Inspection system and program for inspection system

Abstract

This inspection system provides a simple and appropriate adjustment of the light emission start timing of the light-emitting device and the exposure start timing of the imaging device. [Solution] An inspection system comprising a light irradiation device for irradiating a workpiece with light and an imaging device for imaging the workpiece, the inspection system comprising: a trigger control unit that outputs a trigger signal to command the light irradiation device to start emitting light and the imaging device to start exposure; a light emission control unit that, upon receiving the trigger signal, supplies power to the light irradiation device to start emitting light for a predetermined time; an exposure control unit that, upon receiving the trigger signal, outputs a control signal to the imaging device to start exposure for a predetermined time; an image analysis unit that analyzes the image captured by the imaging device and outputs image information indicating the brightness of the captured image; and a timing adjustment unit that, based on the outputted image information, automatically adjusts by relatively moving the light emission start timing, which is when the light emission control unit receives the trigger signal and starts emitting light, and the exposure start timing, which is when the exposure control unit receives the trigger signal and starts exposure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system for irradiating a workpiece with light for inspection and a program for the inspection system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an inspection system that irradiates a workpiece that is continuously conveyed in a line with light by a light irradiation device, captures an image of its surface with an imaging device, and sequentially performs appearance inspections. In such an inspection system, the timing of light emission by the light irradiation device and the timing of exposure start by the imaging device are synchronized with each other by an externally input trigger signal so that light irradiation and imaging can be performed simultaneously on the workpiece that has reached a predetermined imaging position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such inspection systems, obtaining sufficiently bright images suitable for visual inspection requires appropriately synchronizing the timing of the strobe flash start by the light illuminator after receiving the trigger signal with the timing of the exposure start by the imaging device. This timing adjustment must be performed in advance before the inspection begins. Traditionally, this timing adjustment has been performed by the user themselves through a process known as "craftsmanship," where they repeatedly test-take and adjust by changing the flash delay time set in the power supply unit that powers the light illuminator. However, the timing of the imaging device's exposure start after receiving the trigger signal varies depending on the type and manufacturer of the imaging device, and the timing of the flash start also varies depending on the type of light illuminator and the length of the illumination cable. Therefore, it is difficult to properly adjust these timings by relying solely on craftsmanship.

[0005] Furthermore, some inspection systems use short-duration strobe light to illuminate the inspection surface of a workpiece to obtain sufficient light intensity and minimize the exposure time of the imaging device (for example, about 10 μs) in order to image the transported workpiece with minimal blurring. However, in inspection systems with such short light emission and exposure times, it is extremely difficult to properly adjust the timing of the light emission start and the exposure start.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main objective is to provide an inspection system that can easily and appropriately adjust the light emission start timing of a light irradiation device and the exposure start timing of an imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In other words, the inspection system of the present invention comprises a light irradiation device for irradiating a workpiece with light, and an imaging device for imaging the workpiece, and is characterized by comprising: a trigger control unit that outputs a trigger signal to command the light irradiation device to start emitting light and the imaging device to start exposure; a light emission control unit that, upon receiving the trigger signal, supplies power to the light irradiation device to start emitting light for a predetermined time; an exposure control unit that, upon receiving the trigger signal, outputs a control signal to the imaging device to start exposure for a predetermined time; an image analysis unit that analyzes the image captured by the imaging device and outputs image information indicating the brightness of the captured image; and a timing adjustment unit that, based on the output image information, automatically adjusts by relatively moving the light emission start timing, when the light emission control unit receives the trigger signal and starts emitting light, and the exposure start timing, when the exposure control unit receives the trigger signal and starts exposure.

[0008] Such an inspection system outputs a trigger signal to start the emission from the light-emitting device and the exposure from the imaging device, and also includes a timing adjustment unit that automatically adjusts the relative timing of the emission start and exposure start based on the obtained image information. Therefore, compared to conventional systems where the user relies on their skills to adjust each timing, the emission start timing of the light irradiation device and the exposure start timing of the imaging device can be adjusted easily and appropriately.

