Inspection apparatus

Abstract

The inspection apparatus prevents the inspection line from becoming long by performing different types of inspections on the article to be inspected. To provide an inspection device capable of easily and efficiently performing the setting operation of image processing or the like related to a picked-up image by an imaging part for imaging an inspection object article in a short time.SOLUTION: An inspection apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to image an article to be inspected, an acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information of the article from a position different from an imaging position of the article imaged by the imaging unit, a storage unit configured to store correct information to be compared with the article to be inspected, a conveying unit configured to convey the article, and a control unit configured to compare an image captured by the imaging unit and the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit with the correct information stored in the storage unit to perform correct / incorrect determination. When the article is conveyed by the conveyance means, the storage means associates an imaging result by the imaging means with the identification information by the acquisition means, and stores them as correct information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An article inspection system that inspects articles is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this article inspection system, various inspection devices are arranged in series on an inspection line, and articles sent from a production line to the inspection line are inspected by the inspection devices. Also, there is known an appearance inspection device that judges whether an object to be inspected is good or bad by comparing an image obtained by capturing the appearance of the object to a plurality of types of images of good products and images of defective products (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-219420 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-8013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the article inspection system described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that as the number of inspection items increases, it is necessary to arrange inspection devices corresponding to the type of inspection in series, resulting in a long inspection line.In addition, it is necessary to adjust the height of the conveying surface of the conveying part of the inspection device specialized for each inspection item, the detection position, the conveying speed, etc., and if these adjustments are not made properly, it may not be possible to inspect the inspection items correctly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inspection device of the present invention has at least the following configuration. The inspection device includes: an imaging means for imaging an object to be inspected; an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the article from a position different from an imaging position of the article imaged by the imaging means; a storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection item; a conveying means for conveying the article; The image capturing device is characterized by comprising a control means for comparing the image captured by the imaging means and the identification information obtained by the acquisition means with the correct information stored in the storage means to determine whether the image is correct or not. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, by performing different types of inspections on the objects to be inspected using a single inspection device, it is possible to prevent the inspection line from becoming long and large. Furthermore, the inspection device of the present invention allows easy, efficient and quick setting operations for the imaging means for imaging the object to be inspected and image processing related to the captured images. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an object to be inspected by an inspection device, where FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a front label of the object to be inspected, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a back label of the object to be inspected. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an electrical functional block diagram showing an example of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first display area and a second display area in a setting registration mode of the inspection device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first display area and a second display area at the start of a setting registration mode of the inspection device. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first display area and a second display area in a setting registration mode. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of a first display area and a second display area when a product name area is set. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first display area and a second display area when a price area is set. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an intrinsic image and a common image related to a normal image. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information about a normal image stored in a storage unit of the inspection device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change unit for changing the criteria for pass / fail determination in the inspection mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for a correlation value threshold value. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation in an inspection mode of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of judgment displays in inspection mode, where (a) shows a case where the judgment result is OK, and (b) shows a case where the judgment result is NG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging means for imaging an item to be inspected (inspection item), an acquisition means for acquiring the item's identification information from a position different from the imaging position of the item imaged by the imaging means, a storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection item, a transport means for transporting the item, and a control means for comparing the image captured by the imaging means and the identification information from the acquisition means with the positive information stored in the storage means to determine whether the item is correct or not. Furthermore, an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention judges the quality of an object to be inspected by comparing an image obtained by imaging the object with a pre-stored normal image. The inspection device has a first display area that operably displays a setting screen related to image processing settings for the image obtained by the imaging means, and a second display area that operably displays an operation assistance screen for assisting in operations on the setting screen in the first display area. The first display area is provided adjacent to the second display area. This inspection device allows easy, efficient and quick setting operations for the imaging means for capturing images of the object to be inspected and image processing related to the captured images.

[0009] Hereinafter, an inspection device (label inspection device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention includes the contents shown in the drawings, but is not limited thereto. In the following explanation of each figure, parts that are common to parts that have already been explained will be given the same reference numerals, and some of the overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0010] In this embodiment, an example in which the inspection device according to the present invention is used in a label inspection device will be described. 1 and 2, an inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has an operation display device 40 supported by a support member 41 on a base 42. The operation display device 40 has a camera-side display input unit 14 as a first display area, a main display input unit 24 as a second display area, and an operation input unit 25 including various switches and buttons.

[0011] A belt conveyor 261 is provided on the base 42 as a conveying unit that conveys the inspection object w along a conveying path (conveying route). The belt conveyor 261 has an endless belt 262 that is stretched over a pair of rotating shafts 263 and 264 and pulleys (not shown) that are arranged a predetermined distance apart. One or both of the rotating shafts 263 and 264 are rotationally driven by a conveyor driving unit.

[0012] A pair of long guide members G are provided along the conveying path of the belt conveyor 261 a predetermined distance above the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261. The height of these guide members G is set lower than the height of the inspection object w placed on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261, and is configured to be able to support the inspection object w on the belt conveyor 261 so as not to tip over. In addition, the gap between the pair of guide members G is set wider than the thickness of the inspection object w.

[0013] 2, the distance between the pair of guide members G near their upstream ends in the conveying direction is set to be wider than that at the center. That is, the guide members G are structured to make it easy to place the inspection object w at the center in the width direction of the belt conveyor 261. Even if the inspection object w is placed at a position shifted from the center in the width direction of the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261, the guide members G are structured to guide the inspection object w to the center in the width direction of the belt conveyor 261 when the conveyor is driven.

[0014] An imaging unit 12 such as a camera and a code scanner 22 are arranged on both sides of the upstream side in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor 261. In other words, the belt conveyor 261 is arranged between the imaging unit 12 and the code scanner 22.

[0015] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, a front label LA (first label) is affixed to the front side of a product as an inspection object, and a back label LB (second label) is affixed to the back side. A product name 81, a base price 82, and the like are printed on the front label LA as the label L. In addition, code information 83 (a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc.), detailed product information 84, and the like are printed on the back label LB as the label L. The detailed product information 84 includes, for example, names of ingredients, allergens, food additives, expiration dates, storage methods, nutritional information (calories, names of nutritional ingredients, and their content), manufacturer name, address, and the like. The product information may be printed directly on the resin packaging sheet, or may be printed on a label L attached to the packaging sheet.

[0016] 1 and 2, the imaging unit 12 is disposed so as to be able to capture an image of the front label LA of the inspection object w being transported along the transport path. The imaging area 12AR of the imaging unit 12 is set in a predetermined area between the guide member G and the belt conveyor 261, for example, as shown in Fig. 1. A sensor 27A (27), such as an optical sensor, serving as an inspection object detection unit is provided at a predetermined position upstream of the imaging unit 12 in the transport direction. After a set time according to the conveying speed has elapsed since the sensor 27A (27) detected the conveyed inspection object w, the imaging unit 12 captures an image of the front label LA of the inspection object w at the timing when the inspection object w is positioned within the imaging area 12AR. Note that the imaging unit 12 may capture images all the time.

