Inspection device for glass bottle

Abstract

To provide an inspection device 100 which is for a glass bottle 10 and has the ability to detect defects at a level comparable to visual inspection.SOLUTION: An inspection device 100 for a glass bottle 10 according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a light-emitting part 20 having a light-emitting surface 20a for irradiating a glass bottle 10 with light from sideways; a light restriction part 30 that is disposed on the light-emitting surface 20a side and suppresses the diffusion angle of light emitted from the light-emitting part 20; an imaging part for capturing an image of the glass bottle as viewed from a position facing the light-emitting part 20 with the glass bottle 10 held therebetween; and a determination part 64 for determining the presence / absence of defects 19a, 19b on the basis of the captured image of the glass bottle 10. The optical axis of the imaging part is positioned so that a region where a trunk part 14 of the glass bottle 10 shines brightest is spaced apart from optical axes Pa, Pb at the time of imaging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for glass bottles. [Background technology]

[0002] The applicant has proposed an inspection device that uses light control film to detect defects such as wrinkles on glass bottles (Patent Document 1).The applicant has also previously proposed an inspection method for detecting thin bubbles that rarely form on the inner surface of glass bottles (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-134185 [Patent Document 2] International Publication WO2018 / 158824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, small defects that appear on the surface of a bottle, such as bubbles, wrinkles, and streaks, are difficult to detect with conventional inspection machines, and currently, visual inspection is still required.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a glass bottle inspection device that has the same defect detection capability as visual inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following aspects or application examples.

[0007] [1] One aspect of the glass bottle inspection device of the present invention is: a light-emitting unit having a light-emitting surface that irradiates light onto the glass bottle from the side; a light limiting section disposed on the light emitting surface side to limit the diffusion angle of light emitted from the light emitting section; an imaging unit that captures an image of the glass bottle as seen from a position facing the light emitting unit across the glass bottle; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a defect based on the image of the glass bottle captured by the imaging unit; Equipped with The optical axis of the imaging unit is located away from the area where the body of the glass bottle shines most brightly when the image is captured.

[0008] According to one aspect of the above-mentioned glass bottle inspection device, by moving the brightest area of ​​the body away from the optical axis of the imaging unit, the area of ​​the glass bottle near the optical axis is not too bright, thereby reducing missed detections.

[0009] [2] In one embodiment of the glass bottle inspection device, the imaging unit includes a mirror that reflects light from the light emitting unit and a camera that receives the light reflected by the mirror, the optical axis is the optical axis of the camera, The mirror may be disposed at a position opposite to the light emitting unit with the glass bottle interposed therebetween.

[0010] According to one aspect of the glass bottle inspection device, the mirror is arranged to improve the degree of freedom in the position where the camera is installed.

[0011] [3] In one aspect of the glass bottle inspection device, the imaging unit includes a first imaging unit and a second imaging unit arranged above and below the first imaging unit, The optical axes of the first and second imaging units are located within the upper and lower regions of the glass bottle, respectively, during imaging.

[0012] According to one aspect of the glass bottle inspection device, by arranging the optical axes of the imaging units so that they are offset vertically, defects near the optical axes that are difficult to detect can be easily detected by any of the imaging units.

[0013] [4] In one embodiment of the glass bottle inspection device, The light emitting surface may be set at an angle of 1 to 10 degrees in plan view with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0014] According to one aspect of the glass bottle inspection device, the area on the surface of the glass bottle that shines most can be easily adjusted to a position farther from the optical axis simply by adjusting the light-emitting surface to a predetermined angle.

[0015] [5] In one embodiment of the glass bottle inspection device, The light restricting section may be provided by stacking a first blind section having a plurality of slats extending in a vertical direction and a second blind section having a plurality of slats extending in a horizontal direction on the light emitting surface.

[0016] According to one aspect of the above glass bottle inspection device, the first blind section makes it easier to detect defects extending in the vertical direction of the glass bottle, and the second blind section makes it easier to detect defects extending in the horizontal direction of the glass bottle.

[0017] [6] In one embodiment of the glass bottle inspection device, Further provided is a conveying path for continuously conveying glass bottles; four imaging sets, each including the light emitting unit, the light restricting unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit, are arranged along the transport path; The four imaging sets can be arranged to capture images of the vial from four directions that are offset by 90 degrees around the central axis of the vial.

