Inspection system and inspection device

Abstract

To provide an inspection system and an inspection device capable of reducing a possibility that setting about an inspection is inappropriately performed.SOLUTION: A label inspection system 300 includes a label inspection device 100 and a server 200. The label inspection device 100 changes setting about an inspection to setting received by an input part 140 in the case of acquiring a valid password through the input part. A second storage part 220 of the server stores a password and destination information related to a destination of information having a destination other than the label inspection device 100. A second communication part 230 of the server transmits the password to a destination of information identified by the destination information. On the other hand, the label inspection device 100 transmits a valid password to a destination of information other than the label inspection device via a first communication part 180 of the label inspection device 100 in the case that the input part 140 receives the change in setting related to the inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system and an inspection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, inspection devices that perform various types of inspections are known. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2015-130125 A) discloses a label inspection device that inspects labels attached to articles.

[0003] Generally, in an inspection device, an operator sets the inspection-related settings through an input unit so that the inspection device can perform the desired inspection. For example, in the case of a label inspection device such as that described in Patent Document 1 (JP 2015-130125 A), the operator sets the inspection-related settings, such as which area of ​​the label to inspect and what inspection items to inspect, through the input unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Inspection devices inspect objects according to their settings. Therefore, if the inspection settings are inappropriate, the inspection device may not perform the inspection that it should perform, or the inspection accuracy of the inspection device may decrease. Therefore, for example, if an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspections sets the settings inappropriately, the inspection device may not perform the desired inspection.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection system and an inspection device that can reduce the possibility that settings related to an inspection are made inappropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An inspection system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an inspection device that inspects an inspection object and a server capable of communicating with the inspection device. The inspection device has an input unit, a first communication unit, and a first control unit. The input unit accepts information regarding inspection setting changes and setting change permission made by an operator. The first communication unit communicates with the server. When the first control unit acquires information regarding currently valid setting change permission via the input unit, it changes the inspection setting of the inspection device to the changed inspection setting accepted by the input unit. The server has a storage unit, a second communication unit, and a second control unit. The storage unit stores information regarding currently valid setting change permission and destination information regarding information destinations other than the inspection device. The second communication unit transmits information regarding currently valid setting change permission to the information destination specified by the destination information. The second control unit controls the transmission of information by the second communication unit.

[0007] In the inspection system of the first aspect, changing the settings related to the inspection requires information regarding permission to change the settings to be sent to a destination other than the inspection device, which prevents an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the inspection device.

[0008] An inspection system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the inspection system according to the first aspect, wherein the first communication unit transmits first information to the server when an operator inputs a change to inspection settings into the input unit, and the second control unit causes the second communication unit to transmit information regarding setting change permission that is currently valid to a destination of the information specified by the destination information when the server receives the first information or when an administrator of the inspection device requests information regarding setting change permission from the server.

[0009] In the inspection system of the second aspect, changing the settings related to the inspection requires information regarding permission to change the settings to be sent to a destination other than the inspection device, which prevents operators with little experience or knowledge about inspection from changing the settings of the inspection device without permission.

[0010] An inspection system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the inspection system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the server further includes a generation unit that generates information about currently valid setting change permissions based on preset rules and updates the currently valid setting change permission information stored in the storage unit with the generated currently valid setting change permission information.

[0011] In the inspection system of the third aspect, information regarding valid setting change permissions is updated, which prevents an operator with little experience or knowledge of inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of an inspection device using information regarding setting change permissions used in the past.

[0012] An inspection system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the inspection system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the inspection device further includes a generation unit. The generation unit generates information about currently valid setting change permissions based on preset rules. The first communication unit transmits the information about currently valid setting change permissions generated by the generation unit to a server. The information about currently valid setting change permissions stored in the storage unit is updated with the information about currently valid setting change permissions received by the server.

[0013] In the inspection system of the fourth aspect, information regarding valid setting change permissions is updated, thereby preventing situations in which an operator with little experience or knowledge of inspection uses information regarding setting change permissions used in the past to arbitrarily change the settings of an inspection device.

[0014] A testing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the testing system according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the information relating to permission to change settings is a one-time password.

[0015] In the inspection system of the fifth aspect, a one-time password that is valid only once is used as information regarding valid setting change permission. Therefore, this inspection system can prevent an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the inspection device by using information regarding setting change permission that was used in the past.

[0016] An inspection system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the inspection system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the inspection device further includes a storage unit. The input unit receives changes to settings related to the inspection as well as an ID for identifying an operator who inputs the changes to the settings related to the inspection into the input unit. The storage unit stores a history of changes to settings related to the inspection together with the ID of the operator who input the changes to settings related to the inspection.

[0017] In the inspection system of the sixth aspect, the contents of the changed settings are stored in association with the ID of the operator who made the changes, so even if an inappropriate setting is made, the cause can be easily investigated.

[0018] An inspection system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the inspection system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when the first control unit changes settings related to an inspection in the inspection device, the first communication unit transmits the changed settings related to the inspection to the server, and the second control unit causes the second communication unit to transmit the changed settings related to the inspection received by the server to a destination of the information specified by the destination information.

[0019] In the testing system of the seventh aspect, the changed settings for the test are sent to the administrator of the testing device, so that the administrator can check whether the changed settings for the test are appropriate.

[0020] An inspection device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is an inspection device that inspects an inspection object, and includes a communication unit, an input unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The communication unit communicates with an external device of the inspection device. The input unit accepts input from an operator. The storage unit stores information regarding currently valid setting change permission and destination information regarding the destination of the information. When the input unit accepts a change to settings related to an inspection in the inspection device, the control unit causes the information regarding currently valid setting change permission to be transmitted via the communication unit to the destination of the information identified by the destination information. When the input unit accepts the information regarding currently valid setting change permission, the control unit changes the inspection settings in the inspection device to the changed inspection settings accepted by the input unit.

[0021] In the inspection device of the eighth aspect, changing the settings related to the inspection requires information regarding permission to change the settings to be sent to a destination other than the inspection device, thereby preventing situations in which an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection changes the settings of the inspection device without permission.

[0022] An inspection device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the inspection device of the eighth aspect, further comprising a generation unit that generates information about currently valid setting change permissions based on preset rules and updates the currently valid setting change permission information stored in the storage unit with the generated currently valid setting change permission information.

