Injection molding system, control device, injection molding method, and program

Abstract

The system acquires information indicating the state of the material from images of the injection-molded material and uses this information to adjust the drying conditions of the material dryer and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine, thereby suppressing molding defects. [Solution] In the control unit 11 of the management server 10 that constitutes the injection molding system, the material state acquisition unit 112 acquires measurement results of the material state based on the image of the material captured by the imaging camera before it is fed into the injection molding machine, and the processing control unit 118 controls one or more processes from among the following: a process to notify the material state measurement results, a process to review the material itself, a process to review the drying conditions of the material dryer, and a process to review the molding conditions of the injection molding machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding system, a control device, an injection molding method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique of acquiring the state of an injection molding machine during molding and the state of a molded product and reflecting it in molding conditions (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is no known technique of acquiring information indicating the state of an injection molding material from a captured image of the material and reflecting it in the drying conditions of a material dryer and the molding conditions of an injection molding machine.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to acquire information indicating the state of an injection molding material from a captured image of the material and reflect it in the drying conditions of a material dryer and the molding conditions of an injection molding machine so as to suppress molding defects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The injection molding system of the present invention, completed with this objective in mind, is characterized by comprising: a material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding; a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the imaged image of the material; and a processing control means for controlling one or more processes from among the following: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material; a process for reviewing the material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. Here, the processing control means may be characterized by controlling a process that notifies that there is a risk of causing molding defects, as a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material. Furthermore, the processing control means may also be characterized by controlling a process of returning the material to the material dryer and re-drying it, as a process of reviewing the material itself. Furthermore, the processing control means may also be characterized by controlling a process to revise the drying conditions, which involves changing the drying conditions according to the measurement results of the material's state. Furthermore, the processing control means may be characterized by controlling the process of changing the drying conditions in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material. Furthermore, the processing control means may also be characterized by controlling a process to revise the molding conditions, which involves changing the molding conditions according to the measurement results of the material's state. Furthermore, the processing control means may be characterized by controlling the process of changing the molding conditions in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material. Furthermore, the processing control means may be characterized by controlling the process of changing the cylinder temperature as a molding condition in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material. Furthermore, the material state acquisition means may be characterized by acquiring the amount of moisture contained in the material as a result of measuring the state of the material, and the processing control means may be characterized by controlling the processing to suppress molding defects according to the amount of moisture. Furthermore, the material state acquisition means may be characterized by acquiring information indicating the respective states of the resin and additives contained in the material as a result of measuring the state of the material. Furthermore, the material state acquisition means may be characterized by acquiring information indicating the mixing state of multiple types of resins contained in the material as a result of measuring the state of the material. Furthermore, the injection molding system of the present invention, completed with this objective in mind, is characterized by comprising: a material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding; a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the imaged image of the material; a process for notifying measurement results of the state of the molded product according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material; a process for reviewing the injection molding material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine, and controlling one or more of these processes. Here, the processing control means may be characterized by controlling a process of returning the material to the material dryer and re-drying it as a process of reviewing the material itself. Furthermore, the processing control means may also be characterized by controlling a process to change the drying conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product, as a process for reviewing the drying conditions. Furthermore, the processing control means may be characterized by controlling the process of changing the drying conditions in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material. Furthermore, the control device of the present invention, completed for the purpose of this invention, is characterized by comprising: material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding; material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the imaged image of the material; and processing control means for controlling one or more processes from among the following: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material; a process for reviewing the material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. Furthermore, the injection molding method of the present invention, completed for the purpose of this invention, is characterized by comprising the steps of: imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding; acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the image of the material that has been imaged; a process of notifying the measurement results of the state of the material according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material; a process of reviewing the material itself; a process of reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process of reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine, and controlling one or more of these processes. Furthermore, the program of the present invention, completed with this objective in mind, is a program for a computer to implement the following functions: a function to image the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding; a function to acquire measurement results of the state of the material based on the imaged image of the material; a process to notify the acquired measurement results of the state of the material; a process to review the material itself; a process to review the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process to review the molding conditions of the injection molding machine, with the control of one or more of these processes. Furthermore, the injection molding system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding; a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the imaged image of the material; and a processing control means for suppressing processing to suppress molding defects according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material. Furthermore, the injection molding system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a molded product imaging means for imaging a molded product after injection molding; a molded product state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the molded product based on the image of the molded product acquired; and a processing control means for suppressing processing to suppress molding defects according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the molded product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, information indicating the state of the material can be obtained from an image of the material being injected and reflected in the drying conditions of the material dryer and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine to suppress molding defects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an injection molding system to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server that makes up the injection molding system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the management server. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow of the management server. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a specific example of a method for measuring the state of a material using millimeter waves or terahertz waves, which is a component of the injection molding system. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a specific example of a method in which a molded product camera, which is part of the injection molding system, measures the state of the molded product using millimeter waves or terahertz waves. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a specific example of a method in which a molded product camera, which is part of the injection molding system, measures the state of the molded product using millimeter waves or terahertz waves. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Configuration of injection molding system 1> Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the injection molding system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The injection molding system 1 consists of a management server 10 as a control device, a material camera 30 as a material imaging means, an injection molding machine 50, a molded product camera 70 as a molded product imaging means, and a material dryer 90, all connected via a network 100. The network 100 is, for example, a LAN (=Local Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0010] 〔Management Server 10〕 The management server 10 that constitutes the injection molding system 1 is an information processing device as a server that manages the entire injection molding system 1. The management server 10 can execute application software that enables the use of the injection molding system 1. The management server 10 can transmit various types of information to each of the injection molding machine 50, the material dryer 90, and the outside, and enable each to execute various types of processing. Further, the management server 10 can acquire various types of information transmitted from each of the material camera 30, the injection molding machine 50, the molded product camera 70, the material dryer 90, and the outside, and execute various types of processing.

