Beverage container sorting system and beverage container sorting method

Abstract

To provide a sorting system and a sorting method capable of sorting a plurality of kinds of beverage containers.SOLUTION: The sorting system is a sorting system for sorting beverage containers. The beverage container is provided with an optically recognizable identifier showing container data related to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage container in a mode corresponding to the kind of the beverage container. A sorting system includes an imaging device that images a beverage container and outputs image data of the beverage container, a classification unit that identifies an outer shape of the beverage container from the image data and classifies the beverage container based on the outer shape of the beverage container, a recognition unit that recognizes container data from an identifier using a method corresponding to the classification of the beverage container, and a sorting unit that sorts the beverage container based on the recognized container data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a beverage container sorting system and method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a collection barrel management device that recognizes a unique container number that is engraved on the side of each collection barrel, and manages the replacement timing of the rubber gaskets on the collection barrel's stoppers, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-34670 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are multiple types of returnable barrels in circulation on the market, and container data such as container numbers are often displayed in a manner that corresponds to the type of returnable barrel. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider recognizing container data in a manner that corresponds to the type of returnable barrel.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a sorting system and a sorting method that can sort multiple types of beverage containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is A sorting system for sorting beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are provided with optically recognizable identifiers indicative of container data relating to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage containers in a manner corresponding to the type of the beverage container; The sorting system comprises: an imaging device that captures an image of the beverage container and outputs image data of the beverage container; a classification unit that identifies the outer shape of the beverage container from the image data and classifies the beverage container based on the outer shape of the beverage container; a recognition unit that recognizes the container data from the identifier using a method according to the classification of the beverage container; a sorting unit that sorts the beverage container based on the recognized container data; A sorting system is provided.

[0007] According to this configuration, the sorting system of this embodiment classifies beverage containers based on their external shapes, and recognizes container data from the identifiers using a method appropriate for the classification of the beverage containers. Furthermore, the beverage containers are sorted based on the recognized container data. As a result, even if beverage containers collected from the market contain multiple types of beverage containers, the container data can be recognized using a method appropriate for the type of beverage container, allowing the beverage containers to be sorted based on the container data.

[0008] In this specification, the "aspect" of an identifier according to the type of beverage container includes the method of fixing the identifier to the beverage container (e.g., affixing a sticker and laser printing), the position, size, range, and orientation of the identifier on the beverage container, the data structure of the container data indicated by the identifier, and, if the identifier includes characters, the format of the characters included in the identifier (e.g., font and font size). [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a sorting system and a sorting method capable of sorting multiple types of beverage containers can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sorting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the maintenance barrel sorting section shown in FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a plan view taken along the arrow III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the maintenance barrel sorting unit shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the sorting process executed by the maintenance barrel sorting unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A beverage container sorting system and a sorting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. The drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual products.

[0012] Beverage barrels, such as beer barrels, are filled with beverages such as beer at a factory and then shipped to retail stores or restaurants. Empty beverage barrels are collected, cleaned at a factory, refilled with beverages, and shipped to retail stores. For this reason, beverage barrels are intended to be used repeatedly over a long period of time and are serviced periodically (e.g., once every few years). For example, the gasket that seals between the nozzle located on the top surface of the beverage barrel and the fitting valve attached to the nozzle is usually replaced periodically. Here, the frequency of service is set appropriately depending on the content of the service. A sorting system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in FIG. 1, is a system for automatically sorting beverage barrels 2 that require regular service from among beverage barrels 2 collected from retail stores. In this specification, "service" includes inspection and repair of the beverage barrels 2.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1, the sorting system 1 has a conveying path 10 for conveying beverage barrels 2. The sorting system 1 includes a different barrel inspection section 11, a first rejection device 12, a tightening internal pressure inspection section 13, a second rejection device 14, an external washer 15, a moisture removal section 16, a keg inspection section 17, a maintenance keg sorting section 18, and a third rejection device 19. The different barrel inspection section 11, the first rejection device 12, the tightening internal pressure inspection section 13, the second rejection device 14, the external washer 15, a moisture removal section 16, a keg inspection section 17, a maintenance keg sorting section 18, and a third rejection device 19 are arranged on the conveying path 10. The beverage barrels 2 in this embodiment are beer barrels to be filled with beer. In this specification, upstream and downstream in the conveying direction of the beverage barrel 2 refer to upstream and downstream, respectively, in the direction in which the beverage barrel 2 is conveyed on the conveying path 10. The beverage barrel 2 of this embodiment is an example of a beverage container according to the present disclosure.

[0014] The sorting system 1 is supplied with a plurality of beverage barrels 2 that have been unloaded from pallets by a depalletizing device (not shown) (see arrow A1 in FIG. 1).

[0015] The different type barrel inspection unit 11 inspects whether or not a beverage barrel of a type different from the beer beverage barrel 2 to be serviced has been mixed in with the beverage barrels 2 supplied to the sorting system 1. Specifically, the different type barrel inspection unit 11 inspects whether or not a beverage barrel for a beverage other than beer (for example, chuhai) has been mixed in with the beverage barrels 2 supplied to the sorting system 1. The different type barrel inspection unit 11 determines whether or not the beverage barrel 2 to be inspected is the beverage barrel to be serviced.