[0017] 1 and 2, the code scanner 22 is disposed so as to be able to read code information printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w being transported along the transport path. As shown in FIG. 1, the reading area 22AR of the code scanner 22 is set in a predetermined area between the guide member G and the belt conveyor 261. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the code scanner 22 has a light-emitting unit 22a that irradiates light onto the inspection object w and a light-receiving unit 22b that receives light reflected by the inspection object w, and is configured to read code information 83 (such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code) printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w being transported.

[0018] A sorting unit 29 (rejection means) that sorts the inspection objects w into non-defective and defective products, and a container 291 that temporarily stores the defective products are provided downstream in the conveying direction from the imaging unit 12 and the code scanner 22. A belt conveyor 261 is disposed between the sorting unit 29 and the container 291. The container 291 has an opening on the sorting section side.

[0019] In this embodiment, the sorting unit 29 has an injection device capable of injecting gas, and if the inspection object w is a defective product, the gas is injected onto the defective product transported by the belt conveyor 261, and the defective product is moved to a container 291. If the inspection object is a non-defective product, the sorting unit 29 does not inject gas, and the non-defective inspection object w is transported to the next process area 300 downstream of the belt conveyor. Specifically, a sensor 27B (27) such as an optical sensor serving as an inspection object detection unit is provided at a predetermined position upstream in the conveying direction from the sorting unit 29. After a set time according to the conveying speed has elapsed since the conveyed inspection object w is detected by the sensor 27B (27), gas is sprayed from the sorting unit 29 toward the inspection object w at the timing when the defective inspection object w is positioned in a position overlapping with the direction of gas blowing from the gas blowing port of the sorting unit 29.

[0020] Next, each component of the inspection device 100 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the inspection device 100 includes a camera side control unit 11, an imaging unit 12 (imaging means) such as a camera, a camera control side memory unit 13, a camera side display input unit 14 (first display area), a main control unit 21, a code scanner 22, a main control side memory unit 23, a main display input unit 24 (second display area), an operation input unit 25, a conveyor drive unit 26, a sensor 27, and a sorting unit 29.

[0021] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 is made up of a camera-side control unit 11 and a main control unit 21. The control unit 10 comprehensively controls each component of the inspection device 100. The main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The camera control unit 11 is electrically connected to the imaging unit 12, the camera control storage unit 13, and the camera display input unit . Furthermore, the main control unit 21 is electrically connected to a main display input unit 24, an operation input unit 25, a conveyor driving unit 26, a sensor 27, a sorting unit 29, and the like.

[0022] The camera-side control unit 11 mainly performs overall control over the imaging unit 12, camera-control-side storage unit 13, and camera-side display / input unit 14. The camera-side control unit 11 also communicates with the main control unit 21 as necessary. In detail, the camera-side control unit 11 compares the captured image of the inspection object with a correct image (a captured image of a non-defective product) stored in advance in the camera-control-side storage unit 13, and outputs a signal indicating the result of the comparison (an OK signal, an NG signal, etc.) to the main control unit 21. Furthermore, when the camera-side control unit 11 receives a setting start signal from the main control unit 21, it is set to a setting registration mode and performs processing related to the setting registration mode.

[0023] Furthermore, the camera side control unit 11 executes a predetermined control program to realize functions such as a specifying means 111 and a comparing means 112 in the inspection device (computer). The identification means 111 performs processing to identify a unique image that is unique to one inspection item and a common image that is common to a plurality of inspection items, which are included in the image captured by the imaging means. The comparison means 112 performs a process of comparing the inspection image captured by the imaging means with the normal image stored in the storage means. The detailed operation of the camera control unit 11 will be described later.

[0024] An imaging unit 12 such as a camera captures an image of an inspection object w and outputs the captured image to a camera-side control unit 11.

[0025] The camera control side memory unit 13 stores, in association with each other, the captured image (normal image) of the non-defective product captured by the imaging unit 12, an image of product information such as the product name and price extracted from the captured image (normal image), and a product linkage number (registration number). The product type link number (registration number) is a registration number (identification information) of a non-defective product set by the user or the like in the setting and registration mode.

[0026] The camera-side display input unit 14 (first display area) operably displays a setting screen relating to settings for image processing for images captured by the imaging means (imaging unit 12) under the control of the camera-side control unit 11. The camera-side display input unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel with a display device.

[0027] The main control unit 21 mainly performs overall control of the main control side memory unit 23, the main display input unit 24, the operation input unit 25, the conveyor drive unit 26, the distribution unit 29, etc. The main control unit 21 communicates with the camera side control unit 11 as necessary. The main control unit 21 also receives a signal from the camera side control unit 11 indicating the result of comparing the captured image of the object to be inspected with a pre-stored correct image (a captured image of a good product), and if they do not match, judges the object to be inspected to be a defective product, and if they do match, compares the code information displayed on the label of the object to be inspected with the pre-stored correct code information (code information of a good product), and if the comparison results in a mismatch, judges the object to be inspected to be a defective product, and if they match, judges the object to be inspected to be a good product. In other words, in this embodiment, if both the product information such as the product name and price printed on the front label LA of the object to be inspected and the code information printed on the back label LB match those of a standard good product, the object to be inspected is judged to be a good product, and if either or both do not match, the object to be inspected is judged to be a defective product.

[0028] Furthermore, the main control unit 21 outputs a setting start signal to the camera side control unit 11 in the setting registration mode.

[0029] Furthermore, the main control unit 21 executes a control program to realize functions such as a switching unit 211 and a changing unit 212 in the inspection device (computer). When the display content of either the first display area or the second display area is switched, the switching means 211 performs processing to switch the display content of the other display area in accordance with the switching. The change means 212 performs a process of changing the combination of the unique image and the common image of the correct image stored in the storage means, as will be described later. The operation of the main control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

[0030] As described above, the code scanner 22 reads the code information (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on the label L of the inspection object w, and outputs the code information to the main control unit 21.

[0031] The main control side storage unit 23 stores control programs and various information. The various information and control programs stored in the main control side storage unit 23 are read out as needed by the main control unit 21. The main control side storage unit 23 also stores, under the control of the main control unit 21, code information (positive code information) of non-defective products read by the code scanner 22, product type linkage numbers (registration numbers), and the like, in association with each other.

