for predicting the quality of a mixed body such as fresh concrete by creating a prediction model through machine learning using multiple combinations of input data including image data of a mixed body in a mixer and output data related to the quality of the mixed body, and using the output data obtained by inputting the input data including image data of the mixed body into the prediction model (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The quality prediction method contributes to predicting the quality of a mixed body in a short time with high accuracy without relying on human senses or experience. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6782867 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When acquiring image data of the kneaded body in the kneading device, it is preferable to photograph the kneaded body while preventing the kneaded body from scattering from within the kneading device.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an imaging system and imaging method that suppress scattering of a kneaded body from a kneading device. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a scattering prevention member that is suitably used for the imaging system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The imaging system according to the present invention comprises: A kneading device for kneading the kneaded body therein; An opening provided at a portion of a wall surface of the kneading device; a cylindrical body having a first opening and a second opening opposed to each other, a first light-transmitting portion that transmits visible light and is provided inside the cylindrical body so as to separate a space on the first opening side from a space on the second opening side, and a second light-transmitting portion that transmits visible light and is provided on a side surface of the cylindrical body, the second opening being arranged so as to communicate with the opening of the kneading device; an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the kneading apparatus from the outside of the scattering prevention member; and a camera that photographs the kneaded body in the kneading device from outside the scattering prevention member to obtain image data.

[0010] In order to obtain image data of the kneaded body while suppressing the kneaded body from scattering to the outside, the inventors have considered disposing a shatterproof member having a cylindrical body and a light-transmitting part (corresponding to the "first light-transmitting part") disposed between a pair of openings of the cylindrical body. However, in this case, there are problems such as the inside of the shatterproof member being easily darkened, making it difficult to obtain clear image data, or making it difficult to adjust the positional relationship between the lighting unit and the camera.

[0011] In response to this, the inventors conducted extensive research and discovered that by providing a translucent section (corresponding to a "second translucent section") that transmits visible light on the side of the anti-scattering member, it is possible to preferably photograph the kneaded body while suppressing the kneaded body from scattering, and thus devised the above-mentioned configuration.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain image data of the kneaded body by using both the first light-transmitting section and the second light-transmitting section. The second light-transmitting section can be used as a window for a camera to photograph the kneaded body, for example. Specifically, a lighting unit is arranged to illuminate the inside of the kneading device through the first light-transmitting section, and a photograph of the kneaded body can be taken from the second light-transmitting section. In particular, in this case, by making the first light-transmitting section facing the lighting unit and the second light-transmitting section facing the camera different from each other, visible light slightly reflected by the first light-transmitting section is less likely to be captured by the camera, and the lighting unit is prevented from being captured in the image acquired by the camera.

[0013] The second light-transmitting portion can also be used as a window for inspecting the inside of the shatterproof member. For example, when both the lighting unit and the camera are disposed facing the first light-transmitting portion, the second light-transmitting portion functions as the window. It is expected that dust particles originating from the materials contained in the kneaded body and a slurry-like kneaded body will adhere to the inside of the shatterproof member. In particular, the adhesion state of dust particles is more difficult to check than the adhesion state of the slurry-like kneaded body, but the confirmation becomes easier by being visible from the second light-transmitting portion provided on the side surface.

[0014] Furthermore, by having the second light-transmitting portion in addition to the first light-transmitting portion, the shatter-prevention member can be expected to have the effect of making it easier to increase the amount of visible light taken into the kneading apparatus from outside the shatter-prevention member.

[0015] Since the opening of the kneading device is covered by the anti-scattering member, the kneaded body is prevented from scattering to the outside. In addition, since the anti-scattering member is a member independent of the kneading device, the anti-scattering member can be easily cleaned or replaced.

[0016] In the above-mentioned imaging system, The lighting unit illuminates the inside of the kneading device through the first light-transmitting portion, The camera may capture an image of the kneaded body through the second light-transmitting portion.

[0017] As described above, according to the above configuration, a portion of the visible light reflected by the first light transmitting portion is less likely to be incident on the camera, and the lighting unit can be prevented from being captured on the camera.

[0018] In the above-mentioned imaging system, The cylindrical body has a rectangular cylindrical shape, The second light transmitting portion may be one side surface of the cylindrical body.