[0016] The first rejection device 12 is disposed downstream of the different barrel inspection unit 11 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The first rejection device 12 discharges beverage barrels 2 that are determined by the different barrel inspection unit 11 not to be beverage barrels to be serviced from the conveying path 10 to the first discharge path 10a.

[0017] The tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13 is arranged downstream of the first ejection device 12 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrel 2. The tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13 tightens the fitting valve attached to the nozzle 2a of the beverage barrel 2 and inspects the pressure inside the beverage barrel 2. The tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13 determines whether the pressure inside the beverage barrel 2 being inspected is below a predetermined pressure. If the pressure inside the beverage barrel 2 is below the predetermined pressure, there is a possibility that the beverage barrel 2 has been opened. The tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13 has the function of detecting beverage barrels 2 that may have been opened.

[0018] The second rejection device 14 is arranged downstream of the tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The second rejection device 14 discharges beverage barrels 2 that have been determined by the tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13 to have a pressure inside the beverage barrels 2 that is less than a predetermined pressure from the conveying path 10 to the second discharge path 10b. The beverage barrels 2 discharged to the second discharge path 10b are serviced by a worker.

[0019] The external washer 15 is arranged downstream of the second discharging device 14 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The external washer 15 cleans the external surface of the beverage barrels 2 by spraying a cleaning agent and water or hot water onto the external surface of the beverage barrels 2.

[0020] The moisture removal unit 16 is arranged downstream of the external washer 15 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The moisture removal unit 16 removes moisture adhering to the outer surface of the beverage barrels 2 that has been washed by the external washer 15 from the outer surface of the beverage barrels 2. In this embodiment, the moisture removal unit 16 blows high-pressure air onto the outer surface of the beverage barrels 2 to remove moisture from the outer surface of the beverage barrels 2. The moisture removal unit 16 may also remove moisture from the outer surface of the beverage barrels 2 by applying heat to the outer surface of the beverage barrels 2.

[0021] The keg inspection unit 17 is located downstream of the moisture removal unit 16 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The keg inspection unit 17 inspects the beverage barrels 2 for abnormalities. Specifically, the keg inspection unit 17 determines whether there is an abnormality (e.g., deformation, damage, or dirt) in the appearance of the beverage barrels 2 that pass through the keg inspection unit 17. The keg inspection unit 17 attaches a cap 3 to the nozzle 2a of a beverage barrel 2 that has been determined to have an abnormal appearance. The cap 3 is a cylindrical member with a bottom that is formed to cover the nozzle 2a from above. Furthermore, the keg inspection unit 17 may attach a mark indicating an abnormality, instead of a cap 3, to the top surface 2b of a beverage barrel 2 that has been determined to have an abnormality.

[0022] The maintenance barrel sorting section 18 is arranged downstream of the supply barrel inspection section 17 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The maintenance barrel sorting section 18 sorts beverage barrels 2 that are subject to regular maintenance. The maintenance barrel sorting section 18 determines whether or not a beverage barrel 2 that passes through the maintenance barrel sorting section 18 is subject to regular maintenance based on the most recent maintenance date or manufacturing date assigned to the beverage barrel 2. In this specification, the manufacturing date of a beverage barrel 2 refers to the date when the beverage barrel 2 was manufactured, not the date when the beverage barrel 2 was filled with beverage.

[0023] The third rejection device 19 is disposed downstream of the maintenance barrel sorting section 18 in the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2. The third rejection device 19 discharges beverage barrels 2 determined to be abnormal by the supply barrel inspection section 17 from the conveying path 10 to the third discharge path 10c. The third rejection device 19 also discharges beverage barrels 2 determined to be subject to regular maintenance by the maintenance barrel sorting section 18 from the conveying path 10 to the third discharge path 10c. In other words, the third rejection device 19 in this embodiment serves both as a rejection device for the supply barrel inspection section 17 and as a rejection device for the maintenance barrel sorting section 18. The beverage barrels 2 discharged to the third discharge path 10c are serviced by an operator.

[0024] In the conveying direction of the beverage barrels 2, the beverage barrels 2 conveyed downstream relative to the third rejection device 19 are conveyed to an interior washing section (not shown) for washing the interior of the beverage barrels 2 (see arrow A2 in Figure 1). The beverage barrels 2 whose interiors have been washed are conveyed to a filling section (not shown) for filling the beverage barrels 2 with beverage, and then to a pre-shipment inspection section (not shown) for inspecting the beverage barrels 2 filled with beverage before shipping.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the maintenance barrel sorting unit 18 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view taken along the arrow III in Fig. 2.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the maintenance barrel sorting unit 18 includes a camera 20 that captures images of beverage barrels 2 transported on the transport path 10 and outputs image data of the beverage barrels 2, and a control device 21 to which the image data from the camera 20 is input.