[0023] In the inspection device of the ninth aspect, information regarding valid setting change permissions is updated, thereby preventing an operator with little experience or knowledge regarding inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the inspection device using information regarding setting change permissions used in the past.

[0024] A testing device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the testing device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the information regarding permission to change settings is a one-time password.

[0025] In the inspection device of the tenth aspect, a one-time password valid only once is used as information regarding valid setting change permission. Therefore, with this inspection device, it is possible to prevent an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the inspection device by using information regarding setting change permission that was used in the past.

[0026] An inspection device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the inspection device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein the input unit receives, along with changes to the inspection settings, an ID for identifying the operator who inputs the changes to the inspection settings to the input unit. The accumulation unit stores a history of changes to the inspection settings together with the ID of the operator who made the changes to the inspection settings.

[0027] In the inspection device of the eleventh aspect, the contents of the changed settings are stored in association with the ID of the operator who made the changes, so that even if an inappropriate setting is made, the cause can be easily investigated.

[0028] An inspection device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an inspection device according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein when the control unit changes the inspection settings in the inspection device to the changed inspection settings, the communication unit transmits the changed inspection settings to the destination of the information identified by the destination information.

[0029] In the inspection device of the twelfth aspect, the changed settings related to the inspection are transmitted to the administrator of the inspection device, so that the administrator can check whether the changed settings related to the inspection are appropriate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] In the inspection system of the present invention, changing inspection settings requires information regarding permission to change settings to be sent to a destination other than the inspection device, thereby preventing situations in which workers with little experience or knowledge of inspections change the settings of the inspection device without permission.

[0031] Furthermore, in the inspection device of the present invention, changing the settings related to the inspection requires information regarding permission to change the settings to be sent to a destination other than the inspection device, which prevents workers with little experience or knowledge of inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the inspection device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic external view of a label inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a label inspection system according to an embodiment of the inspection system of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a processing flow when settings relating to inspection of the label inspection device are changed in the label inspection system of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow when settings relating to inspection of the label inspection device are changed in the label inspection system of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a label inspection system according to Modification 1C. [Figure 6] 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow when settings relating to inspection of the label inspection device are changed in the label inspection system of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a label inspection system according to Modification 1D. [Figure 8] 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow when settings relating to inspection of the label inspection device are changed in the label inspection system of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a label inspection device according to an example of an inspection device in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow when settings related to inspection of the label inspection device of FIG. 9 are changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an inspection system and an inspection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] First Embodiment In the first embodiment, a label inspection system 300 according to an embodiment of the inspection system of the present invention will be described.

[0035] (1) Overall overview An overall outline of the label inspection system 300 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic external view of a label inspection device 100 included in the label inspection system 300. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the label inspection system 300.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the label inspection system 300 mainly includes a label inspection apparatus 100 and a server 200 that is communicably connected to the label inspection apparatus 100.

[0037] The label inspection device 100 is a device that inspects labels attached to objects as inspection targets. The objects to which the labels are attached may be, but are not limited to, food items such as rice balls and bread. While not limiting the inspection items, the label inspection device 100 can inspect, for example, whether a label is attached to an object, whether the type of object indicated on the label matches the type of object to which the label is attached, whether the label is affixed to the object in the correct orientation, whether there are any errors in the printed content of the label, and whether the label printing is faint or missing.

[0038] The server 200 is a computer that manages the label inspection apparatus 100 .

[0039] (2) Label inspection equipment The label inspection device 100 will now be described in detail.

[0040] The label inspection device 100 includes a conveying unit 110 , an inspection unit 120 , a display unit 130 , an input unit 140 , and a control device 150 .

[0041] (2-1) Conveyor The conveying unit 110 is, for example, a belt conveyor, but is not limited thereto. The conveying unit 110 receives an item (an item having a label to be inspected) from an upstream conveyor (not shown) and conveys it to an inspection location (specifically, an image capture location) by the inspection unit 120. The conveying unit 110 also conveys the inspected item downstream from the inspection location by the inspection unit 120 and hands it over to a downstream conveyor (not shown).

[0042] (2-2) Inspection Department The inspection unit 120 is, for example, a camera, but is not limited to this. The camera of the inspection unit 120 captures an image of the article being transported by the transport unit 110 and transmits the captured image to the control device 150.

[0043] (2-3)Display section The display unit 130 is a display that displays various information related to the label inspection device 100, the inspection results of the label inspection device 100, and the like.

[0044] (2-4) Input section The input unit 140 receives input from an operator. Here, the operator means a person who operates the inspection device 100 in a factory or the like where the inspection device 100 is installed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the display that functions as the display unit 130 is a touch panel display, and the display that functions as the display unit 130 also functions as the input unit 140.

[0046] However, something other than a touch panel display may function as the input unit 140. For example, the input unit 140 may be a keypad or the like provided in the label inspection apparatus 100. Furthermore, the first communication unit 180 of the control device 150, which will be described later, may communicate with a mobile terminal operated by an operator and function as an input unit that receives various types of information transmitted from the mobile terminal.

[0047] Various commands are input to the input unit 140 for the label inspection apparatus 100. The input unit 140 also accepts changes to settings related to inspection by the label inspection apparatus 100. Furthermore, when changing settings related to inspection by the label inspection apparatus 100, the input unit 140 also accepts information (password) related to permission to change settings.

[0048] Although not limited thereto, the inspection settings for the label inspection device 100 include, for example, settings for determining which areas of a captured label image are to be inspected. For example, assume that there are multiple types of labels to be inspected by the label inspection device 100, and each type of label has areas where the printed content is the same as that of other types of labels, and areas where the printed content is different from that of other types of labels. For example, if the inspection content of the label inspection device 100 is to check whether the printed content of the label is correct, setting the areas where the printed content is different from that of other types of labels as the inspection target area can improve inspection accuracy compared to when the inspection target area is not limited (when the entire label is inspected). However, if the inspection target area is set incorrectly, there is a risk that errors in the printed content will be overlooked.

[0049] Furthermore, the settings related to the inspection of the label inspection device 100 include settings for which of the multiple inspection items described above to inspect. Reducing the number of inspection items can improve the inspection accuracy of the label inspection device 100. However, if the inspection items are set incorrectly, there is a possibility that the contents that should be inspected will not be inspected.