[0018] According to one aspect of the glass bottle inspection device, even if the device is one that continuously conveys glass bottles, it can inspect all glass bottles from all four directions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the glass bottle inspection device of the present invention, it is possible to provide defect detection capabilities equivalent to those of visual inspection by the human eye. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the first imaging set. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a first imaging set. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first image and a second image. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing an inspection device according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing an inspection device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0022] The glass bottle inspection device of this embodiment comprises a light-emitting unit having a light-emitting surface that irradiates light onto the glass bottle from the side, a light-restricting unit that is arranged on the side of the light-emitting surface and reduces the diffusion angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit, an imaging unit that captures an image of the glass bottle as seen from a position opposite the light-emitting unit across the glass bottle, and a judgment unit that determines whether or not there are defects based on the image of the glass bottle captured by the imaging unit, and is characterized in that the optical axis of the imaging unit is located at a position away from the area where the body of the glass bottle glows most brightly when capturing an image.

[0023] 1. Inspection device according to the embodiment An inspection device 100 for glass bottles 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as inspection device 100) will be described in detail using Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a plan view schematically showing inspection device 100 according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing first imaging set 21, Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing first imaging set 21, and Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating first image 110 and second image 112. Note that supports that support light-emitting unit 20, first imaging unit 51a, and the like in predetermined positions are omitted from Figures 1 to 3. Also, because second imaging units 51b to 54b are located directly below first imaging units 51a to 54a in Figures 1 and 3, second imaging units 51b to 54b do not appear in a plan view, but for the sake of explanation, second imaging units 51b to 54b are shown slightly shifted.

[0024] 1 to 3, the inspection device 100 includes a conveying path 40 that continuously conveys glass bottles 10, four imaging sets (first to fourth imaging sets 21 to 24), and a determination unit 64 that determines the presence or absence of defects 19a, 19b. The inspection device 100 may also include a control device 60 that includes the determination unit 64.

[0025] Glass bottles 10 are continuously conveyed along conveying path 40 without stopping, maintaining a constant interval in conveying direction Tb. Conveying path 40 is, for example, a continuously operating top chain conveyor or belt conveyor. Therefore, glass bottles 10 on conveying path 40 move in the same direction during conveying. Glass bottles 10 are placed on conveying path 40 one after another at a predetermined interval by a known interval adjuster (not shown). Conveying path 40 may also be a known intermittently operated conveying path, in which case the glass bottle 10 may be rotated around its central axis 11 at a stopped position while its entire circumference is imaged. In this case, a mounting table rotated by an electric motor may be provided instead of conveying path 40.

[0026] The glass bottle 10 may be transparent or translucent, for example. Translucency refers to a level of transparency that allows light from the light-emitting element 20 passing through the glass bottle 10 to detect defects 19a, 19b, such as surface bubbles, on the body 14 of the glass bottle 10. The glass bottle 10 has a mouth 12, a body 14, and a bottom 16. The glass bottle 10 may have a neck extending downward from the mouth 12 and a shoulder that gradually widens in diameter downward from the neck, as in narrow-necked bottles used for beverages, or it may be a wide-mouthed bottle used for jam bottles, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the body 14 may be polygonal, such as round or square, or may be partially round and partially polygonal. The glass bottle 10 may have irregularities resulting from the mold shape. Examples of irregularities include a seam line 18 formed at the joint of the mold, a recess defining the location for a label, or a pattern or letter engraved into the mold.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the first to fourth imaging sets 21 to 24 each include a light emitting unit 20, A light restricting unit 30, first imaging units 51a-54a, and second imaging units 51b-54b are arranged as a set along the conveying path 40. In this embodiment, an example in which each imaging set includes two imaging units is described, but each imaging set may include only one of the imaging units, for example, the second imaging units 51b-54b. The four first to fourth imaging sets 21-24 are arranged to capture images of the glass bottle 10 from four different directions in a plan view. The four first to fourth imaging sets 21-24 are arranged, for example, to capture images of the glass bottle 10 from four directions, each shifted by 90 degrees around the central axis 11 of the glass bottle 10. Even in a device that continuously conveys glass bottles 10, images of the entire circumference of the glass bottle 10 can be captured from all four directions without omission. In this embodiment, an example in which four imaging sets are arranged in four directions, each shifted by 90 degrees, is described, but this is not limited to this, and five or more imaging sets arranged in five or more directions may also be used.