[0027] The beverage barrels 2 transported on the transport path 10 include multiple types of beverage barrels 2. Figures 2 and 3 show four types of beverage barrels 2A to 2D transported on the transport path 10. As shown in Figure 3, the four types of beverage barrels 2A to 2D have different outer shapes. Specifically, the four types of beverage barrels 2A to 2D have different shapes of the upper surface 2b on which the nozzles 2a are arranged. In other words, the four types of beverage barrels 2A to 2D have different appearance features on the upper surface 2b on which the nozzles 2a are arranged.

[0028] At least one optically recognizable identifier 4 is provided on the top surface 2b of the beverage barrel 2. The identifier 4 indicates container data relating to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage barrel 2. In this embodiment, the container data is maintenance data indicating the latest maintenance date of the beverage barrel 2 or the manufacture date of the beverage barrel 2. The identifier 4 includes a first identifier 4A indicating maintenance data relating to the latest maintenance date of the beverage barrel 2 and a second identifier 4B indicating maintenance data relating to the manufacture date of the beverage barrel 2. The identifier 4 includes characters and non-character symbols indicating the maintenance data, which can be recognized visually by an operator and also by optical character recognition.

[0029] The identifiers 4 are attached to the beverage barrels 2 in a manner that depends on the type of the beverage barrel 2. In the example shown in Figure 3, the beverage barrels 2A and 2B are attached with both a first identifier 4A and a second identifier 4B, while the beverage barrels 2C and 2D are attached with only the first identifier 4A. Furthermore, as will be described below, the first identifier 4A is attached to the beverage barrels 2 using a sticker, while the second identifier 4B is attached to the beverage barrels 2 by laser printing.

[0030] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first identifier 4A is printed on a sticker. The first identifier 4A is assigned to the beverage barrels 2A-2D by attaching a sticker with the printed first identifier 4A to the top surface 2b of the beverage barrels 2A-2D. The first identifier 4A is assigned to the beverage barrel 2 to indicate maintenance data related to the most recent maintenance of the beverage barrel 2. Therefore, if the beverage barrel 2 has never been maintained since its manufacture, the beverage barrel 2 will not be assigned the first identifier 4A. Furthermore, the first identifier 4A is assigned to the beverage barrel 2 by attaching a sticker with the printed first identifier 4A to the beverage barrel 2. Therefore, if the sticker peels off from the first identifier 4A, the first identifier 4A may no longer be assigned to a beverage barrel 2 that has been maintained in the past.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 3, the second identifier 4B is laser printed on the top surface 2b of the beverage barrels 2A, 2B, thereby attaching the second identifier 4B to the beverage barrels 2. On the other hand, the beverage barrels 2C, 2D are not attached with an identifier indicating maintenance data relating to the manufacturing date of the beverage barrel 2.

[0032] The identifier 4 has a data structure corresponding to the type of beverage barrel 2. In this embodiment, the second identifier 4B has a data structure corresponding to the type of beverage barrel 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the data structure of the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2A is different from the data structure of the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2B. Specifically, the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2A is displayed as "14-XXXXX," indicating that the beverage barrel 2A is a beverage barrel manufactured in 2014. The second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2B is displayed as "11C-XXXX," indicating that the beverage barrel 2B is a beverage barrel manufactured in 2011. As such, since the second identifier 4B has a data structure corresponding to the type of beverage barrel 2, in order to recognize maintenance data related to the manufacturing date from the second identifier 4B, it is necessary to recognize the second identifier 4B in a manner corresponding to the type of beverage barrel 2.

[0033] On the other hand, the first identifier 4A has the same data structure regardless of the type of beverage barrel 2. For example, the first identifier 4A assigned to the beverage barrel 2A is displayed as "22-R," indicating that the beverage barrel 2A was most recently serviced in 2022. The first identifiers 4A assigned to the beverage barrels 2B to 2D have the same data structure as the first identifier 4A assigned to the beverage barrel 2A, indicating that the beverage barrels 2B to 2D were most recently serviced in 2019, 2022, and 2015, respectively.

[0034] The identifier 4 includes characters having a font and a font size that corresponds to the type of beverage barrel 2. In this embodiment, the second identifier 4B includes characters having a font and a font size that corresponds to the type of beverage barrel 2. In the example shown in Figure 3, the font and font size of the characters included in the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2A are different from the font and font size of the characters included in the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2B.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the maintenance barrel sorting unit 18 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the maintenance barrel sorting unit 18 includes a camera 20, a control device 21, a storage device 22, and a touch panel 23 as an input / output device.

[0036] 2, the camera 20 photographs the beverage barrels 2 from above as they are conveyed along the conveying path 10. The camera 20 outputs image data of the beverage barrels 2 to the control device 21. The camera 20 of this embodiment is an example of an imaging device according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Image data of the beverage barrel 2 is input to the control device 21 from the camera 20. The control device 21 determines whether or not the beverage barrel 2 is a target for maintenance based on the image data input from the camera 20. The control device 21 controls the operation of the third rejection device 19 based on the determination result.

