Imaging device

Abstract

To reduce the size of a device in comparison with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging parts having a single light source are arranged side by side on a moving path so that the irradiation direction of light to a medium is different.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes: a moving part which moves a medium; an imaging part which is arranged on the moving path of the medium, has a plurality of light sources different in the irradiation direction of light to the medium, and images the medium; and a control part which controls the imaging part so that when the medium is moved forward along the moving path by the moving part, the medium is imaged in the lighting state of one light source during a forward movement and the medium is imaged in the lighting state of another light source during a return movement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an object identification device including: imaging means for imaging a target location on the surface of an object; irradiation means for irradiating light onto the target location; control means for sequentially switching the relative direction of the light irradiated from the irradiation means with respect to the target location to a plurality of different directions, and for performing control to acquire imaging images for each of the plurality of directions by causing the imaging means to image the target location when the light is irradiated in each of the plurality of directions; and identification means for identifying the object by collating the feature information indicated by the imaging images for each of the plurality of directions with the feature information registered for each object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of the device as compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on a moving path such that the irradiation directions of light with respect to the medium are different.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The imaging device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a moving unit that moves a medium, a plurality of light sources that are arranged on the moving path of the medium and have different light irradiation directions with respect to the medium, an imaging unit that images the medium, and a control unit that controls the imaging unit to image the medium in the lighting state of one of the light sources during the forward movement when the moving unit moves the medium along the moving path in the forward direction, and to image the medium in the lighting state of another one of the light sources during the backward movement.

[0006] The imaging device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a moving unit that moves a medium, a plurality of light sources that are arranged on the moving path of the medium and have different light irradiation directions with respect to the medium, an imaging unit that images the medium, and a control unit that controls the imaging unit to image the medium in the lighting state of one of the light sources during the forward movement when the moving unit moves the medium along the moving path in the forward and backward directions a plurality of times, and to image the medium in the lighting state of another one of the light sources during the next forward movement.

[0007] The imaging device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, in which a plurality of the media are attached to a belt, one end of which is fixed to a first holder and wound around the first holder, and the other end of which is fixed to a second holder, and the moving unit moves the medium by rotating the first holder and the second holder.

[0008] The imaging device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the third aspect, in which the control unit controls the rotation of the first holder and the second holder so that the moving speed of the medium by the moving unit becomes constant.

[0009] The imaging device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the fourth aspect that cites the imaging device according to the second aspect, in which the control unit stores a first feed amount of the belt until the first holder and the second holder rotate and the first medium is imaged, and a second feed amount of the belt from when the first medium is imaged until the last medium is imaged, and when returning the belt from the second holder to the first holder, controls the rotation of the first holder and the second holder so that the return amount of the belt becomes the sum of a third feed amount that is less than the first feed amount and the second feed amount.

[0010] The imaging device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the third aspect, and is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the medium of the belt is disposed, and in the imaging region of the medium in the imaging unit, a suppression unit that sucks the belt to suppress vibration of the belt is provided.

[0011] The imaging device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the sixth aspect, and the suppression unit includes a flat support surface that supports the belt and a plurality of suction holes provided in the support surface.

[0012] The imaging device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the seventh aspect, and the support surface has a lower height from one side to the other side in the width direction of the belt, and on the side where the height of the support surface is low, a guide portion that contacts the side surface on the other side in the width direction of the belt is provided at an interval in the moving direction of the belt.

[0013] The imaging device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the third aspect, and when an abnormality occurs in the image processing of the captured image acquired by capturing the medium, the control unit skips the subsequent imaging only for the medium in which the abnormality has occurred.

[0014] The imaging device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the third aspect, and after finishing the image processing of the captured images acquired by capturing all the media, when there is a medium in which an abnormality has occurred in the image processing, the control unit controls the moving unit to move the medium in which the abnormality has occurred to a preset position.

[0015] The imaging device according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the tenth aspect, and the preset position is a position within the imaging region of the imaging unit.

[0016] The imaging device according to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the third aspect, and the moving unit has a first mounting portion to which the first holding body is mounted and a second mounting portion to which the second holding body is mounted, and includes a mirror that reflects at least one of the mounting state of the first mounting portion and the first holding body and the mounting state of the second mounting portion and the second holding body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the first aspect, compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on a moving path so that the irradiation directions of light on the medium are different, the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0018] According to the second aspect, compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on a moving path so that the irradiation directions of light on the medium are different, the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0019] According to the third aspect, compared with a configuration in which the moving unit moves together with the medium, the mechanism related to the movement of the medium can be simplified.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, the imaging accuracy of the medium by the imaging unit is improved compared with the case where there is variation in the moving speed of the medium.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a configuration in which the feeding amount and the returning amount of the belt are the same, the time for imaging all the media can be shortened.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, the imaging accuracy of the medium by the imaging unit is improved compared with a configuration in which the belt is in a free state in the imaging area of the imaging unit.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, the imaging accuracy of the medium by the imaging unit is improved compared with a configuration in which the support surface is curved.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, the position of the medium in the width direction during imaging can be stabilized.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect, compared with a configuration in which the medium in which an abnormality has occurred during imaging of the medium is repeatedly imaged, the time for imaging the medium can be shortened.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, the medium in which an abnormality has occurred can be excluded from the belt.

[0027] According to the 11th aspect, it is easier to discover a medium in which an abnormality has occurred compared to the case where a preset position is outside the imaging area of the imaging unit.

[0028] According to the 12th aspect, the mounting states of the first mounting portion and the first holder and the mounting state of the second mounting portion and the second holder can be visually confirmed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of a mode for carrying out the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that components and processes having the same functions, operations, and actions may be given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Each drawing only schematically shows the technology of the present disclosure to such an extent that it can be sufficiently understood. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited only to the illustrated examples. In addition, in this embodiment, descriptions of configurations that are not directly related to the technology of the present disclosure and well-known configurations may be omitted.

[0031] The imaging device 20 of this embodiment is a device having a function of imaging a partial area on the surface of a label 102 as an example of a medium (see FIGS. 1 to 4) and registering (storing) the image obtained by imaging (hereinafter, may be expressed as an "imaging image") as medium-specific information. As an example, a random pattern that is difficult to form controllably (intentionally), such as the dispersion state of metal fine particles contained in silver paint and the distribution of plant fibers forming paper, is applied to the medium-specific information. Note that the random pattern on the surface of the label 102 imaged by the imaging device 20 is hereinafter appropriately expressed as a patch 104.

[0032] The imaging device 20 may image the patch 104 on the surface of the label 102, store, as a registered image, the image representing the random pattern obtained by the imaging in the storage 84D, and then register it in the database DB. Alternatively, the registered image may be directly registered in the database DB without passing through the storage 84D.

[0033] Further, on the surface of each label 102, a two-dimensional code (not shown) is provided separately from the patch 104. The two-dimensional code is also imaged by the imaging device 20. Note that a one-dimensional code may be provided instead of the two-dimensional code. The imaging device 20 may image the two-dimensional code and the patch 104 separately for each label 102 to obtain two imaging images, or may image them simultaneously to obtain one imaging image. From the viewpoint of shortening the acquisition time of the imaging image, the latter is more desirable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the imaging device 20 images the two-dimensional code and the patch 104 simultaneously for each label 102 to obtain one imaging image.

