Measurement device

Abstract

To provide a measurement device capable of accurately measuring the shape and size of an article such as a commodity and a package.SOLUTION: A measurement device 1 includes a placement part 10 for placing an article 2, an imaging unit 20 for imaging the article 2 placed on the placement part 10, a calculation unit 30 for calculating the size of the article 2 by imaging by the imaging unit 20, and a light projection unit 40 for irradiating a surface different from a placement surface of the article with light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the shape and size of an article such as a commodity or luggage. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Vision measuring devices capable of measuring the dimensions and shape of an object to be measured are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-168510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a camera placed directly above the object to be measured, and a light source that irradiates the object from directly above. However, because the light source is configured to irradiate the object from directly above, the light from the light source is sometimes reflected by the top surface of the object to be measured, making it impossible to clearly image the shape of the object, resulting in the problem that the dimensions and shape of the object cannot be accurately measured.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device that can accurately measure the shape and size of an article such as a commodity or baggage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The measuring device of the present invention has at least the following configuration. The device is characterized by comprising a placement section for placing an item, an imaging section for imaging the item placed on the placement section, a calculation section for calculating the size of the item based on the image captured by the imaging section, and a light projection section for irradiating light onto a surface other than the placement surface of the item. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electrical functional block of the measuring device. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an installation structure of a mounting unit and an imaging unit that constitute the measurement device. FIG. [Figure 4] 4(a) and 4(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the imaging mode of the largest item placed on the same placing section, where FIG. 4(a) shows an example in which the rising part of the placing section is used as the background image, and FIG. 4(b) shows an example in which the placing surface part of the placing section is used as the background image. [Figure 5] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a checkerboard for calibration of the imaging unit. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a height sensor in the measurement device. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of height sensors. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the measurement device of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is an explanatory view showing another example of the placement section according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory view showing another example of the placement section according to the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) An example of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. (Overall configuration of the measurement device) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of electrical functional blocks of the same measurement device.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the measuring device 1 includes a mounting section 10 on which an item 2 is placed, an imaging section 20 that images the item placed on the mounting section 10, a calculation section 30 (see Figure 2) that calculates the size of the item 2 based on the image captured by the imaging section 20, and a light-projecting section 40 that irradiates light onto the item 2.

[0010] The article 2 placed on the placement unit 10 is illuminated by light projected from the light projecting unit 40, and is imaged by an imaging unit 20 such as a CCD camera arranged above the article 2. The image data thus captured is output to the calculation unit 30, and image processing is performed by the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30, whereby the shape and size of the article 2 are detected (recognized).

[0011] The detection results are displayed on a display operation unit 50 (see FIG. 2), such as a monitor, connected by wire or wirelessly to the calculation unit 30. The display operation unit 50 displays, for example, the image of the article 2 acquired by the imaging unit 20, as well as the shape (vertical and horizontal outline shapes) of the article 2 detected (recognized) by image processing, superimposed on the image of the article 2, and also displays information on the vertical and horizontal dimensions, etc.

[0012] The measuring device 1 can also be equipped with a height sensor 60 that measures the height of an item placed on the placement unit 10. When the height sensor 60 is provided, the detection data detected by the height sensor 60 is output to the calculation unit 30, and the height dimension of the item 2 is calculated by the height dimension calculation unit 32 of the calculation unit 30. This height dimension is displayed on the display operation unit 50.

[0013] This measuring device 1 can measure the shape and size of items such as merchandise sold in stores, mailed items, and parcels delivered to homes, and is installed in stores that handle such items (e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.), post offices, delivery offices, etc.

[0014] The measuring device 1 is configured as a measuring device that measures the shape and size of the item 2, such as the length and width of the item 2, and the length, width, and height of the item 2, but it can also be configured as a measurement and weighing system that is installed on the top of the scale pan (not shown) of a scale (weighing) device A that weighs the item, as shown in Fig. 1, and can also measure the weight of the item 2. In this case, the scale (weighing) device A can be a known device that can measure the weight of the item 2 placed on the placement unit 10, and for example, a scale (weighing) device configured to have a control unit (CPU), memory device (ROM, RAM), weight detection unit, etc. inside a housing can be used.

[0015] (Function of each component) Next, the function of each component of the measurement device 1 will be described.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring device 1 has a control unit 3 (CPU), a memory unit 4, an imaging unit 20, a calculation unit 30, a light projecting unit 40, a display operation unit 50, a height sensor 60, etc., and each component is electrically connected by a signal line, etc.

[0017] The control unit 3 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the measurement device 1. The control unit 3, for example, executes a control program to implement the functions according to the present invention in the measurement device 1 as a computer.

[0018] The storage unit 4 is a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 4 stores a control program, image data captured by the imaging unit 20 (such as a background image of the placement unit 10 and an image of the article 2 placed on the placement unit), detection data acquired from the height sensor 60, etc.

[0019] The imaging unit 20 captures an image of the item 2 placed on the placement unit 10 in order to detect the shape, size, etc. of the item 2. The imaging unit 20 is composed of an imaging device such as a CCD camera, and is installed above the placement unit 10. The image captured by the imaging unit 20 is stored in the memory unit 4, and is also processed by the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30 to calculate (determine) the shape (length and width dimensions) of the item 2.