[0038] The control device 21 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) that cooperates with software or a program to realize a predetermined function. The control device 21 may be configured with hardware such as a dedicated electronic circuit or a reconfigurable electronic circuit designed to realize the predetermined function, or may be configured with various semiconductor integrated circuits. Examples of various semiconductor integrated circuits that may be used include a CPU, an MPU, a microcomputer, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control device 21 may also include a storage unit such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The control device 21 may also be a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0039] The control device 21 includes a classification unit 21a, a recognition unit 21b, a selection unit 21c, and a calculation unit 21d. Each of the classification unit 21a, the recognition unit 21b, the selection unit 21c, and the calculation unit 21d is realized, for example, by the control device 21 executing a predetermined program.

[0040] The classification unit 21a processes the image data of the beverage barrels 2 input from the camera 20 to identify the shape of the top surface 2b, and classifies the beverage barrels 2 based on the shape of the top surface 2b. Specifically, the classification unit 21a classifies the beverage barrels 2 based on the shape of the portion of the top surface 2b of the beverage barrel 2 other than the nozzle 2a. The classification unit 21a outputs data indicating the classification of the beverage barrel 2 to the recognition unit 21b. For example, the classification unit 21a classifies the four types of beverage barrels 2A to 2D shown in Figure 3 into four corresponding classifications 1 to 4, respectively.

[0041] The recognition unit 21b optically recognizes the first identifier 4A and the second identifier 4B using a method according to the classification of the beverage barrel 2. Specifically, the recognition unit 21b performs optical character recognition on the first identifier 4A from the image data of the beverage barrel 2 to read maintenance data indicating the most recent maintenance date of the beverage barrel 2, and performs optical character recognition on the second identifier 4B from the image data of the beverage barrel 2 to read maintenance data indicating the manufacturing date of the beverage barrel 2.

[0042] The recognition unit 21b recognizes the maintenance data in accordance with a processing procedure according to the classification.

[0043] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the recognition unit 21b first recognizes the first identifier 4A for beverage barrels 2A and 2B classified into categories 1 and 2. If the recognition unit 21b can recognize the first identifier 4A for a beverage barrel 2A or 2B classified into categories 1 and 2, it reads maintenance data indicating the most recent maintenance time from the first identifier 4A and outputs the read maintenance data to the sorting unit 21c. On the other hand, if the recognition unit 21b cannot recognize the first identifier 4A for a beverage barrel 2A or 2B classified into categories 1 and 2, it recognizes the second identifier 4B. If the recognition unit 21b can recognize the second identifier 4B for a beverage barrel 2A or 2B classified into categories 1 and 2, it reads maintenance data indicating the manufacturing date from the second identifier 4B and outputs the read maintenance data to the sorting unit 21c. When the recognition unit 21b cannot recognize the second identifier 4B for the beverage barrels 2A, 2B classified into categories 1, 2, it outputs data indicating a reading failure to the selection unit 21c.

[0044] The recognition unit 21b first recognizes the first identifier 4A for beverage barrels 2C, 2D classified into categories 3 and 4. If the recognition unit 21b can recognize the first identifier 4A for a beverage barrel 2C, 2D classified into categories 3 and 4, it reads maintenance data indicating the most recent maintenance date from the first identifier 4A and outputs the read maintenance data to the sorting unit 21c. On the other hand, if the recognition unit 21b cannot recognize the first identifier 4A for a beverage barrel 2 classified into categories 3 and 4, it does not recognize the maintenance data indicating the manufacturing date of the beverage barrel 2C, 2D, but outputs data indicating a reading error to the sorting unit 21c.

[0045] When recognizing the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2 classified into categories 1 and 2, the recognition unit 21b reads maintenance data indicating the manufacturing date from the second identifier 4B according to the data structure of the maintenance data for each category. When recognizing the second identifier 4B assigned to the beverage barrel 2 classified into categories 1 and 2, the recognition unit 21b reads maintenance data indicating the manufacturing date from the second identifier 4B according to the font and font size of the characters included in the identifier 4 for each category.

[0046] The sorting unit 21c sorts beverage barrels 2 to be serviced based on the maintenance data input from the recognition unit 21b or data indicating a reading error. The sorting unit 21c determines whether a predetermined period (e.g., several years) has passed since the most recent maintenance or manufacturing date. The sorting unit 21c determines that a beverage barrel 2 that has been determined to have passed a predetermined period since the most recent maintenance or manufacturing date is to be serviced. The sorting unit 21c also determines that a beverage barrel 2 for which the maintenance data could not be read is to be serviced. If the sorting unit 21c determines that a beverage barrel 2 is to be serviced, it controls the third rejection device 19 to reject the beverage barrel 2.

[0047] The storage device 22 accumulates maintenance data for the beverage barrels 2. The storage device 22 also stores setting data for a predetermined period that the sorting unit 21c uses as a criterion for sorting the beverage barrels 2. The storage device 22 stores software or programs for implementing the classification unit 21a, the recognition unit 21b, the sorting unit 21c, and the calculation unit 21d. The storage device 22 is configured, for example, as an internal recording medium or an external recording medium. The internal recording medium includes a non-volatile memory, etc. The external recording medium includes a hard disk (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk device, etc.

