Inspection system and inspection method

Abstract

To provide an inspection system and an inspection method which enables association between information obtained by being engaged with inspection whether or not unnecessary metal is mixed into a subject to be inspected and a step from another point of view.SOLUTION: An inspection system includes: a meter-reading device 10 used in meter reading; a CPU 71a which is configured to execute a processing regarding meter reading; and a memory 71b which stores information regarding meter reading. The meter-reading device 10 includes a detection head 40 and an RFID antenna 50. The processing regarding meter reading includes: a step of acquiring a detection result from the detection head 40; a step of determining whether or not metal is mixed into the product 11; a step of acquiring a detection result from the RFID antenna 50; a step of generating individual information for management; and a step of storing generated individual information for management into the memory 71b. The processing of generating individual information for management includes a processing of linking a detection result of the detection head 40 to an ID signal which an RF tag 12 conveyed together with the product 11 has.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection system and an inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various processes are required before shipping a product. In response to this, there is a needle detector that performs inspection as one of the various processes. For example, when inspecting whether or not unwanted metal is mixed in a product before shipping, the needle detector described in Patent Document 1, more specifically, a needle detector equipped with a conveyor belt and a detection head, is used. The conveyor belt conveys the product to be inspected, such as a sewn product, in a forward direction. The detection head detects unwanted metal such as broken needles as the product passes by the detection head while being conveyed in the forward direction by the conveyor belt. The needle detector inspects whether or not unwanted metal is mixed in the product before shipping. This makes it possible to detect any unwanted metal mixed in the product before shipping. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-189412 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When shipping a product, there may be cases where a process from another perspective is carried out on the product inspected for the presence of the above-mentioned unwanted metals. Such a process from another perspective is carried out by a device separate from the needle detector. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in terms of associating the information obtained from the needle detector with the process from another perspective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an inspection system for inspecting whether or not unwanted metals are present in an inspection object transported through an inspection area. The inspection system includes equipment used for the inspection, a processing circuit configured to execute processing related to the inspection, and a memory for storing information related to the inspection. The equipment includes a metal detection unit configured to detect the metal as the inspection object passes, and an individual information detection unit configured to detect individual information carried by a tag transported with the inspection object as the tag passes. The inspection process includes the following processes: acquiring detection results from the metal detection unit included in the equipment so as to detect the metal when the test object passes; determining whether the metal is mixed in the test object based on the detection results of the metal detection unit; acquiring detection results from the individual information detection unit included in the equipment so as to detect individual information possessed by the tag transported together with the test object when the tag passes; generating individual information for management purposes based on the detection results of the individual information detection unit; and storing the generated individual information for management purposes in the memory; and the process of generating the individual information for management purposes includes a process for linking the detection results of the metal detection unit for the test object transported together with the tag to the individual information possessed by the tag.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an inspection method applicable to an inspection system that inspects whether or not unwanted metals are present in an inspection object transported through an inspection area. The inspection method includes: acquiring a detection result from a metal detection unit included in an inspection device configured to detect the metal as the inspection object passes; determining whether or not the metal is present in the inspection object based on the detection result from the metal detection unit; acquiring a detection result from an individual information detection unit included in the inspection device configured to detect individual information held by a tag transported with the inspection object as the tag passes; generating individual information for management purposes based on the detection result from the individual information detection unit; and storing the generated individual information for management purposes in a memory that stores information related to the inspection. Generating the individual information for management purposes includes linking the detection result of the metal detection unit for the inspection object transported with the tag to the individual information held by the tag. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a meter detector according to a first embodiment when viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a meter detector according to a second embodiment when viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a meter detector according to a third embodiment when viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage mode of the meter detector according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the shooter device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the shooter device of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the shooter device of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the shooter device of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the shooter device of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the shooter device of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a meter reading machine according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] First Embodiment A meter reading device according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, needle detector 10 is an inspection device that inspects whether or not unnecessary metal is mixed in product 11 before it is shipped. Product 11 is, for example, a sewn product. The unnecessary metal in product 11 is, for example, a broken needle. In the following description, inspecting whether or not unnecessary metal is mixed in product 11 may be simply referred to as "needle detection."

[0009] <Meter detector> The needle detector 10 includes a device main body 20, a conveyor belt 30, a detection head 40, an RFID antenna 50, at least one photoelectric sensor 60, and a processing device 70. The device main body 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped with its height extending in the direction of the paper in FIG. 1 . The device main body 20 is installed movably on wheels or the like relative to the ground of an inspection space in a factory or the like on the back side of the paper in FIG. 1 . In the following description, directions expressed by terms such as "up" and "down" are defined relative to the direction of gravity. The direction perpendicular to the "up-down direction" of the device main body 20, which is the "width direction" of the device main body 20, is the "width direction" of the device main body 20. The direction perpendicular to the "up-down direction" and "width direction" is the "transport direction" of the product 11 when inspecting the product 11. The transport direction is the forward direction, which is from right to left in FIG. 1, or the return direction, which is the direction opposite to the forward direction. In the following description, the forward conveying direction may be simply referred to as the "forward direction," and the return conveying direction may be simply referred to as the "return direction." The device body 20 is a base for assembling components for realizing various functions of the needle detector 10.

[0010] <Device body> The device main body 20 has two side sections 21, 22 on both sides in the width direction. The side sections 21, 22 extend along the conveying direction. The side sections 21 and 22 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The area between the side sections 21 and 22 in the width direction forms an inspection area 23 for inspecting the products 11. One of the two side sections 21, 22, the side section 22, has an operation input section 22a. The operation input section 22a is provided on the upstream side of the side section 22 in the forward direction. The operation input section 22a is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The operation input section 22a allows input of starting and stopping the needle detector 10, the type of inspection, the sensitivity of the sensor, the rotation speed and direction of the conveyor belt 30, etc., or displays the status of the needle detector 10.

[0011] <Conveyor belt> The conveyor belt 30 is assembled between the side portions 21 and 22 in the width direction. The conveyor belt 30 is an endless belt-shaped member having a predetermined thickness. For example, the conveyor belt 30 is shorter than the distance between the two ends of the side portions 21 and 22 in the width direction. The width of the conveyor belt 30 is approximately the same as the distance between the side portions 21 and 22 in the width direction. The conveyor belt 30 is stretched over multiple rollers (not shown). The multiple rollers include a drive roller and a driven roller. The drive roller is rotated by the drive of a motor M installed inside the device main body 20. The driven roller is rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the drive roller. The conveyor belt 30 rotates to convey the product 11 in the conveyance direction in accordance with the rotation of the multiple rollers. The surface of the conveyor belt 30 is a conveyance surface 31 for conveying the product 11 in the conveyance direction so that the product 11 passes through the inspection area 23. The conveyance surface 31 extends along the conveyance direction.