[0009] Specific embodiments of the inspection system include a trigger control unit that intermittently outputs the trigger signal a predetermined number of times, and a timing adjustment unit that adjusts the light emission start timing and the exposure start timing so that the brightness of the captured image indicated by the image information is maximized.

[0010] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment of the inspection system, the light emission control unit is set to have a light emission delay time, which is the delay time from receiving the trigger signal to supplying power to the light irradiation device. The timing adjustment unit increases the light emission delay time set in the light emission control unit each time imaging is performed by the imaging device, and preferably determines the light emission delay time at which the brightness of the captured image indicated by the image information is maximized as the optimal light emission delay time.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the timing adjustment unit of the inspection system increases the light emission delay time at approximately constant time intervals from the shortest possible settable value. In this way, the optimal luminescence delay time can be determined to be as short as possible.

[0012] Furthermore, the inspection system preferably has an exposure delay time set in the exposure control unit, which is the delay time from receiving the trigger signal to outputting a control signal to the imaging device. When the shortest possible value is determined as the optimal light emission delay time, the trigger control unit further outputs the trigger signal intermittently a predetermined number of times, and the timing adjustment unit increases the exposure delay time set in the exposure control unit each time imaging is performed by the imaging device, until the exposure delay time at which the brightness of the captured image indicated by the image information is maximized is determined as the optimal exposure delay time. As described above, when increasing the flash delay time, if the exposure start time is earlier than the flash start time in the initial settings, the resulting image will become darker as the flash delay time increases, which may prevent the flash start time and exposure start time from being properly synchronized. Therefore, after determining the optimal flash delay time, by fixing the delay time setting of the flash control unit to the optimal flash delay time and gradually increasing the exposure delay time, it is possible to properly synchronize the flash start time and exposure start time even if the exposure start time is earlier than the flash start time in the initial settings.

[0013] Furthermore, in a specific embodiment of the inspection system, it is preferable that the timing adjustment unit increases the exposure delay time from the shortest possible value at approximately constant time intervals. In this way, the optimal light emission delay time and optimal exposure delay time can be set to be as short as possible.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the inspection system's image analysis unit outputs the average value of the pixel values ​​of a predetermined sub-region within the captured image as image information. This approach allows for analysis only on a predetermined area of ​​the captured image, rather than the entire area, thereby increasing processing speed and enabling faster timing adjustments.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides a program for an inspection system comprising a light irradiation device for irradiating a workpiece with light and an imaging device for imaging the workpiece, characterized in that it provides a program for an inspection system comprising: a trigger control unit that outputs a trigger signal to command the light irradiation device to start emitting light and the imaging device to start exposure; a light emission control unit that, upon receiving the trigger signal, supplies power to the light irradiation device to start emitting light for a predetermined time; an exposure control unit that, upon receiving the trigger signal, outputs a control signal to the imaging device to start exposure for a predetermined time; an image analysis unit that analyzes the image captured by the imaging device and outputs image information indicating the brightness of the captured image; and a timing adjustment unit that causes a computer to perform the function of automatically adjusting the light emission start timing, which is when the light emission control unit receives the trigger signal and starts emitting light, and the exposure start timing, which is when the exposure control unit receives the trigger signal and starts exposure, based on the output image information.

[0016] Such a program for an inspection system can achieve the same effects and advantages as the inspection system of the present invention described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can easily and appropriately adjust the light emission start timing of light irradiation and the exposure start timing of an imaging device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] A diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram of the inspection system of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart for explaining the timing adjustment operation of the inspection system of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram for explaining an example of the timing adjustment operation of the inspection system of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram for explaining an example of the timing adjustment operation of the inspection system of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram for explaining an example of the timing adjustment operation of the inspection system of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] A functional block diagram of an inspection system of another embodiment. [Figure 8] A functional block diagram of an inspection system of another embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart for explaining the timing adjustment operation of an inspection system of another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an inspection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] The inspection system 100 of this embodiment is used in factories and the like, and performs visual inspections on workpieces W as they are transported along the line by irradiating them with strobe light and photographing their surfaces. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the inspection system 100 comprises a light irradiation device 1 that irradiates the workpieces W with light, an imaging device 3 that images the workpieces W, a power supply device 2 that controls the light emission pattern of the light irradiation device 1, and an information processing device 4. The light irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 are configured to synchronize their light emission start timing and exposure start timing with each other based on a trigger signal input from an external source.