[0020] The calculation unit 30 includes an image processing unit 31 and a height dimension calculation unit 32 . Under the control of the control unit 3, the image processing unit 31 analyzes the image captured by the imaging unit 20 and calculates (determines) the shape and size (length and width) of the item 2 placed on the placement unit 10. Under the control of the control unit 3, the height dimension calculation unit 32 analyzes the detection data of the article 2 detected by the height sensor 60 and calculates (determines) the height dimension of the article 2.

[0021] The light projecting unit 40 is provided to highlight the shadow between the top surface of the article 2 and other parts by irradiating the article 2 placed on the placing unit 10 with light. The light projecting unit 40 adjusts and controls the light intensity of a light source 41 such as an LED under the control of the control unit 3.

[0022] The display operation unit 50, under the control of the control unit 3, displays, for example, image data of the item 2 captured by the imaging unit 20, and the shape, size, etc. of the item 2 recognized by image processing. The display operation unit 50 also outputs signals according to operations by an operator or the like to the control unit 3, enabling various operations of the measuring device 1. The display operation unit 50 is configured, for example, with a touch panel display device or the like.

[0023] The height sensor 60 detects the height of the article 2 placed on the placement unit 10 under the control of the control unit 3. This height sensor 60 can be composed of, for example, optical sensors arranged to sandwich the placement unit 10 from the left and right, and as shown in FIG. 1, is configured so that light from a light-emitting unit 61 provided on one of the left and right sides is received by a light-receiving unit 62 provided on the other side. The detection data by the height sensor 60 is stored in the memory unit 4 and is also sent to the height dimension calculation unit 32 of the calculation unit 30 for analysis.

[0024] (Structure of each component) Next, an example of the specific structure of each component that makes up the measuring device 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram that explains the installation structure of the mounting unit and imaging unit that make up the measuring device. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram that shows the imaging mode of the largest size item placed on the mounting unit, Fig. 4(a) shows an example in which the rising part of the mounting unit is used as the background image, and Fig. 4(b) shows an example in which the mounting surface of the mounting unit is used as the background image.

[0025] [Placement section] As shown in FIG. 3, the placement section 10 has a placement surface section 11 on which the article 2 is placed, and rising sections 12 that rise above the periphery (four sides) of the placement surface section 11.

[0026] The placement surface 11 is formed in the shape of a flat plate that is generally rectangular in plan view and arranged generally horizontally, and is configured to place an item 2 on top of it. The size (length and width) of the placement surface 11 is larger than the size (length and width) of the largest item 2 to be measured, and is configured so that the item 2 to be placed can be placed stably in a horizontal state.

[0027] The rising portion 12 is configured to rise above the periphery (four sides) of the placing surface portion 11, and is configured, for example, as a flat wall surface that extends outwardly from the placing surface portion 11 in an upwardly inclined manner.

[0028] The mounting surface 11 and the rising portion 12 are integrally formed from a plate-like light guide member that can internally reflect and diffuse light from a light source 41 (see FIG. 1) such as an LED arranged near the outside of the mounting portion 10. As this light guide member, for example, a known light guide member made of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or polyethylene terephthalate that contains a light reflecting member or a light diffusing member inside can be used.

[0029] Light from the light source 41 is reflected and diffused within the placing surface portion 11 and the rising portion 12, and is projected (radiated) from the upper surface (placing surface) of the placing surface portion 11 and the inner surface of the rising portion 12. The side surface of the item 2 placed on the placing surface portion 11 is illuminated by at least the light (illumination light) projected (radiated) from the inner surface of the rising portion 12. In other words, the rising portion 12 constitutes a part of the light projecting portion, and also functions as a light projecting portion (side light projecting portion) that illuminates the side surface of the item 2 placed on the placing surface portion 11.

[0030] The side of the article 2 placed on the placement section 10 is illuminated by the rising section 12, so that the shadow between the upper surface facing the imaging section 20 and the other parts can be made more prominent. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring the vertical and horizontal sizes of the top surface of an article can be improved.

[0031] In addition, since light is projected (radiated) from the upper surface of the mounting surface 11 of the mounting section 10, the difference in brightness between the upper surface of the item 2 and the mounting surface 11 on which the item 2 is placed is emphasized, making the shadows between the upper surface of the item 2 placed on the mounting section 10 and the other parts more prominent. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring the vertical and horizontal sizes of the top surface of an article can be further improved.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), when measuring a large-sized item 2 (maximum measurable size) with large length, width, and height dimensions, the rising portion 12 of the mounting portion 10 serves as a background image (background) included within the angle of view of the imaging unit 20, thereby contributing to clearly distinguishing between the item 2 and other parts (the area surrounding the item).

[0033] That is, when the size W1 of the placement surface portion 11 is configured to be slightly larger than the size W2 of a large-sized (maximum measurable) item 2, and when measuring an item 2 with a high height H, the placement surface portion 11 may not be captured as a background image within the angle of view of the imaging unit 20, but even in such a case, the rising portion 12 becomes a background image, making it possible to clearly distinguish the item 2 from other parts. More specifically, the imaging unit 20 can receive light emitted from the rising portion 12, and therefore can ensure an optical axis connecting three points: the light source 41 side, the top edge of the large-sized item 2, and the lens of the imaging unit 20, thereby clearly creating a contrast between the light and shade on the top surface and side surfaces of the item 2.