[0028] The arrangement of each imaging set will be described in more detail. The first imaging set 21 and the second imaging set 22 image the glass bottle 10 at the first imaging position B1, and the third imaging set 23 and the fourth imaging set 24 image the glass bottle 10 at the second imaging position B2. The positions of the glass bottle 10 to be imaged are not limited to this; for example, four imaging positions spaced apart in the conveying direction Tb may be used. At the first imaging position B1, the optical axis Pa of the first imaging unit 51a is perpendicular to the optical axis Pa of the adjacent first imaging unit 52a, and the optical axis Pb of the second imaging unit 51b is perpendicular to the optical axis Pb of the adjacent second imaging unit 52b. At the second imaging position B2, the optical axis Pa of the first imaging unit 53a is perpendicular to the optical axis Pa of the adjacent first imaging unit 54a, and the optical axis Pb of the second imaging unit 53b is perpendicular to the optical axis Pb of the adjacent second imaging unit 54b. Furthermore, the optical axis Pa of the first imaging unit 51a is parallel to the optical axis Pa of the first imaging unit 54a, the optical axis Pb of the second imaging unit 51b is parallel to the optical axis Pb of the second imaging unit 54b, the optical axis Pa of the first imaging unit 52a is parallel to the optical axis Pa of the first imaging unit 53a, and the optical axis Pb of the second imaging unit 52b is parallel to the optical axis Pb of the second imaging unit 53b. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first imaging units 51a to 54a and the second imaging units 51b to 54b are each a camera, but as in a modified example described later, the first imaging units 51a to 54a and the second imaging units 51b to 54b may each include a camera 510 and a mirror 512 that reflects light from the light emitting unit 20 toward the camera 510.

[0029] The timing at which the first imaging units 51a-54a and the second imaging units 51b-54b capture images of the glass bottle 10 is preferably when the glass bottle 10 is transported to a position where the optical axis Pa and the optical axis Pb intersect with the central axis 11. The first to fourth imaging sets 21-24 may capture images at different times. By capturing images at different times, ambient light from other light-emitting units 20 can be prevented. For example, the light-emitting units 20 of the first imaging set 21 and the second imaging set 22, which are adjacent to each other along the transport direction Tb, emit light at slightly different times, and the light-emitting units 20 of the third imaging set 23 and the fourth imaging set 24 emit light at slightly different times. Therefore, strictly speaking, the first imaging position B1 of the first imaging set 21 and the first imaging position B1 of the second imaging set 22 are slightly offset in the transport direction Tb (the same applies to the second imaging position B2). The first imaging units 51a to 54a and the second imaging units 51b to 54b transmit the captured image data to the control device 60.