[0050] (2-5) Control device The control device 150 mainly includes a CPU, a first storage unit 170 including a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a flash memory), an input / output interface, and a communication interface. Note that the control device 150 does not necessarily have to realize all of its functions by software, and some of the functions described below may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. Furthermore, the control device 150 may be realized by one device or by multiple devices.

[0051] The first storage unit 170 stores various programs executed by the CPU. The CPU executes the various programs stored in the first storage unit 170, thereby controlling the operation of each unit of the label inspection apparatus 100 and executing various processes, and functions as the first control unit 160.

[0052] The first storage unit 170 stores various types of information in addition to programs. The first storage unit 170 has, as information storage areas, a password storage area 172, an inspection setting storage area 174, and an inspection result storage area 176. The password storage area 172 stores passwords transmitted by the server 200, as described below. The inspection setting storage area 174 stores settings related to inspections used by the label inspection device 100 for inspections. The inspection result storage area 176 stores inspection results by the label inspection device 100.

[0053] The control device 150 is electrically connected to the transport unit 110, the inspection unit 120, and a touch panel display that functions as the display unit 130 and the input unit 140. The control device 150 is also connected to be able to communicate with the server 200 via a network NW such as the Internet. The control device 150 exchanges various information and signals with the server 200 using the first communication unit 180.

[0054] The first control unit 160 controls the operations of the conveying unit 110, the inspection unit 120, and the touch panel display that functions as the display unit 130 and the input unit 140. For example, the first control unit 160 operates the conveying unit 110 to convey an article. The first control unit 160 also operates the inspection unit 120 to capture an image of the article being conveyed by the conveying unit 110. The first control unit 160 also causes the display unit 130 to appropriately display predetermined information.

[0055] The first control unit 160 also inspects the label attached to the item based on the image of the item sent by the inspection unit 120. More specifically, the first control unit 160 inspects the label attached to the item based on the image sent by the inspection unit 120 and in accordance with the inspection settings stored in the inspection setting storage area 174. For example, assume that the inspection settings stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 set the label inspection area to the first area and the inspection item to inspect whether the printed content is correct. In this case, the first control unit 160 inspects whether predetermined content is printed in the first area of ​​the label attached to the item based on the image sent by the inspection unit 120, and determines the inspection result as pass if the printed content is correct, or determines the inspection result as fail if the printed content is incorrect. Although the inspection method is not limited thereto, for example, a pattern matching method or an optical character recognition (OCR) method may be used for such an inspection.

[0056] The first control unit 160 stores the inspection results in the inspection result storage area 176. The first control unit 160 also transmits the inspection results to, for example, a sorting device (not shown) that is arranged downstream of the inspection device 100 and that sorts the transported items into items whose labels have passed the inspection and items whose labels have failed the inspection.

[0057] The settings related to the inspection in the label inspection device 100 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as inspection settings) stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 of the first storage unit 170 can be changed based on an input from the input unit 140.

[0058] Specifically, information (password) regarding permission to change settings is input via the input unit 140, and if the input password matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170, the setting change permission unit 162 of the first control unit 160 permits rewriting of the information stored in the examination setting storage area 174. Then, when the setting change permission unit 162 permits rewriting of the information, the first control unit 160 changes the examination settings stored in the examination setting storage area 174 to the settings related to the examination accepted by the input unit 140 (i.e., the changed settings related to the examination).

[0059] Preferably, when the first control unit 160 changes the examination settings stored in the examination setting storage area 174, the first control unit 160 receives the ID of the operator who changes the examination settings. In other words, when receiving a change to the examination settings, the input unit 140 receives an ID for identifying the operator who makes the input to the input unit 140. The operator's ID is, for example, a code for identifying the operator, and is used to specify the operator who changes the examination settings. Preferably, the first control unit 160 stores in the first storage unit 170 a history of changes to the examination settings, together with the contents of the examination settings and the ID of the operator who input the change to the examination settings to the input unit 140.

[0060] Furthermore, when changing the examination settings stored in the examination setting storage area 174, it is preferable that the first control unit 160 controls the operation of the first communication unit 180 and causes the first communication unit 180 to transmit the changed examination-related settings to the server 200. The changed examination-related settings transmitted by the first communication unit 180 to the server 200 may be information that enables the contents of the examination-related settings to be understood. For example, the first communication unit 180 may transmit to the server 200 an image of an input screen of information when the operator inputs changes to the examination-related settings into the input unit 140, instead of the contents of the examination-related settings themselves.

[0061] How changes to inspection settings are managed in label inspection system 300 will be described later.

[0062] (3) Server The server 200 is a computer that manages the label inspection apparatus 100 .

[0063] 2, only one label inspection apparatus 100 is depicted as an object of management by the server 200, but the server 200 may manage multiple label inspection apparatuses 100. To avoid complicating the explanation, the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the object of management by the server 200 is only one label inspection apparatus 100.

[0064] Server 200 mainly includes a CPU, a second storage unit 220 including a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a flash memory), etc., an input / output interface, and a communication interface. Server 200 may be configured by one computer or multiple computers.

[0065] The second storage unit 220 stores various programs executed by the CPU. The CPU functions as the second control unit 210 and the password generation unit 212 by executing the various programs stored in the second storage unit 220. The second control unit 210 controls, for example, the transmission of information by the second communication unit 230. The password generation unit 212 generates a password as information related to setting change permission, which is used when changing inspection settings in the label inspection device 100. The second storage unit 220 stores various information in addition to programs. The second storage unit 220 includes, for example, a password storage area 222 and a destination information storage area 224 as information storage areas.

[0066] Server 200 is communicably connected to server 200 via a network NW such as the Internet. Server 200 is also communicably connected to an information terminal 900 used by an administrator of label inspection system 300 via a network NW such as the Internet. The administrator of label inspection system 300 is, for example, a person responsible for the manufacture of the items to which labels are affixed or a person responsible for label inspection, and is a person separate from the workers. Information terminal 900 is, for example, a mobile terminal used by the administrator of label inspection system 300.

[0067] Note that, here, the phrase "server 200 is communicatively connected to information terminal 900" does not necessarily mean that server 200 and information terminal 900 directly exchange information. When server 200 is communicatively connected to information terminal 900, it also includes a case where server 200 is configured to be able to send emails to an administrator's email address and the administrator can use information terminal 900 to receive emails sent by server 200. The second control unit 210 of server 200 controls the second communication unit 230 so as to exchange various information and signals with label inspection apparatus 100 and information terminal 900.