[0034] Therefore, by providing such a rising portion 12, it is possible to perform image recognition of large-sized (maximum size) items 2 while keeping the size W1 of the placement surface portion 11 small, and ultimately to make the size of the measuring device 1 more compact.

[0035] The size of the placement surface 11 is not limited to the above example. As shown in FIG. 4(b), even when measuring a large-sized (maximum size) item 2, the size W3 of the placement surface 11 may be set so that the placement surface 11 itself becomes a background image (background) included within the angle of view of the imaging unit 20. In this case, since the rising portion 12 does not contribute to the background image, the vertical and horizontal dimensions W3 of the placement surface 11 may be set so that the lower end of the line segment connecting the lens of the imaging unit 20 and the upper edge of the large-sized item 2 is located within the range of the placement surface 11 in order to ensure an optical axis connecting three points: the light source 41 side, the upper edge of the large-sized item 2, and the lens of the imaging unit 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the inner surfaces (surfaces on the side of the article 2) of the placement surface portion 11 and the rising portion 12 may be textured (finely uneven) to prevent reflection of the article 2 placed on the placement portion 10. By applying such texture, it is possible to prevent erroneous measurements due to reflection of the article 2, and therefore the measurement accuracy of the measuring device 1 can be further improved.

[0037] Furthermore, when the measurement device 1 is provided with a height sensor 60 (described later), a slit 12a for passing the optical axis (light path) of the height sensor 60 is provided in the rising portion 12, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 3. This slit 12a is formed, for example, as a long cutout extending in the vertical direction in a pair of opposing rising portions 12 so as to allow the optical axis of the height sensor 60 to pass through.

[0038] In this way, by providing a slit 12a in the rising portion 12 for passing the optical axis (light path), the optical axis (light path) of the height sensor 60 can be appropriately formed in the vertical direction of the item, so that the height of items ranging from the smallest size, low (thin) items to be measured to the largest size, tall items can be accurately detected.

[0039] The slit 12a only needs to be configured to allow the optical axis of the height sensor 60 to pass through, and can be formed as an elongated slot (light passing hole), or as a round hole, elliptical hole, square hole, or other hole (light passing hole) corresponding to the arrangement positions of the light emitting elements 61a of the light emitting unit 61 (see FIG. 6) and the light receiving elements 62a of the light receiving unit 62 that constitute the height sensor 60. Such slits 12a and light passing holes are also similarly formed in the light source support unit 42, which will be described later.

[0040] [Image capture unit] The imaging unit 20 is composed of an imaging device such as a camera (e.g., a CCD camera) equipped with an optical lens, and is installed above the placement unit 10 using a support member 21 or the like. By using a fisheye lens with a wide angle of view as the optical lens, for example, it is possible to reliably capture an image of the item 2 on the placement unit 10 regardless of the size of the item. Note that the optical lens is not limited to a fisheye lens, and various types of lenses can be used.

[0041] The imaging unit 20 captures an image of a background image when the placing unit 10 is illuminated and no item 2 is placed thereon, and an image of a predetermined range of area (target area) including the top surface area of ​​the item 2 placed on the placing unit 10. In this case, the angle of view of the imaging unit 20 is set to completely capture the item 2 placed on the placing unit 10 and to include the area of ​​the placing unit 10 surrounding the item 2. The image data captured by the imaging unit 20 is output to the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30, and is subjected to image processing to calculate (determine) the shape and size (length and width dimensions) of the item 2.

[0042] A polarizing filter (not shown) may be placed in front of the image capturing unit 20. By placing a polarizing filter, when illumination light is emitted from the light projecting unit 40, the illumination light (including reflected light) can be prevented from directly entering the image capturing unit 20, and halation of the captured image (white blurring around areas hit by strong light) can be prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, when a camera such as a CCD camera is used as the imaging unit 20, the camera is calibrated to improve the accuracy of recognizing the shape of the article 2. For this calibration, for example, a checkerboard 70 on which a black and white dot pattern 70a is displayed as shown in FIG. A checkerboard 70 is placed at a predetermined position on the mounting section 10, and the installed checkerboard 70 is imaged from above by the camera of the imaging section 20. The internal and external parameters of the camera are estimated from the image, and the image is corrected based on the estimation results.

[0044] In this case, when the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30 receives an image (calibration pattern) of the checkerboard 70 captured by the camera, it analyzes the degree of distortion in the image of the calibration pattern and detects (recognizes) the camera parameters (for example, parameters related to lens distortion, focal length, optical axis, and image center).Then, using these detected camera parameters, the distortion in the camera image is corrected, and a normalized image without distortion can be generated.