[0030] Since the configuration of each imaging set is basically the same, the first imaging set 21 will be described below using Figures 1 to 4. Here, as shown in Figure 2, glass bottle 10 is transported and inspected in an upright position, i.e., with central axis 11 aligned vertically. The vertical direction is the direction of gravity, and the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0031] The optical axes Pa, Pb of the first imaging units 51a-54a and second imaging units 51b-54b in each imaging set are located away from the area where the body 14 of the glass bottle 10 shines most brightly during imaging. The first imaging units 51a-54a and second imaging units 51b-54b are, for example, area sensor cameras. As will be described later, the light from the light emitting unit 20 has a high directivity in the direction perpendicular to the light emitting surface 20a because the diffusion angle of the light is restricted by the light restricting unit 30. By irradiating the glass bottle 10 with light, the first imaging units 51a-54a and the second imaging units 51b-54b, which are positioned opposite each other across the glass bottle 10, can capture images that emphasize the minute irregularities on the outer surface of the glass bottle 10. However, the more this highly directional light is parallel to the optical axes Pa and Pb, the brighter the surface of the glass bottle 10 will appear when it is imaged. In brightly lit areas of the glass bottle 10, the irregularities of defects are less emphasized, making it more difficult to detect defects in those areas. Therefore, if the optical axes Pa and Pb are positioned away from the brightest lit area, the areas of the glass bottle 10 near where the optical axes Pa and Pb hit will not be too bright, reducing the chance of missing defects.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second imaging units 51a and 51b capture images (e.g., first image 110 and second image 112) of the glass bottle 10 as viewed from a position facing the light-emitting unit 20 across the glass bottle 10. The first and second imaging units 51a and 51b are arranged one above the other. It is preferable that the first imaging unit 51a be arranged at a distance from the second imaging unit 51b. The first and second imaging units 51a and 51b are arranged such that, during imaging, the optical axes Pa and Pb of the first and second imaging units 51a and 51b are located within the upper and lower regions of the glass bottle 10, respectively. Here, the upper and lower regions of the glass bottle 10 simply refer to the vertical positional relationship on the glass bottle 10 and do not limit the ranges to a specific range. For example, the first image 110 on the left side of Fig. 4 is a glass bottle 10 captured by the first imaging unit 51a, and the second image 112 on the right side of Fig. 4 is a glass bottle 10 captured by the second imaging unit 51b. The positions of the optical axes Pa and Pb of the glass bottle 10 in each image are indicated by black dots. Optical axis Pa is the center of first image 110 and is located at least within the upper region of the glass bottle 10, while optical axis Pb is the center of second image 112 and is located at least within the lower region of the glass bottle 10.