[0012] <Detection head> The detection head 40 is integrally attached to the device main body 20 via both side portions 21, 22. The detection head 40 has two leg portions 40a extending parallel to each other at both ends, and a main body portion 40b connecting the two leg portions 40a to each other. The main body portion 40b extends in the width direction with a space in the vertical direction relative to the conveyor belt 30, i.e., the conveyance surface 31. In other words, the detection head 40 is integrally provided with the device main body 20 midway along the forward direction of the inspection area 23. The detection head 40 is provided so as to straddle the width of the inspection area 23 in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction. In this embodiment, the detection head 40 is an example of a metal detection unit.

[0013] The detection head 40 divides the inspection area 23 into a plurality of sections. The inspection area 23 has a plurality of sections A1, A2, and A3 that are divided based on the detection head 40. For example, the inspection area 23 has an inlet 23a at the most upstream position in the forward direction. The inspection area 23 has an outlet 23b at the most downstream position in the forward direction.

[0014] More specifically, area A1 is an area of the inspection region 23 that is upstream in the forward direction relative to the detection head 40. In other words, area A1 is an area where the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 when the product 11 is transported in the forward direction. Area A1 is an area that includes the entrance 23a. For example, area A1 is an area where the product 11 is present before meter reading is performed. In this embodiment, area A1 is an example of a first area.

[0015] Area A2 is an area of the inspection region 23 where the detection head 40 is located. In other words, area A2 is an area where the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 when the product 11 is transported in the forward direction. For example, area A2 is an area where meter reading is performed. In this embodiment, area A2 is an example of a second area.

[0016] Area A3 is an area of the inspection region 23 that is downstream in the forward direction relative to the detection head 40. In other words, area A3 is an area after the product 11 has passed through the detection head 40 when the product 11 is transported in the forward direction. Area A3 is an area that includes the exit 23b. For example, area A3 is an area where the product 11 is present after meter reading has been performed. In this embodiment, area A3 is an example of a third area.

[0017] The detection head 40 includes therein a plurality of upper detection sensors 41. The device main body 20 includes therein a plurality of lower detection sensors 24. Each upper detection sensor 41 is paired with one of the plurality of lower detection sensors 24. Each lower detection sensor 24 is assembled on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 30 from the main body portion 40b. The conveyor belt 30, more specifically the conveying surface 31, is located between each pair of upper detection sensor 41 and lower detection sensor 24.

[0018] For example, when a product 11 conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 passes by, each upper detection sensor 41 detects distortion of the magnetic field passing between each pair of the upper detection sensor 41 and the lower detection sensor 24. In this way, each upper detection sensor 41 detects whether or not unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11. For example, the sensitivity of each upper detection sensor 41 and each lower detection sensor 24 is adjusted so that it detects unnecessary metal but does not detect metal fittings, which are metals necessary for the product 11. The sensitivity of the sensor may also be adjusted so that it detects metals other than unnecessary metals.

[0019] <RFIDアンテナ> The RFID antenna 50 is integrally attached to the device main body 20 via both side portions 21 and 22 at a position corresponding to the area A3. The RFID antenna 50 has two legs 50a extending parallel to each other at both ends, and a main body 50b connecting the two legs 50a to each other. The main body 50b extends along the width direction of the conveyor belt 30, i.e., the conveying surface 31, with a space between them in the vertical direction. That is, the RFID antenna 50 is integrally provided on the device main body 20 downstream of the detection head 40 in the forward direction. The RFID antenna 50 is provided so as to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction. The RFID antenna 50 is provided at a position closer to the detection head 40 than to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The RFID antenna 50 is closer to the detection head 40 than to the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. The length of the area A3a in the forward direction downstream of the RFID antenna 50 is approximately the same as the length of the area A1 in the forward direction. In this embodiment, the RFID antenna 50 is an example of an individual information detection unit.

[0020] The RFID antenna 50 includes a radio wave transmitter 51 and an information reader 52. The radio wave transmitter 51 emits radio waves having a specific frequency. The output strength, or more specifically, the directivity, of the radio wave transmitter 51 is adjusted so that the radio waves are transmitted to products 11 passing through the RFID antenna 50. For example, the directivity of the radio waves is adjusted so that the radio waves reach a range within the internal space of the RFID antenna 50, which is a portion of the area A3. In other words, the directivity is adjusted so that the radio waves transmitted by the radio wave transmitter 51 do not reach products 11 that do not pass through the RFID antenna 50. The information reader 52 receives and reads an ID signal transmitted from an RF tag 12 (described below) in response to the radio waves transmitted by the radio wave transmitter 51. In this way, the RFID antenna 50 detects the ID signal transmitted from the RF tag 12 (described below) in response to the radio waves transmitted by the radio wave transmitter 51.

[0021] <RFタグ> Each of the products 11 to be inspected by the needle detector 10 has an RF tag 12. For example, the RF tag 12 is directly attached to the product 11 itself, or packaged together with the product 11. In other words, when the products 11 are transported by the conveyor belt 30, each of the products 11 is transported together with the RF tag 12. In this embodiment, the RF tag 12 is an example of a tag.

[0022] The RF tag 12 includes an antenna and an IC chip. The antenna generates power using radio waves transmitted by the radio wave transmitter 51. The antenna is selected based on the communication method between the RFID antenna 50 and the RF tag 12. For example, if the communication method is radio waves, the antenna may be a plate-shaped antenna. If the communication method is electromagnetic induction, the antenna may be a coil-shaped antenna. The IC chip uses the power generated by the antenna to output an ID signal indicating individual information stored therein to the outside via the antenna. The IC chip includes a memory circuit therein. The memory circuit stores individual information about the RF tag 12 including the IC chip. This individual information is individual information about the product 11 that includes the RF tag 12. The individual information includes product information for identifying the product 11 that includes the RF tag 12. The product information includes, for example, information about the product 11, such as the product name, color, size, and shipping destination. The individual information also includes, for example, manufacturing information about the factory or production line where the product 11 was manufactured, or inspection information about inspections performed during the manufacturing process.

