Transparent capsule image acquisition device

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a transparent capsule image acquisition device that can acquire images of transparent capsules that are capable of transmitting light, enabling the detection of foreign objects, injuries, etc., adhering to the top of the head. [Solution] The transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 of the present invention is characterized in that the illumination device 60 is configured to emit diffuse light Li2 into the transparent capsule K from the incident top Ta of the transparent capsule K located at the imaging position P1 using the illumination unit 63, so as to illuminate the imaging top Tb from inside the transparent capsule K, and the imaging device 50 is configured to image the imaging top Tb illuminated from inside the transparent capsule K by the illumination unit 63 in a range that includes at least the tip of the imaging top Tb and its entire surrounding circumference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting a capsule agent capable of transmitting light.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an apparatus for inspecting the appearance of tablets has been provided. Further, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for inspecting the appearance of a capsule agent (transparent capsule agent) capable of transmitting light. In a transparent capsule agent, since light is transmitted, unlike an opaque tablet or the like, surrounding reflections occur. In response to such a problem, in the technique of Patent Document 1, by irradiating light from the suction port of the conveyance path, the transparent capsule agent is imaged from above, and it is said that the reflection of the suction port can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when imaging the body part of a transparent capsule agent from directly above, mainly the conveyance path is reflected. Therefore, considering the reflection of the conveyance path, an image capable of detecting foreign matters or the like in the body part can be obtained. On the other hand, since almost the entire top part of a transparent capsule agent is a curved surface, a wide range is reflected. Therefore, at the top part of the transparent capsule agent, there is a problem that reflections occur and the outer shape, foreign matters, scratches, etc. are hidden in the reflections and cannot be accurately imaged. On the other hand, in the appearance inspection of tablets including transparent capsule agents, it is required to perform inspection without dead angles and detect foreign matters or the like. Therefore, for the appearance inspection of transparent capsule agents, it is also required to detect foreign matters and the like in all directions including the body part and the top part.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a transparent capsule image acquisition device that can acquire images of transparent capsules that are capable of transmitting light, enabling the detection of foreign objects, injuries, etc., adhering to the top of the head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] When inspecting the appearance of opaque tablets, reflected illumination is generally used, where light is shone onto the surface of the tablet. However, even when using reflected illumination, the top of a transparent capsule appears dark because the light passes through the capsule, making it difficult to detect foreign objects. Next, the inventors of this application considered using a method (transmitted illumination) in which light is shone from the back of the transparent capsule (the back of the area to be imaged), allowing the light to pass through the transparent capsule and then capturing and imaging that light. However, even when using transmitted illumination, it was found that in addition to the top appearing dark, other objects such as the transport mechanism were also captured in the image.

[0007] Based on the above problems, the inventors of the present invention considered a configuration that would reduce background reflections and blind spots. Since the top of the transparent capsule is made of a curved surface, when the top is imaged from above, parts of the top facing the transport path cannot be imaged, resulting in blind spots. On the other hand, if the transparent capsule is imaged within a range that includes the tip of the top and its entire surrounding circumference, it becomes possible to image the top with fewer blind spots.

[0008] Next, the inventors of the present application considered a configuration for irradiating the transparent capsule with light, such as an illumination device. Specifically, they considered the angle and position of the illumination device so that the top of the head could be illuminated substantially uniformly when imaging the transparent capsule from the side. Initially, the inventors of the present application thought that if light was irradiated onto the transparent capsule from the side (left and right), the top of the head could be illuminated substantially uniformly and imaged. However, as a result of actual testing, it was difficult to properly illuminate the top of the head with light irradiation from the left and right directions.

[0009] Through various simulations and repeated trial and error with the position and angle of the illumination device, including actually irradiating the capsule with light, we found that, for example, when imaging a transparent capsule including the tip of the top of the head and its entire surrounding area, if an illumination unit that diffuses light is placed opposite the transport path, the front of the top of the head can be illuminated brightly and imaged almost uniformly.

[0010] Specifically, by installing an illumination unit that emits diffused light at a position opposite the transport path, and imaging the transparent capsule in a range that includes the tip of the top of the head and its entire surrounding area, it was found that the light from the illumination unit, which emits light almost uniformly, is incident on the top of the transparent capsule from the rear, and the light is refracted or reflected inside the transparent capsule, brightly illuminating the front of the top of the head, while reducing blind spots on the top of the head during imaging. As a result, it is possible to obtain images that can accurately detect foreign objects and scratches attached to the top of the transparent capsule.

[0011] (1) Based on the above findings, the present invention provides a transparent capsule image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a transparent capsule having a top portion formed as a curved surface at both ends in the longitudinal direction and capable of transmitting light, comprising: an imaging device that images the transparent capsule being transported on a transport path formed by a transport device when the transparent capsule reaches an imaging position located on the transport path; and an illumination device that irradiates the transparent capsule being transported on the transport path with diffused light from an illumination unit provided opposite to the transport path, wherein the illumination unit is configured to cause the diffused light to enter the transparent capsule from one of the top portions at both ends of the transparent capsule located at the imaging position and to illuminate the other imaging top portion from within the transparent capsule, and the imaging device is configured to image the imaging top portion illuminated from within the transparent capsule by the illumination unit in a range including at least the tip of the imaging top portion and its entire surrounding circumference.

[0012] In the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention, light (diffuse light) from an illumination unit that is irradiated substantially uniformly is incident from one top (incident top), and the light is refracted or reflected inside the transparent capsule to brightly illuminate the other top (imaging top, which is the target of imaging), thereby enabling imaging of the top of the transparent capsule with substantially uniform brightness. Furthermore, in the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention, the imaging top is captured in a range that includes the tip of the imaging top and its entire surrounding circumference, thereby enabling imaging of the imaging top while suppressing blind spots. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention can acquire images that can accurately detect foreign matter, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the transparent capsule.

[0013] (2) The transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention is preferably configured such that the illumination unit is brighter when illuminating the incident head area from outside the transparent capsule than when illuminating the image head area from outside the transparent capsule.

[0014] (2) The transparent capsule image acquisition device can brightly illuminate the top of the head where it is being imaged. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention can acquire images of the transparent capsule K that can detect foreign matter, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the head with greater accuracy.

[0015] (3) The transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention is preferably configured such that the imaging device images the transparent capsule when the brightness illuminating the incident top of the transparent capsule from outside the transparent capsule is stronger than the brightness illuminating the top of the imaging head from outside the transparent capsule.

[0016] (3) The transparent capsule image acquisition device can brightly illuminate the top of the head where imaging is performed, making it stand out. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention can acquire images that can detect foreign objects, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the head with greater accuracy.