[0033] When viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 2, at the height of the body 14 where the optical axis Pa hits, the highly directional light perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 20a and the optical axis Pa become nearly parallel. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, in the first image 110 captured by the first imaging unit 51a, the fourth region A4 (the area surrounded by the dashed line) located near the height of the optical axis Pa shines brighter than other regions of the body 14 in the height direction, making the defect 19a difficult to detect. Therefore, the defect 19a in the fourth region A4 can be detected in the fifth region A5 (the area surrounded by the dashed line) of the second image 112 captured by the second imaging unit 51b, whose optical axis Pb is located away from the fourth region A4. On the other hand, the defect 19b in the third region A3 (the area surrounded by the dashed line) can be detected in the sixth region A6 (the area surrounded by the dashed line) of the first image 110 captured by the first imaging unit 51a, whose optical axis Pa is located away from the third region A3. In this way, by arranging the first imaging unit 51a and the second imaging unit 51b one above the other, they can complement each other's areas where it is difficult to detect defects 19a and 19b, reducing the number of defects 19a and 19b that are missed from detection, making it possible to perform inspections with high accuracy.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first and second image capturing units 51a and 51b are arranged one above the other, but for low-height glass bottles such as wide-mouth bottles, images can be captured using only the second image capturing unit 51b by presetting the unit. The image capturing unit may be selected depending on the overall height of the glass bottle 10 or the position of the inspection area that is predefined for the glass bottle 10.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first imaging section 51a and the second imaging section 51b have a shallow depth of field so that the joint line 18 on the light emitting section 20 side and the like are not imaged.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light emitting unit 20 is a light source that illuminates the glass bottle 10. The light emitting unit 20 has a light emitting surface 20a that irradiates the glass bottle 10 with light from the side. The light emitting unit 20 is a surface light source that can illuminate the glass bottle 10 from the side opposite the first and second image capturing units 51a and 51b. The light emitting surface 20a is, for example, rectangular in shape, and emits light from almost the entire surface. The light emitting surface 20a faces the glass bottle 10, the first and second image capturing units 51a and 51b almost directly, and light that has passed through the glass bottle 10 is incident on the first and second image capturing units 51a and 51b. The light source of the light-emitting unit 20 can be a known light source such as an LED or an organic EL. The light-emitting unit 20 is a diffused light source.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the light-emitting surface 20a is set at a predetermined angle θ in plan view with respect to a virtual plane Pc perpendicular to the optical axes Pa and Pb. The virtual plane Pc is a virtual plane perpendicular to the optical axes Pa and Pb. In FIG. 3, the plane passing through the intersection of the light-emitting surface 20a and the optical axes Pa and Pb is indicated by a dashed line. The dotted arrows extending from the light-emitting surface 20a in FIG. 3 clearly represent the light with enhanced directivity in a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 20a. The more parallel the highly directional light from the light-emitting surface 20a and the light entering the lenses of the first and second image capture units 51a and 51b become, the brighter the surface of the body 14 shines. Therefore, in the glass bottle 10 of this embodiment, the brightly lit first and second regions A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 4 appear near the right end of the body 14 in FIG. 3. When the area near the right end (or left end) of the body 14 is brighter, the irregularities of defects are more likely to be emphasized than when the area near the center is brighter. Furthermore, the areas near both ends can also be inspected using other imaging sets. The predetermined angle θ can be adjusted taking into account factors such as the body diameter of the glass bottle 10. The predetermined angle θ can be between 1 and 10 degrees, preferably between 1 and 5 degrees, and more preferably between 2 and 4 degrees. By simply adjusting the light-emitting surface 20a to the predetermined angle θ with respect to the virtual plane Pc, the area where the surface of the glass bottle 10 is brightest in the horizontal direction as viewed by the first and second imaging units 51a and 51b can be easily adjusted to a position farther from the optical axis Pa.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second imaging units 51a and 51b are positioned so that the area where the body 14 of the glass bottle 10 shines brightest (the body 14 in the first area A1 and the second area A2) is located away from the optical axes Pa and Pb during imaging. The area where the first area A1 (shaded area) surrounded by a dashed line in the first image 110 overlaps with the fourth area A4 is the area where the surface of the glass bottle 10 shines brightest as viewed from the first imaging unit 51a. The area where the second area A2 (shaded area) surrounded by a dashed line in the second image 112 overlaps with the third area A3 is the area where the surface of the glass bottle 10 shines brightest as viewed from the second imaging unit 51b. The black dots indicating the optical axes Pa and Pb are outside the first area A1 and the second area A2. By positioning light-emitting surface 20a at a predetermined angle θ with respect to imaginary plane Pc, the brightest area on the surface of glass bottle 10 in the horizontal direction appears to the right (or left) of central axis 11. By moving the brightest area on body 14 away from optical axes Pa and Pb, the areas near optical axes Pa and Pb are not too bright, reducing the chance of missing defects 19a and 19b.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light-limiting unit 30 is disposed on the light-emitting surface 20a side and suppresses the diffusion angle of light emitted from the light-emitting unit 20. The light-limiting unit 30 is preferably provided on the entire surface of the light-emitting surface 20a. By providing the light-limiting unit 30, highly directional light can be irradiated onto the glass bottle 10 from the entire light-emitting surface 20a. The light-limiting unit 30 can be a known unit that suppresses the diffusion angle of light from a light source such as an LED and emits directional light to the outside. The light-limiting unit 30 suppresses the diffusion angle of light, making it possible to capture images of, for example, the shadows of wrinkles or streaks with deep steps.

[0040] The light restricting section 30 can be provided by stacking a first blind section 31 having a plurality of slats extending in the vertical direction and a second blind section 32 having a plurality of slats extending in the horizontal direction on the light emitting surface 20a. The slats are also called louvers or pillars, and are preferably elements having portions formed in the shape of thin plates. The plurality of slats extending in the vertical direction include those having a shape that can suppress the diffusion angle of light in the horizontal direction. The plurality of slats extending in the horizontal direction include those having a shape that can suppress the diffusion angle of light in the vertical direction. By stacking slats oriented perpendicularly in this way, the diffusion angle can be efficiently suppressed. The first blind section 31 makes it easier to detect defects 19a extending in the vertical direction of the glass bottle 10, and the second blind section 32 makes it easier to detect defects 19b extending in the horizontal direction of the glass bottle 10. In addition to the first blind section 31 and the second blind section 32, a plurality of blind sections can be provided. The third blind section 33 may be stacked. In this embodiment, the third blind section 33 is provided between the first blind section 31 and the second blind section 32 and includes multiple slats extending vertically. The first blind section 31 and the third blind section 33, which include slats extending in the same direction, preferably have different diffusion angles set by the slats. For example, if the diffusion angle of the first blind section 31 is set to 60 degrees, the diffusion angle of the third blind section 33 on the glass bottle 10 side is set to a value narrower than 60 degrees, such as 30 degrees. The diffusion angle can be changed by selecting blind sections with slats spaced differently. Stacking blind sections with closely spaced slats is likely to result in interference fringes, so selecting and stacking slats with different spacing can suppress the occurrence of interference fringes.