[0034] The labels 102 are affixed on a film 106 as an example of a strip at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the film 106. The patches 104 of each label 102 are different random patterns as described above. The film 106 is wound in a roll shape (see FIG. 1). Hereinafter, the film 106 with a plurality of labels 102 affixed and wound in a roll shape is appropriately referred to as a label roll 100.

[0035] Next, details of the imaging device 20 will be described.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 20 includes a moving unit 30, imaging units 40 and 41, and a control unit 80 (see FIG. 7). Note that the arrow UP in FIG. 1 indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the imaging device 20. Hereinafter, the vertical direction may be expressed as the device up-down direction. Also, the depth direction (horizontal direction) in the front-back direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1 may be expressed as the device depth direction. Further, the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the paper surface in FIG. 1 may be expressed as the device width direction. These device up-down direction, device depth direction, and device width direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0037] (Moving Unit 30) The moving part 30 is a part that has the function of moving the label 102 in the imaging device 20. Specifically, the moving part 30 includes a feeding roll 32 as an example of the first holding body, a winding roll 34 as an example of the second holding body, and a plurality of tension rollers 36.

[0038] The feeding roll 32 is a roll on which the label roll 100 is set. One end of the film 106 constituting the label roll 100 is fixed to the rotation axis 32A of the feeding roll 32 by an adhesive tape (not shown) or the like. Further, the rotation axis 32A rotates by the driving force from a driving source 32B (for example, an electric motor) (see Fig. 7).

[0039] The winding roll 34 is a roll that winds up the label roll 100 set on the feeding roll 32. The other end of the film 106 constituting the label roll 100 is fixed to the rotation axis 34A of the winding roll 34 by an adhesive tape (not shown) or the like. Further, the rotation axis 34A rotates by the driving force from a driving source 34B (for example, an electric motor) (see Fig. 7).

[0040] Here, with the label roll 100 set on the feeding roll 32 and the other end of the film 106 fixed to the winding roll 34 by an adhesive tape or the like, when the rotation axis 34A of the winding roll 34 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the film 106 is wound around the winding roll 34. At this time, the rotation axis 32A either idles in the clockwise direction with the driving force from the driving source 32B turned off or rotates in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the driving source 32B. The movement of the label 102 attached to the film 106 at this time is called the forward movement, and the path of the forward movement is simply called the forward path. Note that the direction of the forward movement is indicated by the arrow O in the figure (see Figs. 4, 6, 8, etc.).

[0041] Also, by rotating the rotation shaft 32A of the delivery roll 32 counterclockwise, the film 106 wound around the take-up roll 34 is rewound onto the delivery roll 32. At this time, the rotation shaft 34A is driven to rotate counterclockwise by turning off the driving force from the drive source 34B and rotating passively, or is rotated counterclockwise by the driving force from the drive source 34B. The movement of the label 102 attached to the film 106 at this time is called a return movement, and the path of the return movement is simply called a return path. Note that the direction of the return movement is indicated by the arrow R in the figure (see FIGS. 4, 9, etc.).

[0042] Note that hereinafter, when referring to the movement path of the label 102, it refers to the path along which the label 102 moves and includes the forward path and the return path.

[0043] A plurality of tension rollers 36 are arranged on the movement path of the label 102. These tension rollers 36 have a function of applying tension to the film 106.

[0044] (Imaging unit 40) The imaging unit 40 is a part of the imaging device 20 that has the function of imaging the label 102. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging unit 40 is arranged on the movement path of the label 102 (above the movement path). In other words, the imaging unit 40 is arranged such that its imaging region IA1 is located on the movement path of the label 102. The imaging unit 40 is, for example, a camera. Also, the imaging unit 40 has a plurality of light sources with different irradiation directions of light with respect to the label 102. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 40 has two first light sources 42 and second light sources 44. Also, the first light sources 42 and second light sources 44 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as an example. Note that the imaging unit 40 of this embodiment also has the function of imaging the two-dimensional code of the label 102.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the first light source 42 is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the straight line SL1 along the vertical direction of the apparatus. On the other hand, the second light source 44 is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the straight line SL2 along the vertical direction of the apparatus. The first light source 42 and the second light source 44 are arranged on opposite sides of the imaging unit 40 in the moving direction of the label 102. In FIG. 2, the first light source 42 is located on the left side of the imaging unit 40, and the second light source 44 is located on the right side of the imaging unit 40. Therefore, the irradiation directions of the light from the first light source 42 and the second light source 44 with respect to the label 102 are opposite to each other. Note that the absolute values of the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 may be the same or different.

[0046] (Imaging unit 41) Similar to the imaging unit 40, the imaging unit 41 is a part having a function of imaging the label 102 in the imaging apparatus 20. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the imaging unit 41 is arranged on the moving path of the label 102 (above the moving path). In other words, the imaging unit 41 is arranged such that its imaging region IA2 is located on the moving path of the label 102. More specifically, the imaging unit 41 is located downstream of the imaging unit 40 in the forward path of the label 102. The imaging unit 41 is, for example, a camera. The imaging unit 41 also has a plurality of light sources with different irradiation directions with respect to the label 102. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 41 has two third light sources 43 and a fourth light source 45. The third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45 are, for example, LEDs. The imaging unit 41 of the present embodiment also has a function of imaging the two-dimensional code of the label 102.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the third light source 43 is inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to a straight line SL3 along the vertical direction of the apparatus. On the other hand, the fourth light source 45 is inclined at an angle θ4 with respect to a straight line SL4 along the vertical direction of the apparatus. The third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45 are arranged on opposite sides of the imaging unit 41 in the moving direction of the label 102. In FIG. 3, the third light source 43 is located on the left side of the imaging unit 41, and the fourth light source 45 is located on the right side of the imaging unit 41. Therefore, the irradiation directions of the light from the third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45 with respect to the label 102 are opposite to each other. The absolute values of the angle θ3 and the angle θ4 may be the same or different. However, since the imaging unit 41 obtains an imaging image with a different light source position from that of the imaging unit 40, the absolute value of the angle θ3 needs to be different from the absolute value of the angle θ1, and the absolute value of the angle θ4 needs to be different from the absolute value of the angle θ2.

[0048] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device 20 includes a suppression unit 50 on the side opposite to the side (upper side in the present embodiment) where the label 102 of the film 106 is disposed. Specifically, the suppression unit 50 is disposed on the side opposite to the imaging unit 40 with the film 106 interposed therebetween. In a state where the label roll 100 is not set, the suppression unit 50 and the imaging unit 40 face each other in the vertical direction of the apparatus. In other words, the suppression unit 50 is disposed in the imaging area IA1 of the label 102 in the imaging unit 40. This suppression unit 50 is a portion having a function of suppressing the vibration of the film 106 by sucking the lower surface of the film 106 in the imaging area IA1 of the label 102.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the suppression unit 50 includes a flat support surface 52 that supports the film 106 and a plurality of suction holes 54 provided in the support surface 52. The support surface 52 is provided such that the label 102 on the support surface 52 is located within the depth of focus range of the imaging unit 40. Each suction hole 54 is connected to a suction device 56 that sucks gas (see FIG. 7). The suppression unit 50 attracts the film 106 to the support surface 52 by the suction force from the suction device 56.

[0050] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the suppression unit 50 includes a pressing roll 60 that extends in the depth direction of the apparatus on the upper surface side of the film 106 in order to suppress the flutter of the film 106.