[0019] According to the above configuration, one side of the shatterproof member is the second light-transmitting portion, which makes it easier to adjust the positional relationship of the lighting unit and the camera with respect to the opening. Specifically, even if the lighting unit is positioned closer to the second light-transmitting portion than the camera, the visible light emitted by the lighting unit is less likely to be blocked. Furthermore, when photographing the kneaded body through the second light-transmitting portion, the above configuration is preferable because it is easier to bring the camera closer to the opening of the kneading device.

[0020] In the above-mentioned imaging system, the first light transmitting portion and the second light transmitting portion are made of plate-shaped members, The cylindrical body is composed of the second light transmitting portion and a frame body having a U-shape, The first light transmitting portion and the second light transmitting portion may be detachable from the frame body.

[0021] According to the above configuration, since the first light transmitting portion is detachable from the frame body, cleaning or replacement of the first light transmitting portion is facilitated, and the time required for cleaning or replacement of the first light transmitting portion is reduced. The same applies to the second light transmitting portion.

[0022] In the above-mentioned imaging system, The inner surface of the cylindrical body other than the second light-transmitting portion may be made of a material that suppresses reflection of visible light.

[0023] If an inner surface other than the second light-transmitting portion reflects visible light, the visible light reflected by the inner surface may enter the camera, causing an image of the lighting unit to be captured on the camera. In contrast, with the above configuration, the visible light that enters the inner surface other than the second light-transmitting portion is less likely to be reflected by the inner surface. This prevents the image of the lighting unit from being captured on the camera.

[0024] Examples of materials that suppress the reflection of visible light include wood, medium density fiber (MDF) material, and resin materials containing additives such as pigments. These materials are easy to process and are suitable. In order to suppress the reflection of visible light, an anti-reflection agent or, for example, a black paint may be applied to the surface of the member that constitutes the inner side surface.

[0025] In the above-mentioned imaging system, The first light transmitting portion may be configured so that its position relative to the opening of the kneading device is changeable.

[0026] In order to predict the quality of the kneaded body with higher accuracy, it is preferable to photograph the kneaded body under conditions as close as possible to the lighting conditions and photographing conditions of the image data used to create a prediction model for predicting the quality. The above configuration is preferable because it makes it easier to achieve the target lighting conditions and photographing conditions. For example, the lighting conditions of the visible light can be easily changed by arranging the lighting unit opposite to the first light-transmitting part and changing the position of the lighting unit relative to the opening of the first light-transmitting part. Similarly, when a camera is arranged opposite to the first light-transmitting part, the photographing conditions, such as the positional relationship between the camera and the kneaded body, can be easily changed.

[0027] From the viewpoint of creating a prediction model, the above-mentioned configuration is preferable since it makes it easier to obtain a plurality of image data with different ways of illuminating the kneaded body and different positional relationships between the camera and the kneaded body.

[0028] The imaging system is Two support columns fixed to the wall surface of the kneading device; A connecting member that connects the support portions is provided, The camera may be disposed on the connecting member.

[0029] In the above-mentioned photographing system, the camera may be installed in any manner, but from the viewpoint of reducing the space required for the system, it may be installed in a state where it is connected to the wall of the kneading machine. If the camera is installed at the tip of one of the supports provided on the wall of the kneading machine, it is considered that the vibration of the camera will be large due to the vibration of the kneading machine. In contrast, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the support part that supports the camera is composed of two supports and a connecting member, so the vibration of the camera is small.

[0030] The imaging method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: A method for acquiring image data of a kneaded body in a kneading device having an opening in a part of a wall surface, comprising: The method is characterized in that after covering the opening with a shatterproof member having a light-transmitting portion that transmits visible light, kneading of the kneaded body is started, and image data of the kneaded body is obtained from outside the shatterproof member.