[0041] The light restricting section 30 is formed by, for example, stacking a plurality of light control films. Commercially available light control films can be used.

[0042] The control device 60 includes a line setting unit 61, a target image extraction unit 62, an image creation unit 63, a determination unit 64, and an output unit 65. The control device 60 may further include a storage device (not shown). The control device 60 includes, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM), an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touchpad, and a digital input / output board such as an I / O board. The control device 60 may also include a programmable logic controller (PLC), various network devices (e.g., switches, hubs, routers, etc.), an image input board for transmitting captured image data, etc. The inspection device 100 may further include a display unit 80 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display that displays output from the control device 60. The control device 60 acquires image data from the first imaging unit 51a and the second imaging unit 51b and executes a process to inspect the glass bottle 10. The process of transporting the glass bottle 10 at a predetermined speed along the conveying path 40 may be executed by a control unit separate from the control device 60, or may be configured to be executed by the control device 60. The control device 60 can determine the timing of imaging based on signals from, for example, a transparent object detection sensor, a rotary encoder on the conveying path 40, a solid-state relay, etc.

[0043] The line setting unit 61 can place an identification line on the glass bottle 10 in the first image 110 and the second image 112, aligned with uneven portions resulting from the mold shape, such as the seam line 18. For example, if a portion of the seam line 18 can be detected in the straight portion of the body 14, the entire seam line 18 can be predicted based on shape information about the glass bottle 10, such as the body diameter. The seam line 18 appears as a straight line in a planar view, making it easy to predict the entire seam line. The identification line is generated along the coordinates of the predicted seam line 18. The seam line 18 can be detected, for example, by setting a rectangular edge detection region in the center of the straight portion of the body 14 in the first image 110 and the second image 112 and performing edge detection processing to find vertical lines. Information about the body diameter of the glass bottle 10 can be detected, for example, by performing edge detection processing on both the left and right sides of the first image 110 and the second image 112. The uneven parts resulting from the mold shape other than the seam line 18 may also be processed in the same way, or the coordinate information of the uneven parts on the glass bottle 10 may be estimated or obtained and an artificially created identification line may be positioned in advance according to that coordinate information. Furthermore, the first image 110 and the second image 112 may be subjected to image processing to blur the seam line 18, thereby making the uneven parts resulting from the mold shape less noticeable.

[0044] The target image extraction unit 62 sets an area to be inspected on the glass bottle 10 in the first image 110 and the second image 112, divides the area into a plurality of minute sections, and then performs image processing for each minute section to extract a target image. By performing the processing in parallel, the processing time can be reduced. The image processing can be performed by combining multiple image processing algorithms that can detect the target defects 19a, 19b as points of interest and parameters used for each algorithm. The points of interest are singular points detected by image processing, and the defects 19a, 19b are included in the small area that contains the points of interest. The image processing algorithms include, for example, various filter processes for noise removal, correction processes such as brightness correction, binarization processes, edge detection processes, frequency filter processes, arithmetic operations such as arithmetic operations, morphology processes, detection target determination processes, branching processes, etc.

[0045] Image processing for each micro-section can be optimized using, for example, evolutionary computation using the GNP (Genetic Network Programming) method. Regarding the GNP method, for example, a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-89430 can be applied, in which a detector is obtained by optimizing a point of interest in an image using a discrete optimization algorithm. As the discrete optimization algorithm, it is preferable to use evolutionary computation, which uses genetic operations for optimization, an optimization method that mathematically simulates the evolution of living organisms. However, other algorithms that can achieve similar effects may also be used.

[0046] The image creation unit 63 creates an inspection image by setting the coordinates of an image of interest in the image in which the identification line is arranged. The identification line can be a white line. The image creation unit 63 may also set information such as the coordinates, shape, size, and brightness of the point of interest in the inspection image.