[0068] (3-1) Password generation section When a predetermined condition is met, the password generation unit 212 generates a password as information regarding permission to change settings that is currently valid, based on a predetermined rule (a predetermined algorithm). The password generation unit 212 updates the password stored in the password storage area 222 of the second storage unit 220 with the generated password. Preferably, the password generated by the password generation unit 212 is a one-time password that is valid only once.

[0069] As mentioned above, it is assumed here that the server 200 is to manage only one label inspection device 100. However, if the server 200 is to manage multiple label inspection devices 100, the password memory area 222 stores the password generated by the password generation unit 212 for each label inspection device 100.

[0070] The predetermined conditions that trigger password generation unit 212 to generate a password will be described later.

[0071] (3-2) Second control section When a predetermined condition is met, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to send the password stored in the password storage area 222 (information regarding setting change permission that is currently valid) to the destination of the information identified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224.

[0072] The destination information is information relating to the destination of information. For example, the destination information is a pre-registered email address of the administrator of the label inspection system 300 or a phone number of a mobile terminal serving as the information terminal 900. The second control unit 210 uses the destination information to send the password stored in the password storage area 222 by email or SMS (Short Message Service). Note that the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224 is a destination other than the label inspection device 100.

[0073] The predetermined condition that triggers the second control unit 210 to generate a password for the destination of the information specified by the destination information will be described later.

[0074] The second control unit 210 also controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the same password to the label inspection apparatus 100. Note that the password transmitted to the label inspection apparatus 100 is used to check against the password input by the worker to the input unit 140, and the password transmitted to the label inspection apparatus 100 is not shown to the worker.

[0075] Furthermore, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the changed inspection settings that the server 200 has received from the label inspection device 100 to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224. For example, when the second communication unit 230 transmits information by email, the second control unit 210 transmits an image of the information input screen received by the server 200 when the operator inputs the changes to the inspection settings into the input unit 140 to the email address of the administrator of the label inspection system 300. For example, when the second communication unit 230 transmits information by SMS, the second control unit 210 transmits text information regarding the changes to the inspection settings of the label inspection device 100 that the server 200 has received by SMS.

[0076] As described above, it is assumed here that the server 200 is to manage only one label inspection apparatus 100. In contrast, if the server 200 is to manage multiple label inspection apparatuses 100, the destination information storage area 224 only needs to store individual destination information for each label inspection apparatus 100.

[0077] (4) Process flow for changing settings related to label inspection equipment The flow of processing when settings relating to inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100 are changed in the label inspection system 300 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS.

[0078] <First example> A first example of the processing flow for changing the settings related to inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, which is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when the settings related to inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100 are changed in the label inspection system 300.

[0079] Before starting the explanation based on the sequence diagram of Figure 3, we will explain the specified conditions in the first example under which the password generation unit 212 generates a password and the specified conditions under which the second communication unit 230 transmits a password to the destination of the information identified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224.

[0080] Here, the predetermined condition for the password generation unit 212 to generate a password is that the server 200 receives a password request from the label inspection device 100. Also, the predetermined condition for the second communication unit 230 to transmit a password to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224 is that the password generation unit 212 generates a password.

[0081] The flow of processing when settings relating to inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100 are changed in the label inspection system 300 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0082] First, the worker inputs changes to the inspection settings into the input unit 140 of the label inspection apparatus 100. Here, the term "the worker inputs changes to the inspection settings" does not mean that the worker actually inputs the settings related to the inspection, but rather that the worker performs a predetermined operation to change the settings related to the inspection on the input unit 140. For example, the term "the worker inputs changes to the inspection settings" here includes the case where the worker operates the input unit 140 to display an input screen for making settings related to the inspection on the touch panel display serving as the display unit 130.

[0083] When the operator inputs a change to the settings related to the inspection into the input unit 140, the first control unit 160 controls the first communication unit 180 to cause the first communication unit 180 to send a password request as first information to the server 200.

[0084] When server 200 receives a password request, password generation unit 212 of server 200 generates a password as information related to setting change permission that is currently valid, and updates the currently valid password stored in password storage area 222 of second storage unit 220 with the generated password. In other words, when server 200 receives a password request, the valid password stored in password storage area 222 of second storage unit 220 is updated. The password generated by password generation unit 212 is preferably a one-time password that can be used only once.

[0085] Next, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the destination of the information identified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224 of the second storage unit 220. In other words, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the information terminal 900.

[0086] Furthermore, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit a password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the label inspection device 100. The first control unit 160 of the label inspection device 100 stores the received password in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170. Note that the second communication unit 230 may transmit the password to the label inspection device 100 before transmitting the password to the destination of the information specified by the destination information.

[0087] At this point, the worker does not know the currently valid password. The setting change permission unit 162 of the first control unit 160 will not permit a change to the settings related to the inspection unless a currently valid password is input to the input unit 140. Therefore, the worker inquires of the administrator operating the information terminal 900 about the password sent to the information terminal 900 (the password sent by email or SMS and acquired by the administrator using the information terminal 900). If the worker is near the administrator, the worker may ask the administrator for the password directly. Alternatively, the worker may inquire about the password from the administrator by telephone or email. Alternatively, when the administrator acquires the password using the information terminal 900, the administrator may contact the worker and inform the worker of the password without waiting for an inquiry from the worker.

[0088] Next, the worker inputs the password obtained from the administrator into the input unit 140. Then, the setting change permission unit 162 of the first control unit 160 of the label inspection device 100 determines whether the password input into the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170. If the password input into the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170, the setting change permission unit 162 permits the change of the setting information related to the inspection stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 of the first storage unit 170.

[0089] Although not described in detail here, if the password input to input unit 140 does not match the password stored in password storage area 172 of first storage unit 170, first control unit 160 performs processing such as controlling display unit 130 to display on display unit 130 that the password is not currently valid information. In response to this, the worker can take appropriate action such as re-entering the password.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of the processing flow for changing the inspection settings. When the setting change permission unit 162 permits a change to the inspection settings stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 of the first storage unit 170, for example, the first control unit 160 controls the display unit 130 to display on the display unit 130 a message that the setting change has been permitted. In response to this, the operator inputs the change to the inspection settings into the input unit 140 so that the label inspection device 100 performs the desired inspection. Then, the first control unit 160 changes the inspection settings stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 to the inspection settings accepted by the input unit 140 (i.e., the changed inspection settings).