[0051] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the support surface 52 has a lower height from one side to the other side in the width direction of the film 106. And a guide portion 58 that contacts the side surface on the other side in the width direction of the film 106 is provided at a distance in the moving direction (apparatus width direction) of the film 106 on the side where the height of the support surface 52 is low (see FIG. 4). It may be alternatively said that the inclination of the support surface 52 is inclined so that the height becomes lower from one side to the other side in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the imaging device 20 includes a suppression unit 51 on the side opposite to the side (upper side in the present embodiment) where the label 102 of the film 106 is disposed. Specifically, the suppression unit 51 is disposed on the side opposite to the imaging unit 41 with the film 106 interposed therebetween. In a state where the label roll 100 is not set, the suppression unit 51 and the imaging unit 41 face each other in the up-down direction of the apparatus. In other words, the suppression unit 51 is disposed in the imaging area IA2 of the label 102 in the imaging unit 41. This suppression unit 51 has a function of suppressing the vibration of the film 106 by sucking the lower surface of the film 106 in the imaging area IA2.

[0053] The suppression unit 51 includes a flat support surface 53 that supports the film 106 and a plurality of suction holes 55 provided in the support surface 53, similarly to the suppression unit 50. The support surface 53 is provided so that the label 102 on the support surface 53 is located within the depth of focus range of the imaging unit 41. Each suction hole 55 is connected to a suction device 57 that sucks gas (see FIG. 7). The suppression unit 51 attracts the film 106 to the support surface 53 by the suction force from the suction device 57.

[0054] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the suppression unit 51 includes a pressing roll 61 that extends in the depth direction of the apparatus on the upper surface side of the film 106 in order to suppress the flutter of the film 106.

[0055] Also, similar to the support surface 52, the support surface 53 has a decreasing height from one side to the other side in the width direction of the film 106. And a guide portion 59 that contacts the side surface on the other side in the width direction of the film 106 is provided at an interval in the moving direction (apparatus width direction) of the film 106 on the side where the height of the support surface 53 is low (see FIG. 4). Note that it may be alternatively stated that the inclination of the support surface 53 is inclined so that the height decreases from one side to the other side in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0056] Also, the imaging device 20 includes a mirror 90 that reflects a state in which the feeding roll 32 is mounted on the rotation shaft 32A and the label roll 100 is set. As shown in FIG. 1, this mirror 90 is disposed above the feeding roll 32 and is angle-adjusted so that the set state of the feeding roll 32 can be confirmed from the front of the apparatus.

[0057] Also, the imaging device 20 includes a mirror 91 that reflects a state in which the take-up roll 34 is mounted on the rotation shaft 34A and the other end of the film 106 is fixed to the take-up roll 34. This mirror 91 is disposed above the take-up roll 34 and is angle-adjusted so that the set state of the take-up roll 34 can be confirmed from the front of the apparatus.

[0058] (Control unit 80) As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 80 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 84A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 84B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 84C, a storage 84D, an operation unit 84E, a display 84F, and a communication line interface (I / F) unit 84G. The CPU 84A controls the overall operation of the imaging device 20. The ROM 84B stores various control programs, various parameters, etc. in advance. The RAM 84C is used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 84A. The storage 84D stores various data, application programs, etc. The operation unit 84E is used to input various information. The display 84F is used to display various information. The communication line interface unit 84G can be connected to the communication line 88 and performs transmission and reception of various data with other devices connected to the communication line 88. Each part of the imaging device 20 described above is electrically interconnected by a system bus 84H. In the imaging device 20 according to the present embodiment, an example including the storage 84D is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and other non-volatile storage units such as a flash memory may be provided.

[0059] The imaging device 20 also includes each imaging unit 40, 41 and each light source 42, 43, 44, 45, and acquires an imaging image obtained by emitting light from each light source and imaging the patch 104 of the label 102 by the imaging units 40, 41. The imaging device 20 also acquires an imaging image obtained by emitting light from each light source and imaging the two-dimensional code of the label 102 by the imaging units 40, 41. Here, the imaging image obtained by imaging the patch 104 of the label 102 is linked to the information (unique information of the label 102) obtained from the imaging image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code of the label 102 and transmitted to the storage 84D or the database DB.

[0060] With the above configuration, the imaging device 20 according to the present embodiment executes access to the ROM 84B, the RAM 84C, and the storage 84D, acquisition of various data via the operation unit 84E, and display of various information on the display 84F by the CPU 84A. Further, the imaging device 20 executes control of transmission and reception of communication data such as an imaging image via the communication line interface unit 84G by the CPU 84A.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, when the control unit 80 causes the moving unit 30 to move the label 102 along the moving path in the forward direction, during the forward movement, the imaging unit 40 images the label 102 with the first light source 42 turned on, and obtains one captured image in which the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code are imaged for each label 102. Here, since the imaging of the label 102 by the imaging unit 40 may be performed with the first light source 42 turned on, the first light source 42 may continue to be turned on without being turned off even once until all the labels 102 are imaged, or may be turned on when the edge of the label 102 is detected to image the label 102 and then turned off, and the like, and the on / off operation may be repeated. Next, the imaging unit 41 images the label 102 with the third light source 43 turned on, and obtains one captured image in which the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code are imaged for each label 102. Here, since the imaging of the label 102 by the imaging unit 41 may be performed with the third light source 43 turned on, the third light source 43 may continue to be turned on without being turned off even once until all the labels 102 are imaged, or may be turned on when the edge of the label 102 is detected to image the label 102 and then turned off, and the like, and the on / off operation may be repeated. Note that when the first light source 42 is turned on in the imaging unit 40, the second light source 44 is turned off. In other words, the second light source 44 is not turned on even once until all the labels 102 are imaged and continues to be turned off. Similarly, when the third light source 43 is turned on in the imaging unit 41, the fourth light source 45 is turned off. In other words, the fourth light source 45 is not turned on even once until all the labels 102 are imaged and continues to be turned off. Here, the pair of the first light source 42 and the second light source 44 and the pair of the third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45 are separated such that the light emitted by any one of the light sources in one pair does not affect the light emitted by any one of the light sources in the other pair. That is, in the above, the light emitted by the first light source 42 does not affect the captured image of the imaging unit 41 (does not irradiate the imaging region IA2). Also, the light emitted by the third light source 43 does not affect the captured image of the imaging unit 40 (does not irradiate the imaging region IA1).Note that, for the pair of the first light source 42 and the second light source 44 and the pair of the third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45, it is only necessary that the light emitted by any one of the light sources in one pair does not affect the light emitted by any one of the light sources in the other pair. Therefore, a shielding member may be provided between one pair and the other pair.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when the control unit 80 causes the moving unit 30 to move the label 102 back along the moving path, during the backward movement, the imaging unit 41 images the label 102 with the fourth light source 45 turned on, and acquires one captured image in which the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code are imaged for each label 102. Here, since the imaging of the label 102 by the imaging unit 41 may be performed with the fourth light source 45 turned on, the fourth light source 45 may continue to be turned on without being turned off even once until all the labels 102 are imaged, or may repeatedly turn on and off, for example, turn on when the edge of the label 102 is detected to image the label 102 and turn off after the imaging of the label 102. Next, the imaging unit 40 images the label 102 with the second light source 44 turned on, and acquires one captured image in which the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code are imaged for each label 102. Here, since the imaging of the label 102 by the imaging unit 40 may be performed with the second light source 44 turned on, the second light source 44 may continue to be turned on without being turned off even once until all the labels 102 are imaged, or may repeatedly turn on and off, for example, turn on when the edge of the label 102 is detected to image the label 102 and turn off after the imaging of the label 102. Note that, when the second light source 44 is turned on in the imaging unit 40, the first light source 42 is turned off. In other words, the first light source 42 is not turned on even once until all the labels 102 are imaged and continues to be turned off. Similarly, when the fourth light source 45 is turned on in the imaging unit 41, the third light source 43 is turned off. In other words, the third light source 43 is not turned on even once until all the labels 102 are imaged and continues to be turned off. In the above, the light emitted by the second light source 44 does not affect the captured image of the imaging unit 41 (does not irradiate the imaging region IA2). Also, the light emitted by the fourth light source 45 does not affect the captured image of the imaging unit 40 (does not irradiate the imaging region IA1).