[0017] (4) In the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention, the illumination unit is preferably positioned on the side of the incident head that is greater than the tip of the imaging head when the transparent capsule reaches the imaging position.

[0018] (4) The transparent capsule image acquisition device can brightly illuminate the top of the head where imaging is performed, making it stand out. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention can acquire images that can detect foreign objects, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the head with greater accuracy.

[0019] (5) In the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention, the illumination unit is preferably located at a position away from the position facing the transparent capsule when the transparent capsule reaches the imaging position.

[0020] (5) The transparent capsule image acquisition device can brightly illuminate the top of the head where imaging is performed, making it stand out. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention can acquire images that can detect foreign objects, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the head with greater accuracy.

[0021] (6) The transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention is preferable in which the illumination unit has a distance in the direction in which the transport path extends that is greater than or equal to the length of the transparent capsule in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to the transparent capsule image acquisition device of (6), the top of the head being imaged can be brightly illuminated to highlight a wider area. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention can acquire images that can detect foreign objects, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the head with greater accuracy.

[0023] (7) The transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of the present invention is configured such that the imaging device images the top of the imaging head from both a first image acquisition position diagonally to the left and a second image acquisition position diagonally to the right. The tip of the top of the imaging head is imaged redundantly within the imaging range of the first image acquisition position and the imaging range of the second image acquisition position. The imaging device is configured to image the top of the imaging head illuminated from within the transparent capsule agent by the illumination unit within a range including the entire circumference, using the image of the transparent capsule agent at the first image acquisition position and the image of the transparent capsule agent at the second image acquisition position.

[0024] According to the transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of (7), the top of the imaging head of the transparent capsule agent can be imaged from two directions, namely, a first image acquisition position diagonally to the left and a second image acquisition position diagonally to the right. Also, with the above-described configuration, imaging is performed such that the tip of the top of the imaging head is included at both the first image acquisition position and the second image acquisition position, and an image covering the entire circumference including the tip of the top of the imaging head can be obtained from these images. As a result, one of the tops of the heads at both ends of the transparent capsule agent can be imaged without dead angles. Consequently, the transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of the present invention can improve the accuracy of the appearance inspection of the transparent capsule agent. Further, with the above-described configuration, if the tops of the heads at both ends of the transparent capsule agent are imaged respectively, the tops of the heads at both ends of the transparent capsule agent can be imaged without dead angles.

[0025] (8) The transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of the present invention includes a diffusion member that covers at least a part of the conveyance path and diffuses light, and the illumination unit irradiates the light of the light source provided in the illumination device as the diffused light through a part of the diffusion member.

[0026] According to the transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of (8), the light of the illumination device can be diffused over a wide range by the diffusion member, and the shadow caused by the reflection in the conveyance path can be eliminated more efficiently.

[0027] (9) The transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of the present invention conveys the transparent capsule agent such that the long axis direction thereof is along the conveyance direction of the conveyance path. The illumination unit is provided at a position spaced apart from the imaging position in a first direction that is the conveyance direction or the reverse direction thereof. The imaging device is preferably configured to image the transparent capsule agent as viewed from an image acquisition position spaced apart from the imaging position in a second direction that is the reverse direction of the first direction.

[0028] According to the transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of (9), an image capable of accurately detecting foreign matters, scratches, etc. adhering to the top of the head can be acquired.

[0029] (10) In the transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of the present invention, the conveyance path is provided with a suction region that serves as a suction port for sucking the transparent capsule agent and a non-suction region where the suction port is not provided. The non-suction region is preferably configured at a position where it is imaged through the transparent capsule agent.

[0030] According to the transparent capsule agent image acquisition device of (10), it is possible to suppress the reflection of the suction port on the conveyance path from becoming a shadow, and further, it is possible to accurately detect foreign matters, etc. adhering to the transparent capsule agent.

[0031] Note that the "transparent capsule agent" in this specification is a transparent preparation composed of a liquid transparent drug or the like as the content and a transparent capsule agent skin. The transparent capsule agent is typically a soft capsule in which a liquid transparent content is encapsulated with a capsule agent skin made of gelatin or the like and formed into a capsule shape. By imaging such a soft capsule as the object of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the excellent effects as described above.

[0032] However, the transparent capsule agent that can be the imaging object in the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned soft capsule. Even when the transparent capsule agent is, for example, the following, the present invention can obtain the above-mentioned effects. That is, the transparent capsule agent is not limited to a soft capsule and may be a hard capsule having a seam.

[0033] The contents are generally a colorless or colored liquid, but may also contain small amounts of other components (such as solid particles or air bubbles). The liquid can be watery, oily, gel-like, or viscous. The liquid component is not limited to a single composition and may contain multiple phase-separated compositions. The capsule shell is generally colorless or colored, but may have printing or coloring on a portion of its surface (for example, a portion other than the top). The printing or coloring may be opaque. The printing may be embossed or printed. It should be noted that transparent capsules are not limited to those classified as pharmaceuticals; in other words, transparent capsules include supplements.

[0034] "Transparent" is not limited to completely colorless and transparent; it may also refer to a state with slightly lower transparency, or even what is known as semi-transparent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transparent capsule image acquisition device that can acquire images of transparent capsules that are capable of transmitting light, and that can detect foreign objects, scratches, etc., adhering to the top of the head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall appearance inspection device for transparent capsules, which includes a transparent capsule image acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a portion of the transport path for the transparent capsule appearance inspection device shown in Figure 1. (a) is a top view, and (b) is a side view. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a transparent capsule. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a side view showing the transparent capsule image acquisition device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the transparent capsule image acquisition device. [Figure 6](a) is a front view showing the transparent capsule image acquisition device in Figure 1, and (b) is a diagram showing the image acquired by the imaging unit. [Figure 7] This figure shows the angle of the incident path of the transparent capsule image acquisition device shown in Figure 1. (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from direction A3 in Figure 7(a), and (c) is a side view. [Figure 8] (a) is a front view showing the tip and the entire circumference of the transparent capsule, and (b) is a diagram showing the imaging range of the transparent capsule acquisition device in Figure 1. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in Figure 4. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the diffused light and the light incident on the transparent capsule image acquisition device. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the position of the reflector plate of the transparent capsule image acquisition device. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a side view showing the arrangement of the components of the two transparent capsule image acquisition devices installed in the transparent capsule appearance inspection apparatus. (a) is the upstream transparent capsule image acquisition device, and (b) is the downstream transparent capsule image acquisition device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall appearance of a transparent capsule inspection device 1 equipped with a transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In this specification, "transparent capsule" refers to a formulation having a predetermined shape and capable of transmitting light. The transparent capsule K has a top portion T formed as a curved surface at both ends along its long axis G (see Figure 3).