[0032] The main display input unit 24 (second display area) is controlled by the main control unit 21 to operably display an operation support screen for supporting operations on the setting screen of the first display area. The main display input unit 24 also displays a mode selection screen that allows selection of various modes, such as a setting registration mode and an inspection mode, in an operable manner under the control of the main control unit 21. The main display input unit 24 is, for example, a touch panel with a display device.

[0033] The operation input unit 25 has various buttons such as a conveyor start button and an emergency stop button, various switches, etc., and outputs signals to the main control unit 21 according to operations.

[0034] The conveyor driving unit 26 drives the driving motors provided on one or both of the rotary shafts 263 and 264 to rotate, thereby rotating the endless belt 262 and thereby operating the belt conveyor 261 under the control of the main control unit 21 .

[0035] The sensor 27 detects the inspection object w being transported along the transport path and outputs the detection result to the main control unit 21. The sensor 27 is an optical sensor or the like equipped with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and as described above, has the sensor 27A and the sensor 27B arranged at predetermined positions.

[0036] Under the control of the main control unit 21, the sorting unit 29 transports products that are judged to be non-defective as inspection objects along the conveying path of the belt conveyor to the next process area 300, and removes products that are judged to be defective as inspection objects from the conveying path. As the sorting unit 29, for example, a gas injection device, a movable device that can change the conveying direction, etc. can be used.

[0037] Next, an example of the operation of the inspection device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 5, in step ST1, the main control unit 21 is set to a setting registration mode, an inspection mode, or the like based on a signal from the main display input unit 24. Specifically, the main control unit 21 performs processing to display, on the main display input unit 24, a mode selection button associated with the setting registration mode, the inspection mode, or the like in an operable manner.

[0038] In step ST2, the main control unit 21 determines whether the setting registration mode or the inspection mode has been selected based on a signal from the main display input unit 24. If it determines that the setting registration mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step ST3, and if it determines that the inspection mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step ST11. After the inspection mode processing in step ST11, the process proceeds to step ST1. The inspection mode processing in step ST11 will be described later.

[0039] In step ST3, in the setting registration mode, the main control unit 21 performs processing to operably display on the main display input unit 24 a setting screen on which the type linkage number (registration information such as a registration number) of a good product as the registration object and the product name of the good product can be input. When the user inputs a product type linkage number and a product name by operating the main display input unit 24, the main control unit 21 associates the product type linkage number and the product name and stores them in the main control side storage unit 23. Furthermore, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating the start of the setting registration mode and a signal indicating the product type linkage number and the product name to the camera side control unit 11. The camera side control unit 11 performs processing to associate the product type linkage number with the product name and store them in the camera control side storage unit 13.

[0040] In step ST4, a non-defective product as an object to be registered is placed on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261. The main control unit 21 drives the belt conveyor 261 to transport the object to be registered along the transport direction. A front label LA is provided on the front side of the object to be registered, and a back label LB is provided on the back side. The code scanner 22 reads code information (a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating a product code or the like) printed on the back label of the registration object, and outputs it to the main control unit 21. The main control unit 21 displays the code information on the main display input unit 24, and also performs processing to prompt the user to confirm the product code. In addition, the camera side control unit 11 performs a process of capturing an image of the front label of the object (item) to be registered using the imaging unit 12 and displaying the captured image on the camera side display input unit 14 (see the camera side display input unit 14 on the right side of Figure 6).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6 , the left side of the screen (main display input unit 24 (second display area)) displays identification information read by the code scanner, and the right side of the screen (camera-side display input unit 14 (first display area)) displays image information captured by the imaging unit (camera). In addition to the identification information, the left side of the screen also displays a message such as, "Please confirm that the label is centered in the image on the right." In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the identification information read by the code scanner is "0123456789012." This identification information includes or is associated with information such as the product name, the product's release date, release time, expiration date, delivery information, and manufacturer information. Furthermore, while this identification information, such as "0123456789012," is the total number of digits in the barcode printed on the label, inspection may be performed on only some of the digits rather than all of the digits.

[0042] The user checks the code information and, if it is confirmed that the label is displayed in the center of the camera-side display input section 14, operates the confirmation button on the main display input section 24. If the result is NG, the user operates the cancel button on the main display input section 24. When the confirmation button is operated, the main control unit 21 performs a process of storing the code information, the product type linkage number, and the product name in the main control side storage unit 23. In addition, the main control unit 21 outputs signals indicating the code information, the product type linkage number, and the product name to the camera side control unit 11, and the camera side control unit 11 performs processing to associate the code information, the product type linkage number, and the product name and store them in the camera control side memory unit 13. If the cancel button is operated, the main control unit 21 proceeds to the processing of step ST1.

[0043] In step ST5, the main control unit 21 displays on the main display input unit 24, as shown on the left side of Figure 7, a message such as "From here, the registration procedure will be navigated on this screen. Please press the 'Next 1 (button)' while operating the screen on the right," and also performs processing to display the confirmation button 241 in an operable manner. When the confirmation button 241 is operated, the main control unit 21 displays an operation assistance screen 242 on the main display input unit 24, as shown on the left side of Fig. 8. The main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating that the confirmation button 241 has been operated to the camera side control unit 11. Upon receiving this signal, the camera side control unit 11 operably displays a setting screen on the camera side display input unit 14, as shown on the right side of Fig. 8. In detail, the setting screen on the camera side display input unit 14 operably displays a menu from which settings related to, for example, the product name, price, promotional label, packaging material, etc. can be selected. In this embodiment, the main control unit 21 displays an operable next button 243 and a back button 244 on the main display input unit 24 (second display area) as switching means for switching the display content showing the setting procedures on the operation support screen 242. The next button 243 is operated when displaying the next setting procedure on the operation support screen 242. The back button 244 is operated when displaying the previous setting procedure on the operation support screen 242. The main control unit 21 performs processing to switch the display contents of the operation support screen 242 of the main display input unit 24 by using the switching means. The user can easily set image processing for a captured image by viewing the operation assistance screen 242 displayed on the main display input unit 24 (second display area) and following the operation instructions to operate the setting screen of the camera side display input unit 14 (first display area). The camera side control unit 11 sets image processing for a captured image in response to operations on the camera side display input unit 14. That is, the main control unit 21 and the camera control unit 11 perform processing related to the settings of image processing in cooperation with the operation support screen in the second display area and the setting screen in the first display area.