[0063] Further, the control unit 80 controls the rotation of the feeding roll 32 and the take-up roll 34 so that the moving speed of the label 102 by the moving unit 30 becomes constant. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the rotation of at least one of the drive sources of the feeding roll 32 and the take-up roll 34 used for rotational drive. More specifically, in the forward movement, the control unit 80 rotates the rotation shaft 34A of the take-up roll 34 in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B to wind the film 106 around the take-up roll 34. At this time, the control unit 80 makes the rotation shaft 32A rotate in the clockwise direction in a driven manner by eliminating the driving force from the drive source 32B, or rotates the rotation shaft 32A in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 32B. Also, in the reverse movement, the control unit 80 rotates the rotation shaft 32A of the take-up roll 32 in the counterclockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 32B to wind the film 106 around the take-up roll 32. At this time, the control unit 80 makes the rotation shaft 34A rotate in the counterclockwise direction in a driven manner by eliminating the driving force from the drive source 34B, or rotates the rotation shaft 34A in the counterclockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B. Note that the control unit 80 controls the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drive source 34B and the drive source 32B so that the moving speed of the label 102 becomes constant.

[0064] When an abnormality occurs in the captured image obtained by imaging the label 102, the control unit 80 skips (does not perform) the subsequent imaging for the label 102 in which the abnormality has occurred. Specifically, in the image processing of the captured image obtained by imaging at least one of the imaging units 40 and 41, a label 102 in which an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code and the image processing cannot be performed is determined to be defective, and control is performed so as to skip the imaging of only the label 102 determined to be defective in the next time (after that). More specifically, as a result of image processing of the captured image obtained by imaging the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code of the label 102, when the medium-specific information cannot be obtained (when the image processing cannot be performed), only the label 102 for which the image processing cannot be performed is determined to be defective.

[0065] Also, after the image processing of all the labels 102 is completed, if there is a label 102 (defective label 102) in which an abnormality has occurred during the image processing, the control unit 80 may control the moving unit 30 to move the label 102 in which the abnormality has occurred to a preset position. Specifically, the control unit 80 may move the label 102 in which the abnormality has occurred so as to be located within the imaging area of the imaging unit 40 or the imaging unit 41. In this way, when the defective label 102 is located within the imaging area of the imaging unit 40 or the imaging unit 41, the operator can easily peel off and remove the defective label 102 from the film 106.

[0066] (Imaging Flow) Next, the imaging flow of the label 102 in the forward path and the return path of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0067] First, set the label roll 100 on the feed roll 32, and fix the other end of the film 106 to the take-up roll 34 with an adhesive tape or the like (see FIG. 1).

[0068] In step S200, the control unit 80 turns on the first light source 42 and the third light source 43 (see FIG. 8). At this time, the control unit 80 turns off the second light source 44 and the fourth light source 45.

[0069] In step S202, the control unit 80 rotates the take-up roll 34 in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B to send out the label 102 from the feed roll 32. At this time, the label 102 moves in the forward path. Note that the control unit 80 makes the rotary shaft 32A rotate in a clockwise direction in a driven manner without the driving force from the drive source 32B, or rotates the rotary shaft 32A in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 32B.

[0070] In step S204, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 80 images a label 102 passing through the imaging area IA1 by the imaging unit 40 (first imaging unit), and acquires an imaging image including a patch 104 and a two-dimensional code. Further, the imaging unit 41 (second imaging unit) images a label 102 passing through the imaging area IA2, and acquires an imaging image including a patch 104 and a two-dimensional code. The control unit 80 stores the acquired imaging image in the storage 84D. The imaging images stored in the storage 84D are two in total, one imaging image captured by the imaging unit 40 and one imaging image captured by the imaging unit 41 for one label 102.

[0071] In step S206, the control unit 80 determines (judges) whether the imaging unit 41 (second imaging unit) has finished imaging the last label 102. If the imaging unit 41 has not finished imaging the last label 102, step S204 is executed. If the imaging unit 41 has finished imaging the last label 102, the process proceeds to step S208. The labels 102 are attached on the film 106 at the same, equivalent or similar intervals. Therefore, for example, if the control unit 80 can detect the edge (the downstream edge in the moving direction of the film 106) of the label 102 by the imaging unit 41 within a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds), it can be determined that the imaging of the last label 102 has not been completed. If the edge (the downstream edge in the moving direction of the film 106) of the label 102 passing through the forward path cannot be detected even after the elapse of the predetermined time, it can be determined that the imaging of the last label 102 has been completed.

[0072] In step S208, the control unit 80 winds up the label 102 with the take-up roll 34. When the control unit 80 winds up all the labels 102 attached to the film 106 onto the take-up roll 34, it stops the rotation of the take-up roll 34. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the drive source 34B to stop the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 34A, and controls the drive source 32B to stop the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 32A. At this time, one end of the film 106 is fixed to the feed roll 32 by an adhesive tape or the like.

[0073] In step S210, the control unit 80 performs image processing on all the captured images stored in the storage 84D in step S204. For example, if there are 500 labels 102 pasted on the film 106, a total of 1000 captured images, including 500 captured images of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 40 (the first imaging unit) and 500 captured images of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 41 (the second imaging unit), are subjected to image processing. In the image processing, for each individual captured image, information of the two-dimensional code (medium-specific information) in the captured image and information of the patch 104 (medium-specific information) in the captured image are acquired. When there is no abnormality in both, the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 are linked and stored in the storage 84D. At this time, the captured image before image processing including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code may be changed to only the patch 104 (erasing the image of the two-dimensional code) to reduce the capacity of the captured image, and the information of the two-dimensional code (text information) may be linked to the captured image after the image processing and stored in the storage 84D. Further, in the image processing of step S210, when an abnormality is found in at least one of the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 in the captured image, the abnormality information indicating which label 102 among the labels 102 pasted on the film 106 has an abnormality is stored in the storage 84D. For example, if there is an abnormality such as inability to read the two-dimensional code in at least one of the two captured images (the captured image captured by the imaging unit 40 and the captured image captured by the imaging unit 41) of the 220th label 102 from the first among 500 labels, it is stored in the storage 84D that the 220th label 102 is a defective label.

[0074] In step S212, the control unit 80 turns on the second light source 44 and the fourth light source 45 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the control unit 80 turns off the first light source 42 and the third light source 43.