[0039] In this specification, "visual inspection" includes inspection for any abnormalities in the appearance of the transparent capsules, such as the presence of foreign matter, chipping, or mixing of different transparent capsules.

[0040] In the following explanation, the vertical direction when the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 is installed will be simply referred to as "vertical direction H". Furthermore, within the vertical direction H, the upper part will be simply referred to as "upper H1", and the lower part will be simply referred to as "downper H2".

[0041] [Overall structure of a transparent capsule appearance inspection device] As shown in Figure 1, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 comprises a supply unit 10, an alignment device 20, a transport unit 30, a sorting and collection device 70, and a control device 80. The transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 also comprises a transparent capsule image acquisition device 40.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the supply unit 10 includes a hopper 11 and a vibrating feeder 12. The hopper 11 is the component into which the transparent capsules K are fed. The vibrating feeder 12 supplies the transparent capsules K fed into the hopper 11 to the alignment device 20 while vibrating them. The alignment device 20 aligns the supplied transparent capsules K in a single line and transfers them to the transport unit 30.

[0043] The transport unit 30 transports the transparent capsule K. As shown in Figure 1, the transport unit 30 is composed of a pair of transport devices 31. Specifically, the transport unit 30 includes a pair of transport devices 31, one transport device 31A located upstream and the other transport device 31B located downstream in the transport path of the transparent capsule K. In other words, each transport device 31 (transport device 31A, transport device 31B) forms an upstream and a downstream transport path C, respectively, and the transport unit 30 can be said to form the transport path C of the entire device.

[0044] The conveying devices 31A and 31B have the same configuration except for their positions. Therefore, in the following description, the conveying devices 31A and 31B may be collectively referred to simply as "conveying device 31". In addition, in this specification, the conveying direction of the transparent capsule K by the conveying device 31 will be simply referred to as "conveying direction B".

[0045] The conveying device 31 conveys the transparent capsules K supplied from the alignment device 20. In other words, the conveying device 31 forms a conveying path C that transports the transparent capsules K from upstream to downstream.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2(a), the conveying device 31 is equipped with two endless annular conveying belts 32. Also, as shown in Figure 2(a), a gap that serves as a suction port 33 is formed between the two conveying belts 32 in the conveying device 31. As shown in Figure 2(a), in the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the suction port 33 is formed as a slit shape as a gap formed between the two conveying belts 32. Furthermore, the conveying device 31 is equipped with a drive unit (not shown) that drives the conveying belts 32 and a suction box (not shown) that applies negative pressure to the suction port 33. The conveying device 31 conveys the transparent capsules K while adsorbing them with the negative pressure generated at the suction port 33.

[0047] The transparent capsule K supplied from the alignment device 20 to the transport unit 30 is transported by the transport device 31A to the region where the transport devices 31A and 31B overlap in the vertical direction H (transfer region Ra). The transparent capsule K is transported with its lower portion adsorbed up to the transfer region Ra. In the transfer region Ra, the transparent capsule K is transferred from the transport device 31A to the transport device 31B. In the transfer region Ra, the transparent capsule K is in a state where its upper portion is adsorbed.

[0048] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the suction port 33 of the conveying device 31 is slit-shaped, but the shape of the suction port is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the suction port may be a hole. In other words, the suction port may be any shape. Also, the conveying device does not have to convey the transparent capsules while adsorbing them. For example, the conveying device may be configured to have a recess in the conveying path and to convey the transparent capsules by fitting them into the recess. The conveying device can select various methods for holding the transparent capsules on the conveying path.

[0049] The transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 images the transparent capsules K on the transport path C. As shown in Figure 1, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 of this embodiment is provided with two transparent capsule image acquisition devices 40. Specifically, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 is provided with a transparent capsule image acquisition device 40A located on the upstream transport device 31A, and a transparent capsule image acquisition device 40B located on the downstream transport device 31B.

[0050] In the upstream transparent capsule image acquisition device 40A, the top part T of both ends of the transparent capsule K that is anterior Fr in the transport direction B is imaged. In the downstream transparent capsule image acquisition device 40B, the top part T of both ends of the transparent capsule K that is posterior Rr in the transport direction B is imaged.

[0051] The various components and functions of the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 will be explained in detail later using Figure 4. In the following explanation, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40A and the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40B will be collectively referred to simply as "transparent capsule image acquisition device 40".

[0052] The sorting and recovery device 70 is equipped with various detection sensors, a sorting chute, a recovery container, etc., for sorting the transparent capsules K. The sorting and recovery device 70 operates under the control of the control device 80, sorting defective products from good products, recovering the defective products, and recovering the good products in a good product recovery section (not shown).

[0053] The control device 80 controls the operation of the entire device. The control device 80 has a hardware configuration that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), which are not shown in the diagram. In this hardware configuration, the CPU performs calculations according to a predetermined program, and the control device 80 executes operations according to the loaded program. For example, the control device 80 controls the operation of each component, such as the transport unit 30, the alignment device 20, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40, and the sorting and recovery device 70.

[0054] For example, the control device 80 controls the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 to image the top T of the transparent capsule K as it is being transported by the transport device 31A (on the transport path C). The control device 80 also uses the image acquired by the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 to detect whether or not foreign matter is attached to the top T (visual inspection).

[0055] [Regarding the transparent capsule image acquisition device] Next, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 will be described with reference to Figure 4, etc. As shown in Figure 4, the transparent capsule K is transported so that its long axis G is aligned with the transport direction B of the transport path C. The transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 acquires an image of the transparent capsule K (see Figure 6(b)).

[0056] Here, we will explain the external characteristics, types, and sizes of transparent capsules K with examples. Transparent capsules K include, for example, those called "oblong" (see Figure 3(a)) and those called "oval" (see Figure 3(b)). An oblong is a transparent capsule that has an oval shape when viewed from above. An oblong is a transparent capsule in which the middle part (body Ka) along the long axis G is formed in a cylindrical shape, and hemispherical parts (top T) are formed at both ends. An oval is a transparent capsule that has an elliptical shape when viewed from above. An oval is a transparent capsule that has a rugby ball-shaped appearance in which the middle part between one end and the other along the long axis G is formed to bulge radially. Transparent capsules K are often provided with a length (total length La) of approximately 12 to 28 millimeters along the long axis G and a diameter Lb of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters.