[0031] According to the above method, before starting kneading of the kneaded body, a scattering prevention member is placed on the opening, which makes it possible to obtain image data of the kneaded body while suppressing scattering of the kneaded body to the outside. Effect of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, there is provided an imaging system and an imaging method in which scattering of a kneaded body from a kneading device is suppressed. Also, according to the present invention, there is provided a scattering prevention member suitably used for the imaging system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an imaging system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging system. [Figure 3A] FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a diagram showing a state in which a light transmitting portion is removed from the shatterproof member shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C]3B is a cross-sectional view of the shatterproof member shown in FIG. 3A along CC. [Figure 3D] This is a drawing of the shatterproof member as seen from the Z direction. [Figure 4] 3 is an enlarged view of the shatterproof member and its surroundings in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing another example of a support part that supports a camera. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement relationship between the lighting unit and the camera. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of a shatterproof member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] An embodiment of the kneaded body photographing system (hereinafter simply referred to as "photography system") and the kneaded body photographing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the following drawings are schematic illustrations, and the dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match.

[0035] [Overall configuration of the imaging system] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an imaging system. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging system. In each of the following figures, an XYZ coordinate system is referred to as appropriate, in which the Z direction is the vertical direction and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction is the XY plane.

[0036] In the following description, when a positive or negative direction is to be distinguished from a positive or negative direction, the direction is described with a positive or negative sign, such as "+X direction" and "-X direction". When a direction is to be described without distinguishing between positive and negative directions, the direction is simply described as "X direction". In other words, in this specification, when the direction is simply described as "X direction", both the "+X direction" and the "-X direction" are included. The same applies to the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0037] 1 and 2, the photography system 1 includes a kneading device 2, a shatterproof member 3, an illumination unit 4, and a camera 6. The photography system 1 is a system for acquiring image data of a kneaded body W1 kneaded inside the kneading device 2.

[0038] The image data of the kneaded body W1 acquired by the imaging system 1 can be used to create a prediction model for predicting the quality of the kneaded body W1, for example. The image data of the kneaded body W1 is also used as input data for the created prediction model.

[0039] Hereinafter, the configuration of the photography system 1 will be described, and then a method for photographing the kneaded body W1 that can be performed by the photography system 1 will be described.

[0040] [Kneading equipment] The kneading device 2 is a device for kneading the kneaded body W1. As shown in Fig. 2, the kneading device 2 includes an agitating blade 20 for kneading the kneaded body W1 therein, an inlet 22 for introducing materials constituting the kneaded body W1, and an exhaust section 24 for exhausting air containing dust generated inside. A predetermined material is introduced from the inlet 22, and the kneaded body W1 is kneaded by the agitating blade 20. In Fig. 2, a rotating shaft 20a of the agitating blade 20 is illustrated typically.

[0041] 2, the kneading device 2 has an opening 26 through which the kneaded body W1 can be visually confirmed on the wall surface 2a on the +Z side. The opening 26 is sufficient if it allows the kneaded body W1 to be visually confirmed, and may be provided on the wall surface 2a by a drill or the like. The opening 26 may be provided in advance for feeding a plurality of types of materials, or may be a spare opening provided for exhaust.

[0042] From the viewpoint of facilitating the installation of the anti-scattering member 3, it is preferable that the opening 26 is located on the wall surface 2a on the +Z side, as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, by positioning the opening 26 on the wall surface 2a, it is easy to adjust the camera 6 so as to photograph a portion of the kneading device 2 in which the stirring blade 20 is not captured as much as possible.

[0043] [Shatterproof material] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the shatterproof member 3, and Fig. 3B is a diagram of the shatterproof member 3 in Fig. 3A with translucent parts (11, 12) described later removed. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the shatterproof member 3 in Fig. 3A along CC. Fig. 3D is a diagram of the shatterproof member 3 as viewed from the Z direction. For convenience of illustration, Fig. 3D omits the translucent part 11 described later.

[0044] 3A to 3D, the shatterproof member 3 has a cylindrical body 10 that has a rectangular cylindrical shape when viewed from the Z direction, and a light-transmitting portion 11. The light-transmitting portion 11 is provided between a first opening 10a on the +Z side of the cylindrical body 10 and a second opening 10b on the -Z side, and divides the space on the first opening 10a side and the space on the second opening 10b side inside the cylindrical body 10. The light-transmitting portion 11 is composed of a plate-shaped member made of a material that transmits visible light.

[0045] 3D, the cylindrical body 10 is composed of a frame body 13 that is U-shaped when viewed from the Z direction, and a light-transmitting portion 12 that connects the inner surfaces (15, 16) of the frame body 13 that face each other in the Y direction. The light-transmitting portion 12 is composed of a plate-shaped member made of a material that transmits visible light.