[0023] <Photoelectric sensor> The photoelectric sensor 60 includes a photoelectric sensor 61 and a photoelectric sensor 62. The photoelectric sensor 61 is a photoelectric sensor for the detection head 40 and is provided corresponding to the detection head 40. The photoelectric sensor 61 is provided upstream of the detection head 40 in the forward direction. That is, the detection head 40 is used in combination with the photoelectric sensor 61. The photoelectric sensor 62 is a photoelectric sensor for the RFID antenna and is provided corresponding to the RFID antenna 50. That is, the RFID antenna 50 is used in combination with the photoelectric sensor 62. The photoelectric sensor 61 is, for example, a transmission type sensor having a light-emitting unit f1a and a light-receiving unit f1b as separate units. In this case, the light-emitting unit f1a and the light-receiving unit f1b may be provided on different side portions 21 and 22 so as to face each other in the width direction. The same applies to the photoelectric sensor 62. For example, the light-emitting unit f2a and the light-receiving unit f2b may be provided on different side portions 21 and 22 so as to face each other in the width direction. Both photoelectric sensors 61 and 62 may be reflective sensors in which the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are integrated, or may be replaced by proximity sensors or the like.

[0024] For example, the photoelectric sensor 61 detects that a product 11 being conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 passes between the light-projecting unit f1a and the light-receiving unit f1b. This causes the photoelectric sensor 61 to detect the presence of a product 11 that will soon pass the detection head 40 in the forward direction. This triggers the operation of the detection head 40. In other words, the detection head 40 begins detection by each upper detection sensor 41 when the photoelectric sensor 61 detects the passage of the product 11. Similarly, the photoelectric sensor 62 detects that a product 11 being conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 passes between the light-projecting unit f2a and the light-receiving unit f2b. This causes the photoelectric sensor 62 to detect the presence of a product 11 that will soon pass the RFID antenna 50 in the forward direction. This triggers the operation of the RFID antenna 50. That is, when the photoelectric sensor 62 detects the passage of the product 11, the RFID antenna 50 is triggered to start transmitting radio waves from the radio wave transmitting unit 51 and to start reading the ID signal from the information reading unit 52.

[0025] <Processing equipment> The processing device 70 is disposed, for example, outside the meter reading device 10. The processing device 70 may be provided integrally with the meter reading device 10. The processing device 70 has a control controller 71 and a motor controller 72. The control controller 71 is a processing circuit made up of a microcomputer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71a. Various processes related to the operation of the meter reading device 10 are functional parts realized by the CPU 71a executing a control program. The various processes include, for example, processes related to starting and stopping the meter reading device 10, the type of inspection, the sensitivity of the sensor, control of the rotation speed and direction of the conveyor belt 30, and the results of the inspection. The control controller 71 includes a memory 71b that stores the control program. The memory 71b includes a computer-readable medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). However, the various processes being realized by software is just an example, and at least a part of the processes may be realized by a hardware circuit such as a logic circuit. Similarly, the motor controller 72 is a processing circuit made up of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0026] The control controller 71 is electrically connected to the operation input unit 22a, the upper detection sensors 41, the radio wave transmitter 51, the information reader 52, and the photoelectric sensors 60 (61, 62), for example, via electric wires. The control controller 71 executes various processes based on signals input from the operation input unit 22a, the upper detection sensors 41, the radio wave transmitter 51, the information reader 52, and the photoelectric sensors 60 (61, 62). For example, the control controller 71 executes a process of instructing the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 at a predetermined rotation speed in the forward or reverse direction. The motor controller 72 controls the driving of the motor M provided inside the device main body 20 based on the instruction from the control controller 71. As a result, the motor controller 72 rotates the conveyor belt 30 at a predetermined rotation speed in the forward or reverse direction.

[0027] When the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the input result of the operation input unit 22a, it executes various processes based on the signal. For example, when a signal indicating the start of the meter reading machine 10 is received, the control controller 71 starts the meter reading machine 10 and controls the display content of the operation input unit 22a so that a display indicating this is displayed.

[0028] When the control controller 71 receives a signal indicating the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 61, it determines whether or not to operate the detection head 40 based on the detection result. When determining to operate the detection head 40, the control controller 71 operates the detection head 40 by supplying power to each upper detection sensor 41, for example, and thereby inputs the detection results of each upper detection sensor 41. In this way, the control controller 71 determines whether or not unwanted metal is present in the product 11 based on the detection results of each upper detection sensor 41. When it is determined that unwanted metal is not present in the product 11, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotation speed. On the other hand, when it is determined that unwanted metal is present in the product 11, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the reverse direction at a predetermined rotation speed. After operating the detection head 40, the control controller 71 stops the supply of power to each upper detection sensor 41 on the condition that a situation in which a decision to operate the detection head 40 is not made continues for a predetermined time. In other words, the control controller 71 stops the detection head 40.

[0029] When the control controller 71 receives a signal indicating the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 62, the control controller 71 determines whether to activate the RFID antenna 50 based on the signal. When determining to activate the RFID antenna 50, the control controller 71 operates the RFID antenna 50 by supplying power to the radio wave transmitter 51 and the information reader 52, thereby inputting the ID signal read by the information reader 52. The control controller 71 then executes a process to generate individual management information based on the read result of the information reader 52. The process of generating individual management information is a process for linking the individual information identified from the ID signal with the most recently performed detection results of each upper detection sensor 41. More specifically, the control controller 71 stores the generated individual management information in the memory 71b. The control controller 71 also associates the most recently performed detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41 with the individual management information. For example, the detection environment includes the type of inspection, the sensor sensitivity, and the rotation speed of the conveyor belt 30. After activating the RFID antenna 50, the control controller 71 stops the supply of power to the radio wave transmitter 51 and the information reader 52 on the condition that a state in which a decision to activate the RFID antenna 50 is not made continues for a predetermined time. In other words, the control controller 71 stops the RFID antenna 50. For example, after activating the RFID antenna 50, the control controller 71 determines that the RF tag 12 has not been detected on the condition that a state in which a decision to activate the RFID antenna 50 is not made continues for a predetermined time without reading an ID signal.

[0030] The control controller 71 controls the display content of the monitor 80 so that the content of the individual management information stored in the memory 71b can be confirmed. The monitor 80 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The control controller 71 transmits the individual management information stored in the memory 71b to the server 90 via the network. In this case, the control controller 71 can also transmit the individual management information in response to a request from the server 90. The server 90 may be, for example, a stationary server or a cloud server virtually constructed on a network.

[0031] <Inspection procedure using a meter reading machine> As shown in Fig. 1, in a needle reading device 10 that is enabled to perform needle reading, a conveyor belt 30 rotates in a forward direction. Products 11 are placed one after another together with RF tags 12 on a conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 that is rotating in the forward direction near an entrance 23a of an inspection area 23. Subsequently, as the products 11 are conveyed in the forward direction through an area A1, their passage is detected by a photoelectric sensor 61. This causes the detection head 40 to be operated, and needle reading is performed on the products 11 as they pass through an area A2, more specifically, the detection head 40, in the forward direction.