[0057] These are merely examples. For example, the transparent capsule K to be imaged by the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 of the present invention may be flattened or spherical. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the transparent capsule K has a body Ka in the center along the long axis G. The transparent capsule K also has a top T formed as a curved surface at both ends along the long axis G. The top T is formed at both ends of the body Ka of the transparent capsule K.

[0058] As will be described in detail later, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 directs diffuse light Li2 onto one of the tops T at both ends of the transparent capsule K located at the imaging position P1. In this specification, of the tops T at both ends of the transparent capsule K, the top T into which the light is incident will be referred to as the "incident top T Ta," and the other top T will be referred to as the "imaging top Tb."

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 comprises an imaging device 50, an illumination device 60, and a diffusion member 62. The transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 also includes a reflector 64 (see Figure 11).

[0060] In the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 of this embodiment, the mirror 55, illumination device 60, and diffusion member 62, which will be described later, are attached to the support member 41, and these together form a single illumination unit. Furthermore, in the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 of this embodiment, the illumination unit and the camera unit 54, which will be described later, can be installed and removed on the transport path C. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can be used as an appearance inspection device for transparent capsules K by utilizing the existing transport device 31.

[0061] The transport path C constitutes a plane for transporting the transparent capsule K. In this specification, a virtual plane including the transport path C and parallel to it will be simply referred to as the "transport surface F". Furthermore, a center line parallel to the transport direction B and passing through the center of the transport path C will be simply referred to as the "transport path center line Lc".

[0062] In this specification, among the transport direction B and its reverse direction, the direction from the imaging position P1 toward the image acquisition position P2, which will be described later, will be simply referred to as the "second direction X2". Also, among the transport direction B and its reverse direction, the direction from the imaging position P1 toward the illumination unit 63 will be simply referred to as the "first direction X1".

[0063] In this specification, the direction perpendicular to the transport path C and moving away from the transport path C will be referred to as the "distal direction Y1". The direction perpendicular to the transport path C and opposite to the distal direction Y1 will be referred to as the "proximal direction Y2".

[0064] In this specification, a view of the transport path C from the width direction is referred to as a "side view." In this specification, a view in the proximal direction Y2 is referred to as a "plan view." In this specification, a view in the first direction X1 is referred to as a "front view." In this specification, the left-right direction (width direction of the transport path C) in the front view is simply referred to as the "left-right direction W." In this specification, the position to the left of the transport path centerline Lc in the front view or plan view is simply referred to as "left." In this specification, the position to the right of the transport path centerline Lc in the front view or plan view is simply referred to as "right."

[0065] [About the imaging device] The imaging device 50 images the transparent capsule K when it reaches the imaging position P1 located on the transport path C. More specifically, the imaging device 50 images the transparent capsule K being transported on the transport path C as an image viewed from a specific position (image acquisition position P2) when it reaches the imaging position P1.

[0066] The imaging position P1 is a position on the transport path C. The imaging position P1 can be said to be a fixed position where the transported transparent capsule K is imaged. The imaging position P1 can be said to be the position where the tip of the transparent capsule K is located when the imaging device 50 starts imaging the transparent capsule K.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the imaging device 50 comprises an imaging unit 51 (camera) and a mirror 55. As shown in Figure 6(a), in this embodiment, the imaging device 50 comprises one imaging unit 51 and a plurality of mirrors 55 (mirrors 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d). In this embodiment, the imaging unit 51 is provided in the camera unit 54.

[0068] The imaging unit 51 is a camera capable of imaging an object. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 51 is a line camera. A line camera images an object in a linear fashion while it is being moved, and combines the linearly captured images to create a single image. The transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention may use other cameras as the imaging unit. For example, an area camera that captures and images an object in a planar manner may be used as the imaging unit.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the imaging unit 51 is positioned at a distance from the transport path C in the distal direction Y1. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the imaging unit 51 is positioned at a distance from the imaging position P1 in the second direction X2.

[0070] Mirror 55 reflects a mirror image of the transparent capsule K and directs that mirror image into the imaging unit 51. As shown in Figure 6(a), the imaging device 50 includes mirrors 55a and 55b positioned on the left and mirrors 55c and 55d positioned on the right. That is, in this embodiment, the imaging device 50 has mirrors 55 positioned on both the left and right sides. As shown in Figure 6(a), mirror 55a reflects a mirror image of the transparent capsule K as seen from the left. Mirror 55b reflects the mirror image reflected by mirror 55a so that it is incident into the imaging unit 51. Mirror 55c reflects a mirror image of the transparent capsule K as seen from the right. Mirror 55d reflects the mirror image reflected by mirror 55c so that it is incident into the imaging unit 51.

[0071] Thus, the imaging device 50 reflects the mirror image of the transparent capsule K, as seen from the positions where mirrors 55a and 55c are located, using mirrors 55b and 55d, and directs it into each imaging unit 51. In other words, in this embodiment, the light incident on the imaging unit 51 forms a path that bends at the positions where mirrors 55 are provided. The imaging device 50 reflects the mirror image of the transparent capsule K, as seen from the position where mirror 55a is located, using mirror 55b, and acquires it by imaging unit 51. The imaging device 50 also reflects the mirror image of the transparent capsule K, as seen from the position where mirror 55c is located, using mirror 55d, and acquires it by imaging unit 51.

[0072] In other words, the positions where the mirrors 55a and 55c are provided can be said to be the image acquisition position P2 where the imaging device 50 acquires an image of the transparent capsule K. To put it another way, the image acquisition position P2 can be said to be the viewing position of the imaging top Tb (transparent capsule K) captured by the imaging unit 51. Thus, the imaging device 50 can be said to capture an image of the transparent capsule K by reflecting the light that has passed through the transparent capsule K, or the light reflected by the transparent capsule K, at one or more positions including the image acquisition position P2.

[0073] In this embodiment, an image of the transparent capsule K that has reached the imaging position P1 is captured from the left and an image of it that is captured from the right. In other words, in this embodiment, there are two image acquisition positions P2 for one imaging position P1. In this specification, the image acquisition position P2 configured to the left of the imaging position P1 in a front view (the position where the mirror 55a is placed) will be referred to as the "first image acquisition position P2a". In this specification, the image acquisition position P2 configured to the right of the imaging position P1 in a front view (the position where the mirror 55c is placed) will be referred to as the "second image acquisition position P2b".

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, the first image acquisition position P2a is located to the left of the transport path centerline Lc and at an angle to the transport path C in a plan view (diagonal to the left). The second image acquisition position P2b is located to the right of the transport path centerline Lc and at an angle to the transport path C in a plan view (diagonal to the right). Thus, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the top of the head Tb from both the first image acquisition position P2a, which is diagonal to the left, and the second image acquisition position P2b, which is diagonal to the right. In other words, the imaging device 50 images the top of the head Tb from two directions.