[0048] The calculation unit 21d reads out the maintenance data stored in the storage device 22 and calculates the composition ratio of the most recent maintenance date or manufacturing date to the total number of selected beverage barrels 2. The calculation unit 21d outputs data indicating the composition ratio of the most recent maintenance date or manufacturing date to the total number of selected beverage barrels 2 to the touch panel 23.

[0049] The method for sorting beverage barrels 2 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the sorting process executed by the maintenance barrel sorting unit 18. The sorting process starts when the beverage barrel 2 to be sorted enters the maintenance barrel sorting unit 18.

[0050] In step S1, image data of the target beverage barrel 2 is acquired. In step S1, the camera 20 photographs the target beverage barrel 2 from above and acquires image data of the top surface 2b of the target beverage barrel 2. The camera 20 then outputs the image data to the control device 21. Once the image data from the camera 20 is input to the control device 21 in step S1, the sorting process proceeds to step S2.

[0051] In step S2, it is determined whether the target beverage barrel 2 is a beverage barrel 2 that has been determined by the keg inspection unit 17 to have no abnormalities in appearance. In step S2, the control device 21 processes the image data input from the camera 20 to determine whether a cap 3 is attached to the nozzle 2a of the target beverage barrel 2. When the control device 21 determines that a cap 3 is not attached to the nozzle 2a of the target beverage barrel 2, i.e., if the answer is Yes in step S2, the sorting process proceeds to step S3. When the control device 21 determines that a cap 3 is attached to the nozzle 2a of the target beverage barrel 2, i.e., if the answer is No in step S2, the sorting process proceeds to step S11.

[0052] In step S3, the target beverage barrel 2 is classified. In step S3, the classification unit 21a processes the image data input from the camera 20, identifies the shape of the top surface 2b of the target beverage barrel 2, and classifies the beverage barrel 2 based on the shape of the top surface 2b. In this embodiment, the classification unit 21a classifies the beverage barrel 2 into one of categories 1 to 4. Once the target beverage barrel 2 is classified into one of categories 1 to 4 in step S3, the sorting process proceeds to step S4.

[0053] In step S4, it is determined which of categories 1 to 4 the target beverage barrel 2 belongs to. In step S4, the recognition unit 21b determines whether the target beverage barrel 2 belongs to category 1 or 2, or category 3 or 4. If it is determined in step S4 that the target beverage barrel 2 belongs to either category 1 or 2, the sorting process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined in step S4 that the target beverage barrel 2 belongs to either category 3 or 4, the sorting process proceeds to step S9. That is, in this embodiment, the sorting process is performed in different procedures when the target beverage barrel 2 is a beverage barrel 2 of category 1 or 2 to which a second identifier 4B is assigned, and when the target beverage barrel 2 is a beverage barrel 2 of category 3 or 4 to which an identifier indicating the production date of the beverage barrel 2 is assigned.

[0054] In step S5, it is determined whether the first identifier 4A can be recognized. In step S5, the recognition unit 21b determines whether the first identifier 4A can be recognized. If it is determined in step S5 that the first identifier 4A can be recognized, that is, if the answer is Yes in step S5, the sorting process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined in step S5 that the first identifier 4A cannot be recognized, that is, if the answer is No in step S5, the sorting process proceeds to step S7.

[0055] In step S6, maintenance data relating to the most recent maintenance time of the target beverage barrel 2 is read. Specifically, in step S6, the recognition unit 21b reads data indicating the most recent maintenance time from the first identifier 4A by optical character recognition. Once the recognition unit 21b has read the first identifier 4A in step S6, the sorting process proceeds to step S11. Note that even if the data indicating the most recent maintenance time cannot be read in step S6 due to damage or soiling of the first identifier 4A, the sorting process proceeds to step S11.

[0056] In step S7, it is determined whether the second identifier 4B can be recognized. In step S7, the recognition unit 21b determines whether the second identifier 4B can be recognized. If it is determined in step S7 that the second identifier 4B can be recognized, that is, if the answer is Yes in step S7, the sorting process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined in step S7 that the second identifier 4B cannot be recognized, that is, if the answer is No in step S7, the sorting process proceeds to step S11.

[0057] In step S8, maintenance data relating to the production date of the target beverage barrel 2 is read. In step S8, the recognition unit 21b reads data indicating the production date from the second identifier 4B by optical character recognition. Once the recognition unit 21b has read the second identifier 4B in step S8, the sorting process proceeds to step S11. Note that even if the data indicating the maintenance date cannot be read in step S8 due to damage or soiling of the second identifier 4B, the sorting process proceeds to step S11.

[0058] In step S9, it is determined whether the first identifier 4A can be recognized. In step S59, the recognition unit 21b determines whether the first identifier 4A can be recognized. If it is determined in step S9 that the first identifier 4A can be recognized, that is, if the answer is Yes in step S9, the sorting process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined in step S9 that the first identifier 4A cannot be recognized, that is, if the answer is No in step S9, the sorting process proceeds to step S11.