[0032] Next, if it is determined that unwanted metal is not mixed in, the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and is conveyed forward through the zone A3, and its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 62. This activates the RFID antenna 50, and the ID signal is read when the product 11 passes through the zone A3, more specifically, the RFID antenna 50, in the forward direction. In this case, the conveyance of the product 11 to the zone A3 indicates, as the movement of the needle detector 10, that the product 11 does not contain unwanted metal.

[0033] Thereafter, the product 11 is conveyed forward through the area A3, and is separated together with the RF tag 12 from the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating in the forward direction near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. This completes the inspection of the product 11 by the needle detector 10, and the result of the inspection, together with the individual information, is managed by the processing device 70 as individual information for management. Note that if the inspection result shows that the RF tag 12 was not detected, this fact is managed by the processing device 70.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is determined that unwanted metal has been mixed in, the conveyor belt 30 rotates in the return direction. The product 11 is returned together with the RF tag 12 from area A2 to area A1 so as not to pass through the detection head 40 and be transported through area A3. This prevents the product 11 from being transported to area A3 and returns it to area A1, which indicates as a movement of the needle detector 10 that unwanted metal has been mixed in the product 11. In this case, the product 11 is re-inspected by the needle detector 10, or the like.

[0035] <Operation of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, the meter reading device 10 can perform meter reading and also detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 of the product 11 for which the meter reading is to be performed, i.e., individual information about the product 11. This enables the meter reading device 10 to associate information obtained in connection with the meter reading with the RF tag 12, i.e., the product 11 for which the meter reading is to be performed. In this case, the meter reading device 10 can perform a process from another perspective that can be performed using the RF tag 12, in addition to the process of performing meter reading.

[0036] <Effects of the embodiment> (1-1) When using the meter reading device 10, as long as there is enough space to install the meter reading device 10, it is possible to carry out a process of meter reading and a process from another perspective that can be carried out using the RF tag 12. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the space required to install devices for carrying out various processes.

[0037] (1-2) In the process of performing meter reading, the meter reading machine 10 can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 that the product 11 has after passing through the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the product 11. Therefore, when making it possible to associate the information obtained in connection with meter reading with the product 11, the meter reading machine 10 has excellent scalability, for example, by generating individual information for management purposes taking into account the number of products 11 that have already passed through the detection head 40.

[0038] (1-3) In the meter reading process, the timing when the product 11 passes the detection head 40 and the timing when the individual information is detected can be brought as close as possible. This makes it possible to prevent the state of the product 11 or the RF tag 12 from changing between the timing when the product 11 passes the detection head 40 and the timing when the individual information is detected. This contributes to improving the reliability when associating information obtained in connection with meter reading with the product 11.

[0039] (1-4) The number of RF tags 12 detected by the RFID antenna 50 indicates the number of products 11 that have been read by the meter reading device 10. For example, even if the products 11 are placed so that they overlap on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30, the number of RF tags 12 detected by the RFID antenna 50 matches with high accuracy the number of products 11 that have been read by the meter reading device 10. This contributes to improving the reliability of determining the number of products 11 that have been read by the meter reading device 10.

[0040] (1-5) The processing device 70 automates the association of information obtained in connection with meter reading with the product 11. This contributes to reducing the workload of workers involved in meter reading and to improving the reliability of information obtained in connection with meter reading.

[0041] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. For ease of explanation, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2 , the RFID antenna 50 according to this embodiment is integrally attached to the device main body 20 via both side portions 21 and 22 at a position corresponding to the area A1. That is, the RFID antenna 50 is integrally attached to the device main body 20 on the upstream side in the forward direction relative to the detection head 40. Accordingly, the photoelectric sensor 62 according to this embodiment is provided upstream of the detection head 40 and the photoelectric sensor 61 in the forward direction. The RFID antenna 50 is provided at a position in the area A1 where the distance from the detection head 40 is shorter than the distance from the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. When the RFID antenna 50 is attached at a position corresponding to the area A1, the distance from the detection head 40 is shorter than the distance from the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The length of the area A1a upstream in the forward direction relative to the RFID antenna 50 is approximately the same as the length of the area A3 along the forward direction. For example, the directivity of the radio waves from the radio wave transmitter 51 of the RFID antenna 50 is adjusted so as to transmit within the range of the internal space of the RFID antenna 50, which is a part of the area A1.

[0043] The controller 71 according to this embodiment executes a process of generating individual information for management purposes based on the read result of the information reading unit 52. The process of generating individual information for management purposes is a process of linking the individual information identified from the ID signal with the detection results and detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41, which are executed immediately afterward.

[0044] <Inspection procedure using a meter reading machine> 2, near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23, products 11, each with an RF tag 12, are placed one after another on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating in the forward direction, and as they are conveyed forward through the area A1, their passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 62. This activates the RFID antenna 50, and the ID signal of the product 11 is read as it passes by the RFID antenna 50 in the forward direction.

[0045] Next, the product 11, whose ID signal has been read, passes through the RFID antenna 50 and is transported forward through the area A1, where its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61. This activates the detection head 40, and the product 11 is scanned as it passes the detection head 40 in the forward direction.

[0046] Next, if it is determined that no unwanted metal is mixed in, the product 11 is conveyed forward through the area A3, and is separated together with the RF tag 12 from the conveying surface 31 of the conveying belt 30 rotating in the forward direction near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. This completes the inspection of the product 11 by the needle detector 10.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that unwanted metals are present, the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12, and a reinspection of the product 11 is performed using the needle detector 10. For example, when the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12, the processing device 70 may link the result of determining that unwanted metals are present to the individual information identified from the read ID signal. Alternatively, when the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12, the processing device 70 may return the conveyor belt 30 to a range where the RF tag 12 can be detected by the RFID antenna 50. When the processing device 70 determines that the same ID signal has been read consecutively by the RFID antenna 50, the processing device 70 may prepare for a reinspection by, for example, deleting information related to the individual information identified from the ID signal. In these cases, the specified time period after the RFID antenna 50 is activated until the power supply to the radio wave transmitting unit 51 and the information reading unit 52 is stopped should be set taking into consideration that the product 11 will be returned from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12.

[0048] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the second embodiment described above, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects (1-1), (1-3) to (1-5) can be obtained, and further the effects described below can be obtained.

[0049] (2-1) In the process of performing meter reading, the meter reading machine 10 can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 that the product 11 has before passing through the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the product 11. Therefore, when making it possible to associate the information obtained in connection with the meter reading with the product 11, the meter reading machine 10 has excellent scalability, for example, by generating individual information for management purposes taking into account the number of products 11 that will soon pass through the detection head 40.