[0075] With the configuration described above, the imaging device 50 of this embodiment acquires one image I, which includes an image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the left and an image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the right. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(b), the image I acquired by the imaging unit 51 includes a first image Ia viewed from the first image acquisition position P2a and a second image Ib viewed from the second image acquisition position P2b.

[0076] Furthermore, the first image Ia and the second image Ib each contain an image of the transparent capsule It. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(b), the first image Ia contains the first transparent capsule image Id, which is an image of the transparent capsule K as seen from the first image acquisition position P2a. The second image Ib contains the second transparent capsule image Ie, which is an image of the transparent capsule K as seen from the second image acquisition position P2b. In addition, if a foreign object U is attached to the imaging top Tb of the transparent capsule K (see Figure 6(a)), the foreign object portion Iu (Figure 6(b)) will appear in image I.

[0077] In this embodiment, the system is configured to acquire a single image I that includes an image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the left and an image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the right. However, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the left and the image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the right may be acquired as separate images. Alternatively, the system may be configured to integrate the image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the left and the image of the transparent capsule K viewed from the right into a single image through image processing.

[0078] In the following explanation, the path through which light enters the imaging unit 51 will be referred to as the "incidence path L1". Incidence path L1 can be described as the path through which light from a subject (for example, the transparent capsule K or the mirror 55) enters the imaging unit 51. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the incidence path L1 that passes through the first image acquisition position P2a will be referred to as the "first incidence path L1a", and the incidence path L1 that passes through the second image acquisition position P2b will be referred to as the "second incidence path L1b". The first incidence path L1a can be described as the path through which light from the transparent capsule K viewed from the left enters the imaging unit 51. The second incidence path L1b can be described as the path through which light from the transparent capsule K viewed from the right enters the imaging unit 51.

[0079] Next, the image acquisition position P2 and the angle of the incident path L1 will be explained in more detail. As shown in Figure 7(a), each image acquisition position P2 is configured to be located at a position separated from the imaging position P1 in the second direction X2. Therefore, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the transparent capsule K as seen from each image acquisition position P2 located at a distance from the imaging position P1 in the second direction X2.

[0080] The imaging device 50 can image the top of the head Tb within a range that includes the tip Kb and its entire surrounding circumference Kc. As shown in Figure 8(a), "the entire surrounding circumference Kc of the tip Kb" can be said to be the portion of the top of the head Tb that surrounds the tip Kb (the tip portion).

[0081] In this embodiment, as described above, the imaging unit 51 is a line camera. The transparent capsule K is imaged at the point of contact or intersection with the incident path L1 during the transport process. Therefore, the imaging range R of the imaging device 50 is the range where the transparent capsule K, which is the object to be imaged, and the incident path L1 have a point of contact or intersection.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), the imaging range R of the left transparent capsule K is the range that includes the contact point or intersection with the first incident path L1a (first imaging range R1). The imaging range R of the right transparent capsule K is the range that includes the contact point or intersection with the second incident path L1b (second imaging range R2). Furthermore, the imaging device 50 images the top of the imaging area Tb such that the first imaging range R1 and the second imaging range R2 overlap (to include an overlapping range R3).

[0083] As shown in Figure 7(a), the image acquisition position P2 is located off-center from the transport path C in the left-right direction W. That is, the image acquisition position P2 is located off-center from the transport path centerline Lc. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(a), the incident path L1 between the imaging vertex Tb and the image acquisition position P2 is configured to form an angle with respect to the transport path centerline Lc in a plan view. This allows the imaging device 50 to image the vertex T without obstructing the path of the transparent capsule K. In the following description, the angle formed by the incident path L1 between the imaging vertex Tb and the image acquisition position P2 with respect to the transport path centerline Lc in a plan view will be referred to as the "opening angle D1".

[0084] The opening angle D1 should be such that the tip Kb and its entire surrounding Kc can be imaged. Furthermore, it is desirable that the opening angle D1 be configured to maximize the overlapping area R3. This allows for imaging of the top of the head Tb while suppressing blind spots. However, a larger opening angle D1 may create blind spots. Conversely, a smaller opening angle D1 increases the area of ​​the entire surrounding Kc that can be imaged. Therefore, a smaller opening angle D1 is preferable (a smaller angle between the transport path centerline Lc and the incident path L1 is preferable).

[0085] On the other hand, the shape of the top T of the transparent capsule K varies. It is desirable that the opening angle D1 be able to accommodate various shapes of the transparent capsule K (e.g., oblong or oval).

[0086] To ensure a large area of ​​the entire periphery Kc that can be imaged and to accommodate transparent capsules K of various shapes, for example, the opening angle D1 should be 55 degrees or less. By setting the opening angle D1 to 55 degrees or less (for example, within the range of 25 to 55 degrees), it is possible to accommodate various types of transparent capsules K and to image the entire periphery Kc over a wide area. This makes it possible to accommodate various transparent capsules K while suppressing blind spots.

[0087] Furthermore, the opening angle D1 should be configured so as not to obstruct the path of the transparent capsule K on the transport path C. For example, if the opening angle D1 is 15 degrees or more, the image acquisition position P2 can be configured without obstructing the path of the transparent capsule K.

[0088] The opening angle D1 may be less than 15 degrees. For example, if the imaging unit or mirror can be installed in a position opposite the transport path, the opening angle D1 may be set to 0 to less than 15 degrees. For example, if the imaging unit or mirror is installed in a part of the transport path C that is configured as a curved surface, even if they are placed in a position opposite the transport path, there is little risk of obstructing the path of the transparent capsule, so the opening angle D1 may be set to less than 15 degrees.

[0089] Next, we will explain the angle of the incident path L1 with respect to the transport plane F. In the following explanation, the angle that the incident path L1 makes with respect to the transport plane F, between the top of the imaging head Tb and the image acquisition position P2, may be simply referred to as the "elevation angle D2". The elevation angle D2 will be explained with reference to Figure 7(b). Figure 7(b) is a schematic diagram of the incident path L1 as seen from a direction perpendicular to the plane perpendicular to the transport plane F (the line A1-A1 in Figure 7(a)) (direction A3 in Figure 7(a)).

[0090] The magnitude of the elevation angle D2 can be said to be the magnitude of the angle at which the transparent capsule K is viewed from above or above. As shown in Figure 7(b), the elevation angle D2 is a small angle relative to the transport surface F. In other words, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the transparent capsule K from a viewpoint close to the transport surface F. The elevation angle D2 is an angle that is smaller than the angle that it makes with the transport surface F than the angle it makes with the straight line extending in the distal direction Y1 (i.e., less than ±45 degrees). Therefore, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the transparent capsule K from a side view. In other words, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the transparent capsule K from the side.