[0059] In step S10, maintenance data relating to the most recent maintenance time of the target beverage barrel 2 is read. In step S10, the recognition unit 21b reads the maintenance data indicating the most recent maintenance time from the first identifier 4A by optical character recognition. Once the recognition unit 21b has read the first identifier 4A in step S10, the sorting process proceeds to step S11. Note that even if the data indicating the most recent maintenance time cannot be read in step S10 due to damage or soiling of the first identifier 4A, the sorting process proceeds to step S11.

[0060] In step S11, a beverage barrel 2 to be serviced is selected. In step S11, the selection unit 21c determines whether the target beverage barrel 2 is a beverage barrel to be serviced based on the service data read in step S6, step S8, or step S10. The selection unit 21c determines whether a predetermined period (e.g., several years) has passed since the most recent service or manufacturing date indicated by the service data of the target beverage barrel 2. If the selection unit 21c determines that the predetermined period has passed since the most recent service or manufacturing date indicated by the service data of the target beverage barrel 2, it selects the target beverage barrel 2 as a beverage barrel 2 to be serviced. If the selection unit 21c determines that the predetermined period has not passed since the most recent service or manufacturing date indicated by the service data of the target beverage barrel 2, it does not select the target beverage barrel 2 as a beverage barrel 2 to be serviced. Furthermore, if the selection unit 21c cannot read service data from the identifier 4, it selects the target beverage barrel 2 as a beverage barrel 2 to be serviced. In step S11, when the sorting unit 21c determines whether the target beverage barrel 2 is a target for maintenance, the sorting process proceeds to step S12.

[0061] In step S12, the sorting result of the target beverage barrel 2 is output to the third rejection device 19. In step S12, the control device 21 controls the third rejection device 19 so that, if the target beverage barrel 2 is a beverage barrel 2 to be serviced, the third rejection device 19 rejects the target beverage barrel 2. On the other hand, in step S12, the control device 21 controls the third rejection device 19 so that, if the target beverage barrel 2 is not a beverage barrel 2 to be serviced, the third rejection device 19 allows the target beverage barrel 2 to pass. When the sorting result of the target beverage barrel 2 is output in step S12, the sorting process ends.

[0062] In step S12, the control device 21 may output the read data to the storage device 22. The storage device 22 stores the read data for the beverage barrels 2 that have been selected. The calculation unit 21d reads out data indicating the most recent maintenance date or manufacturing date of the beverage barrels 2 from the storage device 22, calculates the composition ratio of the beverage barrels 2 by maintenance date or manufacturing date to the total number of selected beverage barrels 2, and outputs the calculation result to the touch panel 23.

[0063] [effect] The sorting system according to this embodiment has the following advantages.

[0064] The sorting system 1 of this embodiment is a sorting system 1 for sorting beverage barrels 2, in which the beverage barrels 2 are provided with optically recognizable identifiers 4 indicating container data related to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage barrels 2 in a manner corresponding to the type of beverage barrel 2, Sorting System 1 is a camera 20 that captures an image of the beverage barrel 2 and outputs image data of the beverage barrel 2; a classification unit 21a that identifies the outer shape of the beverage barrel 2 from the image data and classifies the beverage barrel 2 based on the outer shape of the beverage barrel 2; a recognition unit 21b that recognizes container data from the identifier 4 using a method according to the classification of the beverage barrel 2; a sorting unit 21c that sorts the beverage barrels 2 based on the recognized container data; Equipped with.

[0065] According to the sorting system 1 of this embodiment, beverage barrels 2 are classified based on their external shapes, and container data related to maintenance or manufacturing is recognized from the identifier 4 using a method according to the classification of the beverage barrel 2. Furthermore, the beverage barrels 2 are sorted based on the recognized container data of the beverage barrels 2. As a result, even if the beverage barrels 2 collected from the market include multiple types of beverage barrels 2, it is possible to recognize the most recent maintenance or manufacturing date for each type using an appropriate method. As a result, even if the beverage barrels 2 collected from the market include multiple types of beverage barrels 2, the beverage barrels 2 can be sorted.

[0066] The container data in this embodiment is maintenance data that indicates the most recent maintenance date of the beverage barrel 2 or the manufacturing date of the beverage barrel 2. As a result, the beverage barrel 2 is selected based on the maintenance data of the beverage barrel 2, so even if the beverage barrels 2 collected from the market include multiple types of beverage barrels 2, the beverage barrel 2 to be serviced can be selected.

[0067] The sorting system 1 of this embodiment includes a storage device 22 that stores maintenance data for the beverage barrels 2, and a calculation unit 21d that reads the stored maintenance data from the storage device 22 and calculates the composition ratio by maintenance date or manufacturing date relative to the number of selected beverage barrels 2. As a result, for example, by displaying the calculation results on the touch panel 23, the user can easily grasp the progress of the maintenance of the beverage barrels 2 or the number of beverage barrels 2 that will require maintenance in the future.