[0050] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3 , this embodiment has a configuration in which the configuration of the second embodiment is added to the configuration of the first embodiment. More specifically, the RFID antenna 50 according to this embodiment includes a first RFID antenna 53 and a second RFID antenna 54. The first RFID antenna 53 has the same configuration as the RFID antenna 50 of the second embodiment. The second RFID antenna 54 has the same configuration as the RFID antenna 50 of the first embodiment. In this case, the area A1a on the upstream side in the forward direction relative to the first RFID antenna 53 and the area A3a on the downstream side in the forward direction relative to the second RFID antenna 54 have approximately the same length along the forward direction. In this embodiment, the first RFID antenna 53 is an example of a first individual information detection unit, and the second RFID antenna 54 is an example of a second individual information detection unit.

[0052] The photoelectric sensor 62 according to this embodiment includes a first photoelectric sensor 63 and a second photoelectric sensor 64. The first photoelectric sensor 63 is a photoelectric sensor for the first RFID antenna provided in correspondence with the first RFID antenna 53. The second photoelectric sensor 64 is a photoelectric sensor for the second RFID antenna provided in correspondence with the second RFID antenna 54.

[0053] The controller 71 according to this embodiment executes a process for generating individual information for management purposes based on the results of reading by the information reading units 52 of both RFID antennas 53 and 54. The process for generating individual information for management purposes is a process for linking the detection results and detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41 to the individual information identified from the ID signal.

[0054] <Inspection procedure using a meter reading machine> 3, near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23, products 11, each with an RF tag 12, are placed one after another on the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30 rotating in the forward direction, and as they are conveyed forward through the area A1, their passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 63. This activates the first RFID antenna 53, and the ID signal of the product 11 is read as it passes by the first RFID antenna 53 in the forward direction.

[0055] Next, the product 11, whose ID signal has been read, passes through the first RFID antenna 53 and is transported forward through the area A1, where its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61. This activates the detection head 40, and the product 11 is scanned as it passes the detection head 40 in the forward direction.

[0056] Next, if it is determined that no unwanted metal is present, the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and is conveyed forward through zone A3, where its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 64. This activates the second RFID antenna 54, and the ID signal is read from the product 11 as it passes forward through the second RFID antenna 54. Thereafter, as the product 11 is conveyed forward through zone A3, it separates together with the RF tag 12 from the conveying surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30, which is rotating forward, near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. This completes the inspection of the product 11 by the needle detector 10.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that unwanted metals are mixed in, the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12, and a reinspection or the like is performed on the product 11 using the meter reading device 10. For example, when the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 together with the RF tag 12, the processing device 70 can detect an ID signal that is detected by the first RFID antenna 53 and not detected by the second RFID antenna 54. In this case, the processing device 70 may link the result of determining that unwanted metals are mixed in to individual information identified from the detected ID signal. The processing device 70 may prepare for a reinspection or the like by, for example, deleting information related to the individual information identified from the identified ID signal.

[0058] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the third embodiment described above, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects (1-1), (1-3) to (1-5) can be obtained, and further the effects described below can be obtained.

[0059] (3-1) In the process of performing meter reading, the meter reading machine 10 can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 that the product 11 has before and after passing through the detection head 40, i.e., the individual information of the product 11. Therefore, when making it possible to associate the information obtained in connection with the meter reading with the product 11, the meter reading machine 10 has excellent scalability, such as grasping the number of products 11 that are scheduled to pass through the detection head 40 and the number of products 11 that have passed through.

[0060] <Fourth embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 4, the needle reading machine 10 of this embodiment is used in combination with a chute device 100. The chute device 100 is installed adjacent to the downstream side of the needle reading machine 10 in the conveying direction. In other words, the needle reading machine 10 and the chute device 100 form a conveying path connected via the exit 23b of the inspection area 23.

[0062] <Shooter Device> As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the chute device 100 has a main body 101 and a chute unit 110. The main body 101 has two panels 102, eight frame pieces 103, two connecting frame pieces 104, and a bottom panel 105. The two panels 102 include a small panel 102a and a large panel 102b with different surface areas. Each of the panels 102a and 102b is flat and has long and short sides, with the back surfaces facing each other in the conveyance direction of the needle reading device 10. The long sides of each of the panels 102a and 102b coincide with the width direction of the needle reading device 10. The short sides of each of the panels 102a and 102b coincide with the up-down direction of the needle reading device 10.

[0063] The eight frame pieces 103 include four frame pieces 103a that reinforce the four sides of the small panel 102a and four frame pieces 103b that reinforce the four sides of the large panel 102b. Two connecting frame pieces 104 connect the lower ends of the frame pieces 103a, 103b that reinforce the short sides of the two panels 102a, 102b, which face each other in the conveyance direction of the needle detector 10. An opening 105a formed by the lower frame pieces 103a, 103b that reinforce the long sides of the two panels 102a, 102b and the two connecting frame pieces 104 is closed from above by the bottom panel 105.

[0064] The chute section 110 is flat and has long and short sides, and its surface forms a chute surface 111. The chute surface 111 is the surface along which the product 11 slides as it passes. The chute section 110 connects the upper long sides of the two panels 102a, 102b. In other words, the long side of the chute section 110 coincides with the width direction of the needle detector 10. The short side of the chute section 110 coincides with the conveying direction of the needle detector 10. As a result, the chute surface 111 is inclined along the conveying direction.

[0065] Each of the two short sides of the chute section 110 has a guide piece 112 extending upward from the chute surface 111. Each of the two short sides of the chute section 110 has a connecting piece 113 extending downward from its end. A first end 113a of each connecting piece 113, located closer to the small panel 102a, is connected via a pivot shaft 114 to the upper end of each frame piece 103a that reinforces the short side of the small panel 102a. A second end 113b of each connecting piece 113, located closer to the large panel 102b, is connected to the upper end of each frame piece 103b that reinforces the short side of the large panel 102b so that the chute section 110 can move toward and away from the large panel 102b. This allows the chute section 110 to rotate around each pivot shaft 114 so as to move toward and away from the large panel 102b, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5. In other words, the chute section 110 rotates around each first end 113a on the lower side of the chute surface 111 so that the inclination angle of the chute surface 111 changes.