[0091] In this specification, directions that are horizontal to the transport surface F or at an angle less than a predetermined angle (less than ±45 degrees) may be simply referred to as "lateral direction E". Lateral direction E is, for example, an angle that is smaller than the angle that the transport surface F makes with a straight line extending in the distal direction Y1 (i.e., less than ±45 degrees). Lateral direction E is, for example, a direction in which the object (transparent capsule K) is viewed from the side. Lateral direction E is, for example, a direction that makes an angle with respect to the transport surface F of 0 degrees, less than +45 degrees (a downward angle of less than 45 degrees), and less than -45 degrees (an upward angle of less than 45 degrees). For example, when the transparent capsule K is viewed from lateral direction E, more of the lateral surface of the transparent capsule K is visible than the upper surface of the transparent capsule K.

[0092] The elevation / depression angle D2 should be an angle that allows imaging of the entire surrounding area Kc. If the elevation / depression angle D2 is large, the area of ​​the entire surrounding area Kc that can be imaged will be biased. Conversely, if the elevation / depression angle D2 is small, the area of ​​the entire surrounding area Kc that can be imaged will be large. Therefore, by making the elevation / depression angle D2 small, the area of ​​the entire surrounding area Kc that can be imaged can be made larger, and blind spots can be suppressed. For example, the elevation / depression angle D2 should be 30 degrees or less, and 20 degrees or less is preferable because it can further suppress blind spots.

[0093] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the elevation angle D2 is configured as an angle (depression angle) that looks down on the transparent capsule K in the proximal direction Y2. However, the elevation angle D2 may also be configured as an angle (elevation angle) that looks up on the transparent capsule K in the distal direction Y1.

[0094] In a side view, the angle that the incident path L1 makes with respect to the transport surface F (side view angle D3) changes depending on the opening angle D1 and the position of the image acquisition position P2, even if the elevation angle D2 is the same. As shown in Figure 7(c), in this embodiment, the side view angle D3 is configured to be in the lateral direction E. The side view angle D3 is greater than or equal to the elevation angle D2.

[0095] Thus, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the top of the head Tb from the lateral direction E. This allows the imaging device 50 to image the top of the head Tb while suppressing blind spots. Therefore, the imaging device 50 is configured to image the top of the head Tb, which is illuminated from inside the transparent capsule K by the illumination unit 63, in a range (imaging range R) that includes at least the tip Kb of the top of the head Tb and its entire surrounding circumference Kc. This allows the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 to suppress blind spots in imaging and improve the accuracy of foreign object detection.

[0096] Furthermore, the imaging device 50 captures the tip Kb of the imaging top Tb overlappingly in the first imaging range R1 of the first image acquisition position P2a and the second imaging range R2 of the second image acquisition position P2b. In addition, the imaging device 50 is configured to capture the imaging top Tb, which is illuminated from inside the transparent capsule K by the illumination unit 63, in a range including the entire surrounding Kc, using the image of the transparent capsule K at the first image acquisition position P2a and the image of the transparent capsule K at the second image acquisition position P2b.

[0097] As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can image the top Tb of the transparent capsule K from two directions: a first image acquisition position P2a diagonally to the left, and a second image acquisition position P2b diagonally to the right. Furthermore, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can capture images so that the tip Kb of the top Tb is included at both the first image acquisition position P2a and the second image acquisition position P2b, and obtain an image I that covers the entire circumference Kc including the tip Kb of the top Tb using the two images. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can capture one of the top Tb of the tops T at both ends of the transparent capsule K without any blind spots. Consequently, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can improve the accuracy of the visual inspection of the transparent capsule K.

[0098] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which one imaging unit 51 and multiple mirrors 55 are provided for one imaging position P1. However, the transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, multiple imaging units may be provided for one imaging position. For example, two imaging units may be provided for one imaging position: a first imaging unit corresponding to a first image acquisition position and a second imaging unit corresponding to a second image acquisition position. Furthermore, for example, an imaging unit may be placed at the image acquisition position without providing a mirror. The number of mirrors can also be selected as appropriate. For example, one mirror may be provided for one image acquisition position, or three or more mirrors may be provided. Thus, the number of imaging units and the number of mirrors for one imaging position can be selected as appropriate.

[0099] [Regarding lighting devices and diffusion members] As shown in Figure 4, the illumination device 60 is equipped with a light source 61 that emits light. The illumination device 60 is equipped with, for example, an LED as the light source. However, the light source is not limited to an LED and other types (for example, a laser) may be used. As shown in Figure 4, the illumination device 60 is positioned at a distance from the transport path C in the distal direction Y1. The illumination device 60 is also provided at a distance from the imaging position P1 in the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 4, the light source 61 is provided so as to be aligned with the end of the illumination device 60 located in the proximal direction Y2.

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, the illumination device 60 is positioned at a distance from the imaging position P1 in the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 4, the illumination device 60 is positioned at a distance from the transport path C in the distal direction Y1, and is positioned distal to the diffusion member 62 in the distal direction Y1. As shown in Figure 4, the illumination device 60 is positioned away from the position facing the transparent capsule K when the transparent capsule K reaches the imaging position P1. The illumination device 60 is positioned on the side of the incident top of the top of the imaging top Tb towards the tip of the imaging top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the imaging top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the top of the

[0101] The diffusion member 62 is a member that diffuses light. Specifically, the diffusion member 62 is a member that diffuses the light irradiated from the illumination device 60. The diffusion member 62 is, for example, a milky white member. The diffusion member 62 covers a part of the transport path C. As shown in Figure 4, the diffusion member 62 is provided to cover the transport path C up to a position a predetermined distance away from the imaging position P1 in the second direction X2. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the diffusion member 62 has a semicircular cross-section. That is, the diffusion member 62 is tunnel-shaped so as to cover a part of the transport path C. As shown in Figure 4, the diffusion member 62 has a notch formed at the end located in the second direction X2.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, if the length of the distal direction Y1 when the diffusion member 62 is viewed from the front is denoted as height Ld, then height Ld is greater than the diameter Lb of the transparent capsule K. The diffusion member 62 should be configured such that the distance between it and the transparent capsule K (gap S) is small. This increases the area in the image of the transparent capsule K in which the diffusion member 62 is reflected, thereby suppressing the reflection of other objects. For example, the diffusion member 62 can be configured such that its height Ld is smaller than the total length La of the transparent capsule K. Alternatively, the diffusion member 62 should have a height Ld that is less than or equal to twice the diameter Lb of the transparent capsule K. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the total length Lg of the diffusion member 62 is greater than or equal to the total length of the illumination device 60 (total illumination length Le). This allows the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 to more efficiently suppress the reflection of other components as background.