[0045] Furthermore, the imaging unit 20 (e.g., a CCD camera) is set to focus on the upper surface of the article 2 placed on the placement unit 10. In this case, for example, the control unit 3 can be configured to adjust the focus of the imaging unit 20 based on the height dimension (height information) of the article 2 detected by the height sensor 60. As a result, the image captured by the imaging unit 20 becomes clearer and has higher contrast, allowing the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30 to calculate the vertical and horizontal dimensions with higher accuracy.

[0046] [Calculation section] The calculation unit 30 calculates the shape and size of the article 2 by, for example, a background subtraction method based on the background image of the placement unit 10 captured by the imaging unit 20 and the image (actual image) of the article 2 placed on the placement unit 10. The procedure is roughly as follows.

[0047] <Get background image> A background image is acquired by the imaging unit 20. The background image is an image of the placement unit 10 in a state where no article 2 is placed on the placement unit 10 and where light is projected onto the placement unit 10. The captured image is stored in the memory unit 4. The background image can be acquired (updated) at an appropriate timing, for example, when the measurement device 1 is started up, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement device 1 was started up.

[0048] <Getting product images> An image (actual image) of the item 2 is acquired by the imaging unit 20. The actual image is captured when the item 2 is placed on the placement unit 10, and an image of a predetermined range of area (target area) including the top surface area of ​​the item 2 is captured. In this case, the angle of view of the imaging unit 20 includes the entire item 2 placed on the placement unit 10 and the area of ​​the placement unit 10 surrounding the item 2, and the actual image of the item 2 captured in this state is stored in the memory unit 4 and transmitted to the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30.

[0049] <Compare and judge background image and actual image> The image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30 compares the actual image with the background image to extract the difference between the images. Since the actual image and the background image are images of the same region in real space, the background difference can be extracted by comparing the information (color information) between those pixels.

[0050] The image processing unit 31 performs, for example, a conversion process from RGB to HSV on the background difference (image) to determine the planar shape (size) of the article. Specifically, the image processing unit 31 converts the R (RED), G (Green), and B (Blue) components of the background difference (image) into HSV images (H image: a color space image generated as an image in which only hue remains, S image: a color space image generated as an image in which only saturation (chroma) remains, and V image: a color space image generated as an image in which only brightness (value (brightness)) remains), and determines the planar shape and size of the article from the converted HSV images.

[0051] The shape and size (length and width) of the article 2 determined (detected) by the image processing unit 31 are stored in the memory unit 4 and are also displayed on a display operation unit 50 such as a monitor. For example, the display operation unit 50 displays the image of the article 2 acquired by the imaging unit 20, as well as the shape (outline) of the article 2 recognized by image processing, superimposed on the image of the article 2. The display operation unit 50 also displays information on the length and width dimensions of the article 2.

[0052] [Light emitter] The light projecting unit 40 is provided to highlight the shadow between the top surface of the article 2 placed on the placement unit 10 and the other parts. As shown in Fig. 1, the light projecting unit 40 includes a light source 41, a light source support unit 42 that supports the light source 41, and the placement unit 10 that projects (radiates) light from the light source 41.

[0053] The light source 41 is a light source such as an LED, and the light from the light source 41 is irradiated onto the outer surface of the mounting portion 10 and is projected (radiated) from the inner surface of the mounting portion 10 by being reflected and diffused inside the mounting portion 10. The light source 41 is not limited to an LED, and various other light sources can be used.

[0054] 1, the light source support 42 supports the light source 41 so that light from the light source 41 is irradiated toward the mounting portion 10. The light source support 42 has, for example, a bottom 42a that is substantially rectangular in plan view and side portions 42b that extend upward from the periphery (four sides) of the bottom 42a substantially perpendicularly, and is configured as a substantially box-shaped housing with an opening at the top. The bottom 42a of the light source support 42 is placed on top of the scale pan of the weighing device A.

[0055] The bottom 42a and / or side 42b of the light source support 42 support the light source 41, as well as a power supply device and wiring (not shown) that supply power to the light source 41. The mounting unit 10 is accommodated in the internal space defined by the bottom 42a and side 42b of the light source support 42 and is installed by a support (not shown). The light sources 41 are arranged so that the required amount of light is irradiated from the inner surface (the surface on the article 2 side) of the mounting section 10, and a required number of light sources are provided only on the bottom section 42a, only on the side section 42b, or on both the bottom section 42a and the side section 42b of the light source support section 42. Fig. 1 shows an example in which light sources 41 are provided on both the bottom section 42a and the side section 42b.

[0056] The light source 41 is stably supported by such a light source support portion 42, and light from the light source 41 can be appropriately irradiated toward the mounting portion 10, thereby making the shadows between the top surface of the item 2 and other parts clearer and improving the recognition accuracy of the item 2.

[0057] When the height sensor 60 is provided, the light source support portion 42 is positioned between the rising portion 12 of the mounting portion 10 and the height sensor 60, and the side portion 42b of the light source support portion 42 has a slit or light passage hole (not shown) formed therein to allow the optical axis of the height sensor 60 to pass through, similar to the slit 12a and light passage hole formed in the rising portion 12 of the mounting portion 10 described above.

[0058] The mounting portion 10, which also functions as the light projecting portion 40, has a mounting surface portion 11 and a rising portion 12, as described above, and is integrally formed from a plate-shaped light-guiding member that can reflect and diffuse light from the light source 41 inside.