[0046] Examples of materials that transmit visible light include resin materials such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin, and colorless and transparent materials such as glass materials. The light transmitting portion 11 corresponds to a "first light transmitting portion," and the light transmitting portion 12 corresponds to a "second light transmitting portion."

[0047] The frame 13 is made of a plate-shaped member made of a material that suppresses reflection of visible light. This makes the inner surfaces 14-16 of the frame 13 less likely to reflect visible light. Examples of materials that suppress reflection of visible light include wood, medium density fiber (MDF) material, and resin materials containing additives such as pigments. As the resin material, acrylic resin, urethane resin, melamine resin, polyester resin, polypropylene resin, and the like can be appropriately used. Note that, after making the frame 13 out of any material, reflection of visible light on the inner surfaces 14-16 may be suppressed by applying an anti-reflection agent or, for example, black paint to the inner surfaces 14-16.

[0048] 3B and 3C, the inner surface 15 is provided with a plurality of grooves 15a extending in the X direction. The inner surface 16 is provided with a plurality of grooves 16a extending in the X direction. The grooves 15a and 16a face each other in the Y direction. The structure of the grooves 16a on the inner surface 16 is similar to the structure of the grooves 15a on the inner surface 15.

[0049] The light-transmitting portion 11 is configured to be freely attached to and detached from the frame body 13 by being inserted into and pulled out of the groove portion 15a and the groove portion 16a. 3A and 3C show a state in which the light-transmitting portion 11 is inserted into the groove portion 15a and the groove portion 16a located on the +Z side.

[0050] By changing the grooves (15a, 16a) into which the light transmitting portion 11 is inserted, the position of the light transmitting portion 11 relative to the opening 26 can be changed.

[0051] 3B and 3D, a pair of grooves (15b, 16b) extending in the Z direction are provided on the inner side surface 15 and the inner side surface 16. The grooves 15b and 16b face each other in the Y direction, and the structure of the groove 16b on the inner side surface 16 is similar to the structure of the groove 15b on the inner side surface 15. The light-transmitting portion 12 is configured to be detachable from the frame body 13 by being inserted into and pulled out of the grooves 15b and 16b.

[0052] 3D, the cylindrical body 10 of the scattering prevention member 3 is disposed so as to surround the opening 26 of the kneading device 2 when viewed from the Z direction, and the second opening 10b on the -Z side of the cylindrical body 10 is connected to the opening 26. As a result, even if a part of the kneaded body W1 scatters from the opening 26, the kneaded body W1 is prevented from scattering to the outside.

[0053] [Lighting unit] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the shatterproof member 3 in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the lighting unit 4 irradiates the inside of the kneading device 2 with visible light L1 from the outside of the shatterproof member 3 to illuminate the kneaded body W1. More specifically, the lighting unit 4 is disposed on the opposite side to the internal space of the shatterproof member 3 with respect to the light-transmitting portion 11, and illuminates the kneaded body W1 in the kneading device 2 via the light-transmitting portion 11.

[0054] The lighting unit 4 may have any configuration as long as it can illuminate the kneaded body W1. As an example, the lighting unit 4 is a floodlight that uses an incandescent light bulb or an LED as a light source.

[0055] [camera] 4, the camera 6 photographs the kneaded body W1 in the kneading device 2 from outside the shatterproof member 3. More specifically, the camera 6 is disposed on the opposite side to the internal space of the shatterproof member 3 with respect to the light-transmitting part 12, and photographs the kneaded body W1 through the light-transmitting part 12.

[0056] 1 and 2, the camera 6 is fixed to a support 7 connected to a ceiling, a wall, or the like (not shown) in a factory in which the kneading device 2 is installed. From the viewpoint of suppressing the vibration of the camera 6 caused by the vibration of the kneading device 2 kneading the kneaded body W1, it is preferable that the support 7 is connected to a surface different from the wall surface of the kneading device 2.