[0075] In step S214, the control unit 80 rotates the delivery roll 32 counterclockwise by the driving force from the drive source 32B to unwind the label 102 from the take-up roll 34. At this time, the label 102 moves in the return path. Note that the control unit 80 either rotates the rotary shaft 34A in a counterclockwise driven rotation by eliminating the driving force from the drive source 34B or rotates the rotary shaft 34A in a counterclockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B.

[0076] In step S216, in the image processing of the captured image captured by at least one of the imaging unit 40 (first imaging unit) and the imaging unit 41 (second imaging unit) in step S210, when at least one of the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 cannot be image-processed and is determined to be abnormal, the defective label 102 proceeds to step S220. In the above example, the 220th label 102 from the beginning corresponds, and the 220th label 102 proceeds to step S220 in step S216. On the other hand, when there is no abnormality in the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 in the image processing of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 40 and the imaging unit 41 in step S210, the process proceeds to step S218. In the above example, the 499 labels 102 excluding the 220th label 102 from the beginning proceed to step S218 in step S216.

[0077] In step S218, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 80 captures the label 102 passing through the imaging area IA2 of the imaging unit 41 (second imaging unit), and acquires an imaging image including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code. Further, the imaging unit 40 (first imaging unit) captures the label 102 passing through the imaging area IA1, and acquires an imaging image including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code. The control unit 80 stores the acquired imaging image in the storage 84D. The imaging images stored in the storage 84D are two images in total, one imaging image captured by the imaging unit 41 and one imaging image captured by the imaging unit 40 for one label 102. In the above example (when there are 500 labels 102), for 499 labels 102 excluding the defective label 102 at the 220th from the beginning, step S218 is executed, so 998 imaging images are newly stored in the storage 84D in step S218.

[0078] In step S220, the control unit 80 determines whether the imaging unit 40 (first imaging unit) has finished imaging the last label 102. If the imaging unit 40 has not finished imaging the last label 102, step S216 is executed. If the imaging unit 40 has finished imaging the last label 102, the process proceeds to step S222. Since the labels 102 are attached on the film 106 at the same, equivalent or similar intervals, for example, if the edge of the label 102 (the downstream edge in the moving direction of the film 106) cannot be detected even after a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed by the imaging unit 40, it can be determined that the imaging of the last label 102 has been completed.

[0079] In step S222, the control unit 80 winds up the label 102 with the feed roll 32. When the control unit 80 winds up all the labels 102 attached to the film 106 onto the feed roll 32, it stops the rotation of the feed roll 32. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the drive source 32B to stop the rotation of the rotary shaft 32A in the counterclockwise direction, and controls the drive source 34B to stop the rotation of the rotary shaft 34A in the counterclockwise direction. At this time, the other end of the film 106 is fixed to the take-up roll 34.

[0080] In step S224, the control unit 80 performs image processing on all the captured images newly stored in the storage 84D in step S218. For example, if there are 500 labels 102 pasted on the film 106 and one defective label 102 is determined in step S216, a total of 998 captured images including 499 captured images of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 41 (second imaging unit) and 499 captured images of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 40 (first imaging unit) are subjected to image processing. In the image processing, for each individual captured image, information of the two-dimensional code in the captured image and information of the patch 104 in the captured image are acquired. When there are no abnormalities in both, the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 are linked and stored in the storage 84D. At this time, the captured image before image processing including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code may be changed to a captured image of only the patch 104 (erasing the image of the two-dimensional code) to reduce the capacity of the captured image, and the information (text information) of the two-dimensional code may be linked to the captured image after the image processing. Also, in the image processing of step S224, when an abnormality is found in at least one of the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 in the captured image, abnormality information indicating which label 102 out of the labels 102 pasted on the film 106 has an abnormality is stored in the storage 84D. For example, if there is an abnormality (such as inability to read the two-dimensional code) in at least one of the captured images of two labels 102 from the first to the 110th out of 499, it is stored in the storage 84D that the 110th label 102 is a defective label 102.

[0081] In this way, the imaging device 20 of the present embodiment captures a plurality of (four in this embodiment) captured images with different light irradiation directions for one patch 104 of one label 102. In the above example, although the number of captured images with different light irradiation directions would be 500×4 = 2000 in principle, 1992 images obtained by subtracting 2×4 corresponding to the two defective labels 102 are stored in the storage 84D with the two-dimensional code linked to the patch 104.

[0082] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0083] In the imaging device 20 of this embodiment, when the moving unit 30 moves the label 102 along the moving path in the forward direction, the control unit 80 controls the imaging units 40 and 41 to image the label 102 with only the first light source 42 and the third light source 43 lit during the forward movement, and to image the label 102 with only the second light source 44 and the fourth light source 45 lit during the return movement. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on the moving path so that the irradiation directions of light on the label are different, the imaging device can be miniaturized.

[0084] In the imaging device 20 of this embodiment, the moving unit 30 moves the label 102 by rotating the feeding roll 32 and the winding roll 34. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, compared with a configuration in which the moving unit moves together with the label 102, the mechanism related to the movement of the label 102 can be simplified.

[0085] In the imaging device 20 of this embodiment, the control unit 80 controls the rotation of the feeding roll 32 and the winding roll 34 so that the moving speed of the label 102 by the moving unit 30 becomes constant. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, compared with the case where there is variation in the moving speed of the label 102, the imaging accuracy of the label 102 by the imaging units 40 and 41 is improved.

[0086] The imaging device 20 of this embodiment includes suppression units 50 and 51 that suck the film 106 and suppress the vibration of the film 106. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, compared with a configuration in which the film 106 is in a free state in the imaging regions IA1 and IA2 of the imaging units 40 and 41, the imaging accuracy of the label 102 by the imaging units 40 and 41 is improved.

[0087] In the imaging device 20 of the present embodiment, the suppression units 50 and 51 include flat support surfaces 52 and 53, and a plurality of suction holes 54 and 55. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, the imaging accuracy of the label 102 by the imaging units 40 and 41 is improved as compared with a configuration in which the support surfaces 52 and 53 are curved.

[0088] In the imaging device 20 of the present embodiment, the support surfaces 52 and 53 decrease in height from one side to the other side in the width direction of the film 106, and on the lower height side of the support surface 52, guide portions 58 and 59 that contact the side surface on the other side in the width direction of the film 106 are provided at intervals in the moving direction of the film 106. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, since the film 106 comes to be positioned on the side of the guide portions 58 and 59 by gravity, the position of the label 102 in the width direction during imaging can be stabilized. In other words, according to the imaging device 20, the meandering of the film 106 in the depth direction of the device can be suppressed.

[0089] In the imaging device 20 of the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the information obtained by image processing of the captured image acquired by capturing the label 102, the control unit 80 skips the capture of the label 102 in which the abnormality has occurred (only the label 102 in which the abnormality has occurred, and stops the subsequent imaging). Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, the time for capturing the label 102 can be shortened as compared with a configuration in which the label 102 in which an abnormality has occurred in the capture of the label 102 is repeatedly captured.

[0090] In the imaging device 20 of the present embodiment, after finishing the image processing of all the labels 102, when there is a label 102 in which an abnormality has occurred in the image processing, the control unit 80 controls the moving unit 30 to move the label 102 in which the abnormality has occurred to a preset position. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, the label 102 in which an abnormality has occurred can be excluded from the film 106. In particular, by setting the preset position to a position within the imaging region of the imaging unit 40 or the imaging unit 41, it is easier to find the label 102 in which an abnormality has occurred as compared with the case where the preset position is a position outside the imaging region of the imaging unit.