[0059] The side surface of the article 2 placed on the placement section 10 is illuminated by light projected (emitted) from at least the inner surface of the rising section 12, thereby highlighting the shadow between the top surface of the article 2 and other parts. Therefore, the measurement accuracy of the length and width of the top surface of the article 2 can be improved. In addition, since light is projected (radiated) from the upper surface of the mounting surface portion 11 of the mounting portion 10, the shadows between the upper surface of the item 2 and other parts can be made more prominent, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy of the vertical and horizontal sizes of the upper surface of the item.

[0060] [Height sensor] In this embodiment, a height sensor 60 can be installed to measure the height of an article. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the height sensor, and Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the height sensor.

[0061] 1, the height sensor 60 is configured by an optical sensor having a light-emitting unit 61 that emits measurement light and a light-receiving unit 62 that receives the measurement light. The light-emitting unit 61 and the light-receiving unit 62 are arranged, for example, outside the rising portion 12 of the mounting unit 10 so as to sandwich the mounting unit 10 therebetween.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, the light-emitting unit 61 has, for example, a plurality of light-emitting elements 61a as a light source that emits measurement light. For example, the light-emitting unit 61 can be light-emitting elements that emit laser light or light-emitting elements that emit LED light, which are regularly arranged and mounted on the surface of a substrate 61b. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the light-emitting elements 61a of the light-emitting unit 61 are arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, several mm) in the vertical direction on one frame member 61c of a pair of frame members 61c, 62c that are arranged to sandwich a pair of opposing side edges of the mounting unit 10.

[0063] The light receiving unit 62 has a plurality of light receiving elements (for example, photodiodes, etc.) that receive light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 61 a. The light receiving elements 62 a of the light receiving unit 62 are arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, intervals of several mm) in the vertical direction on the other frame member 62 c of a pair of frame members 61 c, 62 c arranged to sandwich the mounting unit 10.

[0064] The measurement light emitted from the light-emitting unit 61 is divided into two parts: one that is blocked by the item 2 on the mounting unit 10 and does not reach the light-receiving unit 62, and one that reaches the light-receiving unit 62 without being blocked by the item 2, and each light-receiving element 62a of the light-receiving unit 62 has a different light receiving level (brightness or the presence or absence of light reception). The detection signal detected by the light-receiving unit 62 is transmitted to the height dimension calculation unit 32 of the calculation unit 30, and the height dimension calculation unit 32 analyzes the light receiving level (brightness) of the detection signal to determine (detect) the height dimension of the item 2.

[0065] 6, the light-emitting elements 61a of the light-emitting unit 61 and the light-receiving elements 62a of the light-receiving unit 62 can be divided into multiple sections in the vertical direction and arranged in different arrangement patterns. As an example of an arrangement pattern, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the substrates 61b, 62b are divided into an upper region X1 and a lower region X2, and the elements are arranged in different arrangement patterns in each of the regions x1, x2. Note that the arrangement pattern of the light-emitting elements 61a and the arrangement pattern of the light-receiving elements 62a are similar, so the following description will be given as an example of the arrangement pattern of the light-emitting elements 61a, and a description of the arrangement pattern of the light-receiving elements 62a will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the light emitting elements 61a are arranged in two rows in the upper region X1 of the substrate 61b, and the light emitting elements 61a are arranged in five rows in the lower region X2. In each column of the upper region X1, the light emitting elements 61a are arranged vertically in a straight line at a predetermined interval D1 in the vertical direction, and in each column of the lower region X2, the light emitting elements 61a are arranged vertically in a straight line at a predetermined interval D2 in the vertical direction that is smaller than the interval D1 in the upper region X1. In the upper region X1 and the lower region X2, the light emitting elements 61a in each column are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the vertical direction (staggered arrangement).

[0067] In this way, by varying the number of light-emitting elements 61a arranged and the vertical intervals D1, D2 between the light-emitting elements 61a in the upper region X1 and the lower region X2 of the substrate 61b, the vertical pitches P1, P2 of the light-emitting elements 61a can be set arbitrarily. For example, when detecting a thin item having a height of only a few millimeters, such as a mailed item (envelope), the detection is susceptible to the influence of measurement errors. However, since the light-emitting elements 61a are arranged in the lower region X2 at a smaller vertical pitch P2 (more densely arranged) than the vertical pitch P1 of the light-emitting elements 61a arranged in the upper region X1, such measurement errors can be suppressed, and detection accuracy (resolution) can be improved.

[0068] In the above example, two rows of light-emitting elements 61a are arranged in the upper region X1 at intervals D1, and five rows of light-emitting elements 61a are arranged in the lower region X2 at intervals D2, but the present invention is not limited to these arrangements and configurations.

[0069] In the above example, the light-emitting unit 61 and the light-receiving unit 62 are configured to detect the height of the article 2 using a pair of height sensors 60 arranged to sandwich a pair of opposing side edges of the placement unit 10, as shown in Fig. 7(a), but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 7(b) and (c), two sets of height sensors 60 may be provided and arranged so that the measurement light of these two sets of height sensors 60 intersect at the article placement position on the placement unit 10.