[0044] Specifically, the example shown in Figure 9 is an example of a process for registering a correct image of a product name, and the main control unit 21 performs a process for displaying an operation support screen on the main display input unit 24 to assist in the operation of setting the product name display area. The user operates the camera-side display input unit 14 to set a product name display area from the captured image displayed on the camera-side display input unit 14. In the example of Fig. 9, the product name display area is set by a rectangular area defined by four vertices. When the OK button of the camera display input unit 14 is operated, the camera control unit 11 sets the rectangular area as the product name display area. When the user has completed setting the product name display area, he / she operates the next button 243 on the main display input unit 24. When the next button 243 is operated, the main control unit 21 performs processing to display on the main display input unit 24 an operation support screen showing the next setting procedure. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the load of image processing is reduced by using the second character and subsequent characters of the product name to determine the quality of the object being inspected. Note that all parts of the product name may also be used to determine the quality of the object being inspected. Furthermore, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, the main control unit 21 may perform a process to display on the main display input unit 24 information indicating which page of the instruction manual the content is on.

[0045] Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 21 performs processing to display an operation support screen on the main display input unit 24 to support the operation of setting the price display area. The user operates the camera-side display input unit 14 to set the price display area from the captured image displayed on the camera-side display input unit 14. In the example of Fig. 10, the price display area is set by a rectangular area defined by four vertices. When the OK button of the camera display input unit 14 is operated, the camera control unit 11 sets the rectangular area as the price display area. When the user has completed setting the price display area, he / she operates the next button 243 on the main display input unit 24. When the next button 243 is operated, the main control unit 21 performs processing to display on the main display input unit 24 an operation support screen showing the next setting procedure.

[0046] When all the settings have been completed, the main control unit 21 performs a process of displaying a registration button on the main display input unit 24 in an operable manner (not shown). When the user operates the registration button, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating a setting registration instruction to the camera-side control unit 11. Upon receiving the signal, the camera-side control unit 11 performs processing to associate the image of the price display area, the image of the product name display area, the product type linkage number, and the product name with each other and store them in the camera control-side storage unit 13. When the processing of the setting registration mode is completed, the process proceeds to step ST1.

[0047] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a unique image and a common image related to a correct image. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when registering a correct image in the inspection device, the inspection device identifies an image (unique image) showing information unique to a certain product and an image (common image) showing information common to multiple different types of products, and stores (registers) the correct image in storage means by combining (associating) the unique image and the common image. As the identification process, the control unit may automatically identify a predetermined area from the captured image using image recognition processing, or the control unit may identify a predetermined area from the captured image based on a signal from the camera-side display input unit.

[0048] In more detail, the unique image is an image that is unique to the inspection item (a product such as a rice ball). As shown in FIG. 11, the unique image is, for example, image 401 showing the product name printed on a product label attached to the inspection item, and is an image that is not common to images of other products. This unique image is stored in advance in a storage means as a normal image. In inspection mode, the inspection item can be easily inspected by comparing the unique image stored in the storage means with the image of a predetermined area of ​​the inspection item that has been captured.

[0049] A common image is an image that is common to a plurality of different types of inspection items (products such as rice balls). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, common images include an image 402 showing the product price printed on the product label, an image 403 showing a sales promotion sticker (sales promotion sticker) attached near the product label, and packaging information 404 printed on the packaging material that wraps the product (such as rice balls). This common image is an image that is also used in common for other types of products. This common image stored in the storage means can be referenced as needed when inspecting other inspection items. In other words, the common image can be reused as needed when inspecting different types of inspection parts. That is, when registering a plurality of different types of products in an inspection device, the common image only needs to be registered once, which simplifies the setup process and reduces the setup time.

[0050] The inspection device also stores information about the genuine image in a storage means, as shown in Fig. 12. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the product number, product name, identification information (product code, etc.), a product name image indicating the product name, a price image indicating the price, a promotional sticker image indicating the promotional sticker, a packaging image indicating the packaging, and information indicating the criteria for pass / fail determination are stored in association with each other in the storage means of the inspection device. As shown in FIG. 12, the storage means of the inspection device stores a combination of image information and identification information, making it possible to easily read out correct information about the product. In this embodiment, correct information=identification information (information such as a barcode)+correct image (image information), and correct image=unique image+common image.

[0051] In addition, the inspection device may store in a storage means the product number, product name, identification information (product code, etc.), product name image, price image, promotional sticker image, packaging image, and information indicating the pass / fail judgment conditions shown in Figure 12, as well as position information (area information) indicating the areas of each of the product name image, price image, promotional sticker image, and packaging image. The position information (area information) is defined based on, for example, a reference point in an image obtained by capturing an image of an item using a capturing device. The reference point (origin) of the coordinates may be set at any position in the captured image, such as the bottom left corner of the captured image, or a landmark of the captured product, more specifically, the edge between the product and the background. In the case of a rectangular image, the position information (area information) can be expressed by the coordinates of one of the four corners and the coordinates of the diagonal position of that point. In the case of a rectangular image, the position information (area information) can also be expressed by the coordinates of one of the four corners and the vertical and horizontal sizes of the image.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 12, if the information indicating the judgment conditions for pass / fail judgment is met, the control unit judges that the normal image stored in the storage means matches the captured image obtained by capturing an image in inspection mode, and if the condition is not met, the control unit judges that the normal image and the captured image do not match. Specifically, for product number 001 shown in Figure 12, the conditions for pass / fail judgment are defined as [1] [2], that is, they are defined by the combination of the product name image as a unique image and the price image as a common image. In other words, if both the product name image showing this plum and the common image showing 100 yen match, the control unit determines that the original image and the captured image match, and if one or both do not match, it determines that the original image and the captured image do not match.

[0053] Furthermore, in the case of product number 005 shown in Figure 12, the criteria for pass / fail determination are specified as [1][2][3] / [1][2], that is, a combination of a product name image as a unique image, a price image as a common image, and a promotional sticker image as a common image, or a combination of a product name image as a unique image and a price image as a common image, and if these conditions are met, it is determined that the correct image and the image captured in inspection mode match.

[0054] Furthermore, in the case of product number 009 shown in Figure 12, the conditions for pass / fail judgment are specified as [1][2] / [1][2][3] / [1][2][4] / [1][2][3][4]. In other words, similar to the example described above, if each of the conditions is met, it is determined that the correct image and the image captured in inspection mode match.