[0011] For example, the management server 10 acquires the log information of the injection molding machine 50. The log information of the injection molding machine 50 at least includes the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. Further, the management server 10 acquires the measurement result of the material camera 30 indicating the state of the material 200 before being input into the injection molding machine 50 from the material dryer 90 that pre-dries the material 200 for injection molding. The measurement result of the material camera 30 is the measurement result of the state of the material 200 based on the captured image of the material 200 captured by the material camera 30. Further, the management server 10 acquires the measurement result of the molded product camera 70 indicating the state of the molded product 210 after injection molding by the injection molding machine 50. The measurement result of the molded product camera 70 is the measurement result of the state of the molded product 210 based on the captured image of the molded product 210 captured by the molded product camera 70.

[0012] In addition, the management server 10 associates and manages the acquired log information of the injection molding machine 50, the measurement results of the material 200 measured by the material camera 30, and the measurement results of the molded product 210 measured by the molded product camera 70. Further, the management server 10 enables performing processing according to the measurement results of the material 200. For example, as one of the processing according to the measurement results of the material 200, the management server 10 performs processing for suppressing molding defects (hereinafter referred to as "molding defect suppression processing"). The molding defect suppression processing includes, for example, processing for notifying the operator of the measurement results of the material 200, processing for reviewing the material 200 itself, processing for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, processing for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, and the like.

[0013] That is, the management server 10 determines the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 respectively according to the measurement results of the state of the material 200. Then, the management server 10 enables performing control to reflect each of the determined drying conditions and molding conditions on the material dryer 90 and the injection molding machine 50 respectively.

[0014] In addition, the management server 10 enables performing processing according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210. For example, the management server 10 performs control of the molding defect suppression processing according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210. The molding defect suppression processing includes, for example, processing for notifying the operator of the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210, processing for reviewing the material 200 itself, processing for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, processing for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, and the like.

[0015] That is, the management server 10 enables determining and updating the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 respectively according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210.

[0016] Specifically, for example, the management server 10 determines the drying conditions for the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions for the injection molding machine 50 based on the amount of moisture contained in the material 200, which is obtained as a result of measuring the state of the material 200. The amount of moisture contained in the material 200 is measured, for example, based on the intensity of the two-dimensional information obtained from an image of the material 200. The management server 10 then updates the material dryer 90 and the injection molding machine 50 by reflecting the determined drying conditions in each. In this case, the management server 10 enables the material dryer 90 to perform pre-drying of the material 200 based on the drying conditions reflected in the material dryer 90. Details of the processing performed by the management server 10 will be described later.

[0017] [Material Camera 30] The material camera 30, which constitutes the injection molding system 1, is a camera that images the material 200 and measures the state of the material 200 based on the captured image. The material camera 30 is composed of various types of cameras, such as a hyperspectral camera or a spectroscopic camera. The material camera 30 may generate an image of the material 200 by irradiating the material 200 with electromagnetic waves and receiving the reflected waves from the material 200. In this case, it is preferable that the reflected waves from the material 200 are large, so the material camera 30 is preferably configured as a set with, for example, an electromagnetic wave irradiation device. The material camera 30 measures the state of the material 200 based on the captured image of the material 200 before it is fed into the injection molding machine 50, and then transmits the measurement results to the management server 10.

[0018] [Injection molding machine 50] The injection molding machine 50, which constitutes the injection molding system 1, is a molding machine that enables the manufacture of molded products 210 by injection molding using chip-shaped material 200 containing at least resin. The injection molding machine 50 includes an injection device that receives the material 200, heats and weighs it, and injects it toward a mold, and a mold that forms the molded product 210 by cooling and solidifying the injected material 200. The injection molding machine 50 is provided with an input port 51 for receiving the chip-shaped material 200.

[0019] [Molded product camera 70] The molded product camera 70, which constitutes the injection molding system 1, is a camera that captures images of the molded product 210 output as a product from the injection molding machine 50 and measures the state of the molded product 210 based on the captured images. The molded product camera 70 is composed of various cameras that can capture external images, such as a hyperspectral camera or a spectroscopic camera. That is, the molded product camera 70 may be a camera with special functions, such as a hyperspectral camera, but it may also be a commonly available color camera or monochrome camera. Furthermore, if the molded product camera 70 measures the state of the material 200 by imaging using terahertz waves, it is preferable that it be configured as a set with an electromagnetic wave irradiation device. When the molded product camera 70 measures the state of the molded product 210 based on the captured image of the molded product 210, it transmits the measurement results to the management server 10.