[0066] When the chute unit 110 rotates toward the large panel 102b, the angle of inclination of the chute surface 111 is small. In this case, the chute device 100 is in a closed state (solid line in FIG. 5) where the space between the chute unit 110 and the large panel 102b is closed. On the other hand, when the chute unit 110 rotates away from the large panel 102b, the angle of inclination of the chute surface 111 is large. In this case, the chute device 100 is in an open state (dashed line in FIG. 5) where the space between the chute unit 110 and the large panel 102b is open. When the chute device 100 is in the open state, the opening between the chute unit 110 and the large panel 102b is large enough to allow the products 11 to pass through and be collected inside the chute device 100.

[0067] The chute device 100 is installed so that the large panel 102b is adjacent to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23 of the needle detector 10. In this case, the height of the chute device 100 is adjusted so that the higher side of the chute surface 111 in the closed state is approximately the same as the height of the conveying surface 31 of the needle detector 10. The height of the chute device 100 is adjusted by four legs 106 extending from the underside of the main body 101. As a result, when the chute device 100 is in the closed state, the needle detector 10 and the chute device 100 form a conveying path that allows the chute surface 111 to pass through and conveys the product 11 by sliding. On the other hand, when the chute device 100 is in the open state, the needle detector 10 and the chute device 100 form a conveying path that prevents the chute surface 111 from passing through, i.e., blocks it, and collects the product 11 inside the chute device 100.

[0068] When the needle detector 10 is used in combination with the chute device 100, it has a photoelectric sensor 120. The photoelectric sensor 120 is a photoelectric sensor for the chute device that is provided in correspondence with the chute device 100. The photoelectric sensor 120 has the same configuration as the photoelectric sensor 61, etc. The photoelectric sensor 120 detects the presence of a product 11 that is about to pass through the chute device 100.

[0069] <Shooter device control> The control controller 71 of this embodiment instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotation speed, regardless of whether or not it is determined that unwanted metal is present in the product 11. In other words, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotation speed while the product 11 is being inspected.

[0070] In addition, the control controller 71 of this embodiment determines whether to operate the RFID antenna 50 based on whether it is determined that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11. If it is not determined that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, the control controller 71 operates the RFID antenna 50. On the other hand, if it is determined that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, the control controller 71 does not operate the RFID antenna 50. In this case, the control controller 71 continues to operate the RFID antenna 50 that is currently operating until it is stopped.

[0071] The control controller 71 of this embodiment is electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor 120 and the chute device 100, for example, via electric wires. The control controller 71 controls the driving of the actuator AT provided inside the chute device 100. For example, the actuator AT is an actuator that uses a fluid such as air, or an electric actuator such as a motor. The control controller 71 controls the closed and open states of the chute device 100.

[0072] The control controller 71 controls the closed or open state of the chute device 100 based on whether or not it is determined that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11. If it is not determined that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, the control controller 71 controls the chute device 100 to the closed state. This allows the product 11 to pass through the chute device 100.

[0073] On the other hand, when it is determined that unnecessary metals are mixed in the product 11, the control controller 71 controls the chute device 100 to the open state. When controlling the chute device 100 to the open state, the control controller 71 changes the control method depending on the status of the other products 11. More specifically, when the control controller 71 is not transporting other products 11 that have already been read, the determination that unnecessary metals are mixed in the product 11 to be read is used as a trigger to control the chute device 100 to the open state. As a result, the product 11 to be read is collected by the chute device 100. Thereafter, when the control controller 71 inputs a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, the lapse of the recovery time is used as a trigger to control the chute device 100 to the closed state. For example, the recovery time may be set taking into account the time it takes for the product 11 to have completely passed through the chute device 100.

[0074] When another product 11 that has been meter-read is being transported and it is not determined that unnecessary metals are mixed in the other product 11 that has been meter-read, the control controller 71 reserves the control of the chute device 100 to the open state. The reserved state is a state in which the control controller 71 waits to control the chute device 100 to the open state after the other product 11 that has been meter-read has completely passed through the chute device 100. The reserved state also means that the RFID antenna 50 is in operation. After the RFID antenna 50 reads the ID signal of the other product 11 that has been meter-read, the control controller 71 inputs a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120 and, triggered by the elapse of the recovery time, controls the chute device 100 to the open state based on the reserved state. As a result, the product 11 to be meter-read is collected by the chute device 100. Thereafter, when the control controller 71 inputs a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it controls the chute device 100 to the closed state by the elapse of the recovery time.

[0075] When another product 11 that has been meter-read is being transported and when it is determined that unnecessary metal has been mixed in the other product 11 that has been meter-read, the control controller 71 switches the control of the chute device 100 to the open state, which is the continuation state. The continuation state is a state in which the control controller 71 maintains the chute device 100 in the open state after the other product 11 that has been meter-read is collected by the chute device 100. The continuation state also indicates that the RFID antenna 50 is stopped. After that, when the control controller 71 inputs a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it maintains the chute device 100 in the open state based on the continuation state. As a result, the product 11 to be meter-read is collected by the chute device 100. Further thereafter, when the control controller 71 inputs a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it controls the chute device 100 to the closed state, triggered by the passage of the recovery time.

[0076] <Operational aspects of the shooter device> 6(a) and 6(b) illustrate the case where a non-defective product 11A that has not been determined to contain unwanted metals is transported. The chute device 100 maintains a closed state. As a result, the non-defective product 11A passes through the chute device 100 after being inspected and having its ID signal read by the RFID antenna 50. In other words, by allowing the non-defective product 11A to pass, the chute device 100 classifies it as a non-defective product that has not been determined to contain unwanted metals.

[0077] 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate a case where a defective product 11B determined to contain unwanted metal is transported. After the defective product 11B is read, the chute device 100 opens. As a result, the defective product 11B is read, but the ID signal is not read by the RFID antenna 50, and the defective product 11B is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0078] 8(a) to (d) illustrate a case where a non-defective product 11A is conveyed, followed by a defective product 11B. The chute device 100 maintains a closed state. As a result, the non-defective product 11A conveyed first is inspected and its ID signal is read by the RFID antenna 50, and then passes through the chute device 100. In other words, by allowing the non-defective product 11A to pass, the chute device 100 classifies it as a non-defective product that has not been determined to contain unnecessary metal.