[0055] 13 is an example of a setting screen displayed as the second display area on the operation input unit 25 in the inspection mode. This setting screen has a change means 212A for changing the pass / fail judgment criteria in the inspection mode. In detail, the setting screen shown in FIG. 13 includes, as information on the inspection object, a product number 31, a product name 32, an operation display section (changing means 212A) showing whether or not a promotional seal is present as the front label LA (POP label), a judgment result 33 of the captured front label LA (displaying the result of comparing the registered true image with the captured image), a display section 34 showing the barcode reading result (the entire reading result read by the code scanner), a display section 35 showing the registered code (displaying some digits of the identification information registered as true information, this value is compared with the reading result), a display section 36 showing the read code (reading result display 37 showing the judgment result (displays the overall judgment result of judging as OK if both the imaging result and the reading result match the correct information. If either information does not match, it is judged as NG), display 38 showing the number of inspections (displays the total number of items inspected), display 39 showing the number of NGs (displays the number of items for which the overall judgment result was NG = can also be seen as the number of items discharged by the discharge means), pass button 310 (button to switch from inspection mode to pass mode. In pass mode, no judgment is made on the transported items, so they are not discharged. It has operation input sections such as an end button 311 (used simply to allow the article to flow) and an end button 312 (to return to the selection screen (not shown) for selecting the inspection object). The display contents of each of the display units (33 to 39) are updated every time an article is inspected. The display unit 35 showing the registration code displays only the digits of the identification information registered as correct information that are to be compared in advance. In the example of FIG. 13, the 3rd to 8th digits of the total number of digits are to be compared. Also, the "*" in the number indicates that any number is acceptable. In this embodiment, for example, when the change means 212A is operated, it is possible to switch between "with promotional sticker" and "without promotional sticker," that is, to set whether or not to include an image showing a promotional sticker as a condition for determining whether a product is acceptable.

[0056] Although not shown, the change means is configured to be able to set, via a similar GUI (Graphical User Interface), whether or not to include a packaging image as a condition for determining whether or not a product is acceptable.

[0057] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for the correlation value threshold. In detail, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 of the control unit 10 performs a correlation value calculation process to calculate a correlation value and a similarity calculation process to calculate a similarity, as processes for comparing the true images stored in the storage means (the camera control-side storage unit 13 and the main control-side storage unit 23), the unique images (images showing product names) and common images (images showing prices, images showing promotional stickers, etc.) associated with the true images, and the captured images obtained by capturing images of the transported inspection object. In this embodiment, the correlation value and similarity are expressed as %, i.e., a numerical value that expresses the degree of match of each item being compared as a percentage. If the calculated correlation value or similarity is equal to or greater than a set threshold, the control unit determines that the captured product image and the correct image stored in the storage means are correlated, and performs OK processing such as displaying OK. The larger the correlation value threshold, the stricter the inspection (higher accuracy of inspection is possible). Furthermore, if the calculated correlation value or similarity is less than a set threshold value, the control unit determines that the captured image of the product is not correlated with the correct image stored in the storage means, and performs NG processing such as displaying an NG message.

[0058] The threshold value for the correlation value or similarity can be set for each product name image, price image, promotional seal image, etc. for each inspection and each product. 14, the threshold values ​​50 are set to 80, 85, and 80(%) for the image portion showing the product name as a unique image, the image portion showing the price as a common image, and the image portion showing a promotional sticker as a common image, respectively. The control unit 10, such as the camera-side control unit 11 and the main control unit 21, performs processing to change the threshold values ​​50 based on signals from an operation input unit, such as the operation input unit 25 and the camera-side display input unit 14. For example, images showing product names and promotional stickers contain text, and images showing prices contain numbers, and the correlation value can be calculated more accurately from numbers than from text. In other words, it is preferable to set the correlation value threshold for images showing product names and promotional stickers lower than the correlation value threshold for images showing prices.

[0059] Next, an example of the operation of the inspection device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention in the inspection mode (ST11) will be described with reference to Fig. 15 etc. In detail, the steps from step ST11 onwards show an example of the operation of the inspection device 100 in the inspection mode. The inspection object w has a front label LA on its front side and a back label LB on its back side.

[0060] In step ST12, in the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 performs a display process to prompt the user to input a product type interlocking number on the main display input unit 24. The user operates the main display input unit 24 to input the product type interlocking number.

[0061] In step ST13, the main control unit 21 reads out product information (registration information) associated with the product type linkage number from the main control side storage unit 23 based on the product type linkage number input from the main display input unit 24. In detail, the main control unit 21 reads out product information (registration information) such as the product name and code information associated with the product type linkage number from the main control side storage unit 23. Furthermore, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating the start of the inspection mode and a signal indicating the product type linkage number to the camera side control unit 11. Upon receiving the signal, the camera side control unit 11 reads out from the camera control side memory unit 13 the product name, an image of the price display area, an image of the product name display area, and the like, which are associated with the product type linkage number.

[0062] In step ST14, when an operation is performed using a switch on the operation input unit 25 to put the belt conveyor into a driving state, the main control unit 21 causes the conveyor driving unit 26, such as a driving motor, to rotate the endless belt of the belt conveyor 261 in a predetermined direction. The user places a product as an inspection object w on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261. A belt conveyor 261 as a transport unit transports the inspection object w in the transport direction along a transport path.

[0063] In step ST15, in the inspection mode, the camera side control section 11 receives an instruction from the main control section 21 and performs processing to cause the imaging section 12 to capture an image of the label L of the product, which is the inspection object w, specifically the front label LA. The camera-side control unit 11 compares the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 12 with a correct image (a captured image of a non-defective product) such as an image of the price display area or an image of the product name display area associated with the product type linkage number previously read out from the camera control-side memory unit 13. If the comparison results in a match, the camera-side control unit 11 displays an OK message on the camera-side display input unit 14 indicating that the captured image matches the correct image, and if they do not match, it displays an NG message on the camera-side display input unit 14 indicating that the captured image does not match the correct image, and outputs a signal indicating the comparison result to the main control unit 21.

[0064] In step ST16, the code scanner 22 reads the code information printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w, and outputs the code information to the main control unit 21. The processing of steps ST15 and ST16 is performed in parallel by the camera-side control unit 11 and the main control unit 21.

[0065] In step ST17, the control unit 10 compares the registered information, such as the product name and price in the image captured by the imaging unit 12 and the code information read by the code scanner 22, with the registered information associated with the product type linkage number (image of the price display area in the correct image, image of the product name display area, code information, etc.) to determine whether they match, and if they match, proceeds to processing of step ST18, and if they do not match, proceeds to processing of step ST19. In detail, the camera side control unit 11 compares the captured image of the front label LA of the object to be inspected with the image of the price display area, the image of the product name display area, etc. of the pre-stored correct image (captured image of a good product), and performs processing to display the comparison result on the camera side display input unit 14 as shown in Figure 16, and outputs a signal indicating the comparison result to the main control unit 21. In the example shown in Figure 16(a), in inspection mode, the image of the price display area and the image of the product name display area in the normal image and the captured image of the front label LA match, and ``OK'' is displayed near each image to indicate that they match, and ``OK'' is also displayed in the lower left corner of the screen as a result of a judgment based on the results. In the example shown in Figure 16(b), in inspection mode, there is a printing defect such as faint printing in the numbers in the price display area of ​​the captured image between the normal image of the front label LA and the captured image, and "NG" indicating that the images in the price display area do not match is displayed nearby, and "OK" indicating that the images in the price display area match is displayed nearby, and as a result of the judgment based on that result, "NG" is displayed in the lower left part of the screen.