[0020] [Material dryer 90] The material dryer 90, which constitutes the injection molding system 1, is a device that pre-dries the chip-shaped material 200 before it is fed into the injection molding machine 50. The material dryer 90 is connected to the inlet 51 of the injection molding machine 50 by piping (not shown). Therefore, the material 200 fed into the inlet 51 of the injection molding machine 50 may be returned to the material dryer 90 via the piping before being accepted into the injection device. The operation of the material dryer 90 is controlled by the management server 10.

[0021] The processing performed by each of the components of the injection molding system 1—the management server 10, material camera 30, injection molding machine 50, molded product camera 70, and material dryer 90—as described above is merely an example. The management server 10 may be a single personal computer, or it may be composed of multiple servers. Furthermore, a portion of it may be built on the cloud. The injection molding system 1 only needs to have the functionality to implement the above-described processing as a whole system; therefore, some or all of the functions to implement the above-described processing may be shared or performed collaboratively within the injection molding system 1.

[0022] For example, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 may be assigned to other devices within the injection molding system 1 (e.g., the injection molding machine 50). Alternatively, some or all of the functions of other devices within the injection molding system 1 may be assigned to the management server 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 may be transferred to other servers, etc. (not shown). This facilitates the overall processing of the injection molding system 1 and allows for complementary processing.

[0023] <Hardware configuration of management server 10> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10 that constitutes the injection molding system 1 shown in Figure 1. The management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0024] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the management server 10 through the execution of various software such as the OS (operating system) and application software. In this embodiment, various processes are executed on any computer. This computer may be implemented as a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. This computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing various processes.

[0025] The processor is configured to perform various processes in cooperation with the program. The processor can function as each unit or each means in this embodiment. The execution order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be changed as needed.

[0026] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components. The types of hardware that make up a processor are not limited to any particular type. For example, a processor may be a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), an MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing such as an ASIC (=Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (=Graphic Processing Unit), or hardware such as an NPU (=Neural Processing Unit).

[0027] A processor can be configured not only with a combination of multiple hardware components of the same type, but also with a combination of multiple hardware components of different types. When multiple hardware components are configured to perform one or more processes of a given processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits, etc., which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0028] In any embodiment, the execution order of various processes by the processor is not limited to the order described in each embodiment and can be changed as necessary. The program may be firmware or software such as microcode. The program may also be, for example, a group of program modules. Each function constituting the group of program modules may be implemented by a processor configured to execute each function. The program in each embodiment may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., semiconductor memory, magnetic or optical storage media, or other storage).

[0029] A program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on devices that are physically separated from each other. Program code and multiple code segments may be represented by any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, instructions, data structures, and program statements. Program code and multiple code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0030] Memory 12 is a memory area that stores various software and data used for its execution, and is used as a work area during calculations. Memory 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (=Random Access Memory).

[0031] The memory unit 13 is a memory area that stores input data for various software and output data from various software. The memory unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (=Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (=Solid State Drive), or semiconductor memory used to store programs and various setting data. The memory unit 13 is provided with a database for storing various types of information. Examples of databases provided in the memory unit 13 include databases that store the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, measurement results of the state of the material 200 (see Figure 1), measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 (see Figure 1), and information regarding the lot of the material 200.

[0032] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the material camera 30, the injection molding machine 50, the molded product camera 70, the material dryer 90, and the outside world via the network 100. The operation unit 15 consists of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, mechanical buttons, and switches, and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16.

[0033] The display unit 16 consists of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (=Electro-Luminescence) display used for displaying information, and displays image and text data. The display unit 16 also displays a user interface, etc.

[0034] <Functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 functions as follows: log acquisition unit 111, material status acquisition unit 112 as a means for acquiring material status, and molded product status acquisition unit 113 as a means for acquiring molded product status. The control unit 11 also functions as follows: lot information acquisition unit 114 as a means for acquiring lot information, data management unit 115, processing decision unit 116, and condition decision unit 117. Furthermore, the control unit 11 also functions as a processing control unit 118 as a means for processing control, and a transmission control unit 119 that controls the transmission of various types of information.

[0035] The log acquisition unit 111 acquires log information of the injection molding machine 50 (see Figure 1), including at least the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. The log information acquired by the log acquisition unit 111 is stored in the database of the storage unit 13 (see Figure 2). The log information includes not only the molding conditions, but also waveform data as measurement results from the material camera 30 and the molded product camera 70, molding history, and data related to the material 200. The log information also includes data related to the tree species and mixture contained in the material 200 (see Figure 1), and image data of the molded product 210 (see Figure 1). Examples of molding conditions include filling time, screw position, screw speed, ejector position, ejector speed, inflow speed, and back pressure.

[0036] Among the molding conditions, "filling time" refers to the time it takes for the molten resin material 200 injected from the injection device to fill the mold. "Screw position" refers to the position of the screw that rotates and moves forward within the cylinder of the injection device to deliver the material 200 to the outside. "Screw speed" refers to the rotational speed of the screw. "Ejector position" refers to the position of the ejector pin that releases the molded product 210 from the mold in the open state. "Ejector speed" is the operating speed of the ejector pin. "Inflow speed" refers to the speed at which the material 200 flows into the mold. "Back pressure" refers to the pressure applied in the injection direction when metering the material 200.