[0021] The light irradiation device 1 is powered by a power supply device 2 and emits light, and is equipped with, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode) as a light source. The light irradiation device 1 in this embodiment is a surface-emitting device having an annular light-emitting surface, but is not limited to this. This light irradiation device 1 is positioned between the workpiece W and the imaging device 3. The inspection system 100 in this embodiment is equipped with one light irradiation device 1, but may be equipped with multiple light irradiation devices 1.

[0022] The imaging device 3 comprises a light-receiving optical system such as a lens, an image sensor that receives and senses light that has passed through the light-receiving optical system, and a shutter mechanism that opens and closes the image sensor. In this embodiment, it is referred to as an area camera, but is not limited to this.

[0023] Power supply unit 2 supplies power to the light irradiation device 1 and controls its light emission mode; it is also called a lighting controller. This power supply unit 2 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with a CPU, memory, display, etc.

[0024] The information processing device 4 outputs control signals to the imaging device 3 and receives the captured images output from the imaging device 3. This information processing device 4 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with various input devices such as a mouse and keyboard, a CPU, memory, a display, etc.

[0025] In this embodiment, the inspection system 100 functions as a trigger control unit C1, a light emission control unit C2, and an exposure control unit C3, as shown in Figure 2, through the cooperation of the CPU and its peripheral devices according to a predetermined program stored in memory.

[0026] The trigger control unit C1 receives a trigger signal (shooting start trigger signal) from an external source that commands the light irradiation device 1 to start emitting light and the imaging device 3 to start exposure, and outputs this to the light emission control unit C2 and the exposure control unit C3.

[0027] When the light emission control unit C2 receives a trigger signal to start shooting, it supplies power to the light irradiation device 1 and starts emitting light for a predetermined period of time. The light emission control unit C2 has a preset light emission delay time, which is the delay time from when it receives the trigger signal to when it supplies power to the light irradiation device 1 and starts emitting light, and a preset light emission time, which is the time for which the light emission is to continue. In other words, when the light emission control unit C2 receives the trigger signal to start shooting, it starts supplying power after the preset light emission delay time has elapsed.

[0028] The exposure control unit C3, upon receiving a shooting start trigger signal, outputs a control signal to the imaging device 3 to start exposure for a predetermined period of time. The exposure control unit C3 has a preset exposure delay time, which is the delay time from receiving the trigger signal to outputting the control signal to the imaging device 3, and an exposure time, which is the time for which exposure is continued. In this embodiment, the exposure control unit C3 includes a higher exposure control unit C31 that outputs an exposure start trigger after the exposure delay time has elapsed upon receiving the shooting start trigger signal, and a lower exposure control unit C32 that immediately outputs a control signal to the imaging device 3 upon receiving the outputted exposure start trigger.

[0029] In the inspection system 100 of this embodiment, the functions of each of these parts are distributed between the power supply unit 2 and the information processing device 4. Specifically, the functions of the trigger control unit C1, the light emission control unit C2, and the upper exposure control unit C31 are performed by the power supply unit 2, while the function of the lower exposure control unit C32 is performed by the information processing device 4.

[0030] Furthermore, the inspection system 100 of this embodiment is equipped with an automatic timing adjustment function to easily and appropriately adjust the light emission start timing of the light emission device and the exposure start timing of the imaging device 3 after receiving the shooting start trigger signal. This automatic timing adjustment function performs multiple imaging while relatively shifting the light emission start timing and the exposure start timing, and analyzes the captured images to determine the light emission start timing and exposure start timing that maximize the brightness of the captured image. This automatic timing adjustment operation is performed prior to the visual inspection of the workpiece W. In order to perform these functions, the inspection system 100 of this embodiment further demonstrates the functions of the image analysis unit C5 and the timing adjustment unit C4.