[0066] Furthermore, the main control unit 21 compares the code information displayed on the back label LB of the inspection object w with pre-stored correct code information (code information of a non-defective product). Based on the reception result from the camera-side control unit 11, if the product information such as the price on the front label LA matches the correct image (condition A), and the code information on the back label LB read by the code scanner matches the correct code information (condition B), the main control unit 21 judges the inspection object w to be a good product and proceeds to processing of step ST18, but if either or both of condition A and condition B are not met, the main control unit 21 judges the inspection object w to be a defective product and proceeds to processing of step ST19.

[0067] In step ST18, the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is a non-defective product, and performs processing to transport the inspection object w to the next process area 300 by the belt conveyor 261 as an OK processing, and then proceeds to the processing of step ST21.

[0068] In step ST19, the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is a defective product, and as an NG processing, performs a process in which the sorting unit 29 moves the inspection object w to a container 291 for temporary storage, counts up the NG number, specifically adds 1 to the NG number (ST20), and proceeds to processing of step ST21. When the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is a defective product (NG), as an NG process, the main control unit 21 may store an image (NG image) obtained by capturing an image of the entire inspection object w or a defective portion thereof in a storage means such as the main control storage unit 23 or the camera control storage unit 13. The control unit of the inspection device may also transmit the NG image to a management device (computer) that is a higher-level device. This NG image is used as a reference for, for example, logging, post-inspection confirmation processing, and improvement of the manufacturing process.

[0069] In step ST21, the number of examinations is counted up, specifically, 1 is added to the number of examinations. Then, after the above-described processing relating to the inspection mode is performed on a predetermined number of inspection objects w, the inspection mode is terminated and the process proceeds to step ST1 shown in FIG.

[0070] As described above, the inspection device 100 (label inspection device) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an imaging unit 12 as an imaging means for imaging an item to be inspected (inspection item), an acquisition means (such as a code scanner 22) for acquiring the item's identification information from a position different from the imaging position of the item imaged by the imaging means, a storage means (such as the camera control storage unit 13 or the main control storage unit 23) for storing correct information to be compared with for the inspection item, a transport means (such as a belt conveyor 261) for transporting the item, and a control means (such as a control unit 10) for comparing the image captured by the imaging means and the identification information from the acquisition means (such as the code scanner 22) with the correct information stored in the storage means, and making a correct / incorrect determination for the item to be inspected. That is, the inspection device 100 performs, in a single inspection device, inspection based on an image obtained by capturing an image of an item using an imaging means (imaging unit 12), and inspection based on the identification information obtained by reading the item's identification information (code information such as a barcode) using an acquisition means such as a code scanner 22. In detail, in the inspection mode, the control means compares the image and identification information with the correct information to determine whether the item being inspected is correct or not, and if both the image and the identification information are correct, the item being inspected is determined to be correct (a proper item), and in all other cases, the item being inspected is determined to be incorrect (an improper item).This makes it possible to inspect items with high accuracy, and to provide an inspection device that is small and has a simple structure. Specifically, the inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that inspects whether the front and back labels attached to the surface of an article (product) are correctly attached, and combines the front and back labels and stores them in a memory means as a single piece of correct information. Only when both labels are judged to be correct is the inspected article judged to be a good product (proper item). This makes it possible to inspect articles with high accuracy, and a small inspection device with a simple structure can be provided.

[0071] <Preventing inspection lines from becoming too long and reducing adjustment man-hours> Furthermore, the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention performs inspection processing based on images obtained by capturing an image of an item using an imaging means, and inspection processing based on identification information acquired by an acquisition means such as a code scanner 22, all in one inspection device, thereby preventing the inspection line from becoming too long.Furthermore, since the installation and adjustment of the conveying unit and the like is required for only one device, maintenance is easy.

[0072] <Type-linked> Conventionally, multiple inspection devices arranged along an inspection line have had to read correct information (information about proper items) from a storage device during inspection to compare with the items being inspected, and each inspection device has had to perform complicated setting operations. Also, conventionally, in order to inspect items while connecting the inspection devices via communication means and linking the inspection devices, each inspection device has had to perform complicated setting operations. On the other hand, the inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention reads out from the storage means a set of positive information used for comparative inspection of the image of the item captured by the imaging means and a set of positive information used for comparative inspection of the item's identification information acquired by the acquisition means all at once to perform the setting process, so that the setting operation can be completed in a short time and has good operability.

[0073] <Variety registration> Conventionally, in an item inspection system in which multiple inspection devices are arranged on an inspection line, each time a new inspection target is added, it is necessary to set and store correct information about the new inspection target product in each inspection device. On the other hand, when a new inspection object is added to the inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the process of setting and registering correct information to be used for comparative inspection of the image of the object captured by the imaging means and correct information to be used for comparative inspection of the identification information of the object acquired by the acquisition means can be simplified using a single inspection device.

[0074] Furthermore, since the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with an imaging means (imaging unit), it is possible to easily check whether the correct product label (front label) is affixed to the item (product) being transported (presence or absence of product label) (A1), to easily check the printed content of the product label affixed to the item and whether there are any missing or dirty characters (condition of the product label) (A2), and to easily check whether there are any mistakes in the combination of the product label, promotional sticker, and packaging affixed to the item (A3).

[0075] Furthermore, since the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a reading device (code scanner 22) as an acquisition means, it is possible to easily check whether the correct POS label (back label) is affixed to the item (product) being transported (presence or absence of a POS label) (B1), to easily check whether there are any problems with the printed content of the POS label affixed to the item (B2), and, since the barcode on the POS label contains multiple pieces of information, it is possible to easily determine whether this information matches the correct information stored in advance (B3). Examples of information contained in the barcode include information about the product name and product identification number, the product's sale date, sale time, and expiration date, information about the shipping method for the product, and information about the manufacturer of the product.

[0076] Furthermore, in the setting and registration mode of the inspection device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an item (an item to be set and registered) is transported by a transport means (such as a belt conveyor 261), the control means (control unit 10) performs a process of associating the imaging results from the imaging means (imaging unit 12) with the identification information from the acquisition means, and storing the result as correct information in the storage means. That is, in the setting and registration mode, it is possible to easily store in the storage means the correct information that associates the captured image of the article (product) with the identification information.

[0077] Incidentally, conventionally, in general inspection devices such as the appearance inspection device described in Patent Document 2, advanced and complicated operations are required when configuring settings related to image processing of captured images, and it can take a long time to complete the configuration. Also, conventionally, devices that display guidance superimposed on a configuration screen are known, but in these devices, the guidance is superimposed on the configuration screen, which can be cumbersome for users and can result in inefficient configuration operations.