[0037] The material state acquisition unit 112 acquires information indicating the state of the material 200 before it is fed into the injection molding machine 50. Specifically, the material state acquisition unit 112 acquires measurement results of the material 200's state as information indicating the state of the material 200. The measurement results of the material 200's state include, for example, the amount of moisture contained in the material 200, the composition of the material 200, and the degree of deterioration of the material 200. Among these, the composition of the material 200 includes, for example, the composition of the resin and additives contained in the material 200, and the composition of multiple types of resins contained in the material 200. The measurement results of the material 200's state acquired by the material state acquisition unit 112 are stored in the database of the storage unit 13.

[0038] The molded product condition acquisition unit 113 acquires information indicating the state of the molded product 210 after injection molding by the injection molding machine 50. Specifically, the molded product condition acquisition unit 113 acquires measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 as information indicating the state of the molded product 210. The measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 include, for example, defects (voids and silver streaks) caused by the amount of moisture contained in the molded product 210, and the composition of the molded product 210. The acquired measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 are stored in the database of the storage unit 13.

[0039] The lot information acquisition unit 114 acquires information regarding the lot of the material 200. This lot information includes, for example, a lot number that uniquely identifies a predetermined amount of material 200 (for example, the amount per tare bag of material 200). The acquired lot information for material 200 is stored in the database of the storage unit 13. In other words, even if the material 200 is manufactured using the same equipment and the same manufacturing method, slight differences may occur within the range of specifications depending on the environment in which it was manufactured. For example, if there is a slight difference in the water absorption of the material 200, there will be a slight difference in the moisture content of the material 200 during plasticization, when the material 200 is heated and melted, and during molding, when the melted material 200 is injected into a mold and molded. As a result, the moisture content of the material 200 and the molding conditions may not match. However, if the manufacturing lot is the same, such slight differences are small, so it is preferable to store the lot information in the database so that it can be fed back into reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 (see Figure 1).

[0040] The data management unit 115 stores and manages various types of data in various databases provided in the storage unit 13. For example, the data management unit 115 stores and manages the acquired molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, the measurement results of the state of the material 200, the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210, and the lot information of the material 200 in its database. The data management unit 115 makes it possible to manage the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, the measurement results of the state of the material 200, the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210, and the lot information of the material 200 in a linked manner.

[0041] The processing determination unit 116 determines a molding defect suppression process according to the measurement results of the material 200's state obtained by the material state acquisition unit 112. The measurement results of the material 200's state include, for example, the moisture content of the material 200. As a molding defect suppression process, the processing determination unit 116 determines a process to notify the operator of the measurement results of the material 200, or a process to review the material 200 itself. The processing determination unit 116 also determines a process to review the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 or the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 as a molding defect suppression process.

[0042] Specifically, the processing decision unit 116 enables the output of alert information to warn the operator that the measurement results are at a level that could lead to molding defects, as part of the molding defect suppression process. Furthermore, the processing decision unit 116 enables the return of the material 200 to the material dryer 90 for re-drying, as part of the molding defect suppression process that involves reviewing the material 200 itself.

[0043] Furthermore, the processing determination unit 116 enables, for example, the modification of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 as part of the molding defect suppression process. Furthermore, the processing determination unit 116 enables, for example, the modification of the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 as part of the molding defect suppression process.

[0044] Furthermore, the processing determination unit 116 determines molding defect suppression processing according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 obtained by the molded product state acquisition unit 113. For example, as molding defect suppression processing, the processing determination unit 116 may decide to process the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 to the operator, or to review the material 200 itself. In addition, as molding defect suppression processing, the processing determination unit 116 may decide to process the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 or to review the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50.

[0045] Specifically, the processing decision unit 116 enables the following processing as part of the molding defect suppression process, specifically the process of notifying the operator of the measurement results of the condition of the molded product 210. That is, the processing decision unit 116 enables the output of alert information to inform the operator that the measurement results of the condition of the molded product 210 indicate the occurrence of a molding defect. In addition, the processing decision unit 116 enables the return of the material 200 to the material dryer 90 for re-drying as part of the molding defect suppression process, specifically the process of reviewing the material 200 itself.

[0046] Furthermore, the processing determination unit 116 enables the modification of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 as part of the molding defect suppression process. Also, the processing determination unit 116 enables the modification of the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 as part of the molding defect suppression process.

[0047] The condition determination unit 117 enables the determination of drying and molding conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the material 200. Furthermore, the condition determination unit 117 enables the determination of drying and molding conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210. Additionally, the condition determination unit 117 enables the determination of drying and molding conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the material 200 and the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210.

[0048] Furthermore, the condition determination unit 117 enables the determination of drying conditions and molding conditions based on information regarding the lot of material 200. In this case, for example, the condition determination unit 117 enables the determination of the temperature inside the cylinder of the injection device of the injection molding machine 50 as a molding condition based on information regarding the lot of material 200.

[0049] The processing control unit 118 controls the molding defect suppression process determined by the processing determination unit 116. For example, as part of the molding defect suppression process control, the processing control unit 118 controls the process of notifying the operator of the measurement results of the material 200 and the process of notifying the operator of the measurement results of the condition of the molded product 210. In this case, as part of the process of notifying the operator of the measurement results of the material 200, the processing control unit 118 controls the process of outputting alert information to warn the operator that the measurement results are at a level that will cause a molding defect. Also, as part of the process of notifying the operator of the measurement results of the condition of the molded product 210, the processing control unit 118 controls the process of outputting alert information to inform the operator that the measurement results of the condition of the molded product 210 indicate the occurrence of a molding defect.