[0091] The order of inputting the change in the test settings and inputting the password may be reversed from the order shown in Fig. 3. For example, when the change in the test settings is input to the input unit 140, a screen requesting input of a password may be displayed on the display unit 130, and the operator may input the password into the input unit 140 in response to this. Then, when the password input to the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170, the setting change permission unit 162 may permit the test settings stored in the test setting storage area 174 to be updated with the test settings already input to the input unit 140.

[0092] When changing the settings related to the test, the display unit 130 preferably requests input of the ID of the operator who changes the settings related to the test. Then, the first control unit 160 preferably stores in the first storage unit 170 a history of changes to the settings related to the test, together with the contents of the settings related to the test and the ID of the operator who input the changes to the settings related to the test into the input unit 140.

[0093] When changing the settings related to the examination stored in the examination setting memory area 174, the first control unit 160 controls the operation of the first communication unit 180 and sends the changed settings related to the examination to the server 200.

[0094] Then, when the server 200 receives the changed settings related to the inspection transmitted from the label inspection device 100, the second control unit 210 of the server 200 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the changed settings related to the inspection received by the server 200 to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224. In other words, when the server 200 receives the changed settings related to the inspection transmitted from the label inspection device 100, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the changed settings related to the inspection received by the server 200 to the information terminal 900.

[0095] In the process flow described above, unless an operator obtains a password from the administrator, the operator cannot change the settings related to inspection of the label inspection device 100. This prevents an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from changing the inspection settings without the administrator's permission.

[0096] <Second example> A second example of the processing flow for changing the settings related to inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4, which is another example of a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when the settings related to inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100 are changed in the label inspection system 300.

[0097] Note that the processing flow of the second example has many points in common with the processing flow of the first example, so to avoid duplication, the following explanation will mainly focus on the differences between the processing flow of the second example and the processing flow of the first example.

[0098] The second example differs from the first example in that the predetermined condition for password generation unit 212 to generate a password is that the administrator requests a password as information regarding setting change permission from server 200. In other words, in the second example, the predetermined condition for password generation unit 212 to generate a password is that server 200 receives a password request transmitted from information terminal 900 operated by the administrator.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 4, the flow of processing when settings relating to inspection by the label inspection apparatus 100 are changed in the label inspection system 300 will be described.

[0100] First, when an operator changes the settings related to the inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100, the operator notifies the administrator in advance that he or she wishes to change the inspection settings.

[0101] When the administrator permits a change to the settings related to the test, the administrator operates the information terminal 900 to send a password request to the server 200. For example, the administrator uses application software downloaded to the information terminal 900 to send the password request to the server 200.

[0102] When the server 200 receives a password request from the information terminal 900, the password generation unit 212 of the server 200 generates a password as information regarding the currently valid setting change permission, and updates the currently valid password stored in the password storage area 222 of the second storage unit 220 with the generated password.

[0103] Note that the processing flow in the second example is the same as the processing flow in the first example with respect to the processing after password generation by password generation unit 212. To avoid duplication, the processing flow in the second example after password generation by password generation unit 212 will not be described here.

[0104] (5) Features (5-1) The label inspection system 300 of this embodiment includes a label inspection device 100 that inspects an inspection target and a server 200 that can communicate with the label inspection device 100. The label inspection device 100 is an example of an inspection device. The label inspection device 100 includes an input unit 140, a first communication unit 180, and a first control unit 160. The input unit 140 accepts changes to inspection settings made by an operator and a password as information regarding permission to change the settings. The first communication unit 180 communicates with the server 200. When the first control unit 160 acquires a currently valid password via the input unit 140, the first control unit 160 changes the inspection settings of the label inspection device 100 to the changed inspection settings accepted by the input unit 140. The server 200 includes a second memory unit 220 as an example of a storage unit, a second communication unit 230, and a second control unit 210. The second storage unit 220 stores a currently valid password and destination information regarding the destination of information other than the label inspection device 100. The second communication unit 230 transmits the currently valid password to the destination of the information specified by the destination information. The second control unit 210 controls the transmission of information by the second communication unit 230.

[0105] In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, changing the settings related to inspection requires information regarding permission to change settings, which is sent to a destination other than the label inspection apparatus 100. Therefore, the label inspection system 300 can prevent situations in which an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection changes the settings of the label inspection apparatus 100 without permission.

[0106] (5-2) In label inspection system 300 of the present embodiment, first communication unit 180 transmits a password request as first information to server 200 when an operator inputs a change to an inspection setting into input unit 140. When server 200 receives the password request, second control unit 210 causes second communication unit 230 to transmit the currently valid password to the destination of the information specified by the destination information.

[0107] Furthermore, in the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, when the administrator of the label inspection apparatus 100 requests a password from the server 200, the second control unit 210 may cause the second communication unit 230 to transmit the currently valid password to the destination of the information specified by the destination information.

[0108] In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, changing the settings related to inspection requires information regarding permission to change settings, which is sent to a destination other than the label inspection apparatus 100. Therefore, the label inspection system 300 can prevent situations in which an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection changes the settings of the label inspection apparatus 100 without permission.

[0109] (5-3) In label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, server 200 has password generation unit 212. Password generation unit 212 generates a currently valid password based on a preset rule (a predetermined algorithm), and updates the currently valid password stored in second storage unit 220 with the generated currently valid password.

[0110] In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, valid passwords are updated, which prevents an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the label inspection apparatus 100 using a password that was used in the past.

[0111] (5-4) In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, the information regarding permission to change settings is a one-time password.

[0112] In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, a one-time password that is valid only once is used as a valid password. Therefore, the label inspection system 300 can prevent an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the label inspection apparatus 100 using information about setting change permission that was used in the past.

[0113] (5-5) In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, the label inspection apparatus 100 has a first memory unit 170 as an example of a memory unit. The input unit 140 accepts changes to settings related to inspection as well as an ID for identifying the operator who inputs the settings into the input unit 140. The first memory unit 170 stores a history of changes to settings related to inspection together with the ID of the operator who input the changes to settings related to inspection.

[0114] In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, the contents of the changed settings are stored in association with the ID of the worker who made the changes, so even if an inappropriate setting is made, it is easy to investigate the cause, etc.

[0115] (5-6) In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, when the first control unit 160 changes the settings related to inspection in the label inspection device 100, the first communication unit 180 transmits the changed settings related to inspection to the server 200. The second control unit 210 causes the second communication unit 230 to transmit the changed settings related to inspection received by the server 200 to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the second storage unit 220.