[0091] In the imaging device 20 of the present embodiment, the moving unit 30 includes mirrors 90 and 91 that reflect the mounting states of the feeding roll 32 and the take-up roll 34. Therefore, according to the imaging device 20, the mounting states of the feeding roll 32 and the take-up roll 34 can be visually confirmed.

[0092] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 80 is configured to switch the lighting states of the light sources of the imaging units 40 and 41 in the forward path and the return path, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the control unit 80 may be configured to switch the lighting states of the light sources of the imaging units 40 and 41 in the forward path and only return the label 102 to the feeding roll 32 in the return path. Specifically, when the moving unit 30 moves the label 102 along the moving path a plurality of times in the forward path, the control unit 80 may control the imaging units 40 and 41 to image the label 102 in the lighting states of the light sources 42 and 44 during the forward movement and image the label 102 in the lighting states of the light sources 43 and 45 during the next forward movement. Similar to the above-described embodiment, when the light sources 42 and 44 are in the lighting state, the light sources 43 and 45 are turned off, and when the light sources 43 and 45 are in the lighting state, the light sources 42 and 44 are turned off. Even in the case of such a configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. The imaging flow of this form will be described below with reference to FIG. 14.

[0093] Similar to the above-described embodiment, first, the label roll 100 is set on the feeding roll 32, and the other end of the film 106 is fixed to the take-up roll 34 with an adhesive tape or the like (see FIG. 1).

[0094] In step S300, the control unit 80 turns on the first light source 42 and the third light source 43 (see FIG. 11). At this time, the control unit 80 turns off the second light source 44 and the fourth light source 45.

[0095] In step S302, the control unit 80 rotates the take-up roll 34 in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B to send out the label 102 from the feed roll 32. At this time, the label 102 moves in the forward path. Note that the control unit 80 makes the rotary shaft 32A rotate in a driven manner in the clockwise direction without the driving force from the drive source 32B, or rotates it in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 32B.

[0096] In step S304, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 80 uses the imaging unit 40 (first camera) to image the label 102 passing through the imaging area IA1 in the forward path, and obtains an imaging image including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code. Also, the imaging unit 41 (second camera) images the label 102 passing through the imaging area IA2 in the forward path, and obtains an imaging image including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code. The control unit 80 stores the obtained imaging image in the storage 84D. The imaging image stored in the storage 84D is a total of two images, one imaging image captured by the imaging unit 40 and one imaging image captured by the imaging unit 41 for one label 102.

[0097] In step S306, the control unit 80 determines (judges) whether the imaging unit 41 (second camera) has finished imaging the last label 102. If the imaging unit 41 has not finished imaging the last label 102, step S304 is executed. If the imaging unit 41 has finished imaging the last label 102, the process proceeds to step S308. Note that the labels 102 are attached on the film 106 at the same, equivalent, or similar intervals. Therefore, the control unit 80 can determine that the imaging of the last label 102 has not been completed, for example, if the imaging unit 41 can detect the edge (the downstream edge in the moving direction of the film 106) of the label 102 within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). If the edge (the downstream edge in the moving direction of the film 106) of the label 102 passing through the forward path cannot be detected even after the elapse of the predetermined time, it can be determined that the imaging of the last label 102 has been completed.

[0098] In step S308, the control unit 80 winds the label 102 with the take-up roll 34. When the control unit 80 winds all the labels 102 attached to the film 106 onto the take-up roll 34, the control unit 80 stops the rotation of the take-up roll 34. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the drive source 34B to stop the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 34A, and controls the drive source 32B to stop the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 32A. At this time, one end of the film 106 is fixed to the feed roll 32.

[0099] In step S310, the control unit 80 performs image processing on all the captured images stored in the storage 84D in step S304. For example, if there are 1,000 labels 102 pasted on the film 106, a total of 2,000 captured images including 1,000 captured images of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 40 (first camera) and 1,000 captured images of the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging unit 41 (second camera) are subjected to image processing. In the image processing, for each individual captured image, the information of the two-dimensional code (medium-specific information) in the captured image and the information of the patch 104 (medium-specific information) in the captured image are acquired. When there are no abnormalities in both, the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 are linked and stored in the storage 84D. At this time, the captured image before image processing including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code may be changed to only the patch 104 after image processing (by erasing the image of the two-dimensional code) to reduce the capacity of the captured image, and the information of the two-dimensional code (text information) may be linked to the captured image after the image processing and stored in the storage 84D. Also, in the image processing of step S210, when an abnormality is found in at least one of the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 in the captured image, the abnormality information indicating which label 102 among the labels 102 pasted on the film 106 has the abnormality is stored in the storage 84D. For example, if there is an abnormality such as inability to read the two-dimensional code in any of the two captured images (the captured image captured by the imaging unit 40 and the captured image captured by the imaging unit 41) of the 300th label 102 out of 1,000 labels 102 from the beginning, it is stored in the storage 84D that the 300th label 102 is a defective label.

[0100] In step S312, the film 106 is rewound from the take-up roll 34 to the feed roll 32 (see FIG. 12). Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the drive source 32B to rotate the rotating shaft 32A in the counterclockwise direction. Further, the control unit 80 causes the rotating shaft 34A to rotate passively in the counterclockwise direction by eliminating the driving force from the drive source 34B, or rotates the rotating shaft 34A in the counterclockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B. When the rewinding of the film 106 is completed, the other end of the film 106 is fixed to the take-up roll 34. Note that step S312 does not need to be shifted (performed) after step S310. For example, step S312 may be shifted simultaneously with step S310. In this case, since steps S310 and S312 are performed in parallel, the processing time can be shortened.

[0101] In step S314, the control unit 80 turns on the second light source 44 and the fourth light source 45 (see FIG. 13). At this time, the control unit 80 turns off the first light source 42 and the third light source 43.

[0102] In step S316, the control unit 80 rotates the take-up roll 34 in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 34B to send out the label 102 from the feed roll 32. At this time, the label 102 moves in the forward path again. Note that the control unit 80 causes the rotating shaft 32A to rotate passively in the clockwise direction by eliminating the driving force from the drive source 32B, or rotates the rotating shaft 32A in the clockwise direction by the driving force from the drive source 32B.

[0103] In step S318, in the image processing of the captured image captured by at least one of the imaging unit 40 (first camera) and the imaging unit 41 (second camera) in step S310, if at least one of the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 cannot be processed in the image processing and is determined to be abnormal, the defective label 102 proceeds to step S322. In the above example, the 300th label 102 from the beginning is applicable, and only the 300th label 102 directly (directly) proceeds from step S318 to step S322. On the other hand, if there is no abnormality in the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 in the image processing of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 40 and the imaging unit 41 in step S310, the process proceeds from step S318 to step S320. In the above example, 999 labels 102 excluding the 300th label 102 from the beginning proceed to step S320.

[0104] In step S320, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 80 captures the label 102 passing through the forward path of the imaging area IA1 of the imaging unit 40 (first camera) to obtain a captured image including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code. Further, the imaging unit 41 (second camera) captures the label 102 passing through the return path of the imaging area IA2 to obtain a captured image including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code. The control unit 80 stores the obtained captured image in the storage 84D. The captured images stored in the storage 84D are two in total, one captured image captured by the imaging unit 40 and one captured image captured by the imaging unit 41 for one label 102. In the above example (when there are 1000 labels 102), for 999 labels 102 excluding the 300th defective label 102 from the beginning, step S320 is executed, so 1998 captured images are newly stored in the storage 84D.