[0047] The judgment unit 64 inputs the inspection image into the trained model to judge the presence or absence of defects 19a and 19b. For example, the coordinates of multiple images of interest are set in the inspection image, and the trained model is used to perform judgment processing on the image with those coordinates. The judgment processing may be performed in parallel on the coordinates of multiple images of interest. The trained model is machine-learned using training images without defects, training images with defects, and training images with identification lines. Training images with identification lines include images with defects and images without defects, and training images without defects but with identification lines can be trained as non-defective products. Using training images with identification lines makes it less likely that the trained model will erroneously judge the identification lines as defects. The trained model can be machine-learned using a neural network. As the neural network, a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a convolution layer is preferably used. Furthermore, for example, artificial images may be generated using a generative adversarial network that applies the GAN (Generative Adversarial Nets) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-89219, and the generated images may be used as training images. The types of defects in the training images include, for example, streaks, wrinkles, transparent stones, cat scratches, bubbles, and surface bubbles, but other types of defects may be added depending on the inspection requirements.

[0048] Inspection device 100 can determine the presence or absence of defects 19a, 19b using a trained model that uses training images with identification lines, making it possible to automatically determine the presence or absence of defects 19a, 19b with high inspection accuracy even in areas with uneven portions such as seam line 18. Inspection device 100 is equipped with the ability to detect defects 19a, 19b that appear on the bottle surface with small unevenness, such as surface bubbles, wrinkles, and streaks, to the same degree as visual inspection.

[0049] The control device 60 outputs the judgment result of the judgment unit 64 to the outside, and can display the inspection result together with an image of the glass bottle 10 on the display unit 80 shown in Figure 1, for example. In addition, the inspection device 100 may reject glass bottles 10 that are judged to have defects on the line after the discharge unit (not shown), for example.

[0050] 2. Inspection device according to modified example An inspection device 102 for glass bottles 10 according to a modified example (hereinafter simply referred to as inspection device 102) will be described in detail using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing inspection device 102 according to a modified example, and Figure 6 is a side view schematically showing inspection device 102. Note that inspection device 102 has the same basic configuration as inspection device 100 according to the above embodiment, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection device 102 includes first imaging units 51a-54a and second imaging units 51b-54b, each of which includes a mirror 512 that reflects light from the light-emitting unit 20, and a camera 510 that receives the light reflected by the mirror 512. The camera 510 is, for example, an area sensor camera. The optical axes Pa and Pb indicated by dashed lines are the optical axes Pa and Pb of each camera 510. The mirror 512 is positioned opposite the light-emitting unit 20, sandwiching the glass bottle 10 therebetween. The mirror 512 is, for example, plate-shaped with a flat reflective surface. The mirror 512 is positioned so that light transmitted through the glass bottle 10 strikes the reflective surface. It is preferable that the overall height of the mirror 512 is at least greater than the overall height of the glass bottle 10. Although an example in which one mirror 512 is provided for each imaging unit is shown, multiple mirrors 512 may be provided for each imaging unit. For example, one mirror 512 may be arranged for one camera 510, or multiple mirrors 512 may be arranged for one camera 510. For example, the light from light-emitting unit 20 may be configured to be reflected two or more times by multiple mirrors 512 and then enter camera 510.

[0052] As in the above embodiment, the four first to fourth imaging sets 21-24 have cameras 510 and mirrors 512 arranged to capture images of the glass bottle 10 from four directions, each shifted by 90 degrees around the central axis 11 of the glass bottle 10. In Fig. 5, the first and second imaging sets 21, 22 reflect the light from the light-emitting unit 20 horizontally, but the third and fourth imaging sets 23, 24 may reflect the light vertically, or the third and fourth imaging sets 23, 24 may reflect the light horizontally. Also, a single imaging set may be combined to reflect the light in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0053] The placement of the camera 510 is not limited as long as it can capture an image of a predetermined range of the glass bottle 10 using light reflected by the mirror 512. Using the mirror 512 increases the flexibility of the placement of the camera 510 in the inspection device 102. There are generally various devices and wiring around the conveying path 40 for the glass bottle 10. Increasing the flexibility of the placement of the camera 510 allows the camera 510 to be placed in a position that avoids interference with these devices. In the first imaging units 51a, 52a and the second imaging units 51b, 52b, the placement of the two cameras 510 (upper and lower) and the height of the cameras 510 are the same as in the above embodiment. In the modified example, the cameras 510 of the first imaging units 51a, 52a and the second imaging units 51b, 52b are placed so that the optical axes Pa, Pb between the camera 510 and the mirror 512 face opposite each other along the conveying direction Tb. In addition, in the first imaging units 53a and 54a and the second imaging units 54b and 54b, a camera 510 is disposed above a mirror 512.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, cameras 510 of first imaging unit 53a and second imaging unit 53b are positioned above mirror 512. Light traveling horizontally from light-emitting unit 20 passes through glass bottle 10, reflects off the reflective surface of mirror 512, travels vertically, and is received by camera 510. Camera 510 of first imaging unit 53a, which images the top of glass bottle 10, receives light reflected by the top of mirror 512, and camera 510 of second imaging unit 53b, which images the bottom of glass bottle 10, receives light reflected by the bottom of mirror 512. Note that although Figure 6 shows third imaging set 23, fourth imaging set 24 can also employ a basically similar configuration.