[0031] The image analysis unit C5 analyzes the image captured by the imaging device 3 and outputs image information indicating the brightness of the captured image, and this function is performed by the information processing device 4. This image information indicates the pixel values ​​of the captured image, and more specifically, it indicates the average value of the pixel values ​​of a predetermined sub-region within the captured image. In the automatic timing adjustment operation, each time the imaging device 3 takes a picture (specifically, exposes), the image analysis unit C5 analyzes the captured image and outputs the obtained image information to the timing adjustment unit C4.

[0032] The timing adjustment unit C4 automatically adjusts the timing between the light emission start timing, when the light emission control unit C2 receives the shooting start trigger signal and initiates light emission, and the light emission start timing, when the exposure control unit C3 receives the shooting start trigger signal and initiates light emission, based on the image information output by the image analysis unit C5. The function of the timing adjustment unit C4 is performed by the power supply unit 2.

[0033] The timing adjustment operation of the inspection system 100 of this embodiment will be explained below using Figures 3 to 6, along with an explanation of the functions of each part. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show examples where the light emission start timing is earlier than the exposure start timing at the start of the timing adjustment operation, and Figures 5(a) and 5(b) and 6(a) and 6(b) show examples where the exposure start timing is earlier than the light emission start timing at the start of the timing adjustment operation.

[0034] The timing adjustment operation begins when the trigger control unit C1 receives an adjustment start signal (step S1). At the start of this timing adjustment operation, the light emission delay time set in the light emission control unit C2 and the exposure delay time set in the exposure control unit C3 (specifically the higher exposure control unit C31) are both set to the shortest possible values. The adjustment start signal is output, for example, when a user inputs it to an external input device. When the trigger control unit C1 receives the adjustment start signal, it outputs a shooting start trigger to the light emission control unit C2 and the higher exposure control unit C31 (step S2).

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the light emission control unit C2 receives the shooting start trigger and, after a set light emission delay time (the shortest value in this case) has elapsed, starts supplying power to the light irradiation device 1 for a predetermined time. Meanwhile, the upper exposure control unit C31 receives the shooting start trigger and, after a set exposure delay time (the shortest value in this case) has elapsed, outputs an exposure start trigger to the lower exposure control unit C32. Upon receiving the exposure start trigger, the lower exposure control unit C32 immediately outputs a control signal to the imaging device 3, causing it to start exposure for the set predetermined time.

[0036] When exposure in the imaging device 3 is completed and the captured image is output, the image analysis unit C5 analyzes the captured image and calculates the average value of the pixel values ​​in a predetermined area, and outputs this as image information to the timing adjustment unit C4 (step S3). The timing adjustment unit C4 stores the delay time set in the light emission control unit C2 and the exposure control unit C3, respectively, and associates the pixel values ​​indicated by the image information obtained by shooting with the set delay time.

[0037] When the timing adjustment unit C4 receives image information, it readjusts the light emission delay time set in the light emission control unit C2 to delay the light emission start timing. Specifically, the timing adjustment unit C4 readjusts the light emission delay time set in the light emission control unit C2 to be longer by a predetermined time interval (step S4).

[0038] Once the timing adjustment unit C4 has finished resetting the light emission delay time, the trigger control unit C1 outputs a trigger to start shooting again (step S2), the image analysis unit C5 analyzes the newly captured image (step S3), and the timing adjustment unit C4 stores the newly linked delay time and pixel value, and further lengthens the light emission delay time by a predetermined time interval (step S4). The inspection system 100100 repeats these steps S2 to S4 a predetermined number of times (step S5). That is, the trigger control unit C1 intermittently outputs a trigger signal to start shooting a predetermined number of times, and the timing adjustment unit C4 stores the set value and pixel value each time shooting is performed by the imaging device 3, and resets the light emission delay time to lengthen by a predetermined time.

[0039] After taking a predetermined number of shots, the timing adjustment unit C4 determines the optimal flash delay time as the flash delay time at which the brightness of the captured image, as indicated by the image information, is maximized (step S6).