[0105] In step S322, the control unit 80 determines whether the imaging unit 41 (second camera) has finished imaging the last label 102. If the imaging unit 41 has not finished imaging the last label 102, step S318 is executed. If the imaging unit 41 has finished imaging the last label 102, the process proceeds to step S324. Since the labels 102 are attached at the same, equivalent, or similar intervals on the film 106, for example, if the edge of the label 102 (the downstream edge in the moving direction of the film 106) cannot be detected even after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed by the imaging unit 41, it can be determined that the imaging of the last label 102 has been completed.

[0106] In step S324, the control unit 80 winds up the label 102 with the take-up roll 34. When the control unit 80 has wound up all the labels 102 attached to the film 106 onto the take-up roll 34, it stops the rotation of the take-up roll 34. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the drive source 34B to stop the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 34A, and controls the drive source 32B to stop the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 32A. At this time, one end of the film 106 is fixed to the feed roll 32.

[0107] In step S326, the control unit 80 performs image processing on all the captured images newly stored in the storage 84D in step S320. For example, if there are 1000 labels 102 pasted on the film 106 and one defective label 102 (the 300th label 102) is determined in step S318, then a total of 1998 captured images including 999 captured images of the patches 104 and two-dimensional codes captured by the imaging unit 40 (the first camera) excluding the 300th defective label 102 and 999 captured images of the patches 104 and two-dimensional codes captured by the imaging unit 41 (the second camera) excluding the 300th defective label 102 are subjected to image processing. In the image processing, for each individual captured image, the information of the two-dimensional code in the captured image and the information of the patch 104 in the captured image are obtained. When there is no abnormality in both, the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 are linked and stored in the storage 84D. At this time, the captured image before image processing including the patch 104 and the two-dimensional code may be changed to a captured image of only the patch 104 (erasing the image of the two-dimensional code) after image processing to reduce the capacity of the captured image, and the information (text information) of the two-dimensional code may be linked to the captured image after the image processing. Also, in the image processing of step S326, when an abnormality is found in at least one of the information of the two-dimensional code and the information of the patch 104 in the captured image, the abnormality information indicating which label 102 out of the labels 102 pasted on the film 106 has an abnormality is stored in the storage 84D. For example, if there is an abnormality (such as inability to read the two-dimensional code) in at least one of the captured images of two labels 102 (the captured image captured by the imaging unit 40 and the captured image captured by the imaging unit 41) from the first to the 110th label 102 out of 1000, then it is stored in the storage 84D that the 110th label 102 is a defective label 102.

[0108] In this way, the imaging device 20 of other embodiments captures a plurality of (four in other embodiments) captured images with different light irradiation directions for one patch 104 of one label 102. In the above example, the number of captured images with different light irradiation directions is originally 1000×4 = 4000. However, in order to exclude two defective labels 102, it is stored in the storage 84D as 4000-(2×4)=3992 images.

[0109] Also, the control unit 80 of other embodiments stores in the RAM 84C or the like the first feed amount of the film 106 until the feed roll 32 and the take-up roll 34 rotate and the first label 102 is imaged, and the second feed amount of the film 106 from when the first label 102 is imaged until the last label 102 is imaged. When the film 106 is returned from the take-up roll 34 to the feed roll 32, the rotation of the feed roll 32 and the take-up roll 34 may be controlled so that the return amount of the film 106 is the sum of the third feed amount, which is less than the first feed amount, and the second feed amount. In this case, the imaging device 20 can shorten the time required to image all the labels 102 as compared with the configuration in which the feed amount and the return amount of the film 106 are the same.

[0110] Also, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented within the scope without departing from the gist thereof.

[0111] For example, in the above two embodiments, the imaging device 20 having two light sources (the first light source 42 and the second light source 44) in the imaging unit 40 and two light sources (the third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45) in the imaging unit 41 is shown. However, the imaging device 20 may have three or more imaging units and three or more light sources. For example, when the imaging unit is the same as in the embodiment and there are three light sources, the third fifth light source is provided in the imaging unit 40 at a position that irradiates light from a direction different from that of the first light source 42 and the second light source 44. For example, the fifth light source is at a position that forms a 90° angle with the first light source 42 and also a 90° angle with the second light source 44 when viewed from above in the vertical direction. Also, when the imaging unit 41 has three light sources, the sixth light source is provided at a position that irradiates light from a direction different from that of the third light source 43 and the fourth light source 45. For example, the sixth light source is at a position that forms a 90° angle with the third light source 43 and also a 90° angle with the fourth light source 45 when viewed from above in the vertical direction. In the imaging device having such a configuration, the control unit 80 images the medium with one light source lit and the other two light sources turned off for each imaging unit. For example, when the medium is 10 labels 102, in the forward movement of the label 102, only the first light source 42 is lit in the imaging unit 40 and only the third light source 43 is lit in the imaging unit 41 to obtain 20 captured images. Then, in the reverse movement of the label 102, only the second light source 44 is lit in the imaging unit 40 and only the fourth light source 45 is lit in the imaging unit 41 to obtain 20 captured images. Further, in the forward movement of the label 102, only the fifth light source is lit in the imaging unit 40 and only the sixth light source is lit in the imaging unit 41 to obtain 20 captured images. That is, the imaging device can obtain a total of 60 captured images with two imaging units. In this way, by providing a plurality of light sources that irradiate the imaging area of one imaging unit from different directions and switching the one light source to be lit for one imaging unit to perform imaging, compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on the movement path so that the light irradiation directions with respect to the medium are different, the device can be miniaturized. Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional remarks are further disclosed.

[0112] (((1))) A moving unit that moves the medium, An imaging unit that is disposed on a moving path of the medium and has a plurality of light sources with different irradiation directions of light with respect to the medium, and that images the medium; A control unit that controls the imaging unit to image the medium in a lighting state of one of the light sources during the forward movement when the moving unit moves the medium forward along the moving path, and to image the medium in a lighting state of another light source during the backward movement; An imaging device comprising the above.

[0113] (((2))) A moving unit that moves the medium; An imaging unit that is disposed on a moving path of the medium and has a plurality of light sources with different irradiation directions of light with respect to the medium, and that images the medium; A control unit that controls the imaging unit to image the medium in a lighting state of one of the light sources during the forward movement when the moving unit moves the medium forward and backward along the moving path a plurality of times, and to image the medium in a lighting state of another light source during the next forward movement; An imaging device comprising the above.

[0114] (((3))) A plurality of the media are attached to a belt, one end of which is fixed to a first holder and wound around the first holder, and the other end of which is fixed to a second holder; The moving unit rotates the first holder and the second holder to move the medium, and the imaging device according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0115] (((4))) The control unit controls the rotation of the first holder and the second holder so that the moving speed of the medium by the moving unit is constant, and the imaging device according to (((3))).

[0116] (((5))) The control unit stores a first feed amount of the tape until the first and second holders rotate and the first medium is imaged, and a second feed amount of the tape from when the first medium is imaged until the last medium is imaged. When returning the tape from the second holder to the first holder, the control unit controls the rotation of the first and second holders such that the return amount of the tape is the sum of a third feed amount that is less than the first feed amount and the second feed amount. The imaging device according to ((4)) that cites ((2)).