[0055] The first to fourth imaging sets 21 to 24 can capture images of the glass bottle 10 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. The control device 60 acquires image data from the camera 510 and A process can be carried out to inspect the bottle 10 .

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, including configurations that are substantially identical to the configurations described in the embodiments. Here, "same configuration" means a configuration that has the same function, method, and result, or a configuration that has the same purpose and effect. The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10...glass bottle, 11...center axis, 11...mouth, 14...body, 16...bottom, 18...seam line, 19a, 19b...defect, 20...light-emitting portion, 20a...light-emitting surface, 21...first imaging set, 22...second imaging set, 23...third imaging set, 24...fourth imaging set, 30...light-restricting portion, 31...first blind portion, 32...second blind portion, 33...third blind portion, 40...conveying path, 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a...first imaging portion, 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b...second imaging portion unit, 510...camera, 512...mirror, 60...control device, 61...line setting unit, 62...target image extraction unit, 63...image creation unit, 64...determination unit, 65...output unit, 100, 102...inspection device, 110...first image, 112...second image, A1...first area, A2...second area, A3...third area, A4...fourth area, A5...fifth area, A6...sixth area, B1...first imaging position, B2...second imaging position, La...light, Pa...optical axis, Pb...optical axis, Pc...virtual plane, Tb...conveyance direction, θ...angle

Claims

1. a light-emitting unit having a light-emitting surface that irradiates light onto the glass bottle from the side; a light limiting section disposed on the light emitting surface side to limit the diffusion angle of light emitted from the light emitting section; an imaging unit that captures an image of the glass bottle as seen from a position facing the light emitting unit across the glass bottle; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a defect based on the image of the glass bottle captured by the imaging unit; Equipped with A glass bottle inspection device characterized in that the optical axis of the imaging unit is located at a position away from the area where the body of the glass bottle shines most brightly when imaging.

2. The glass bottle inspection device according to claim 1, the imaging unit includes a mirror that reflects light from the light emitting unit and a camera that receives the light reflected by the mirror, the optical axis is the optical axis of the camera, A glass bottle inspection device characterized in that the mirror is positioned opposite the light emitting unit across the glass bottle.

3. The glass bottle inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, the imaging unit includes a first imaging unit and a second imaging unit disposed above and below the first imaging unit, A glass bottle inspection device characterized in that, when capturing an image, the optical axes of the first and second imaging units are positioned within the upper and lower regions of the glass bottle, respectively.

4. The glass bottle inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, A glass bottle inspection device characterized in that the light emitting surface is set at an angle of 1 to 10 degrees in a planar view with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

5. The glass bottle inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, A glass bottle inspection device characterized in that the light restricting section comprises a first blind section having a plurality of slats extending vertically and a second blind section having a plurality of slats extending horizontally, stacked on the light emitting surface.

6. The glass bottle inspection device according to claim 3, Further provided is a conveying path for continuously conveying glass bottles; four imaging sets, each including the light emitting unit, the light restricting unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit, are arranged along the transport path; A glass bottle inspection device characterized in that the four imaging sets are arranged so as to image the glass bottle from four directions shifted by 90 degrees around the central axis of the glass bottle.

Images