[0068] When beverage barrels 2 requiring periodic maintenance are manually selected by an operator, the operator typically reads an identifier attached to each beverage barrel 2, which includes a number indicating the most recent maintenance date or manufacturing date. In the sorting system 1 of this embodiment, the identifier 4 includes characters, and the recognition unit 21b performs optical character recognition on the identifier 4. This allows existing identifiers to be used as the identifiers 4, thereby reducing the introduction cost of the sorting system 1.

[0069] If the identifier 4 is dirty, the recognition unit 21b may not be able to read the container data from the identifier 4. In response to this, the sorting system 1 of this embodiment further includes an external washer 15 that cleans the outer surface of the beverage barrel 2, and the camera 20 captures an image of the beverage barrel 2 that has been cleaned by the external washer 15. As a result, the identifier 4 is cleaned by the external washer 15, allowing the recognition unit 21b to more reliably read the container data.

[0070] If moisture is attached to the identifier 4, the recognition unit 21b may not be able to read the container data from the identifier 4. In response to this, the sorting system 1 of this embodiment further includes a moisture removal unit 16 that removes moisture attached to the beverage barrels 2 that have been washed by the outdoor washer 15, and the camera 20 of this embodiment captures an image of the beverage barrels 2 from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removal unit 16. As a result, the moisture attached to the identifier 4 is removed by the moisture removal unit 16, allowing the recognition unit 21b to more reliably read the container data.

[0071] The sorting system 1 of this embodiment includes a keg inspection unit 17 that inspects the nozzles 2a of the beverage barrels 2 for abnormalities, and a third rejection device 19 that rejects beverage barrels 2 determined to have an abnormality by the keg inspection unit 17. The third rejection device 19 rejects beverage barrels 2 determined to have an abnormality by the keg inspection unit 17 and beverage barrels 2 selected by the sorting unit 21c as targets for maintenance. This simplifies the configuration of the sorting system 1 compared to when a rejection device for rejecting beverage barrels 2 determined to have an abnormality by the keg inspection unit 17 and a rejection device for rejecting beverage barrels 2 selected by the sorting unit 21c as targets for maintenance are provided separately.

[0072] The sorting method of this embodiment is a sorting method for sorting beverage barrels (2), in which the beverage barrels (2) are provided with optically recognizable identifiers (4) in a manner that corresponds to the type of beverage barrel (2), which identifiers (4) indicate container data related to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage barrel (2), The selection method is Taking an image of the beverage barrel 2 and outputting image data of the beverage barrel 2; Identifying the outer shape of the beverage barrels (2) from the image data and classifying the beverage barrels (2) based on the outer shape of the beverage barrels (2); Recognizing the container data from the identifier 4 using a method according to the classification of the beverage barrel 2; Sort the beverage barrel 2 based on the recognized container data. This includes:

[0073] According to the sorting method of this embodiment, beverage barrels 2 are classified based on their external shapes, and container data relating to maintenance or manufacturing is recognized from the identifier 4 using a method according to the classification of the beverage barrel 2. Furthermore, the beverage barrels 2 are sorted based on the recognized container data of the beverage barrel 2. As a result, even if the beverage barrels 2 collected from the market contain multiple types of beverage barrels 2, it is possible to recognize the most recent maintenance or manufacturing date for each type using an appropriate method. As a result, even if the beverage barrels 2 collected from the market contain multiple types of beverage barrels 2, the beverage barrels 2 can be sorted.

[0074] [Variations] The sorting system and sorting method according to the present disclosure are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the classification unit 21a classified the beverage barrels 2 based on the shape of the top surface 2b of the beverage barrels 2, but the beverage barrels 2 may also be classified based on other shapes of the beverage barrels 2, such as the shape of the side surfaces of the beverage barrels 2.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the container data was maintenance data indicating the most recent maintenance date of the beverage barrel 2 or the manufacturing date of the beverage barrel 2, but it may also include data indicating a factory symbol, which is an identification symbol of the maintenance factory or manufacturing factory, or data indicating specific specifications of the beverage barrel 2.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the identifier includes characters, but it may not include characters and may be, for example, a barcode or another optically recognizable identifier such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0078] In the above embodiment, a beer barrel 2 was described as an example of a beverage container according to the present disclosure, but the beverage container according to the present disclosure is not limited to a beer barrel 2 and may be other beverage containers.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the keg inspection unit 17 was described as an example of an inspection unit according to the present disclosure, and the third rejection device 19 was described as an example of an rejection device according to the present disclosure, but this is not limited to this. The inspection unit according to the present disclosure may be the different keg inspection unit 11, in which case the rejection device according to the present disclosure may be the first rejection device 12. Furthermore, the inspection unit according to the present disclosure may be the tightening internal pressure inspection unit 13, in which case the rejection device according to the present disclosure may be the second rejection device 14. In other words, the first rejection device 12 may be an rejection device for the maintenance keg sorting unit 18, and the second rejection device 14 may be an rejection device for the maintenance keg sorting unit 18.

[0080] [Note] The sorting system and sorting method according to the present disclosure provide the following aspects.