[0040] For example, as shown in Figure 4(b), if the pixel value increases as the flash delay time increases and then decreases, that is, if the pixel value, which changes with each shot, has a maximum value, the flash delay time at which this maximum value is reached is defined as the optimal flash delay time. Also, as shown in Figure 5(b), if the pixel value decreases as the flash delay time increases, that is, if the pixel value is maximized at the shortest possible flash delay time, then that shortest possible time is defined as the optimal flash delay time.

[0041] Here, as shown in Figure 4(b), if the pixel value, which changes with each shooting, has a maximum value (step S7), the exposure delay time set in the upper exposure control unit C31, i.e., the shortest possible value, is determined as the optimal exposure delay time (step S12).

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), if the pixel value decreases as the light emission delay time increases, that is, if the pixel value that changes with each shot does not have a maximum value (step S7), the timing adjustment unit C4 keeps the light emission delay time set in the light emission control unit C2 fixed to the shortest possible value (optimal light emission delay time), gradually increases the exposure delay time set in the upper exposure control unit C31, acquires the image information, and automatically adjusts so that the brightness of the captured image is maximized.

[0043] Specifically, the timing adjustment unit C4 first readjusts the exposure delay time set in the exposure control unit C3 to delay the exposure start timing. Specifically, the timing adjustment unit C4 readjusts the exposure delay time set in the exposure control unit C3 to be longer by a predetermined time interval (step S8).

[0044] Once the timing adjustment unit C4 has finished resetting the exposure delay time, the trigger control unit C1 outputs a trigger to start shooting (step S9), the image analysis unit C5 analyzes the newly captured image (step S10), and the timing adjustment unit C4 stores the newly associated delay times and pixel values. The inspection system 100 repeats these steps S8 to S10 a predetermined number of times (step S11).

[0045] After taking a predetermined number of shots, the timing adjustment unit C4 determines the optimal exposure delay time as the exposure delay time at which the brightness of the captured image, as indicated by the image information, is maximized (step S12). Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(b), the pixel values ​​obtained for each shot with a different exposure delay time increase as the exposure delay time increases and then decrease. Therefore, the exposure delay time at which this maximum value is reached is defined as the optimal exposure delay time.

[0046] The timing adjustment unit C4 then sets the determined optimal light emission delay time and optimal exposure delay time to the light emission control unit C2 and the exposure control unit C3, respectively, and the timing adjustment operation is completed. Visual inspection of the workpiece W is performed after the optimal light emission delay time and optimal exposure delay time have been set.

[0047] According to the inspection system 100 of this embodiment configured in this way, a trigger signal is output to start light emission from the light-emitting device and exposure by the imaging device 3. Furthermore, a timing adjustment unit C4 is provided that automatically adjusts the relative timing of the light emission start timing and the exposure start timing based on the obtained image information. Therefore, compared to the conventional method where a user relies on their skills to adjust each timing, the light emission start timing of the light irradiation device 1 and the exposure start timing of the imaging device 3 can be adjusted easily and appropriately.

[0048] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the power supply unit 2 is provided with a function as a trigger control unit C1 that receives an adjustment start signal and a shooting start trigger from an external source, and is configured to output an exposure start trigger from the power supply unit 2 to the information processing unit 4, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in Figure 7, the function as a trigger control unit C1 may be performed by the information processing unit 4. In this case, the entire function of the exposure control unit C3 may be performed by the information processing unit 4, and the exposure control unit C3 may be configured to immediately output a control signal to the imaging device 3 when it receives a shooting start trigger. In this case, the exposure delay time becomes a fixed value that cannot be set. The light emission control unit C2 may include a higher-level light emission control unit C21 that immediately outputs a light emission start trigger when it receives a shooting start trigger, and a lower-level light emission control unit C22 that, when it receives the outputted light emission start trigger, supplies power to the light irradiation device 1 after the light emission delay time has elapsed. In this case, the function as the higher-level light emission control unit C21 may be performed by the information processing unit 4, and the function as the lower-level light emission control unit C22 may be performed by the power supply unit 2.