[0057] The support part 7 may be disposed on the wall surface 2a of the kneading device 2. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing another example of the support part 7 that supports the camera 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the support part 7 may have two support pillars (7a, 7b) fixed to the wall surface 2a and a connecting member 7c that connects the two support pillars (7a, 7b). Since the connecting member 7c does not have a free end, even when the support part 7 is connected to the wall surface 2a of the kneading device 2, vibration of the camera 6 due to vibration of the kneading device 2 is reduced.

[0058] In order to facilitate adjustment of the angle of the camera 6, it is preferable that the camera 6 be fixed to the connecting member 7c via an angle adjustment portion 8a.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5, the camera 6 and the lighting unit 4 may be arranged on a common support part 7. In Fig. 5, the lighting unit 4 is arranged on a connecting member 7d that connects two support parts (7a, 7b) via an angle adjustment part 8b.

[0060] Hereinafter, the procedure of the photographing method for acquiring image data of the kneaded body W1 using the photographing system 1 will be described.

[0061] [Installation of anti-scattering materials] 3D, the shatter-prevention member 3 is disposed so that the opening 26 of the kneading device 2 and the second opening 10b of the cylindrical body 10 are in communication with each other. At this time, the shatter-prevention member 3 may be disposed on the wall surface 2a of the kneading device 2 with the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 disposed on the frame 13, or the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 may be disposed on the frame 13 after the frame 13 is disposed on the wall surface 2a of the kneading device 2.

[0062] The shatter-prevention member 3 is preferably fixed to the wall surface 2a in order to prevent misalignment. The method of fixing the shatter-prevention member 3 is arbitrary. For example, the frame 13 of the shatter-prevention member 3 may be fixed to the wall surface 2a via an L-shaped metal fitting and a screw. It is possible to appropriately select which wall surface of the kneading device 2 has the opening 26 and on which wall the shatter-prevention member 3 is disposed, depending on the configuration of the kneading device 2.

[0063] [Installation of lighting unit and camera] Next, the lighting unit 4 and the camera 6 are arranged as described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the progression of visible light L1 emitted by the lighting unit 4. As shown in Fig. 4, most of the visible light L1 incident on the light-transmitting portion 11 is transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 11, but a portion of the visible light L1 is reflected by the light-transmitting portion 11. In the following, the visible light L1 reflected by the light-transmitting portion 11 will be referred to as "visible light L2" in order to distinguish it from the visible light L1.

[0064] From the viewpoint of preventing the illumination unit 4 from being captured in image data acquired by the camera 6 due to the incidence of visible light L2 on the camera 6, it is preferable to arrange the camera 6 on the -X side of the light-transmitting portion 12 when the illumination unit 4 is arranged on the +Z side of the light-transmitting portion 11. In this case, the light-transmitting portion 11 functions as a window for illumination, and the light-transmitting portion 12 functions as a window for photographing the kneaded body W1.

[0065] Moreover, the inner surface 14 of the frame 13 is preferably made of a material that suppresses reflection of visible light L1. This prevents visible light L1 incident on the inner surface 14 from traveling toward the camera 6, and prevents the lighting unit 4 from being captured by the camera 6. Although only the inner surface 14 is shown in FIG. 4, the same applies to the inner surfaces 15 and 16.

[0066] Furthermore, the angle θ1 between the optical axis A1 of the camera 6 and the light-transmitting portion 12 is preferably in the range of 0° to 30°. Here, the optical axis A1 of the camera 6 may be the optical axis of a lens (not shown) that is built into the camera 6 and focuses the incident visible light L1 onto an imaging element. This allows the camera 6 to receive more visible light L1 from within the kneading device 2 through the opening 26. The angle θ1 can be appropriately adjusted by changing the angle of the camera 6 on the support portion 7.

[0067] [Start of kneading] Then, predetermined materials are fed into the feed port 22 of the kneading device 2, and kneading within the kneading device 2 begins.

[0068] Since the material typically contains a hydraulic material such as cement, it is preferable to start mixing as soon as possible after the material is added. In view of this, it is preferable to complete installation of the shatterproof member 3, the lighting unit 4, and the camera 6 before the material is added, as described above.

[0069] [Acquisition of image data] The camera 6 photographs the kneaded body W1 through the opening 26, thereby acquiring image data of the kneaded body W1.