[0103] The illumination unit 63 emits diffused light Li2 that is irradiated substantially uniformly. In this embodiment, the illumination unit 63 emits light Li1 from the light source 61 provided in the illumination device 60 as diffused light Li2 via a part of the diffusion member 62 (see Figure 10). In other words, in this embodiment, when the light Li1 from the illumination device 60 is irradiated onto the part of the diffusion member 62, that part functions as the illumination unit 63 that emits diffused light Li2.

[0104] The transparent capsule image acquisition device of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the illumination unit may employ other configurations. For example, the illumination unit may employ a component in which the light source and the diffusion member of the illumination device are integrated. In other words, the illumination unit may employ a configuration different from that of the diffusion member.

[0105] As described above, the lighting device 60 is positioned distal to the diffusion member 62 in direction Y1 and irradiates light Li1 in the proximal direction Y2 (towards the diffusion member 62). Therefore, the portion of the diffusion member 62 that is in the proximal direction Y2 of the lighting device 60 and facing the transport path C functions as the lighting unit 63. In this way, the lighting device 60 irradiates the transparent capsule material K being transported on the transport path C with diffused light Li2 from the lighting unit 63 which is positioned facing the transport path C.

[0106] The illumination unit 63 can be said to be configured according to the position of the illumination device 60. That is, as shown in Figure 4, the illumination unit 63 is located at a position spaced apart from the imaging position P1 in the first direction X1. The illumination unit 63 is located at a position spaced apart from the transport path C in the distal direction Y1. The illumination unit 63 is located away from the position facing the transparent capsule K when the transparent capsule K reaches the imaging position P1. The illumination unit 63 is located on the side of the incident vertex Ta closer to the tip of the imaging vertex Tb when the transparent capsule K reaches the imaging position P1. Thus, the illumination unit 63 is located at a position in the first direction X1 relative to the imaging position P1, and at a position facing the transport path C (behind the transparent capsule K when viewed from the image acquisition position P2, and at a position that is the ceiling when the transport path C is considered the floor).

[0107] As a result, the illumination device 60 can direct diffused light Li2 into the transparent capsule K that has reached the imaging position P1 from the other side of the head T (incident head top Ta) that is different from the head top T being imaged (imaging head top Tb), thereby illuminating the imaging head top Tb from the inside. In other words, the illumination device 60 is configured, by the illumination unit 63, to direct diffused light Li2 into the transparent capsule K located at the imaging position P1 from the incident head top Ta, thereby illuminating the imaging head top Tb from within the transparent capsule K (see Figure 10).

[0108] Thus, in the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40, light (diffused light Li2) from the illumination unit 63, which is irradiated almost uniformly, is incident from one top of the head T (incident top of the head Ta), and the light is refracted or reflected inside the transparent capsule K to brightly illuminate the other top of the head T (imaging top of the head Tb that is to be imaged), and the top of the transparent capsule K can be illuminated almost uniformly and brightly for imaging. Furthermore, as described above, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 is configured to image the imaging top of the head Tb in a range that includes the tip Kb of the imaging top of the head Tb and its entire surrounding circumference Kc, thereby enabling imaging of the imaging top of the head Tb while suppressing blind spots. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can acquire images that can accurately detect foreign matter, scratches, etc. attached to the top of the transparent capsule K.

[0109] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, two lighting devices 60 are provided. More specifically, the lighting devices 60 are arranged so that they form a V shape when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the ends of the two lighting devices 60, where the light sources 61 are provided (the ends in the proximal direction Y2), are inclined toward the center line Lc of the transport path.

[0110] As a result, the lighting device 60 can concentrate the light Li1 on the part of the diffusion member 62 that faces the transport path C and is spaced apart in the first direction X1 (the illumination section 63). Therefore, the diffusion member 62 is configured such that the part of the lighting device 60 that is illuminated by the light Li1 (the illumination section 63) is brighter than other parts. Consequently, the lighting device 60 can concentrate the light on the left and right centers of the illumination section 63.

[0111] As described above, the illumination unit 63 irradiates diffused light Li2 through a part of the diffusion member 62. If the part of the diffusion member 62 that faces the transparent capsule K when the transparent capsule K reaches the imaging position P1 is called the transparent capsule facing part 62a, then the part that is not facing the transparent capsule (the non-transparent capsule facing part 62b) can be said to function as the illumination unit 63 (see Figure 10).

[0112] As shown in Figure 10, the lighting device 60 is configured to concentrate light Li1 onto the non-facing portion 62b (lighting portion 63) of the diffusion member 62, thereby brightly illuminating the lighting portion 63. Conversely, the lighting portion 63 can be said to be brighter than the facing portion 62a of the transparent capsule. Furthermore, the non-facing portion 62b of the transparent capsule can be said to be the part that illuminates the outside of the transparent capsule K from a position facing the transparent capsule K.

[0113] Therefore, it can be said that the illumination unit 63 is configured such that the brightness illuminating the incident head area Ta from outside the transparent capsule K is stronger than the brightness illuminating the imaging head area Tb from outside the transparent capsule K (the brightness of the transparent capsule opposing unit 62a). Furthermore, it can be said that the imaging device 50 is configured to image the transparent capsule K when the brightness illuminating the incident head area Ta from outside the transparent capsule K is stronger than the brightness illuminating the imaging head area Tb from outside the transparent capsule K.

[0114] As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can brightly illuminate the top of the head Tb in a way that makes it stand out. Consequently, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can acquire images of the transparent capsule K that allow for more accurate detection of foreign matter, scratches, and other defects adhering to the top of the head T.

[0115] As shown in Figure 4, the illumination device 60 has a predetermined length (total illumination length Le) in the transport direction B. The total illumination length Le of the illumination device 60 is greater than or equal to the total length La of the transparent capsule K. The illumination unit 63 can be said to have a length (total illumination length Le) corresponding to the total length of the illumination device 60. That is, the total length of the illumination unit 63 (total illumination length Le) is greater than or equal to the total length La of the transparent capsule K in the direction in which the transport path C extends. As a result, the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 can brightly illuminate the top of the image Tb so that it stands out over a wider area.