[0049] In other embodiments, for example, as shown in Figure 8, the function of the trigger control unit C1 may be performed by a device other than the information processing device 4 and the power supply device 2. In this case, the exposure control unit C3 may immediately output a control signal to the imaging device 3 upon receiving the shooting start trigger to start exposure for a predetermined time, and the light emission control unit C2 may, upon receiving the shooting start trigger, supply power to the light irradiation device 1 after a light emission delay time has elapsed to start light emission for a predetermined time.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, if the exposure delay time in the exposure control unit C3 is a fixed value that cannot be changed, the timing adjustment operation may be terminated by determining the optimal light emission delay time, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0051] In other embodiments of the inspection system 100, the light irradiation device 1 may emit line light, and the imaging device 3 may be a line sensor camera.

[0052] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the disclosures herein may include the following embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100 ···Inspection System 1...Light irradiation device 3. Imaging device C1 ···Trigger Control Unit C2 ···Light emission control unit C3 ··· Exposure Control Unit C4... Timing adjustment section C5...Image analysis section W ···Work

Claims

1. An inspection system comprising a light irradiation device for irradiating a workpiece with light and an imaging device for imaging the workpiece, A trigger control unit that outputs a trigger signal to command the start of light emission from the light irradiation device and the start of exposure from the imaging device, Upon receiving the trigger signal, the light emission control unit supplies power to the light irradiation device and starts emitting light for a predetermined period of time, Upon receiving the trigger signal, the exposure control unit outputs a control signal to the imaging device to start exposure for a predetermined time, An image analysis unit analyzes the image captured by the aforementioned imaging device and outputs image information indicating the brightness of the captured image, An inspection system comprising a timing adjustment unit that automatically adjusts, based on the output image information, the light emission start timing at which the light emission control unit receives the trigger signal and starts emitting light, and the exposure start timing at which the exposure control unit receives the trigger signal and starts exposure, by relatively shifting them.

2. The trigger control unit outputs the trigger signal intermittently a predetermined number of times, The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the timing adjustment unit automatically adjusts the light emission start timing and the exposure start timing so that the brightness of the captured image indicated by the image information is maximized.

3. The light emission control unit is configured with a light emission delay time, which is the delay time from receiving the trigger signal to supplying power to the light irradiation device. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the timing adjustment unit increases the light emission delay time set in the light emission control unit each time imaging is performed by the imaging device, and determines the light emission delay time at which the brightness of the captured image indicated by the image information is maximized as the optimal light emission delay time.

4. The inspection system according to claim 3, wherein the timing adjustment unit increases the light emission delay time from the shortest possible value at approximately constant time intervals.

5. The exposure control unit is configured with an exposure delay time, which is the delay time from receiving the trigger signal to outputting a control signal to the imaging device. When the shortest configurable value is determined to be the optimal light emission delay time, The trigger control unit further outputs the trigger signal intermittently a predetermined number of times, The inspection system according to claim 4, wherein the timing adjustment unit increases the exposure delay time set in the exposure control unit each time imaging is performed by the imaging device, and determines the exposure delay time at which the brightness of the captured image indicated by the image information is maximized as the optimal exposure delay time.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein the timing adjustment unit increases the exposure delay time from the shortest possible value at approximately constant time intervals.

7. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the image analysis unit outputs the average value of pixel values ​​in a predetermined partial region within the captured image as image information.

8. A program for an inspection system comprising a light irradiation device for irradiating a workpiece with light and an imaging device for imaging the workpiece, A trigger control unit that outputs a trigger signal to command the start of light emission from the light irradiation device and the start of exposure from the imaging device, Upon receiving the trigger signal, the light emission control unit supplies power to the light irradiation device and starts emitting light for a predetermined period of time, Upon receiving the trigger signal, the exposure control unit outputs a control signal to the imaging device to start exposure for a predetermined time, An image analysis unit analyzes the image captured by the aforementioned imaging device and outputs image information indicating the brightness of the captured image, A program for an inspection system that causes a computer to perform the function of a timing adjustment unit, which automatically adjusts the timing between the light emission start timing, when the light emission control unit receives the trigger signal and starts emitting light, and the exposure start timing, when the exposure control unit receives the trigger signal and starts exposure, based on the outputted image information.

Images