[0070] In this case, for example, the rising portion 12 of the mounting portion 10 is formed with slits or light passing holes for passing the optical axes (light beam paths) of the two height sensors 60. By providing two sets of height sensors 60 in this manner, the height of the article 2 can be reliably detected even if, for example, the article 2 is placed on the placement section 10 shifted from the central area.

[0071] As described above, the measuring device 1 according to the present invention can accurately measure the shape and size of the item 2 such as a commodity or baggage.

[0072] Next, another example of the measuring device according to the present invention will be described.

[0073] (Second embodiment) Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The measurement device 100 shown in Fig. 8 is a partial modification of the above-described measurement device 1, so the modified parts will be mainly described, and the same components as those of the above-described measurement device 1 will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0074] The measuring device 100 of the second embodiment is a device in which the light-projecting unit 40 of the measuring device 1 described above is replaced with a light-projecting unit 140. Specifically, a light source support unit 142 is arranged outside the weighing device A, and the light source 41 supported (disposed) on this light source support unit 142 is configured to illuminate the outer surface of the mounting unit 10, and the mounting unit 10 is configured to be installed above the weighing pan of the weighing device A via a support 110. The light source 41 and the mounting portion 10 constituting the light projecting portion 140 are configured similarly to the light source 41 and the mounting portion 10 constituting the light projecting portion 40 described above.

[0075] The light source support part 142 supports the light source 41 so that light from the light source 41 is irradiated toward the placement part 10. The light source support part 142 is arranged, for example, to sandwich or surround the scale (weighing) device A, and can be configured, for example, as a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces.

[0076] A light source 41 is disposed on the upper surface of the light source support portion 142. Light from this light source 41 is irradiated onto the outer surfaces of the rising portions 12 constituting the mounting portion 10 and the lower surface of the mounting surface portion 11, and is reflected and diffused inside the mounting portion 10, so that the light is projected (radiated) from the inner surfaces of the rising portions 12 and the inner surfaces of the mounting surface portion 11. The light source support part (housing) 142 may be configured so that a power source, wiring, and the like that supplies power for making the light source 41 emit light are accommodated and arranged in the internal space thereof.

[0077] In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the side of the item 2 placed on the mounting section 10 is illuminated by light (illumination light) projected (emitted) from the inner surface of the rising section 12, at least, thereby highlighting the shadows between the top surface of the item 2 and other parts, and improving the measurement accuracy of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the top surface of the item. In addition, since light is projected (radiated) from the upper surface of the mounting surface portion 11 of the mounting portion 10, the shadows between the upper surface of the item 2 and other parts can be made more prominent, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy of the vertical and horizontal sizes of the upper surface of the item.

[0078] <Other variations> In the above embodiment, the rising portion 12 of the mounting portion 10 is configured as a flat wall surface that extends outwardly and in an upward inclined manner relative to the mounting surface 11, as shown in Fig. 3, but is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the rising portion 12 may be configured as a flat wall surface that extends upwardly and substantially perpendicularly relative to the mounting surface 11.

[0079] The placement unit 10 may also be provided with a guidance structure that encourages the placement of the article 2 at the center of the placement surface 11. This guidance structure may be configured, for example, as shown in Fig. 10(a), by a plurality of partition members 11a provided on the upper surface of the placement surface 11, or as shown in Fig. 10(b), by a placement table 11b arranged on the upper surface of the placement surface 11. These partition members 11a and placement table 11b are formed from a light-transmitting synthetic resin material such as acrylic, polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate. In FIG. 10, the rising portions 12 rising above the periphery (four sides) of the placement surface portion 11 are not shown.

[0080] The partition members 11a can be formed by protruding portions that protrude upward from the placement surface portion 11, and for example, a plurality of partition members 11a are arranged so as to surround the four sides of the article 2 of the largest measurable size. The mounting table 11b is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape in plan view, and is formed to be larger than the size (length and width) of the largest measurable article 2.

[0081] If the object 2 to be measured is placed offset relative to the placement unit 10, noise (unwanted shadows) may occur in the captured image, which may result in poor recognition accuracy for the top surface edge (edge) of the object 2. However, by providing the partition member 11a and placement table 11b as such guidance structures, the object 2 to be measured is placed so that it is positioned approximately in the center of the placement unit 10, which prevents noise (unwanted shadows) from occurring in the captured image. Therefore, the shadow between the top surface of the object 2 facing the imaging unit 20 and other parts becomes clearer, which improves the recognition accuracy for the shape and size of the object 2.