[0050] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 controls a process to review the material 200 itself as part of the process to suppress molding defects. In this case, as part of the process to review the material 200 itself, the processing control unit 118 controls, for example, returning the material 200 that has been fed into the inlet 51 of the injection molding machine 50 to the material dryer 90 for re-drying. Specifically, as part of the control to return the material 200 to the material dryer 90 for re-drying, the processing control unit 118 controls returning the material 200 to the material dryer 90 via piping connecting the inlet 51 of the injection molding machine 50 and the material dryer 90, and re-drying it in the material dryer 90.

[0051] More specifically, the processing control unit 118 controls the re-drying of the material 200 in the material dryer 90 based on the moisture content of the material 200 obtained as a measurement result of the material 200 by the material state acquisition unit 112. For example, the processing control unit 118 controls the re-drying of the material 200 by outputting control information to the material dryer 90 for re-drying, outputting an appropriate drying time, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 controls the process of reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the process of reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 as part of the process of suppressing molding defects. In this case, as part of the process of reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, the processing control unit 118 controls the process of updating the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 by reflecting the drying conditions determined by the condition determination unit 117. Also, as part of the process of reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, the processing control unit 118 controls the process of updating the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 by reflecting the molding conditions determined by the condition determination unit 117.

[0053] The transmission control unit 119 controls the communication unit 14 (see Figure 2) to transmit various types of information to each device constituting the network 100 and to external sources. For example, the transmission control unit 119 transmits the determined molding conditions to the injection molding machine 50. Alternatively, for example, the transmission control unit 119 transmits control information for controlling the operation of the material dryer 90 to the material dryer 90.

[0054] <Processing flow of management server 10> Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the management server 10. Although Figure 4 illustrates an example of obtaining measurement results of the state of the molded product 210, the management server 10 can also determine the molding conditions without obtaining measurement results of the state of the molded product 210. If the management server 10 obtains log information from the injection molding machine 50 (YES in step 401), it stores and manages the obtained log information in a database (step 402). Conversely, if no log information has been obtained (NO in step 401), the management server 10 repeats the decision process in step 401.

[0055] If the management server 10 obtains the measurement results for the state of material 200 (YES in step 403), it stores and manages the obtained measurement results for the state of material 200 in the database (step 404). Conversely, if the measurement results for the state of material 200 have not been obtained (NO in step 403), the management server 10 repeats the decision process in step 403.

[0056] If the management server 10 obtains the measurement result of the state of the molded product 210 (YES in step 405), it stores the obtained measurement result of the state of the molded product 210 in the database and manages it (step 406). On the other hand, if the measurement result of the state of the molded product 210 has not been obtained (NO in step 405), the management server 10 repeats the decision process in step 405.

[0057] The management server 10 determines a molding defect suppression process based on the measurement results of the material 200 and the molding product 210 (step 407). Then, the management server 10 controls the determined molding defect suppression process (step 408). This completes the processing of the management server 10 (END).

[0058] <Specific example> [Specific examples of methods for measuring the state of materials] Figure 5 shows a specific example of a method in which the material camera 30, which constitutes the injection molding system 1 in Figure 1, measures the state of the material by imaging using millimeter waves or terahertz waves. Figure 5 shows a graph with frequency [THz] on the horizontal axis and absorbance on the vertical axis.

[0059] The material camera 30 (see Figure 1) makes it possible to measure the amount of water contained in a material, as well as the composition and degree of degradation of a material, by utilizing the absorbance of electromagnetic waves, for example. Furthermore, the material camera 30 makes it possible to measure the mixing ratio of the resin and carbon fibers that make up the material by comparing it with the measurement results of the absorbance of electromagnetic waves of the resin alone. In this case, as electromagnetic waves, millimeter waves with wavelengths of 1 mm to 10 mm and frequencies of 30 GHz to 300 GHz, or terahertz waves with wavelengths of approximately 3 mm to 0.03 mm and frequencies of approximately 100 GHz to 10 THz are used.

[0060] The waveform shown in the graph in Figure 5 represents the terahertz absorbance of the molded product. From the graph in Figure 5, the absorbance for evaluating the dry state of the material and the absorption peak for evaluating the molecular weight of the material can be read.

[0061] The management server 10 (see Figure 1) determines that the material is not sufficiently dried if the absorbance of the material is below a predetermined threshold (0.15 in the example in Figure 5). In this case, the management server 10 controls the operation of the material dryer 90 (see Figure 1) by outputting warning information before the material is fed into the injection molding machine 50 (see Figure 1), outputting control information to re-dry the material in the material dryer 90, and outputting an appropriate drying time.

[0062] Furthermore, if insufficiently dried material has already been fed into the injection molding machine 50, the management server 10 determines the molding conditions according to the drying state of the material and reflects them in the injection molding machine 50. Also, if the management server 10 confirms in advance that the material lot number will change, it predetermines the molding conditions according to the state of the material after the lot number change. Then, the management server 10 reflects the molding conditions in the injection molding machine 50 in accordance with the timing of the material lot number change (for example, after n shots (where n is an integer value of 1 or more)).

[0063] Furthermore, if the absorption peak appears at a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency range (the dashed area in Figure 5), the management server 10 determines that the molecular weight of the material is too large and outputs warning information, including a review of the material. Also, if the absorption peak appears at a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency range, the management server 10 determines that the molecular weight of the material is too small and outputs warning information, including a review of the material.