[0081] [Aspect 1] A sorting system for sorting beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are provided with optically recognizable identifiers indicative of container data relating to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage containers in a manner corresponding to the type of the beverage container; The sorting system comprises: an imaging device that captures an image of the beverage container and outputs image data of the beverage container; a classification unit that identifies the outer shape of the beverage container from the image data and classifies the beverage container based on the outer shape of the beverage container; a recognition unit that recognizes the container data from the identifier using a method according to the classification of the beverage container; a sorting unit that sorts the beverage container based on the recognized container data; A sorting system comprising:

[0082] [Aspect 2] 2. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein the container data is maintenance data indicating when the beverage container was most recently serviced or when the beverage container was manufactured.

[0083] [Aspect 3] a storage device that stores the maintenance data; a calculation unit that reads out the accumulated maintenance data from the storage device and calculates a composition ratio of the selected beverage containers by maintenance date or manufacturing date to the total number of the selected beverage containers; 3. The sorting system of embodiment 2, comprising:

[0084] [Aspect 4] the identifier includes a character; Aspect 4. The sorting system of any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the recognition unit performs optical character recognition on the identifier.

[0085] [Aspect 5] Further provided is an external washing machine for washing the external surface of the beverage container; Aspect 5. The sorting system according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the imaging device images the beverage containers washed by the external washing machine.

[0086] [Aspect 6] Further provided is a moisture removal unit that removes moisture adhering to the beverage container washed by the external washing machine, 6. The sorting system according to claim 5, wherein the imaging device captures an image of the beverage container from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removal unit.

[0087] [Aspect 7] an inspection unit that inspects the beverage container for abnormalities; a rejection device that rejects the beverage container determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit; Equipped with A sorting system according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the rejection device rejects the beverage containers determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit and the beverage containers selected by the sorting unit as those to be serviced.

[0088] [Aspect 8] A method for sorting beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are provided with optically recognizable identifiers indicative of container data relating to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage containers in a manner corresponding to the type of the beverage container; The selection method includes: taking an image of the beverage container and outputting image data of the beverage container; identifying an outer shape of the beverage container from the image data and classifying the beverage container based on the outer shape of the beverage container; Recognizing the container data from the identifier using a method according to the classification of the beverage container; Sort the beverage container based on the recognized container data. A selection method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Sorting system 2 Beverage barrel (beverage container) 2a nozzle 2b Top part 3 Cap 4 Identifiers 4A First Identifier 4B Secondary Identifier 10 Transport Route 10a First discharge route 10b Secondary excretion pathway 10c Third discharge route 11 Different Types of Barrel Inspection Department 12 1st exclusion device 13 Tightening internal pressure inspection section 14 Second exclusion device 15 Outside washing machine 16 Moisture removal section 17. Barrel Inspection Department 18 Maintenance Barrel Sorting Department 19 Third exclusion device 20 Camera 21 Control device 21a Classification section 21b Recognition part 21c Sorting Department 21d Calculation part 22 Storage device 23 Touch Panel

Claims

1. A sorting system for sorting beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are provided with optically recognizable identifiers indicative of container data relating to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage containers in a manner corresponding to the type of the beverage container; The sorting system comprises: an imaging device that captures an image of the beverage container and outputs image data of the beverage container; a classification unit that identifies the outer shape of the beverage container from the image data and classifies the beverage container based on the outer shape of the beverage container; a recognition unit that recognizes the container data from the identifier using a method according to the classification of the beverage container; a sorting unit that sorts the beverage container based on the recognized container data; A sorting system comprising:

2. The sorting system according to claim 1 , wherein the container data is maintenance data indicating when the beverage container was most recently serviced or when the beverage container was manufactured.

3. a storage device that stores the maintenance data; a calculation unit that reads out the accumulated maintenance data from the storage device and calculates a composition ratio of the selected beverage containers by maintenance date or manufacturing date to the total number of the selected beverage containers; The sorting system of claim 2 , comprising:

4. the identifier includes a character; The sorting system of claim 1 , wherein the recognition unit performs optical character recognition on the identifier.

5. Further provided is an external washing machine for washing the external surface of the beverage container; The sorting system according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging device captures an image of the beverage container washed by the outdoor washing machine.

6. Further provided is a moisture removal unit that removes moisture adhering to the beverage container washed by the external washing machine, The sorting system according to claim 5 , wherein the imaging device captures an image of the beverage container from which moisture has been removed by the moisture removing unit.

7. an inspection unit that inspects the beverage container for abnormalities; a rejection device that rejects the beverage container determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit; Equipped with The sorting system according to claim 1 , wherein the rejection device rejects the beverage container determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit and the beverage container selected by the sorting unit as a maintenance target.

8. A method for sorting beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are provided with optically recognizable identifiers indicative of container data relating to the maintenance or manufacture of the beverage containers in a manner corresponding to the type of the beverage container; The selection method includes: taking an image of the beverage container and outputting image data of the beverage container; identifying an outer shape of the beverage container from the image data and classifying the beverage container based on the outer shape of the beverage container; Recognizing the container data from the identifier using a method according to the classification of the beverage container; Sort the beverage container based on the recognized container data. A selection method comprising:

Images