[0082] Furthermore, the light source support 42 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment may be configured as an intrusion prevention cover that prevents the intrusion of ambient light. For example, the bottom 42a and side 42b of the light source support 42 configured as a substantially box-shaped housing may be formed from a material that does not transmit light, and the mounting unit 10 may be accommodated and supported in the internal space defined by the bottom 42a and side 42b, thereby preventing ambient light from intruding into the mounting unit 10. In this case, by setting the height of the side 42b of the light source support 42 sufficiently higher than the height of the rising portion 12 of the mounting unit 10, the intrusion of ambient light can be more effectively prevented. In addition, when the height sensor 60 is provided outside the intrusion prevention cover, a slit or light-passing hole that allows the optical axis of the height sensor 60 to pass through can be formed in the side portion 42b, similar to the slit 12a or light-passing hole formed in the rising portion 12 of the mounting portion 10 described above.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the imaging unit 20 is configured by one imaging unit 20 installed at a position above the approximate center of the mounting unit 10, but this is not limiting. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of imaging units 20, each configured of an imaging device such as a CCD camera, are installed, and the shape (length and width dimensions) of the article 2 is calculated (determined) based on a plurality of captured images taken by these plurality of imaging units 20.

[0084] 1 and 8, two imaging units 20 may be arranged line-symmetrically about this center, and each imaging unit 20 may be arranged to face the center of the placement surface 11. By arranging the imaging units 20 in this manner, unlike in the example where the top surface of the article 2 is imaged from the front, the image of the article 2 is imaged at a certain angle relative to the article 2, which makes it easier to detect the edge of the top surface of the article 2 and improves measurement accuracy.

[0085] In addition, the imaging unit 20 may be, for example, one imaging unit 20 installed at a position above the approximate center of the mounting unit 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 8, and two imaging units 20 arranged symmetrically about the center where the imaging unit 20 is located (a total of three imaging units), or three or more imaging units may be arranged in positions where they can image the top surface of the item 2.

[0086] Furthermore, the imaging unit 20 may be provided above the placement unit 10 so as to be movable, and configured to be able to capture images from a plurality of positions above the article 2, thereby obtaining an image of the article 2 from the front or an image at a certain angle to the article 2 (for example, an image with enhanced edges). In this case, for example, a guide rail for movably guiding the imaging unit 20 may be provided above the placement unit 10, and the imaging unit 20 may be configured to be movable (travel) on this guide rail by a drive unit (such as a motor).

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the calculation unit 30 is configured to calculate the shape and size of the item 2 using a background subtraction method, but this is not limited to this example and other known methods may be used. For example, the calculation unit 30 may be configured to use a known edge line segment measurement method that performs edge detection based on the image of the item 2 captured by the imaging unit 20 and calculates the length and angle of the edge line segment to detect the size of the item, or may be configured to detect the size of the item 2 by combining the background subtraction method and the edge line segment measurement method.

[0088] Furthermore, when the edge segment measurement method is used, in order to further improve the accuracy of detecting the edge of the article 2, multiple types of lighting devices (with different illuminances, colors, blinking intervals, etc.) may be provided when detecting the edge segments of the article 2, and these multiple types of lighting devices may be configured to be able to project light toward the article by switching them. Note that this lighting device may be configured as the light source 41, or may be configured as a separate entity from the light source 41.

[0089] 1 and 8, when the measuring device 1 is placed on the scale pan (not shown) of the weighing device A and configured as a measurement and weighing system that can also measure the weight of the item 2, it can be configured as follows: In this case, the measuring device 1 and the weighing device A are electrically connected, for example, by a signal line or the like, and are configured so that their respective measurement data (length, width, height, weight, etc. of the item) can be mutually acquired and processed.

[0090] (Configuration that takes into consideration sinking of the mounting part) When an item 2 to be measured is placed on the placement unit 10, the placement unit 10 will sink (move downward) together with the scale pan according to the weight of the placed item 2. The amount of sinking (amount of downward movement) of the scale pan of the scale (weighing) device A varies depending on the weight of the placed item 2, so when measuring a heavy item, even if the items are the same size, the amount of sinking (amount of downward movement) of the placement unit 10 will be greater than when measuring a lighter item, and this amount of sinking may cause the height to be detected as lower than the actual dimension, which may result in poor height detection accuracy. Furthermore, since the imaging unit 20 (e.g., a CCD camera) adjusts its focus based on the height dimension (height information) of the item 2 detected by the height sensor 60, if there is a problem with the accuracy of the detected height dimension (height information), the focus cannot be adjusted correctly, which may result in errors in measuring the length and width dimensions of the item 2, and as a result, the length and width dimensions of the item 2 may differ from their actual dimensions.

[0091] <Configuration 1> To solve this problem, for example, a data table that associates the weight of the article 2 with the amount of sinking (downward movement) of the mounting part 10 can be stored in advance in the storage part 4 of the measuring device 1, and this data table can be used to correct and calculate the height of the article 2. In this case, the height can be corrected by the following procedure.

[0092] [Step 1] First, when measuring the item 2, the weight of the item 2 is detected by the weighing device A, and the amount of sinking (downward movement) corresponding to the detected weight of the item 2 is derived (identified) from the data table. [Step 2] Next, the height of the item 2 is detected by the height sensor 60, and the detected height dimension (height information) of the item 2 is corrected by adding the amount of sinking (downward movement) derived in step 1 to the height dimension (height information). [Step 3] Next, based on the height dimension (height information) corrected in step 2 and the amount of sinking (downward movement), the imaging unit 20 (e.g., a CCD camera) is set to focus on the top surface of the item 2 placed on the placement unit 10, and an image is taken. [Step 4] The image data captured by the imaging unit 20 in step 3 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 31 of the calculation unit 30, and the shape and size of the article 2 are detected.