[0064] [Specific examples of methods for measuring the condition of molded products] Figures 6 and 7 show specific examples of a method in which the molded product camera 70 (see Figure 1), which constitutes the injection molding system 1 in Figure 1, measures the state of the molded product 210 (see Figure 1) by imaging using millimeter waves or terahertz waves. The molded product camera 70 makes it possible to measure defects inside the molded product 210 by utilizing the reflection of electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves and terahertz waves.

[0065] Figure 6(A) shows a specific example in which the molded product camera 70 measures the location where a void 211, a defect originating from the moisture content inside the molded product 210, is formed. Figure 6(B) shows a specific example in which the molded product camera 70 measures a location different from the location where a void 211, a defect inside the molded product 210, is formed. Figure 7(A) shows the waveform L1 of the electromagnetic wave reflection from the surface of the molded product 210 (see Figure 6) and the waveform L2 of the electromagnetic wave reflection from the surface of the void 211 (see Figure 6) inside the molded product 210. Figure 7(B) shows the waveform L1 of the electromagnetic wave reflection from the surface of the molded product 210 and the waveform L3 of the electromagnetic wave reflection from the back surface of the molded product 210.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), and Figures 7(A) and (B), there is a time difference in the reflected waves between the reflection of electromagnetic waves from the surface of the molded product 210, the reflection of electromagnetic waves from the surface of the void 211, and the reflection of electromagnetic waves from the back surface of the molded product 210. For example, a time difference D1 occurs between waveforms L1 and L2 shown in Figure 7(A), and a time difference D2 occurs between waveforms L1 and L3 shown in Figure 7(B). By utilizing these time differences in reflected waves, it is possible to generate, for example, tomographic images of the molded product 210 as shown in Figures 6(A) and (B). This makes it possible to visualize internal defects (e.g., voids 211) that do not appear on the surface of the molded product 210. As a result, not only the state of the injection molding material 200, but also the state of the molded product 210 can be reflected in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50.

[0067] In summary, the injection molding system 1 according to this embodiment only needs to have the following configuration, and various different embodiments can be adopted. In other words, the injection molding system 1 is characterized by comprising: a material camera 30 as a material imaging means for imaging the material 200 before it is fed from a material dryer 90 that pre-dries the injection molding material 200 into the injection molding machine 50; a processing determination unit 116 as a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material 200 based on the image of the captured material 200; and a processing control unit 118 as a processing control means for controlling one or more processes from among the following: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material 200, a process for reviewing the material 200 itself, a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material 200.

[0068] This makes it possible to reflect the state of the material 200, measured based on an image of the injection molding material 200, in the adjustment of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. Furthermore, the state of the material 200 can be communicated to the operator. Additionally, the material 200 can be used for injection molding only after it has been sufficiently dried. Furthermore, molding defects can be suppressed by reflecting the state of the material 200 in the drying conditions of the material dryer 90. Furthermore, molding defects can be suppressed by reflecting the state of the material 200 in the molding conditions.

[0069] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may be characterized by controlling a process that notifies that there is a risk of causing molding defects, as a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material 200. This allows workers to be informed of the potential for molding defects.

[0070] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may also be characterized by controlling a process to re-dry the material 200 by returning it to the material dryer 90, as a process to re-examine the material 200 itself. This allows the material 200, which has been thoroughly dried by re-drying in the material dryer 90, to be used for injection molding.

[0071] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may also be characterized by controlling a process to review the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, which involves changing the drying conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the material 200. This allows the condition of the material 200 to be reflected in the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, thereby suppressing molding defects.

[0072] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may be characterized by controlling the process to change the drying conditions in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material 200. This allows information about the lot number of the injection molding material 200 to be reflected in the drying conditions of the material dryer 90. For example, information such as the fact that the material 200 is the same type of resin but has a different lot number can be stored in the database as lot information, and this can be fed back to revise the drying conditions of the material dryer 90. As a result, smooth injection molding can be achieved.

[0073] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may also be characterized by controlling a process to review the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, specifically by controlling a process to change the molding conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the material 200. This allows the condition of the molded product 210 to be reflected in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, thereby suppressing molding defects.

[0074] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may be characterized by controlling the process of changing the molding conditions to be more appropriate to the lot information of the material 200. This allows information about the lot number of the injection molding material 200 to be reflected in the molding conditions. For example, information such as the material 200 being the same type of resin but with different lot numbers can be reflected in the molding conditions at the timing when the lot number changes (for example, after n shots). As a result, smooth injection molding can be achieved.

[0075] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may be characterized by controlling the process of changing the cylinder temperature as a molding condition in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material 200. This allows information about the lot number of the injection molding material 200 to be reflected in the cylinder temperature as a molding condition. For example, the cylinder temperature can be changed at the timing when the lot number changes (e.g., after n shots) according to the state of each material 200, which is the same type of resin but has different lot numbers. As a result, smooth injection molding can be achieved.