[0116] In the label inspection system 300 of this embodiment, the changed settings related to inspection are sent to the administrator of the label inspection apparatus 100, so the administrator can check whether the changed settings related to inspection are appropriate.

[0117] (6) Variations Modifications of the first embodiment are described below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not contradicting each other.

[0118] (6-1) Variation 1A In the above embodiment, the inspection device to be managed by server 200 is a label inspection device. However, the type of inspection device is not limited to a label inspection device.

[0119] For example, the inspection device managed by server 200 may be an X-ray inspection device that inspects whether or not a foreign object is present in an inspection object based on an X-ray image obtained by irradiating the inspection object with X-rays. When the inspection device is an X-ray inspection device, the process flow for changing the inspection settings in the above embodiment is used when changing the inspection settings of the X-ray inspection device, for example, when changing a threshold value for determining whether or not a pixel in an X-ray image is a foreign object.

[0120] Furthermore, the server 200 may manage not only one type of inspection device but also multiple types of inspection devices. In other words, the inspection system may have multiple types of inspection devices.

[0121] (6-2) Variation 1B In the above embodiment, the password generation unit 212 generates a password when a password request is sent from the label inspection apparatus 100 or the information terminal 900 to the server 200 .

[0122] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the password generation unit 212 may generate a random password at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 30 minutes) and update the password stored in the password storage area 222 of the second storage unit 220. In other words, the password generation unit 212 may generate a password that is valid for a predetermined time. Then, when a password request is transmitted from the label inspection device 100 or the information terminal 900 to the server 200, the second control unit 210 may control the second communication unit 230 to transmit the currently valid password to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224 and to the label inspection device 100.

[0123] It should be noted that even when the password generation unit 212 generates a password when a password request is sent from the label inspection apparatus 100 or the information terminal 900 to the server 200 as in the above embodiment, the password may not be a one-time password but may be a password that is valid for a predetermined time. Even when a password that is valid for a predetermined time is used instead of a one-time password, the valid password is updated, so it is possible to prevent a situation in which an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection changes the settings of the label inspection apparatus 100 without permission by using a password that was used in the past.

[0124] Furthermore, the one-time password may be a password that can be used only once and is valid for a predetermined period of time.

[0125] (6-3) Variation 1C In the above embodiment, the second communication unit 230 transmits the password generated by the password generation unit 212 of the server 200 to the label inspection device 100, and the first control unit 160 stores the received password in the password memory area 172 of the first memory unit 170.

[0126] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the label inspection system 300 may also be configured as shown in Fig. 5. In the label inspection system 300 of Fig. 5, not only does the server 200 have a password generation unit 212, but the label inspection device 100 also has a password generation unit 163. The password generation unit 212 and the password generation unit 163 generate passwords that are valid for a predetermined time at predetermined time intervals. The password generated by the password generation unit 163 is stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170. The password generated by the password generation unit 212 is stored in the password storage area 222 of the second storage unit 220.

[0127] Here, the password generation unit 212 and the password generation unit 163 generate passwords using a time synchronization method (time stamp method). By synchronizing the time between the label inspection device 100 and the server 200, the password generation unit 163 of the label inspection device 100 and the password generation unit 212 of the server 200 generate the same password at the same time.

[0128] With this configuration, even when the label inspection apparatus 100 and the server 200 are not connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network NW, the operator can change the settings related to the inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100.

[0129] An example of the processing flow for changing settings related to inspection in label inspection system 300 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0130] First, when an operator changes the settings related to the inspection of the label inspection apparatus 100, the operator notifies the administrator in advance that he or she wishes to change the inspection settings.

[0131] When the administrator permits a change to the settings related to the test, the administrator operates the information terminal 900 to send a password request to the server 200. For example, the administrator uses application software downloaded to the information terminal 900 to send the password request to the server 200.

[0132] When the server 200 receives a password request from the information terminal 900, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the destination of the information identified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224 of the second storage unit 220. In other words, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the information terminal 900.

[0133] Next, the worker inquires of the administrator operating the information terminal 900 about the password sent to the information terminal 900 (the password sent by email or SMS and acquired by the administrator using the information terminal 900). If the worker is near the administrator, the worker may ask the administrator for the password directly. Alternatively, the worker may inquire about the password from the administrator by telephone or email. Alternatively, once the administrator acquires the password using the information terminal 900, the administrator may contact the worker and inform the worker of the password without waiting for an inquiry from the worker.

[0134] Next, the worker inputs the password obtained from the administrator into the input unit 140. Then, the setting change permission unit 162 of the first control unit 160 of the label inspection device 100 determines whether the password input into the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170. If the password input into the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170, the setting change permission unit 162 permits the change of the setting information related to the inspection stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 of the first storage unit 170.

[0135] The subsequent processing flow is the same as the <first example> of the processing flow for changing the settings related to inspection in the label inspection device (4) in the above embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] (6-4) Variation 1D In the above embodiment, the server 200 includes the password generation unit 212 .

[0137] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the label inspection apparatus 100 may have a password generation unit 163 instead of the server 200, as shown in Fig. 7. The password generation unit 163 has the same function as the password generation unit 212 of the server 200 in the above embodiment. Except for the fact that the label inspection apparatus 100 has the password generation unit 163 instead of the server 200, the label inspection apparatus 100 and the server 200 have the same configuration.

[0138] An example of the processing flow for changing settings related to inspection in label inspection system 300 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0139] First, an operator inputs changes to the inspection settings into the input unit 140 of the label inspection apparatus 100. Here, the operator inputting changes to the inspection settings does not mean that the operator actually inputs the settings related to the inspection, but rather that the operator performs a predetermined operation to change the settings related to the inspection on the input unit 140. For example, the expression "an operator inputs changes to the inspection settings" here includes the case where the operator operates the input unit 140 to display an input screen for setting the inspection on the touch panel display serving as the display unit 130.

[0140] When an operator inputs a change to the inspection settings into the input unit 140, the password generation unit 163 of the label inspection device 100 generates a password as information regarding permission to change the settings that is currently valid, based on preset rules. Then, the password generation unit 163 updates the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170 with the generated password. The password generated by the password generation unit 163 is preferably a one-time password.