[0070] In addition, the lighting unit 4 may start turning on and the camera 6 may start taking pictures after the kneading of the kneaded body W1 has started, or kneading may start with the lighting unit 4 turned on and the camera 6 starting taking pictures.

[0071] In addition, dust is likely to be generated in the kneading device 2 immediately after the materials are charged and after kneading starts. In view of this, the camera 6 may start taking pictures after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of kneading the materials. The time from the start of kneading to the start of taking pictures by the camera 6 is preferably 30 seconds or more, and more preferably 1 minute or more.

[0072] [Post-process] The shatter-prevention member 3 is disposed over the opening 26, thereby preventing the kneaded body W1 from scattering to the outside. However, it is expected that the kneaded body W1 scattered from the opening 26 will adhere to the inside of the shatter-prevention member 3. If the adhesion of the kneaded body W1 accumulates and the inner surfaces of the light-transmitting portions 11 and 12 become dirty, the visible light L1 emitted by the illumination unit 4 or the field of view of the camera 6 will be blocked, making it difficult to photograph the kneaded body W1.

[0073] Therefore, after the photographing of the kneaded body W1 is performed, it is preferable that the inner surfaces of the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 are appropriately cleaned or replaced. Here, the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 are configured to be detachable from the frame body 13, so that the cleaning or replacement work can be easily performed. Note that this work may be performed when the anti-scattering member 3 is installed.

[0074] When removing the light-transmitting portion 11, it is assumed that the light-transmitting portion 12 is pulled out from the grooves (15b, 16b) and then the light-transmitting portion 11 is pulled out from the grooves (15a, 16a). In this state where the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 are removed from the frame 13, there is a risk that foreign matter may fall into the kneading device 2 through the opening 26. Examples of such foreign matter include tools held by an operator.

[0075] In contrast, as described with reference to FIG. 3C, since the inner surfaces (15, 16) have a plurality of grooves (15a, 16a), the grooves (15a, 16a) on the -Z side from where the light-transmitting portion 11 was provided may be used. Specifically, when the light-transmitting portion 12 is pulled out, a plate of the same size as the light-transmitting portion 11 can be inserted into the grooves (15a, 16a) arranged on the -Z side. As a result, even if a foreign object falls when the light-transmitting portion 11 is pulled out, the presence of the plate makes it difficult for the foreign object to fall into the kneading device 2.

[0076] In the above, the description has been given of cleaning the light-transmitting portions 11 and 12, but for example, if the kneaded body W1 accumulates on the frame body 13, it is also possible to remove the frame body 13 from the wall surface 2a.

[0077] As described above, the photographing system 1 and the photographing method can obtain image data of the kneaded body W1 while suppressing scattering of the kneaded body W1 by using the scattering prevention member 3 separate from the kneading device 2. The photographing system 1 and the photographing method can be applied to various kneading devices.

[0078] [Variations] Below, a modification of the imaging system 1 will be described.

[0079] <1> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the lighting unit 4 and the camera 6. In the above, it has been described that the lighting unit 4 is disposed on the +Z side of the light-transmitting portion 11, and the camera 6 is disposed on the -X side of the light-transmitting portion 12, but as shown in Fig. 6, both the lighting unit 4 and the camera 6 may be disposed on the +Z side of the light-transmitting portion 11.

[0080] The shatter-prevention member 3 has the light-transmitting portion 12 in addition to the light-transmitting portion 11, which makes it easy to adjust the positional relationship between the lighting unit 4 and the camera 6. More specifically, even if the lighting unit 4 is disposed closer to the light-transmitting portion 12 than the camera 6, the light-transmitting portion 12 transmits visible light L1, so that the progression of the visible light L1 is less likely to be blocked, and the visible light L1 can be suitably irradiated into the kneading device 2 through the opening 26.

[0081] In the case of FIG. 6, from the viewpoint of allowing the camera 6 to receive a larger amount of visible light L1 from within the kneading device 2, the angle θ2 formed between the optical axis A1 of the camera 6 and the light-transmitting portion 11 is preferably in the range of 70° to 90°.

[0082] 6, the state of adhesion of the kneaded body W1 to the inside of the shatterproof member 3 can be confirmed through the light-transmitting portion 12. That is, in FIG.