[0078] On the other hand, an inspection device 100 (label inspection device) according to an embodiment of the present invention inspects whether labels affixed to products and packaging materials for products match predetermined specifications, i.e., performs a pass / fail judgment. The inspection device 100 has a control unit 10 (main control unit 21, camera-side control unit 11) that judges the quality of an inspection object by comparing an image captured by an imaging unit 12 serving as an imaging means with a pre-stored correct image (a captured image of a non-defective product). The inspection device 100 has a first display area (camera-side display input unit 14) that displays a setting screen for the imaging device and a second display area (main display input unit 24) that displays auxiliary information for the setting screen. The first display area (camera-side display input unit 14) is located adjacent to the second display area (main display input unit 24). In detail, the first display area (camera side display input section 14) operably displays a setting screen relating to settings for image processing for an image captured by the imaging means (imaging section 12). The second display area (main display input section 24) operably displays auxiliary information (operation auxiliary screen) for assisting operations on the setting screen of the first display area (camera side display input section 14).

[0079] That is, it is possible to provide an inspection device with a simple configuration that can efficiently perform setting operations for the imaging unit 12 that images the object to be inspected and image processing related to the captured image. Furthermore, the setting operation can be efficiently performed in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14). That is, it is possible to provide an inspection device that can complete the setting operation in a short time. In addition, it is possible to provide an inspection device with a simple structure that can, with simple operations, inspect whether product information such as product name, price, and code information printed on the label of a product to be inspected conforms to the specified specifications.

[0080] Furthermore, the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a switching means (switching means 211) that switches the display content of either the first display area (camera side display input unit 14) or the second display area (main display input unit 24) in response to the switching. In the above-described embodiment, the switching control is performed by the switching means 211 of the main control unit 21, but this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the switching means may be realized by the camera side control unit 11 executing a program. Furthermore, the switching means may be realized by cooperation between the main control unit 21 and the camera side control unit 11. That is, when the display content of the main display input unit 24 (second display area) is switched, the switching means controls the switching of the display content of the camera side display input unit 14 (first display area) in conjunction with this switching. For example, when a confirmation button or the like displayed on the main display input unit 24 is pressed, the switching means performs processing to switch the display content of the camera side display input unit 14 to a setting screen.

[0081] Furthermore, when the display content of the camera-side display input unit 14 is switched, the switching means controls the switching of the display content of the main display input unit 24 (second display area) in conjunction with this switching. For example, specifically, in conjunction with the process of setting a product name display area or a price display area using a rectangular area in the camera-side display input unit 14, the switching means controls the switching of the display content so that an operation assistance screen for the next setting is displayed on the main display input unit 24. That is, the two display areas are configured so that one is the main display area and the other is the sub display area, or vice versa.

[0082] Furthermore, in the inspection device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the camera-side display input unit 14 (first display area) as a display means displays an image of the inspection item captured by the imaging means (imaging unit 12). The inspection device 100 has an identification means 111 that identifies a unique image specific to one inspection item and a common image common to multiple inspection items contained in the image captured by the imaging means (imaging unit 12), and storage means (camera control-side storage unit 13, main control-side storage unit 23) that stores the unique image or common image identified by the identification means 111.

[0083] The identification means 111 performs processing to identify a unique image (such as an image showing the product name) and a common image (such as an image showing a sales promotion sticker or an image showing packaging information) from an image obtained by imaging the inspection product with the imaging means. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the identification means 111 identifies the area showing the product name and the like as a unique image and the area showing the packaging information as a unique image from the image obtained by imaging the inspection product with the imaging means.

[0084] Furthermore, the storage means (camera control side storage unit 13, and if necessary, main control side storage unit 23) of the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention stores a normal image by combining the unique image and the common image. The inspection device 100 has a comparison means 112 that compares the inspection image obtained by imaging the inspection item with the normal image stored in the storage means. In detail, the criteria for comparison by the comparison means differ for each product depending on the combination of the identified unique images and common images. For example, in the registration mode, when the storage means of the inspection device does not store a common image and an image of the product "salmon" is captured, a process is performed to identify "salmon" (an image indicating the product name), which is a unique image of the product "salmon", and the unique image (product name image) can be stored in the storage means. Furthermore, if a promotional sticker indicating a "new product" is attached to the "salmon" rice ball product, in the registration mode, an image of the "new product" sticker portion can be identified and extracted from the image obtained by capturing an image of the "salmon" product with an imaging means, and the image of the extracted portion can be stored in the storage means as a common image. A feature of common images is that, for example, a common image of a "new product" can be used not only for the product "salmon," but also when registering original images of other products. Similarly, common images such as an image showing a price (price image) and an image showing a packaging material (packaging image) can be used in common when registering other products.

[0085] A specific advantage of using a common image is that, for example, if a price image, a promotional sticker image, and a packaging image are already stored in the storage means as common images, when registering the correct image of the product "Negitoro" in registration mode, only the "Negitoro" part indicating the product name is identified and extracted from the image obtained by photographing the product "Negitoro", and the product name image is stored in the storage means as a unique image in association with the product number, product name, etc. of the product "Negitoro". The product "Negitoro" is then associated with the price image, promotional sticker image, and packaging image from the common image. In other words, there is no need to identify and extract the price, promotional sticker, packaging, etc. from the captured image, which reduces the processing required for registration and allows the product "Negitoro" to be registered in a short amount of time. Furthermore, the inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention does not need to capture the same number of positive images as there are variations in the inspection, and a common image can be reused for the inspection of different types of inspection items. Therefore, by combining unique images and common images, it is possible to generate positive images (images that serve as the basis for determining pass / fail) for multiple variations, thereby reducing the number of times positive images are captured and the processing required to set up the common image.

[0086] In addition, the inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a modification means 212 for modifying combination information indicating the combination of the unique image of the correct image and the common image stored in a storage means (camera control side storage unit 13 or main control side storage unit 23). During inspection, in the second display area (main display input unit 24), the display portion for "no promotional sticker" is an operable button, and when this button is operated, the control unit controls so that the display content switches between "promotional sticker present" and "no promotional sticker." In detail, the change means 212 changes the pass / fail criteria (decision criteria) depending on whether "promotional sticker present" or "no promotional sticker" is present.

[0087] Furthermore, the comparison means 112 of the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention performs processing to display in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14) the result of whether or not the inspection image and the correct image are correlated based on a comparison between the inspection image obtained by imaging the inspection item with the imaging means and the correct image stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, the main control unit 21 of the control unit controls the second display area (main display input unit 24) to display inspection information based on the result (the judgment result is OK or NG).