[0079] After the non-defective product 11A passes, the chute device 100 opens. As a result, the defective product 11B that is transported following the non-defective product 11A is inspected, but the ID signal is not read by the RFID antenna 50, and the defective product is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 classifies it as a defective product that has been determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0080] 9(a) to 9(c) illustrate a case where a defective product 11B is transported following a defective product 11B. The chute device 100 is in an open state. As a result, the defective product 11B transported first is inspected, but the ID signal is not read by the RFID antenna 50, and the defective product 11B is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0081] After the defective product 11B is collected, the chute device 100 remains open. As a result, the defective product 11B transported following the defective product 11B is inspected, but the ID signal is not read by the RFID antenna 50, and the defective product 11B is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0082] 10(a) to (c) illustrate a case where a defective product 11B is transported, followed by a non-defective product 11A. The chute device 100 is in an open state. As a result, the defective product 11B transported first is inspected, but its ID signal is not read by the RFID antenna 50, and the chute device 100 collects the defective product 11B. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 classifies it as a defective product determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0083] After the defective product 11B is collected, the chute device 100 is closed. As a result, the non-defective product 11A, which is transported following the defective product 11B, is inspected and its ID signal is read by the RFID antenna 50, and then passes through the chute device 100. In other words, by allowing the non-defective product 11A to pass, the chute device 100 classifies it as a non-defective product that has not been determined to contain any unwanted metal.

[0084] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the fourth embodiment described above, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects (1-1) to (1-5) can be obtained, and further the effects described below can be obtained.

[0085] (4-1) When the meter reading machine 10 is used in combination with the chute device 100, it can perform the process of reading the meter, the process from another perspective that can be performed using the RF tag 12, and the process of sorting the products 11 into good and bad products. Therefore, various processes can be integrated into one process and automated.

[0086] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows: In addition, the following other embodiments may be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0087] In the first embodiment, of the two photoelectric sensors 61, 62, the photoelectric sensor 61 arranged on the upstream side in the forward direction may have the function of the photoelectric sensor 62. For example, the RFID antenna 50 operates in response to the photoelectric sensor 61 detecting the passage of the product 11 as a trigger. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 62 can be omitted. That is, the meter reading device 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the RFID antenna 50 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the downstream side in the forward direction. The other embodiments described herein can be similarly applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0088] In the first embodiment, the RFID antenna 50 may be provided at a position in the area A3 where the distance from the detection head 40 is greater than the distance from the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The other embodiments described herein can be similarly applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0089] In the second embodiment, of the two photoelectric sensors 61, 62, the photoelectric sensor 62 arranged on the upstream side in the forward direction may have the function of the photoelectric sensor 61. For example, the detection head 40 operates in response to the photoelectric sensor 62 detecting the passage of the product 11 as a trigger. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 61 can be omitted. That is, the meter reading device 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the RFID antenna 50 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the upstream side in the forward direction.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the RFID antenna 50 may be provided at a position in the area A1 where the distance between the RFID antenna 50 and the detection head 40 is greater than the distance between the RFID antenna 50 and the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23.

[0091] In the third embodiment, the first photoelectric sensor 63, which is disposed most upstream in the forward direction of the two photoelectric sensors 61, 62 (63, 64), may have the functions of the photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 64. For example, the detection head 40 is triggered to operate when the photoelectric sensor 63 detects the passage of the product 11. The second RFID antenna 54 is triggered to operate when the photoelectric sensor 63 detects the passage of the product 11. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 64 can be omitted. That is, the meter reading device 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the first RFID antenna 53 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the upstream side in the forward direction. The second RFID antenna 54 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the downstream side in the forward direction.

[0092] In the third embodiment, the first RFID antenna 53 may be provided at a position in the area A1 where the distance to the detection head 40 is greater than the distance to the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. The second RFID antenna 54 may be provided at a position in the area A3 where the distance to the detection head 40 is greater than the distance to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, the control controller 71 may control the chute device 100 to the open state when it determines that the RF tag 12 has not been detected, even if it does not determine that unnecessary metal has been mixed in the product 11. In other words, the control controller 71 may be configured to control the chute device 100 to the open state either when it determines that unnecessary metal has been mixed in the product 11, or when it determines that the RF tag 12 has not been detected.

[0094] In the fourth embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be provided in the chute device 100. For example, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be provided in front of the opening between the chute unit 110 and the large panel 102b, i.e., on the meter reading machine 10 side.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be omitted. In other words, the meter reading device 10 does not need to have the photoelectric sensor 120. In the other embodiments described herein, the controller 71 may control the closed and open states of the chute device 100 based on the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 60.

[0096] The chute device 100 of the fourth embodiment may be replaced by a device having a similar function as long as it can sort the products 11 into good and bad products. In the fourth embodiment, the specific configuration of the chute device 100 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the bottom panel 105 may be eliminated from the chute device 100, and the widthwise side of the main body 101 may be closed with an openable door.

[0097] The chute device 100 of the fourth embodiment can also be used in combination with the meter detector 10 of the second and third embodiments. In the first to third embodiments described above, the photoelectric sensor 60 may be omitted. In other words, the meter reading device 10 does not need to have the photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, the detection head 40 and the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) may be configured to operate, for example, when the meter reading device 10 is started up, as a trigger, and to continue operating while the meter reading device 10 is running. For example, in the fourth embodiment, when determining that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11, the control controller 71 may not read or may delete the ID signal of the product 11 to be read.

[0098] In the first to third embodiments, the controller 71 may stop the rotation of the conveyor belt 30 when determining that unnecessary metal is mixed in the product 11. In this case, the controller 71 may rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the return direction through input from the operation input unit 22a.

[0099] In each of the above embodiments, the RF tag 12 may be replaced with, for example, a tag carrying a two-dimensional or three-dimensional code that is individual information. In this case, the RFID antenna 50 may be replaced with a reader that can read two-dimensional or three-dimensional codes.

[0100] In each of the above embodiments, the detection head 40 may be provided so as to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction in a direction intersecting the forward direction. In each of the above embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) may be provided separately from the device main body 20. In this case, the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) may be installed at a fixed position corresponding to the device main body 20 when the meter reading device 10 is in use. In other words, the RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) may be provided substantially integrally with the device main body 20.

[0101] In each of the above embodiments, the association of the information obtained in connection with the meter reading with the product 11 may be performed by the server 90 or a processing device connected to the processing device 70 via a network. In this case, the processing device 70 only needs to have the function of generating the information obtained in connection with the meter reading and the individual information identified from the ID signal. The processing device connected to the processing device 70 via a network may be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0102] In each of the above embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 may have a shield to prevent leakage of radio waves transmitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51 from within the range of its internal space. In each of the above embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 may be provided integrally with the detection head 40. In other words, the detection head 40 may include the radio wave transmitting unit 51 and the information reading unit 52 that constitute the RFID antenna 50.

[0103] In each of the above embodiments, the needle detector 10 may include at least one detector head 40, and may include, for example, two detector heads, a first detector head and a second detector head. In one example, the first detector head and the second detector head may be arranged such that the RFID antenna 50 is located between them in the forward direction.