[0083] <2> Furthermore, the camera 6 may be disposed on the +Z side of the light-transmitting portion 11, and the lighting unit 4 may be disposed on the -X side of the light-transmitting portion 12. In this case, the light-transmitting portion 11 functions as a window for photographing the kneaded body W1, and the light-transmitting portion 12 functions as a window for lighting.

[0084] <3> In the above, the grooves (15a, 16a) are provided on the inner surfaces (15, 16) of the frame body 13, thereby making the light-transmitting portion 11 detachable from the frame body 13. However, any means may be used to make the light-transmitting portion 11 detachable from the frame body 13. For example, the light-transmitting portion 11 may be fixed to the frame body 13 via detachable screws or the like. The same applies to the light-transmitting portion 12.

[0085] <4> Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the shatterproof member 3. In the above, the shatterproof member 3 has a rectangular tubular shape when viewed from the Z direction, and one side surface is configured with the light-transmitting portion 12. However, as shown in Fig. 7, for example, the tubular body 10 of the shatterproof member 3 may have a cylindrical shape, and the light-transmitting portion 12 may be formed on part of the side surface.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, by providing a light-transmitting portion 12 on the side surface of the cylindrical body 10, it is possible to photograph the kneaded body W1 through the light-transmitting portion 12 and to inspect the inside of the shatterproof member 3.

[0087] <5> Although not shown in the drawings, the shatterproof member 3 may have, for example, a triangular cylindrical shape when viewed from the Z direction, and one side of the triangular cylindrical shape may be a light-transmitting portion 12 that transmits visible light L1.

[0088] <6> Even if the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 cannot be detached, the anti-scattering member 3 may be removed from the kneading device 2 and cleaned or replaced. In the present invention, it is optional whether the light-transmitting portion 11 and the light-transmitting portion 12 are detachable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: Shooting system 2: Mixing equipment 2a: Wall 3: Shatterproof material 4: Lighting unit 6: Camera 7: Support part 7a,7b: Support section 7c,7d: Connection member 8a,8b: Angle adjustment part 10 : Cylindrical body 10a: First opening 10b: Second opening 11,12 : Transparent part 13: Frame 14,15,16: inner surface 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b: Groove 20: Stirring blade 20a: Rotating shaft 22: Inlet 24: Exhaust section 26: Opening W1: Kneaded body

Claims

1. A kneading device for kneading the kneaded body therein; An opening provided at a portion of a wall surface of the kneading device; a cylindrical body having a first opening and a second opening opposed to each other, a first light-transmitting portion that transmits visible light and is provided inside the cylindrical body so as to separate a space on the first opening side from a space on the second opening side, and a second light-transmitting portion that transmits visible light and is provided on a side surface of the cylindrical body, the second opening being arranged so as to communicate with the opening of the kneading device; an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the kneading device from the outside of the scattering prevention member; a camera that photographs the kneaded body in the kneading device from outside the scattering prevention member to obtain image data.

2. The lighting unit illuminates the inside of the kneading device through the first light-transmitting portion, The photographing system according to claim 1 , wherein the camera photographs the kneaded body through the second light-transmitting portion.

3. The cylindrical body has a rectangular cylindrical shape, The imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the second light transmitting portion is one side surface of the cylindrical body.

4. the first light transmitting portion and the second light transmitting portion are made of plate-shaped members, The cylindrical body is composed of the second light transmitting portion and a frame body having a U-shape, The photographing system according to claim 3 , wherein the first light transmitting portion and the second light transmitting portion are detachable from the frame body.

5. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an inner surface of the cylindrical body other than the second light-transmitting portion is made of a material that suppresses reflection of visible light.

6. 5. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the first light transmitting section is configured so that its position with respect to the opening of the kneading device can be changed.

7. Two support columns fixed to the wall surface of the kneading device; A connecting member that connects the support portions is provided, 5. The photographing system according to claim 1, wherein the camera is disposed on the connecting member.

8. A method for acquiring image data of a kneaded body in a kneading device having an opening in a part of a wall surface, comprising: A photographing method, comprising covering the opening with a shatterproof member having a light-transmitting portion that transmits visible light, starting kneading of the kneaded body, and acquiring image data of the kneaded body from outside the shatterproof member.

9. A shatterproof member for use in the imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images