[0076] Furthermore, the material state acquisition unit 112 may acquire the amount of moisture contained in the material 200 as a measurement result of the state of the material 200, and the processing control unit 118 may control the processing to suppress molding defects according to the amount of moisture contained in the material 200. This makes it possible to adjust the parameters of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50 based on the moisture content of the material 200, which is measured based on the image of the material 200 used for injection molding. Furthermore, depending on the measured moisture content of the material 200, it becomes possible to, for example, notify the operator of the drying status of the material 200, review the material 200 itself, review the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, and review the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. As a result, molding defects caused by insufficient drying of the material 200, such as voids and silver streaks, can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, the material state acquisition unit 112 may be characterized by acquiring information indicating the respective states of the resin and additives contained in the material 200 as a result of measuring the state of the material 200. This allows the state of the resin and additives contained in material 200 to be reflected in the molding conditions. For example, information such as the mixing ratio of the resin and additives can be reflected in the molding conditions. As a result, smooth injection molding can be achieved.

[0078] Furthermore, the material state acquisition unit 112 may be characterized by acquiring information indicating the mixing state of multiple types of resins contained in the material 200 as a measurement result of the state of the material 200. This allows the mixing state of multiple types of resins contained in material 200 to be reflected in the molding conditions. For example, information such as the mixing ratio of multiple types of resins contained in material 200 can be reflected in the molding conditions. As a result, smooth injection molding can be achieved.

[0079] Furthermore, the injection molding system 1 is characterized by having a material camera 30 as a material imaging means for imaging the material 200 before it is fed from the material dryer 90, which pre-dries the injection molding material, into the injection molding machine 50; a material state acquisition unit 112 as a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material 200 based on the image of the captured material 200; and a processing control unit 118 as a processing control means for controlling one or more processes from among the following as molding defect suppression processes: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210, a process for reviewing the material 200 itself, a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material 200.

[0080] This makes it possible to reflect the state of the material 200, measured based on an image of the injection molding material 200, in the adjustment of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. It also allows the operator to be informed of the state of the molded product 210. Furthermore, it enables the use of sufficiently dried material 200 in injection molding. Additionally, the state of the molded product 210 can be reflected in the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 to suppress molding defects. Furthermore, the state of the molded product 210 can be reflected in the molding conditions to suppress molding defects.

[0081] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may also be characterized by controlling a process to re-dry the material 200 by returning it to the material dryer 90, as a process to re-examine the material 200 itself. This allows the material 200, which has been thoroughly dried by re-drying in the material dryer 90, to be used for injection molding.

[0082] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may also be characterized by controlling a process to review the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, which involves changing the drying conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product 210. This allows the condition of the molded product 210 to be reflected in the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, thereby suppressing molding defects.

[0083] Furthermore, the processing control unit 118 may be characterized by controlling the process to change the drying conditions in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material 200. This allows information about the lot number of the injection molding material 200 to be reflected in the drying conditions of the material dryer 90. For example, information such as the fact that the material 200 is the same type of resin but has a different lot number can be stored in the database as lot information, and this can be fed back to revise the drying conditions of the material dryer 90. As a result, smooth injection molding can be achieved.

[0084] Furthermore, the management server 10, which serves as a control device according to this embodiment, only needs to have the following configuration, and various different embodiments can be adopted. In other words, the management server 10 is a control device characterized by having a material camera 30 as a material imaging means for imaging the state of the material 200 before it is fed from the material dryer 90, which pre-dries the injection molding material 200, into the injection molding machine 50; a material state acquisition unit 112 as a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material 200 based on the imaged image of the material 200; and a processing control unit 118 that controls one or more processes from among the following: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material 200, a process for reviewing the material 200 itself, a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90, and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50, according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material 200.

[0085] Furthermore, the injection molding method according to this embodiment only requires the following configuration, and various different embodiments can be adopted. In other words, the injection molding method using the injection molding system 1 is characterized by including the steps of: imaging the material 200 before it is fed from the material dryer 90, which pre-dries the injection molding material 200, into the injection molding machine 50; acquiring measurement results of the state of the material 200 based on the imaged image of the material 200; reporting the measurement results of the state of the material 200 according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material 200; controlling one or more processes from among the following: reviewing the material 200 itself; reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer 90; and reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50.

[0086] Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment only needs to have the following configuration, and various different embodiments can be adopted. In other words, the program applied to the injection molding system 1 is a program that implements the following functions: a function to image the material 200 before it is fed from the material dryer 90, which pre-dries the injection molding material 200, into the injection molding machine 50; a function to acquire measurement results of the state of the material 200 based on the imaged material 200; a process to notify the acquired measurement results of the state of the material 200; a process to review the material 200 itself; a process to review the drying conditions of the material dryer 90; and a process to review the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50.

[0087] Furthermore, the injection molding system 1 is characterized by comprising: a material camera 30 as a material imaging means for imaging the material 200 before it is fed from a material dryer 90 that pre-dries the injection molding material 200 into the injection molding machine 50; a material state acquisition unit 112 as a material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material 200 based on the imaged image of the material 200; and a processing control unit 118 as a processing control means for controlling processing to suppress molding defects according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the material 200.

[0088] This makes it possible to reflect the state of the material 200 measured based on the image of the injection molding material 200 in the adjustment of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. Furthermore, depending on the measured state of the material 200, it becomes possible to, for example, notify the operator of the measurement results or to review the material 200 itself. As a result, molding defects can be suppressed.