[0104] In each of the above embodiments, the area A1 of the inspection area 23 may be defined as an area indicating that the product 11 may contain unwanted metals before meter reading. In this case, the areas A2 and A3 may be defined as areas indicating that the product 11 may not contain unwanted metals after meter reading. In the other embodiments described herein, the inspection area 23 may include at least one "area indicating that the product 11 may not contain unwanted metals" and one "area indicating that the product 11 may contain unwanted metals." For example, the "area where meter reading is performed" and the "area indicating that the product 11 may contain unwanted metals" may at least partially overlap. In the first and fourth embodiments, the "area indicating that the product 11 may not contain unwanted metals" may be an area downstream of the RFID antenna 50, i.e., area A3a. In the second embodiment, the "area indicating that the product 11 may contain unwanted metals" may be an area upstream of the RFID antenna 50, i.e., area A1a. These are also the same in the third embodiment, and the "area indicating that there is no possibility that unnecessary metals have been mixed into product 11" may be area A3a, and the "area indicating that there is a possibility that unnecessary metals have been mixed into product 11" may be area A1a.

[0105] <Other technical ideas> Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiments will be additionally described below. (A) A needle detector is configured to inspect whether or not an object to be inspected contains unnecessary metal. The needle detector includes an apparatus main body having an inspection area where inspection of the object to be inspected is performed, a conveyor belt configured to transport the object to be inspected at least in a forward direction so that the object to be inspected passes through the inspection area, at least one metal detection unit configured to detect the metal as the object to be inspected transported in the forward direction by the conveyor belt passes, and at least one individual information detection unit configured to detect individual information carried by a tag transported together with the object to be inspected as the tag passes, the individual information including information about the object to be inspected being transported together, and the individual information detection unit is provided at a position where it can detect the individual information carried by the tag as it passes through the inspection area.

[0106] (b) The metal detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the inspection area and is provided so as to straddle the inspection area in a direction intersecting the forward direction, the inspection area has a plurality of areas divided based on the metal detection unit, the plurality of areas including a first area, a second area, and a third area, the first area being the area of the inspection area that is upstream in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit, the second area being the area of the inspection area where the metal detection unit is located, the third area being the area of the inspection area that is downstream in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit, and the individual information detection unit being provided in a position where it can detect the individual information possessed by the tag passing through the third area.

[0107] (c) The meter reading device according to the technical idea (b), wherein the individual information detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the third area. (d) The metal detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the inspection area and is provided so as to straddle the inspection area in a direction intersecting the forward direction, the inspection area has a plurality of areas divided based on the metal detection unit, the plurality of areas including a first area, a second area, and a third area, the first area being the area of the inspection area that is upstream in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit, the second area being the area of the inspection area where the metal detection unit is located, the third area being the area of the inspection area that is downstream in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit, and the individual information detection unit being provided in a position where it can detect the individual information possessed by the tag passing through the first area.

[0108] (E) The meter reading device according to the technical idea (D), wherein the individual information detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the first area. (F) The metal detection unit is provided integrally with the device main body in the inspection area and is provided so as to straddle the inspection area in a direction intersecting the forward direction, the inspection area has a plurality of areas divided based on the metal detection unit, the plurality of areas including a first area, a second area, and a third area, the first area being the area of the inspection area that is upstream in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit, the second area being the area of the inspection area where the metal detection unit is located, and the third area being the area of the inspection area that is downstream in the forward direction with respect to the metal detection unit, the individual information detection unit including a first individual information detection unit and a second individual information detection unit, the first individual information detection unit being provided at a position where it can detect the individual information held by the tag passing through the first area, and the second individual information detection unit being provided at a position where it can detect the individual information held by the tag passing through the third area.

[0109] (T) A meter reading machine according to the technical idea (F), wherein the first individual information detection unit is integrally provided with the device main body in the first area, and the second individual information detection unit is integrally provided with the device main body in the third area.

[0110] (H) A meter detector described in any one of technical ideas (C), (E), and (G), wherein the individual information detection unit is provided at a position where the distance from the metal detection unit is shorter than the distance from the entrance of the inspection area and the distance from the exit of the inspection area, the entrance of the inspection area is located at the most upstream side of the inspection area in the forward direction, and the exit of the inspection area is located at the most downstream side of the inspection area in the forward direction.

Claims

1. An inspection system that inspects whether or not an object being inspected transported through an inspection area contains unnecessary metals, the test system includes equipment used for the test, a processing circuit configured to perform processing related to the test, and a memory for storing information related to the test; The device includes a metal detection unit configured to detect the metal when the inspection object passes by, and an individual information detection unit configured to detect individual information carried by a tag transported together with the inspection object when the tag passes by, The process relating to the inspection is as follows: A process of acquiring a detection result from the metal detection unit included in the device so as to detect the metal when the inspection object passes; a process of determining whether or not the metal is mixed in the inspection object based on the detection result of the metal detection unit; a process of acquiring a detection result from the individual information detection unit included in the device so as to detect individual information possessed by the tag when the tag transported together with the inspection object passes by; A process of generating individual information for management based on a detection result of the individual information detection unit; storing the generated individual information for management in the memory; An inspection system configured so that the process of generating the individual information for management includes a process of linking the detection results of the metal detection unit for the inspection object transported together with the tag to the individual information possessed by the tag.

2. the process of generating the individual information for management includes a process of linking the individual information of the tag with the detection result of the metal detection unit for the test object transported together with the tag, as well as a process of linking the detection environment of the metal detection unit; The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection environment of the metal detection unit includes at least the sensitivity of a sensor provided in the metal detection unit.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection-related processing further includes processing for displaying the individual information for management stored in the memory on a display device included in the device.

4. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to be able to transmit the individual information for management stored in the memory to a server via a network.

5. The tag is an RF tag, 5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the individual information of the tag is an ID signal stored inside the RF tag.

6. 1. An inspection method applied to an inspection system that inspects whether or not an inspection object transported through an inspection area contains unnecessary metal, comprising: The inspection method includes: obtaining a detection result from a metal detection unit included in an apparatus used for the inspection, the metal detection unit being configured to detect the metal as the inspection object passes through; determining whether or not the metal is mixed in the inspection object based on the detection result of the metal detection unit; acquiring a detection result from an individual information detection unit included in the device, the individual information detection unit being configured to detect individual information held by a tag transported together with the inspection object when the tag passes by; generating individual information for management purposes based on a detection result of the individual information detection unit; storing the generated individual information for management in a memory that stores information related to the examination; The generating of the individual information for management includes linking the detection results of the metal detection unit for the inspection object transported together with the tag to the individual information possessed by the tag.

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