[0088] In addition, the main control unit 21 of the control unit 10 of the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention performs processing to operably display a switching means (such as a forward button or a back button) for switching the display content showing the setting procedure on the auxiliary operation screen of the second display area (main display input unit 24). The control unit 10 performs processing to switch the display content of the operation assistance screen in the second display area (main display input unit 24) in response to operation of the switching means (forward button, back button, etc.), and also performs processing related to image processing settings in cooperation with the operation assistance screen in the second display area (main display input unit 24) and the setting screen in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14).

[0089] In detail, the control unit 10 has a main control unit 21 and a camera-side control unit 11. In the setting registration mode, the camera-side control unit 11 stores the captured image obtained by capturing an image of a reference non-defective label using the imaging unit 12 in the camera-control-side memory unit 13. Product information (label information) such as the product name, price, and code information is printed on the label. Furthermore, based on the setting information from the camera-side display input unit 14, the camera-side control unit 11 extracts product information such as the product name and price printed in a specified position on the label (in this embodiment, the front label LA) from the captured image, and stores this information in the camera-control-side memory unit 13 in association with the captured image. Furthermore, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 compares the captured image obtained by capturing an image of the label (front label in this embodiment) of the object to be inspected by the imaging unit 12 with the captured image of a standard non-defective product and product information such as product name and price read out from the camera control-side storage unit 13, to determine whether the object to be inspected is good or bad, and outputs the result of the pass / fail determination to the main control unit 21. The camera-side control unit 11 also displays the pass / fail result on the camera-side display input unit 14.

[0090] In the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 compares the code information printed on the label of the object to be inspected (the back label in this embodiment) read by the code scanner 22 with the reference information to determine whether it is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, determines that the back label is a good product. In the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 comprehensively judges the quality of the object to be inspected based on the quality result of the front label from the camera-side control unit 11 and the quality result of the code information read by the code scanner 22. That is, in this embodiment, the main control unit 21 of the inspection device 100 judges the object to be a good product when the front label and back label of the object to be inspected each match the standard, and judges the object to be a defective product when at least one of the front label and back label does not match the standard. In other words, as described above, the main control unit 21 and the camera side control unit 11 work together to perform parallel processing related to the inspection mode, thereby providing an inspection device that can inspect the object to be inspected with high accuracy in a short time. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an inspection device with a simple configuration that can inspect both the front and back labels of an object to be inspected at once in a short time.

[0091] Furthermore, in the setting and registration mode, the main control unit 21 performs processing to operably display an operation assistance screen in the second display area (main display input unit 24), and also performs processing to output a signal indicating the start of the setting and registration mode to the camera control unit 11. When the camera control unit 11 receives a signal indicating the start of the setting and registration mode from the main control unit 21, it performs processing to start setting processing using the setting screen in the first display area (camera display input unit 14). That is, in the setting and registration mode, the main control unit 21 and the camera control unit 11 start processing related to setting and registration substantially simultaneously, and it is possible to provide an inspection device that can cooperate to process processing related to setting and registration in parallel.

[0092] In addition, in the setting registration mode, the control unit performs a process of displaying in the second display area (main display input unit 24) the procedure for setting the part of the captured image of a good product on which product information is printed in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14), and also performs a process of setting the part on which product information is printed in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14). In other words, an inspection device can be provided in which the user can view the operation assistance screen displayed in the second display area (main display input unit 24), operate the operation assistance screen as needed, and efficiently operate the setting screen related to image processing for the captured image while keeping in sync with the progress of the setting procedure.

[0093] In conventional product inspection systems, when an item judged to be improper by multiple inspection devices arranged on an inspection line is to be ejected, it is necessary to provide an ejection means for ejecting the improper item for each inspection device, or to provide an ejection means only for the downstream inspection device, and perform complex control such that the upstream inspection device sends an inspection signal indicating an error judgment to the downstream inspection device, and the downstream ejection means ejects the improper item. On the other hand, the inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a control unit 10 as a control means that determines whether the inspection of an item is successful or not based on the inspection results from the imaging means and the acquisition means, and if the result of the comparison as part of the inspection process is that the item being inspected is found to be unsatisfactory (an inappropriate item), the inspection device 10 has a sorting unit 29 as an exclusion means that excludes the item being transported by the transport means (such as a belt conveyor 261) from the transport path (transport route). That is, it is possible to provide a conveying device with a simple structure that can easily discharge inappropriate articles using the discharge means.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above-described drawings can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each drawing may be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment obtained by combining the drawings.

[0095] The inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is used, for example, in a product manufacturing line. Specifically, a packaging device that packages products such as rice balls and a labeling device that affixes labels to packaged products are located upstream of the production line, and an inspection device is located downstream of the production line, with these devices configured to be able to communicate with each other. The inspection device may receive product information about the inspection target from the upstream packaging device or labeling device as needed, and may switch the inspection target and change various settings based on the product information. In other words, even if the type of inspection target changes, the inspection device can automatically change various settings without manually switching the inspection target. Furthermore, the inspection device may receive product information as needed from a higher-level control device that controls the production line, and perform processing to switch the object to be inspected based on the product information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10...Control unit (control means) 11...Camera side control unit 12...imaging unit (imaging means) 13...Camera control side memory unit (memory means) 14...Camera side display input unit (first display area, display means) 21...Main control unit 22...Code scanner (code information acquisition unit) 23... Main control side memory unit (memory means) 24...Main display input section (second display area, display means) 25...Operation input section 26...Conveyor drive unit 27...Sensor 29...Distribution section (exclusion means) 40...Operation display device 100...Inspection equipment (label inspection equipment) 111…Specifying means (specific part) 112…Comparison means (comparison part) 211...Switching means (switching unit) 212...Change means (change unit) 243...Next button (switching method) 244...Back button (switching means) 261...Belt conveyor (transport means) L...Label LA...Front label LB...back label w...Inspection object (inspection item)

Claims

1. A transport means for supporting and transporting the bottom surface of the item to be inspected, An imaging means for capturing the product name on one side of the transported item, A reading means for reading a code located on a side of the transported article that is different from the one side, The system includes a discharge means for discharging the transported articles outside the transport means. The imaging means, the reading means, and the discharge means are located within the width of the transport means from the upstream end to the downstream end. An inspection device characterized by the following features.

2. The system includes a support means that supports the transported article above the transporting means, The aforementioned support means is It comprises a first support portion that supports an article with a first width, and a second support portion that supports an article with a second width narrower than the first width, The imaging means and the reading means are positioned opposite each other so as to sandwich the second support portion. The inspection apparatus according to feature 1.

3. A support means that supports the transported article above the transporting means, The system includes a sorting means that applies force to the conveyed article above the conveying means and below the support means, thereby discharging it outside the conveying means. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images