[0089] Furthermore, the injection molding system 1 according to this embodiment only needs to have the following configuration, and various different embodiments can be adopted. In other words, the injection molding system 1 is characterized by comprising: a molded product camera 70 as a molded product imaging means for imaging a molded product 210 after injection molding; a molded product state acquisition unit 113 as a molded product state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the molded product 210 based on the captured image of the molded product 210; and a processing control unit 118 as a processing control means for controlling a molding defect suppression process to suppress molding defects according to the acquired measurement results of the state of the molded product 210.

[0090] This makes it possible to reflect the state of the molded product 210, measured based on the image of the molded product 210, in the adjustment of the drying conditions of the material dryer 90 and the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 50. Furthermore, depending on the measured state of the molded product 210, it becomes possible to, for example, notify the operator of the measurement results or review the material 200 itself. As a result, molding defects can be suppressed. Specifically, for example, by acquiring information indicating the state of the molded product 210 from the image of the molded product 210, such as changes or differences in the appearance of the molded product 210 caused by the moisture content of the material 200, it is possible to detect the occurrence of silver streaks that have become apparent on the surface of the molded product 210. This information can then be fed back into the drying conditions of the material 200. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1...Injection molding system, 10...Management server, 11...Control unit, 12...Memory, 13...Storage unit, 14...Communication unit, 15...Operation unit, 16...Display unit, 30...Material camera, 50...Injection molding machine, 51...Input port, 70...Molded product camera, 90...Material dryer, 100...Network, 111...Log acquisition unit, 112...Material status acquisition unit, 113...Molded product status acquisition unit, 114...Lot information acquisition unit, 115...Data management unit, 116...Processing decision unit, 117...Condition determination unit, 118...Processing control unit, 119...Transmission control unit, 200...Material, 210...Molded product, 211...Void

Claims

1. A material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding, A material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the captured image of the material, A processing control means that controls one or more processes from among the following, in accordance with the measurement results of the state of the material obtained: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material; a process for reviewing the material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. An injection molding system characterized by having [a certain feature].

2. The processing control means is characterized in that, as a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material, it controls a process for notifying that there is a risk of causing molding defects. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

3. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process of returning the material to the material dryer and re-drying it as a process of reviewing the material itself. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

4. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process to review the drying conditions, which involves changing the drying conditions according to the measurement results of the material's state. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

5. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process that further changes the drying conditions according to information regarding the lot of the material. The injection molding system according to claim 4.

6. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process to change the molding conditions according to the measurement results of the material state, as a process for reviewing the molding conditions. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

7. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process that further modifies the molding conditions according to information regarding the lot of the material. The injection molding system according to claim 6.

8. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process to change the cylinder temperature as a molding condition in accordance with information regarding the lot of the material. The injection molding system according to claim 7.

9. The material state acquisition means acquires the amount of moisture contained in the material as a result of measuring the state of the material, The processing control means is characterized by controlling the process to suppress molding defects according to the amount of moisture. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

10. The material state acquisition means is characterized by acquiring information indicating the respective states of the resin and additives contained in the material as a result of measuring the state of the material. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

11. The material state acquisition means is characterized by acquiring information indicating the mixing state of multiple types of resins contained in the material as a result of measuring the state of the material. The injection molding system according to claim 1.

12. A material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding, A material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the captured image of the material, A processing control means that controls one or more processes from among the following: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the molded product according to the measurement results of the state of the material obtained; a process for reviewing the injection molding material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. An injection molding system characterized by having [a certain feature].

13. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process of returning the material to the material dryer and re-drying it as a process of reviewing the material itself. The injection molding system according to claim 12.

14. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process to change the drying conditions according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product, as a process to review the drying conditions. The injection molding system according to claim 12.

15. The processing control means is characterized by controlling a process that further changes the drying conditions according to information regarding the lot of the material. The injection molding system according to claim 14.

16. A material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding, A material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the captured image of the material, A processing control means that controls one or more processes from among the following, in accordance with the measurement results of the state of the material obtained: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material; a process for reviewing the material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. A control device characterized by having the following features.

17. A step of imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding, A step of obtaining measurement results of the state of the material based on the captured image of the material, A step of controlling one or more processes from among the following, in accordance with the measurement results of the state of the material obtained: a process of notifying the measurement results of the state of the material; a process of reviewing the material itself; a process of reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process of reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. An injection molding method characterized by including [a certain element].

18. On the computer, A function to image the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from the material dryer used for pre-drying the material for injection molding, A function to acquire measurement results of the state of the material based on the captured image of the material, A function to control one or more processes from among the following, based on the measurement results of the state of the material obtained: a process for notifying the measurement results of the state of the material; a process for reviewing the material itself; a process for reviewing the drying conditions of the material dryer; and a process for reviewing the molding conditions of the injection molding machine. A program to achieve this.

19. A material imaging means for imaging the material before it is fed into the injection molding machine from a material dryer that pre-dries the material for injection molding, A material state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the material based on the captured image of the material, A processing control means controls a process to suppress molding defects according to the measurement results of the acquired state of the material, An injection molding system characterized by having [a certain feature].

20. A molded product imaging means for imaging a molded product after injection molding, A molded product state acquisition means for acquiring measurement results of the state of the molded product based on the captured image of the molded product, A processing control means controls a process to suppress molding defects according to the measurement results of the state of the molded product obtained, An injection molding system characterized by having [a certain feature].

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