[0141] When password generation unit 163 generates a password, first control unit 160 controls first communication unit 180 to cause first communication unit 180 to transmit the currently valid password generated by password generation unit 163 to server 200. The currently valid password stored in password storage area 222 of second storage unit 220 is updated with the currently valid password received by server 200.

[0142] Then, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the destination of the information identified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 224 of the second storage unit 220. In other words, the second control unit 210 controls the second communication unit 230 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid to the information terminal 900.

[0143] The processing flow after the administrator notifies the operator of the password is the same as the <First Example> of the processing flow for changing the settings related to inspection of the label inspection device (4) in the above embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] (6-5) Variation 1E In the above embodiment, the label inspection device 100 checks the password, but the server 200 may check the password instead.

[0145] For example, the label inspection device 100 may transmit a password input to the input unit 140 to the server 200, and the server 200 may determine whether the password input to the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 222. Then, the setting change permission unit 162 of the label inspection device 100 may determine whether to permit a change to the settings, depending on the report of the password matching result performed by the server 200.

[0146] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a label inspection apparatus 100A and a label inspection system 300A according to an embodiment of the inspection apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram of the label inspection apparatus 100A.

[0147] Note that even if the content is not explained below, the content explained in the first embodiment and its modified examples may be applied to the second embodiment to the extent that there is no contradiction.

[0148] A label inspection system 300A of the second embodiment mainly includes a label inspection apparatus 100A, as shown in Fig. 9. The label inspection system 300A does not necessarily have to include a server 200. In the label inspection system 300 of the first embodiment, the server 200 transmits the password to the information terminal 900, but in the label inspection system 300A of the second embodiment, the label inspection apparatus 100A transmits the password to the information terminal 900.

[0149] The label inspection apparatus 100A of the second embodiment has many similarities with the label inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, so here we will not explain the commonalities between the label inspection apparatus 100A and the label inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, but will mainly explain the differences between the label inspection apparatus 100A and the label inspection apparatus 100.

[0150] The label inspection apparatus 100A has a physical configuration similar to that of the label inspection apparatus 100 of Modification 1D of the first embodiment. However, the first storage unit 170 of the label inspection apparatus 100A has a destination information storage area 173 that corresponds to the destination information storage area 224 of the second storage unit 220 of the first embodiment. The label inspection apparatus 100A transmits the password and the changed settings related to the inspection directly to the information terminal 900, rather than transmitting them to the information terminal 900 via the server 200. Specifically, the label inspection apparatus 100A transmits the password and the changed settings related to the inspection directly to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 173 (for example, the email address of the administrator who uses the information terminal 900).

[0151] An example of the processing flow for changing settings related to inspection in the label inspection apparatus 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow when settings related to inspection in the label inspection apparatus 100A are changed.

[0152] First, as in the first example of (4) Process flow for changing settings related to inspection of the label inspection apparatus in the first embodiment, the operator inputs changes to the settings related to inspection into the input unit 140 of the label inspection apparatus 100A.

[0153] When the worker inputs a change to the settings related to the inspection into the input unit 140, the password generation unit 163 generates a password as information regarding permission to change the settings that is currently valid based on preset rules, and updates the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170 with the generated password. For example, the password generated by the password generation unit 163 is preferably a one-time password that can be used only once.

[0154] Next, first control unit 160 controls first communication unit 180 to transmit the password (the password stored in password storage area 172) as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid, to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in destination information storage area 173 of first storage unit 170. In other words, first control unit 160 controls first communication unit 180 to transmit the password as information relating to setting change permission that is currently valid, to information terminal 900.

[0155] The worker inquires of the administrator operating the information terminal 900 about the password sent to the information terminal 900 (the password sent by email or SMS and acquired by the administrator using the information terminal 900). If the worker is near the administrator, the worker may ask the administrator for the password directly. Alternatively, the worker may inquire about the password from the administrator by telephone or email. Alternatively, once the administrator acquires the password using the information terminal 900, the administrator may contact the worker and inform the worker of the password without waiting for an inquiry from the worker.

[0156] Next, the worker inputs the password obtained from the administrator into the input unit 140. Then, the setting change permission unit 162 of the first control unit 160 of the label inspection apparatus 100A determines whether the password input into the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170. If the password input into the input unit 140 matches the password stored in the password storage area 172 of the first storage unit 170, the setting change permission unit 162 permits the change of the setting information related to the inspection stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 of the first storage unit 170.

[0157] When the setting change permission unit 162 permits a change to the inspection settings stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 of the first storage unit 170, for example, the first control unit 160 controls the display unit 130 to display on the display unit 130 a message that the setting change has been permitted. In response to this, the operator inputs a change to the inspection settings to the input unit 140 so that the label inspection apparatus 100A performs the desired inspection. Then, the first control unit 160 changes the inspection settings stored in the inspection setting storage area 174 to the inspection settings accepted by the input unit 140 (i.e., the changed inspection settings).

[0158] When changing the settings related to the test, the display unit 130 preferably requests input of the ID of the operator who changes the settings related to the test. Then, the first control unit 160 preferably stores in the first storage unit 170 a history of changes to the settings related to the test, together with the contents of the settings related to the test and the ID of the operator who input the changes to the settings related to the test into the input unit 140.

[0159] When changing the examination settings stored in the examination setting storage area 174, the first control unit 160 controls the operation of the first communication unit 180 to cause the first communication unit 180 to transmit the changed examination-related settings to the destination of the information specified by the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 173 of the first storage unit 170. In other words, the first control unit 160 controls the first communication unit 180 to transmit the changed examination-related settings to the information terminal 900.

[0160] In the process flow described above, an operator cannot change the inspection settings of the label inspection apparatus 100A unless the operator obtains a password from the administrator. This prevents an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from changing the inspection settings without the administrator's permission.

[0161] (1) Features (1-1) The label inspection apparatus 100A of the second embodiment is a label inspection apparatus 100A that inspects an inspection object. The label inspection apparatus 100A is an example of an inspection apparatus. The label inspection apparatus 100A includes a first communication unit 180 as an example of a communication unit, an input unit 140, a first storage unit 170 as an example of a storage unit, and a first control unit 160 as an example of a control unit. The first communication unit 180 communicates with the outside of the label inspection apparatus 100A. The input unit 140 accepts input from an operator. The first storage unit 170 stores a password as information regarding permission to change settings that is currently valid, and address information regarding the addressee of information other than the label inspection apparatus 100A. When the input unit 140 accepts a change to settings related to inspection in the label inspection apparatus 100A, the first control unit 160 causes the currently valid password to be sent via the first communication unit 180 to the addressee of the information identified by the addressee information. When the input unit 140 receives a password that is currently valid, the first control unit 160 changes the settings related to inspection in the label inspection apparatus 100A to the changed settings related to inspection received by the input unit 140.