[0093] <Configuration 2> In addition, without using the data table of configuration 1 above, a sinking detection height sensor can be provided to detect the amount of sinking (downward movement) of the weighing device A, and the height of the item 2 can be corrected and calculated using the amount of sinking (downward movement) detected by this sinking height sensor. In this case, the sinking detection height sensor detects the height of a predetermined position on the placement unit 10 before the article 2 is placed (e.g., the upper end position or the lower end position) and the height of a predetermined position on the placement unit 10 after the article 2 is placed (e.g., the upper end position or the lower end position), and calculates the sinking amount (amount of downward movement) from the difference between the detected heights. For example, if the lower end position of the placement unit 10 is to be detected, the detection area of ​​the height sensor 60 described above can be extended and expanded to below the lower end position of the placement unit 10. The sinking detection height sensor may also be configured by another height sensor (e.g., an optical sensor, etc.) provided separately from the height sensor 60 described above.

[0094] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0095] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the shape and size of an article such as a commodity or luggage. [Background technology] BACKGROUND ART An image measuring device capable of measuring the dimensions and shape of an object to be measured is known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-168510). [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] In the conventional technology, a camera is placed directly above the object to be measured, and a light source is provided that irradiates the object from directly above. However, because the light source is configured to irradiate the object from directly above, the light from the light source is reflected by the top surface of the object to be measured, making it impossible to clearly image the shape of the object. As a result, it is not possible to accurately determine the dimensions and shape of the object, and there is room for improvement.

[0096] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device that can accurately measure the shape and size of an article such as a commodity or baggage. [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a measuring device that includes a placement section for placing an item, an imaging section for imaging the item placed on the placement section, a calculation section for calculating the size of the item based on the image captured by the imaging section, and a light-projection section for irradiating light onto a surface other than the surface on which the item is placed. According to the above configuration, the measuring device can measure the shape and size of an article such as a commodity or baggage with high accuracy.

[0097] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the measuring device described in (1) above, the placement section comprises a placement surface section on which the item is placed and a rising section rising upward from the periphery of the placement surface section, and the rising section forms part of the light-projecting section and functions as a side light-projecting section that projects light onto the side of the item. With this configuration, the side of the object placed on the placement unit is illuminated by the raised portion, highlighting the shadow between the top surface facing the imaging unit and the other parts, thereby improving the accuracy of measuring the length and width of the top surface of the object.

[0098] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is that the measuring device described in (2) above is provided with a height sensor that measures the height of the item, and the raised portion has a slit through which the optical axis of the height sensor passes. According to the above configuration, by providing a slit in the rising portion to allow the optical axis of the height sensor to pass through, the optical axis of the height sensor 60 can be formed appropriately in the vertical direction of the item, so that the height of items ranging from the smallest, low (thin) items to be measured to the largest, tall items can be accurately detected.

[0099] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the measuring device described in (3) above, a light source support section for supporting a light source of the light projecting section is provided between the rising section and the height sensor. According to the above configuration, the light source is stably supported by the light source support portion, and light from the light source can be appropriately directed toward the placement portion, thereby clarifying the shadows between the top surface of the item and other parts and improving the accuracy of recognizing the item.

[0100] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a measuring device as described in (3) or (4) above, wherein the height sensor is an optical sensor having an emitting unit that emits measurement light and a receiving unit that receives the measurement light, and two sets of the height sensors are arranged so that the measurement light intersects at the placement position of the item on the placement section. According to the above configuration, by providing two sets of height sensors and intersecting the measurement light at the item placement position on the placement section, the height of the item can be reliably detected even if, for example, the item is placed off-center on the placement section.

[0101] The above aspects (1) to (5) can be combined as appropriate to form a measuring device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1: Measuring equipment 2: Goods 10: Placement section 11: Placement surface part 12: Rising section (side light projection section) 12a: Slit 20: Imaging unit 30: Calculation section 40: Light projection unit 42:Light source support part 60: Height sensor 61: Light emitting unit (light sensor) 62: Light receiving unit (optical sensor) 100: Measuring equipment 140: Light projection unit 142:Light source support part

Claims

1. a placement section on which an article is placed; an imaging unit that images the item placed on the placement unit; a calculation unit that calculates the size of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit; a light projecting unit that projects light onto a surface different from the surface on which the article is placed; A measuring device comprising:

2. The placement section is a placement surface portion on which the article is placed; a rising portion rising upward from the periphery of the mounting surface portion, The rising portion constitutes a part of the light-projecting portion and functions as a side light-projecting portion that projects light onto the side surface of the article.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1 .

3. a height sensor for measuring the height of the article; The rising portion has a slit through which the optical axis of the height sensor passes.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2.

4. A light source support portion for supporting a light source of the light projecting portion is provided between the rising portion and the height sensor.

4. The measuring device according to claim 3.

5. the height sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting unit that irradiates measurement light and a light-receiving unit that receives the measurement light; Two sets of the height sensors are arranged so that the measurement light beams intersect at the placement position of the article on the placement unit.

5. The measuring device according to claim 3 or 4.

Images