[0116] As shown in Figure 11, the reflector 64 is provided to cover the gap between the pair of conveyor belts 32. In other words, the reflector 64 is provided as a member that covers the suction port 33 on the conveyor path C. The reflector 64 is provided to suppress the negative pressure of the suction port 33. Therefore, if the gap in the conveyor path C that is capable of adsorbing the transparent capsule K (suction port 33) is defined as the suction region 65, then the portion where the reflector 64 is provided is the portion where the suction port 33 capable of adsorbing the transparent capsule K is not provided (non-suction region 66). That is, in the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 of this embodiment, the conveyor path C is provided with a suction region 65 which is the suction port 33 that adsorbs the transparent capsule K, and a non-suction region 66 where the suction port 33 is not provided.

[0117] The reflector 64 is made of a material that is generally the same color as the transport path C (for example, white). The reflector 64 is positioned so as to be included in the image of the transparent capsule K when the transparent capsule K is imaged. In other words, the reflector 64 (non-attraction region 66) is configured to be imaged through the transparent capsule K.

[0118] The position and length of the reflector 64 should be configured to minimize its influence on the adsorption of the transparent capsule K, and to suppress the appearance of the suction port 33 when the transparent capsule K is imaged. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the length of the reflector 64 in the transport direction B (total length of the reflector Lf) can be configured to be smaller than the total length La of the transparent capsule K. Alternatively, for example, the total length of the reflector Lf can be approximately the same size as the diameter Lb of the transparent capsule K.

[0119] Furthermore, the reflector 64 can be positioned at a location separated from the imaging position P1 in a first direction X1. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the reflector 64 can be positioned away from the transparent capsule K in a first direction X1 when the transparent capsule K reaches the imaging position P1. Alternatively, for example, the reflector 64 can be positioned away from the position opposite the illumination unit 63 in a second direction X2. This allows the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40 to suppress the shadow caused by the suction port 33 on the transport path C, and to detect foreign matter adhering to the transparent capsule K with greater accuracy.

[0120] As described above, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 is equipped with two transparent capsule image acquisition devices 40. The upstream transparent capsule image acquisition device 40A captures an image of the top T of both ends of the transparent capsule K, specifically the top T that is forward Fr in the transport direction B (see Figure 12(a)).

[0121] Furthermore, the downstream transparent capsule image acquisition device 40B captures the top portion T of the transparent capsule K that is posterior Rr in the transport direction B (see Figure 12(b)). Note that the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40B has the same configuration as the transparent capsule image acquisition device 40A, except that the arrangement of each component (up / down, left / right positions) is different.

[0122] Thus, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 images the top of the front Fr from two directions (from the first image acquisition position P2a and the second image acquisition position P2b) and the top of the rear Rr from two directions (from the first image acquisition position P2a and the second image acquisition position P2b). In other words, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 images the top of the transparent capsule K from two directions each, for a total of four directions. As a result, the transparent capsule appearance inspection device 1 can image the top of the transparent capsule K from both ends without any blind spots.

[0123] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific embodiments that the present invention can take are not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 31 Conveying device 33 Suction port 40 Transparent capsule image acquisition device 50 Imaging device 51 Imaging Unit 55 Mirror 60 Lighting devices 61 Light source 62 Diffusion member 63 Lighting Section 64 Reflector (non-suction area) 65 Suction area 66 Non-suction area B Conveying direction C Conveyor path G Long axis direction Image I K Transparent Capsules Kb tip Kc Circumference Li2 diffused light P1 imaging position P2 Image acquisition position P2a First image acquisition position (image acquisition position) P2b 2nd image acquisition position (image acquisition position) R imaging range R1 First imaging range (imaging range) R2 Second imaging range (imaging range) T Top of head Ta Incident parietal area (parietal area) Tb imaging of the vertex (vertex) X1 1st direction X2 2nd direction

Claims

1. A transparent capsule image acquisition device for acquiring images of transparent capsules that can transmit light, having a top portion with both ends in the longitudinal direction formed as curved surfaces, An imaging device that captures an image of the transparent capsule being transported on a transport path formed by a transport device when the transparent capsule reaches an imaging position located on the transport path, The system includes an illumination device that irradiates the transparent capsule being transported on the transport path with diffused light from an illumination unit positioned opposite the transport path, The aforementioned lighting device is The illumination unit is configured to direct the diffused light into the transparent capsule from one of the two tops of the transparent capsule located at the imaging position, and to illuminate the other imaging top from within the transparent capsule. The imaging device is A transparent capsule image acquisition device, characterized in that it is configured to capture images of the imaging top portion illuminated from within the transparent capsule by the illumination unit, within a range that includes at least the tip of the imaging top portion and its entire surrounding circumference.

2. The transparent capsule image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the illumination unit is configured such that the brightness illuminating the incident top of the head from outside the transparent capsule is stronger than the brightness illuminating the top of the head from outside the transparent capsule.

3. The transparent capsule image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging device is configured to image the transparent capsule when the brightness illuminating the incident top of the head from outside the transparent capsule is stronger than the brightness illuminating the top of the head from outside the transparent capsule.

4. The transparent capsule image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination unit is positioned on the side of the incident head that is greater than the tip of the imaging head when the transparent capsule reaches the imaging position.

5. The transparent capsule image acquisition device according to claim 4, characterized in that the illumination unit is provided at a position away from the position facing the transparent capsule when the transparent capsule reaches the imaging position.

6. The transparent capsule image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination unit has a distance in the direction in which the transport path extends that is greater than or equal to the length of the transparent capsule in the longitudinal direction.

7. The imaging device is The aforementioned top of the head being imaged is configured to be imaged from both a first image acquisition position oblique to the left and a second image acquisition position oblique to the right. The tip of the top of the imaging head is captured overlapping between the imaging range of the first image acquisition position and the imaging range of the second image acquisition position. The transparent capsule image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to capture the top of the image-imaging portion illuminated from inside the transparent capsule by the illumination unit, within a range including the entire surrounding area, using the image of the transparent capsule at the first image acquisition position and the image of the transparent capsule at the second image acquisition position.

8. The transport path is provided with a diffusion member that covers at least a portion of it and diffuses light, The transparent capsule image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination unit irradiates light from a light source provided in the illumination device as diffused light via a part of the diffusion member.

9. The transparent capsule is transported such that its long axis is aligned with the transport direction of the transport path. The illumination unit is provided at a position spaced apart from the imaging position in the first direction, which is either the transport direction or the reverse direction. The transparent capsule image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging device is configured to image the transparent capsule as seen from an image acquisition position located in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the imaging position.

10. The transport path is provided with a suction region that serves as a suction port for adsorbing the transparent capsule, and a non-suction region where the suction port is not provided. The transparent capsule image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the non-aspiration region is configured to be imaged through the transparent capsule.

Images