[0162] In the label inspection device 100A, to change the settings related to inspection, information regarding permission to change settings is required, which is sent to a destination other than the label inspection device 100A. Therefore, the label inspection device 100A can prevent a situation in which an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection arbitrarily changes the settings of the label inspection device 100A.

[0163] (1-2) The label inspection device 100A includes a password generation unit 163. The password generation unit 163 generates a currently valid password based on preset rules, and updates the currently valid password stored in the first storage unit 170 with the generated currently valid password.

[0164] In the label inspection device 100A, the password is updated, which prevents an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the label inspection device 100A using a password that was used in the past.

[0165] (1-3) In the label inspection apparatus 100A, the password as information regarding permission to change settings is a one-time password.

[0166] The label inspection device 100A uses a one-time password that is valid only once as information regarding valid setting change permission. Therefore, the label inspection device 100A can prevent an operator with little experience or knowledge about inspection from arbitrarily changing the settings of the label inspection device 100A by using information regarding setting change permission that was used in the past.

[0167] (1-4) In the label inspection apparatus 100A, the input unit 140 accepts changes to the settings related to the inspection, as well as an ID for identifying the operator who inputs the changes to the settings related to the inspection to the input unit 140. The first storage unit 170 stores a history of changes to the settings related to the inspection, together with the ID of the operator who changed the settings related to the inspection.

[0168] In the label inspection device 100A, the contents of the changed settings are stored in association with the ID of the operator who made the changes, so even if an inappropriate setting is made, it is easy to investigate the cause, etc.

[0169] (1-5) In the label inspection device 100A, when the first control unit 160 changes the inspection settings in the label inspection device 100A to the changed inspection settings, the first communication unit 180 transmits the changed inspection settings to the destination of the information identified by the destination information.

[0170] In the label inspection apparatus 100A, the changed settings related to inspection are sent to the administrator or the like of the label inspection apparatus 100A, so that the administrator or the like can check whether the changed settings related to inspection are appropriate.

[0171] <Additional Notes> The inspection systems and apparatus described herein are merely examples and various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0172] The present invention is useful and widely applicable to inspection systems and inspection devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 100 Label inspection equipment (inspection equipment) 100A Label Inspection Device (Inspection Device) 140 Input section 160 First control section (control section) 163 Password generation unit (generation unit) 170 First storage unit (storage unit, storage unit) 200 servers 210 Second Control Section 212 Password generation unit (generation unit) 220 Second storage unit (storage unit) 230 Second Communications Department 300 Inspection System [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0174] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-130125

Claims

1. an inspection device that inspects an inspection object; a server capable of communicating with the inspection device; An inspection system comprising: The inspection device includes: an input unit that accepts information regarding changes to settings related to the inspection and permission to change the settings by an operator; a first communication unit that communicates with the server; a first control unit that, when information regarding the setting change permission that is currently valid is acquired via the input unit, changes the setting related to the inspection in the inspection device to the setting related to the inspection after the change accepted by the input unit; and The server a storage unit that stores information regarding the currently valid setting change permission and destination information regarding destinations of information other than the inspection device; a second communication unit that transmits information about the currently valid setting change permission to the destination of the information specified by the destination information; a second control unit that controls transmission of information by the second communication unit; having Inspection system.

2. the first communication unit transmits first information to the server when the operator inputs a change to the setting related to the inspection into the input unit; When the server receives the first information or when an administrator of the inspection device requests information regarding the setting change permission from the server, the second control unit causes the second communication unit to transmit the information regarding the setting change permission that is currently valid to a destination of the information specified by the destination information. The inspection system of claim 1 .

3. The server further comprises a generating unit that generates information regarding the currently valid setting change permission based on a predetermined rule, and updates the information regarding the currently valid setting change permission stored in the storage unit with the generated information regarding the currently valid setting change permission.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the inspection device further includes a generating unit that generates information about the currently valid setting change permission based on a predetermined rule; the first communication unit transmits the currently valid setting change permission information generated by the generation unit to the server; The information about the currently valid setting change permission stored in the storage unit is updated with the information about the currently valid setting change permission received by the server.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The information regarding permission to change settings is a one-time password.

5. The inspection system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The inspection device further includes a storage unit, the input unit receives a change in the setting related to the inspection as well as an ID for identifying the operator who inputs the setting into the input unit; the storage unit stores a history of changes to the settings related to the inspection together with the ID of the operator who inputs the changes to the settings related to the inspection. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When the first control unit changes a setting related to the inspection in the inspection device, the first communication unit transmits the changed setting related to the inspection to the server; The second control unit causes the second communication unit to transmit the changed setting related to the examination received by the server to a destination of the information specified by the destination information. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An inspection device for inspecting an inspection object, a communication unit that communicates with an external device of the inspection device; an input unit that accepts input from an operator; a storage unit for storing information regarding currently valid setting change permission and destination information regarding the destination of the information; (1) when the input unit receives a change in the settings related to the inspection in the inspection device, a control unit that transmits information related to the currently valid setting change permission to the destination of the information specified by the destination information via the communication unit, and (2) when the input unit receives the information related to the currently valid setting change permission, changes the settings related to the inspection in the inspection device to the settings related to the inspection after the change received by the input unit; An inspection device comprising:

9. a generating unit that generates information about the currently valid setting change permission based on a predetermined rule, and updates the information about the currently valid setting change permission stored in the storage unit with the generated information about the currently valid setting change permission; The inspection device according to claim 8.

10. The information regarding permission to change settings is a one-time password. The inspection device according to claim 9.

11. the input unit receives a change in the setting related to the inspection as well as an ID for identifying the operator who inputs the setting into the input unit; The storage unit stores a history of changes to the settings related to the examination together with the ID of the operator who changed the settings related to the examination. The inspection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. When the control unit changes the setting related to the inspection in the inspection device to the changed setting related to the inspection, the communication unit transmits the changed setting related to the inspection to a destination of the information specified by the destination information. The inspection device according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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