[0117] ((6)) A suppression unit is provided on the side opposite to the side where the medium of the tape is disposed, and in the imaging region of the medium in the imaging unit, the suppression unit sucks the tape to suppress vibration of the tape. ((3)) The imaging device according to any one of ((5)) to ((5)).

[0118] ((7)) The suppression unit includes a flat support surface that supports the tape and a plurality of suction holes provided in the support surface. The imaging device according to ((6)).

[0119] ((8)) The height of the support surface decreases from one side in the width direction of the tape to the other side. On the side where the height of the support surface is low, a guide portion that contacts the side surface on the other side in the width direction of the tape is provided at an interval in the moving direction of the tape. The imaging device according to ((7)).

[0120] ((9)) When an abnormality occurs in the image processing of the captured image obtained by imaging the medium, the control unit skips the subsequent imaging only for the medium in which the abnormality has occurred. The imaging device according to any one of ((3)) to ((8)).

[0121] ((10)) After the control unit finishes the image processing of the captured images obtained by capturing all the media, when there is a medium in which an abnormality has occurred in the image processing, the control unit controls the moving unit to move the medium in which the abnormality has occurred to a preset position. The imaging device according to any one of (((3))) to (((9))).

[0122] (((11))) The preset position is a position within the imaging area of the imaging unit. The imaging device according to (((10))).

[0123] (((12))) The moving unit has a first mounting portion on which the first holding body is mounted and a second mounting portion on which the second holding body is mounted. The imaging device according to any one of (((3))) to (((11))), comprising a mirror that reflects at least one of the mounting state between the first mounting portion and the first holding body and the mounting state between the second mounting portion and the second holding body.

[0124] (((1))) According to this, compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on a moving path so that the irradiation directions of light on the medium are different, the device can be miniaturized.

[0125] (((2))) According to this, compared with a configuration in which a plurality of imaging units having a single light source are arranged on a moving path so that the irradiation directions of light on the medium are different, the device can be miniaturized.

[0126] (((3))) According to this, compared with a configuration in which the moving unit moves together with the medium, the mechanism related to the movement of the medium can be simplified.

[0127] (((4))) According to this, compared with the case where there is variation in the moving speed of the medium, the imaging accuracy of the medium by the imaging unit is improved.

[0128] (((5))) According to this, compared with a configuration in which the feeding amount and the returning amount of the belt are the same, the time for imaging all the media can be shortened.

[0129] According to ((6)), the imaging accuracy of the medium by the imaging unit is improved as compared with a configuration in which the belt is in a free state in the imaging area of the imaging unit.

[0130] According to ((7)), the imaging accuracy of the medium by the imaging unit is improved as compared with a configuration in which the support surface is curved.

[0131] According to ((8)), the position of the medium in the width direction during imaging can be stabilized.

[0132] According to ((9)), the time for imaging the medium can be shortened as compared with a configuration in which the medium in which an abnormality has occurred during imaging of the medium is repeatedly imaged.

[0133] According to ((10)), the medium in which an abnormality has occurred can be excluded from the belt.

[0134] According to ((11)), it is easier to detect a medium in which an abnormality has occurred as compared with the case where a preset position is outside the imaging area of the imaging unit.

[0135] According to ((12)), the mounting states of the first mounting portion and the first holding body and the mounting state of the second mounting portion and the second holding body can be visually confirmed.

Explanation of Signs

[0136] 20 Imaging device 30 Moving part 32 Feeding roll (an example of the first holding body) 32A Rotating shaft 32B Driving source 34 Take-up roll (an example of the second holding body) 34A Rotating shaft 34B Driving source 36 Tension roller 40 Imaging unit 41 Imaging unit 42 First light source 43 Third light source 44 Second light source 45 Fourth light source 50 Suppression unit 51 Suppression unit 52 Support surface 53 Support surface 54 Suction hole 55 Suction hole 56 Suction device 57 Suction device 58 Guide part 59 Guide part 60 Pressing roll 61 Pressing roll 80 Control unit 84A CPU 84B ROM 84C RAM 84D Storage 84E Operation part 84F Display 84G Communication line interface part 84H System bus 88 Communication line 90 Mirror 91 Mirror 100 Label roll 102 Label (an example of a medium) 104 Patch 106 Film θ1 Angle θ2 Angle θ3 Angle θ4 Angle DB Database IA1 Imaging area IA2 Imaging area

Claims

1. A moving unit that moves a medium, An imaging unit that is disposed on a moving path of the medium and has a plurality of light sources with different light irradiation directions with respect to the medium, and images the medium, When the moving unit moves the medium along the moving path in the forward direction, the imaging unit images the medium in the lighting state of one of the light sources during the forward movement, and images the medium in the lighting state of another light source during the return movement. A control unit that controls the imaging unit, An imaging apparatus comprising:

2. A moving unit that moves a medium, An imaging unit that is disposed on a moving path of the medium and has a plurality of light sources with different light irradiation directions with respect to the medium, and images the medium, When the moving unit moves the medium along the moving path back and forth a plurality of times, the imaging unit images the medium in the lighting state of one of the light sources during the forward movement, and images the medium in the lighting state of another light source during the next forward movement. A control unit that controls the imaging unit, An imaging apparatus comprising:

3. A plurality of the media are attached to a belt having one end fixed to a first holder and wound around the first holder, and the other end fixed to a second holder. The moving unit moves the medium by rotating the first holder and the second holder. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control unit controls the rotation of the first holder and the second holder so that the moving speed of the medium by the moving unit becomes constant. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control unit stores a first feed amount of the belt until the first holder and the second holder rotate and the first medium is imaged, and a second feed amount of the belt from when the first medium is imaged until the last medium is imaged. When the belt is returned from the second holder to the first holder, the control unit controls the rotation of the first holder and the second holder so that the return amount of the belt is the sum of a third feed amount smaller than the first feed amount and the second feed amount. The imaging device according to claim 4, which cites claim 2.

6. The imaging device according to claim 3, further comprising a suppression unit that is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the medium of the belt is disposed, and that sucks the belt to suppress vibration of the belt in the imaging region of the medium in the imaging unit.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the suppression unit includes a flat support surface that supports the belt and a plurality of suction holes provided in the support surface.

8. The support surface has a decreasing height from one side to the other side in the width direction of the belt, The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein a guide portion that contacts the side surface on the other side in the width direction of the belt is provided at an interval in the moving direction of the belt on the side where the height of the support surface is low.

9. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein when an abnormality occurs in image processing of a captured image obtained by capturing the medium, the control unit skips subsequent imaging only for the medium in which the abnormality has occurred.

10. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein after finishing image processing of captured images obtained by capturing all the media, when there is a medium in which an abnormality has occurred in image processing, the control unit controls the moving unit to move the medium in which the abnormality has occurred to a preset position.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the preset position is a position within the imaging region of the imaging unit.

12. The moving unit has a first mounting portion to which the first holding body is mounted and a second mounting portion to which the second holding body is mounted, The imaging device according to claim 3, further comprising a mirror that reflects at least one of the mounting state between the first mounting portion and the first holding body and the mounting state between the second mounting portion and the second holding body.

Images